Do you want to know about the best external hard drive for time machine? Let’s help you out!
If you are a MacBook owner, you would know that owning the best external hard drive for time machine backup can save you from an unnecessary headache in case of data loss. Said data loss may occur due to a virus or system failure. And no one wants that!
It’s safe to say everyone knows that macOS is one of the most popular operating systems globally as hundreds and thousands of people use Mac devices such as the MacBook Pro. macOS is quite useful as it has many useful built-in programs such as the Apple Mac Time Machine Backup system.
What is a Time Machine?
Time Machine is software developed by Apple that copies all files on your system and stores them in a destination of your choice. It could be an external hard drive, cloud storage, another device inside your Mac, etc. A time machine can be described as a built-in backup program for the safety and storage of your precious data.
Read below to learn more about the best external hard drive for time machine.
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8 Best External Hard drive for Time Machine Review List
| PHOTO | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
#1 Top Pick  | Silicon Power Armor A60 External Hard Drive The hard disk drive (HDD) is 2.5-inches and is 3.4 inches wide, and 5.5 inches tall. The Silicon Power A60 is accident-free, does not easily dent or scratch, and does not show fingerprints. Moreover, the cover is shock-resistant and water-proof. | Check Price → |
Best Value Hard Drive For Time Machine  | Seagate Portable External Hard Drive Seagate Portable is affordable, filled with excellent components, and easy to set up. It is suitable for backing your personal computer externally and uploading files quickly. | Check Price → |
Best External Hard Drive For Mac  | WD My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive If you worry that your precious photos, videos, and documents will disappear and want to unload and back up your content quickly, WD My Passport for Mac is the best external hard drive for time machine to opt for. | Check Price → |
Best Backup  | AppleCore 1 Click Smart Backup External Hard Drive AppleCore 1 Click Smart Backup is one of the best external hard drive for time machine because of its easy plug-in and 1 smart click backup. This external hard drive is ideal for all Mac users looking for an effective way to back up their digital content. | Check Price → |
Best Security  | WD My Passport Ultra for Mac External Hard Drive Compatible with Time Machine, sleek and stylish WD My Passport Ultra with 4 TB storage capability is one of the best external hard drive for time machine available for you. | Check Price → |
Best Speed Hard Drive For Time Machine  | SanDisk Professional 12TB G-DRIVE External Hard Drive SanDisk Professional G-Drive is another one of the best external hard drive for time machine as it offers impressive storage capacity for digital content designers and professionals. | Check Price → |
Best Budget Friendly  | WD 2 TB Elements WESN External Hard Drive Western Digital 2 TB Elements WESN external hard drive deserves a place in our list of the best external hard drives for time machine. It offers high storage, steady connection, quick data transfer speeds, and versatile connectivity with USB 2 and USB 3 devices to back up your files, videos, and photos. | Check Price → |
Best Gamers External Hard Drive  | WD_Black 5TB P10 Game Drive External Hard Drive The WD Black P10 external hard drive will interest you if you are a gamer looking for the best external hard drive for time machine. It delivers up to 5TB of capacity, solid style, and unique performance specifications. | Check Price → |
1. Silicon Power Armor A60 External Hard Drive – Top Pick
The Silicon Power Armor A60 is among the best external hard drives for time machine because it makes storing files, photos, games, and media easy. This external hard drive is designed to be water-resistant, highly durable, and reasonably fast for its price and size.
Item Weight: 8 ounces
Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Item Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.4 x 0.9 inches
Compatible Devices: Netbook, laptop, tablet, and other hard drives.
Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1
Specific Uses For Product: Personal
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size:1 TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 1 TB
Warranty: 3 years
The silicon cover on Armor A60’s USB-A port protects it from damage, debris, and dust.
The Silicon Power A60 is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Since this external hard drive is preformatted with New Technology File System (NTFS), it is generally plugged and played with Windows. You will need to format the drive or use a file management software like Paragon if you are using a Mac.
The Silicon Power A60 has a speed of around 5 Gbps and is perfect for travelers, students, and gamers. It has a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface that allows fast-speed execution to quickly share heavy files like high-resolution photos, multiple documents, and HD videos in moments.
This A60 has made it to our list of the best external hard drives for time machine because it promotes durability, storage capacity, affordability, and speed.
Pros
- It is easy to set up.
- SuperSpeed allows quick transfer.
- Water-resistant cover.
- It is shock-proof, anti-slip and anti-scratch.
- Comes with cable storage.
- It is portable.
- Has a durable design.
- It is available at an affordable price.
