10 bestTime Machine Backup Drive For Macof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
20% off
1
UnionSine HD2510 500GB USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, Xbox, Xbox One, PS4 (Black)
UnionSine
9.9
19% off
2
Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, External Solid State Drive, Works with PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac, USB-C 3.2 - CT1000X9SSD902
Crucial
9.8
3
LaCie Rugged USB-C, 5TB, Portable External Hard Drive, Drop, Shock, Dust, Rain Resistant, for Mac & PC, 3 year Rescue Services (STFR5000800)
LaCie
9.6
22% off
4
SanDisk Desk Drive SSD 8TB, External Desktop SSD, compatible with Windows and Mac, automatic backups, SSD speeds up to 1000 MB/s, High Capacity Solid State Drive, exFAT Formatted, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
SanDisk
9.4
5
WD 8TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Easy add on storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black
WD
9.2
Other
WD 4TB My Passport for Mac portable external storage, USB 3.0, Mac Compatible external hard drive, software for device management, backup and password protection, Time Machine Ready, Midnight Blue
LACIE MOBILE SECURE 2TB 2.5SE USB 3.1 TYPE C EXT SSD SED BASE
SanDisk Professional 4TB G-DRIVE ArmorATD, Dust, Drop, Shock and Water resistant, portable rugged external HDD for MAC, Up to 135MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Thunderbolt 3
G-Technology 500GB G-DRIVE Mobile SSD up to 560 MB/s, Portable Storage, Drop, Shock and Water Resistant
6
WD 2TB Elements portable external hard drive, USB 3.0 interface, portable external storage, Plug-and-Play, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1, Formatted for PC and Mac, Black
WD
9.0
21% off
7
WD 8TB My Book external hard drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, software for device management, backup, hardware encryption, works with PC and Mac, Black
Western Digital
8.7
15% off
8
WD 4TB My Passport Ultra for Mac, portable external hard drive, USB-C, Mac Compatible, portable external storage, software with defense against ransomware, backup and password protection, Silver
WD
8.5
9
LaCie d2 Professional, 4TB, External Hard Drive Desktop, Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1 Month Adobe CC, 5 year Rescue Services (STHA4000800)
LaCie
8.2
10
Seagate One Touch Hub, 8TB, External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C & USB 3.0 port, for Computer Desktop Workstation PC Laptop Mac, 6 Months DropBox Backup Plan & 6 Months Mylio Photos (STLC8000400)
Seagate
7.9
A Guide to Selecting the Best Time Machine Backup Drive For Mac
Choosing the right backup drive for your Mac is crucial to ensure your data is safe and easily retrievable. Time Machine is a built-in backup feature in macOS that automatically backs up your entire system, including apps, music, photos, emails, and documents. When selecting a backup drive, consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, reliability, and compatibility with Time Machine. The right drive will depend on your specific needs, such as the amount of data you need to back up and how often you plan to do so.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity refers to the amount of data a drive can hold. It's important because it determines how much information you can back up. Drives typically range from 500GB to several terabytes. If you have a lot of data, such as large photo or video libraries, opt for a drive with at least 2TB. For average users with moderate data, 1TB might suffice. Consider future needs as well; it's better to have more space than you currently need to accommodate growth.
Drive Speed
Drive speed affects how quickly data can be written to and read from the drive. Faster drives mean quicker backups and restores. Speed is often measured in RPM for HDDs or read/write speeds for SSDs. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, making them ideal for users who need quick access to their backups. If speed is not a priority, a traditional HDD might be more cost-effective. Consider how often you back up and how quickly you need access to your data.
Reliability
Reliability refers to how dependable a drive is over time. A reliable drive ensures your data is safe and minimizes the risk of data loss. Look for drives with good reviews and warranties, as these can be indicators of reliability. If your data is critical, consider drives with features like shock resistance or data recovery services. For users who prioritize data security, investing in a highly reliable drive is essential.
Compatibility
Compatibility ensures that the drive works seamlessly with your Mac and Time Machine. Most external drives are compatible with macOS, but it's important to check for Time Machine support. Drives formatted in HFS+ or APFS are ideal for Mac users. If you plan to use the drive with other operating systems, consider a drive that supports multiple formats. For users who want hassle-free setup, choose a drive specifically marketed as Mac-compatible.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to transport the drive. Portable drives are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for users who need to carry their backups with them. Desktop drives are larger and typically offer more storage, suitable for users who plan to keep the drive in one place. Consider your lifestyle and how often you need to move your backup drive. If you travel frequently, a portable drive is a better choice.
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