18TB Lowest Index Median, 28TB Best Listing
This week's read: 18TB still has the lowest median $/TB in the capacity index, and its median fell 17.1% since the prior issue. The sharpest named row is Seagate Exos ST28000NM000C 28TB refurb at BestBuy for $646.99 ($23.11/TB); capacity tiers explain market shape, while listing rows show what is actually buyable. Data through Aug 7, 2026.
Notable capacity moves
18TB is the lowest current median $/TB capacity tier in the index at $29.44/TB. 18TB posted the clearest 30-day move at -32.1%. The lowest-median index tier is not the same as the cheapest named listing; use the tier view for market shape and the listing rows for actual buy decisions.
Current best-value drives
Current rows with clear condition data: Seagate Exos ST28000NM000C 28TB refurb at BestBuy for $646.99 ($23.11/TB); Seagate Expansion STKP28000400 28TB new at BestBuy for $849.99 ($30.36/TB); Seagate Exos ST16000NM000J 16TB recert CMR at ServerPartDeals for $489.00 ($30.56/TB); Western Digital Elements Desktop WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN 20TB new SMR at B&H Photo Video for $700.35 ($35.02/TB). If recertified or refurbished drives are off the table, compare against Seagate Expansion STKP28000400 28TB new at BestBuy for $849.99 ($30.36/TB) and Western Digital Elements Desktop WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN 20TB new SMR at B&H Photo Video for $700.35 ($35.02/TB). These are not interchangeable: condition and recording tech matter before the lowest $/TB row becomes a buyable recommendation.