2. Seagate Portable External Hard Drive – Best Value Hard Drive For Time Machine
Seagate has created one of the best external hard drives for time machine. This external hardware delivers abundant storage at an affordable price. Moreover, Seagate Portable offers additional utilities deserving a place in our best external hard drives for time machine review guide.
Item Weight: 6.72 ounces
Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Item Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches
Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, PS4, PC, and Mac
Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
Specific Uses For Product: Personal and Business
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 2TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 2 TB
Warranty: 1 year
This external hard drive is prepared to work with Mac and Windows PCs.
To set up Seagate Portable, you need to connect it to your computer for recognition without any software.
Pros
- Offers backup utility.
- Quick start directions for macOS and Windows.
- Cheap recovery assistance.
- Extensive activity LED.
- Affordable.
- One-year warranty.
3. WD My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive – Best External Hard Drive For Mac
The WD My Passport for Mac works perfectly with Windows and all Mac devices. The exciting thing about this external hard drive is that it is made for Mac users.
This means it is preformatted to work with Mac’s system and is compatible with macOS. When you purchase this external device and plug it in, your Mac will automatically recognize it.
Item Weight: 4.23 ounces
Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Item Dimensions: 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.44 inches
Compatible Devices: Macbook and iMac, and other Mac devices
Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1
Specific Uses For Product: Personal and Business
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 2TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 2000 MB
Warranty: 3 year
While it is a simple external portable drive, it has excellent features like WD software that will save documents and photos on the drive and preserve your cherished memories.
You can easily plug in WD My Passport for Mac and transmit your files to it. Store your photos, videos, documents, and your music library. Moreover, you can use your WD My Passport external drive for Mac as a place for your time machine backup software.
In addition, if you have a larger drive, you can split it up by adding a time machine backup of your Mac PC in one area and your photos, videos, and other content in another.
WD My Passport for Mac keeps your digital material protected with My Passport password security and in-built 256-bit AES hardware encryption. You will need to start password protection and place your password using the incorporated software.
Pros
- Easy plug-and-play storage solution.
- Easy download with Western Digital Software.
- Comes with Password Protection.
- Portable.
- An impressive 3-year warranty.
4. AppleCore 1 Click Smart Backup External Hard Drive – Best Backup
When you buy this 1 Click SMART Backup external hard drive, it comes with a high-grade 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD) device. A step-by-step guide video is already included in the device for your ease. This external device is compatible with all Mac devices such as MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook Air.
Item Weight: 1.00 ounce
Digital Storage Capacity: 512.00 GB
Item Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 0.5 inches
Compatible Devices: Desktop and laptop
Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
Specific Uses For Product: Personal and Business
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 512GB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 512.00 GB
Warranty: 3 years
AppleCore1 Click Smart backup for Mac devices removes all the uncertainty and trouble around backing up videos, photos, documents, files, music, and data. It is ideal for those who are not tech-savvy.
Suppose you find it hard to trust the cloud with your essential and private data like your photos, videos, and finances. In that case, AppleCore 1 Click Smart Backup is perfect for people uneasy with backing up their Mac devices on cloud storage. You can also contact support through email, screen share, phone, email, or login easily.
Pros
- Easy plug-in, and click backup.
- High-grade 512GB Portable SSD incorporated.
- Compatible with Macintosh Operating System X: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac Mini.
- Easy backup of your Mac and digital content.
5. WD My Passport Ultra for Mac External Hard Drive – Best Security
This is certainly for individuals who want plenty of space at an affordable price. This external hard drive is USB 3.0, meaning it has excellent storage with quick transfer speeds.
However, WD My Passport Ultra will only work on Mac computers upgraded with the updated and latest version of macOS.
Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
Digital Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Item Dimensions: 4.33 x 3.23 x 0.5 inches
Compatible Devices: Mac
Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0 and USB
Specific Uses For Product: Personal and Business
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 4 TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 4 TB
Warranty: 3 years
WD My Passport Ultra features USB-C technology offers fast and manageable storage for Mac, while the incorporated USB 3.0 adapter ensures it is compatible with your older devices.
Moreover, keep your photos, videos, documents, and files secure with the incorporated protection software, delivering password protection and encryption.
This external hard drive is already formatted for time machine and macOS compatibility. WD My Passport Ultra comes with a guide making it easier to set up.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space.
- Easy set up with plug and play.
- Ideal for digital backup.
- Does not require formatting for macOS.
- Stylish design.
- It comes with password protection.
- It comes with a guide.
6. SanDisk Professional 12TB G-DRIVE External Hard Drive – Best Speed Hard Drive For Time Machine
While this external hard drive is pricier than the other external hard drives, it has an attractive and compact design with reliable speed and capability. Moreover, it is water-proof, scratch-proof, and drop-proof. It is ideal for Mac users as it is already formatted with HFS+.
HFS+ is a configuration compatible with macOS’s Time Machine backup scheme. However, it needs a reformat if you use NTFS, Windows, or exFAT. The 12 TB G-Drive earns the Best Speed award for Mac users desiring a powerful, fast external solid-state drive.
Item Weight: 36.64 ounces
Digital Storage Capacity: 12 TB
Item Dimensions: 7.72 x 5.06 x 1.39 inches
Compatible Devices: Laptop and desktop
Hard Disk Interface: USB
Specific Uses For Product: Personal, Business, and Multimedia
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 12 TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 12 TB
Warranty: 5years
SanDisk has both Windows and Mac versions of SanDisk Security, which contains AES256 encryption and establishes a password to guard the digital data on your drive. We recommend saving copies of Windows and Mac versions before reformatting your drive.
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive has a 2-foot-long power cable, USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, guiding manual, and a power adapter.
Pros
- Dust and water-resistant.
- Drop and crush-resistant.
- Time Machine backup compatibility.
- Has Windows and Mac software for 256 bit AES encryption.
- Quick data transfers.
- Five-year warranty.
- Features a sleek design.
7. WD 2 TB Elements WESN External Hard Drive – Best Budget Friendly
Western Digital 2 TB Elements WESN external hard drive deserves a place in our list of the best external hard drives for time machine. It offers high storage, steady connection, quick data transfer speeds, and versatile connectivity with USB 2 and USB 3 devices to back up your files, videos, and photos.
Item Weight: 4.64 ounces
Digital Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Item Dimensions: 4.35 x 3.23 x 0.59 inches
Compatible Devices: Windows
Hard Disk Interface: USB 2.0/3.0
Specific Uses For Product: Personal, Business, and Multimedia
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 2 TB
Warranty: 2 years
WD Elements’ effortless design performs well with games consoles and PCs as either a backup drive or storage development. Having said that, if you want to carry your digital data around easily or expand the storage of your game console, the WD Elements is a good choice!
Pros
- Quick plug-and-play storage.
- Light-weight and travel-friendly.
- Affordable.
- It comes with an easy-to-follow guide.
- Fast transfer speed.
- It is formatted for Windows and Mac.
- Enhances computer performance.
- Compact and attractive design.
8. WD_Black 5TB P10 Game Drive External Hard Drive – Best Gamers External Hard Drive
It is an excellent choice for gamers who want to expand the storage of their gaming consoles. Moreover, gaming enthusiasts can play games from this hard drive on the last-gen consoles and cache games with the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5.
Item Weight: 8.1 ounces
Digital Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Item Dimensions: 4.65 x 3.46 x 0.82 inches
Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Laptop, and Desktop
Hard Disk Interface: USB 2.0/3.0
Specific Uses For Product: Gaming
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hard Disk Size: 5 TB
Form Factor: Portable
Memory Storage Size: 5 TB
Warranty: 2 years
The WD Black P10 external hard drive is compatible with macOS and Windows, so it also functions as a storage safe for your computer or laptop. This external hard drive comes in 5TB, and can store around 125 games. It offers lots of storage capacity for any goal, and is available at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Compact and sturdy design.
- Attractive gamer aesthetic.
- Durable outer body.
- Portable.
- High-performance hard drive disk.
- Ideal for gamers.
How to Choose Hard Drives For Time Machine
We have reviewed the 8 best external hard drive for time machines above, but to decide which one you should buy, you need to know your hard drive needs. Here are essential factors to consider when choosing the best external hard drives for time machines.
Brand Name
When buying an external hard drive, the most important thing to consider is reliability. The build and performance of the external hard drive do not matter if it does not deliver what was promised.
The reality is that hard drives are not fail-free. All hard drives fail, but the distinction is the rate of failure.
External hard drives produced by well-established and popular manufacturers have lower failure rates than hard drives from foreign companies.
The external hard drive brands mentioned in this article offer quality products and have been in the business for a long time.
Capacity
Another extremely essential factor is storage space. You can get as much storage capacity as you want, but additional bytes and upgrading in size can get pricey.
Performance
Time Machine is notorious for its slow speed. It is slower than the conventional backup options because it runs in the background. It aims to prevent the hindrance of the processing speed of other running programs. One of the best ways to speed up the backup process is to ensure that you have a fast external hard drive at your disposal.
Ensure that you know the read and write speed before investing in it. Writes are essential for taking backups, while reads play a significant role when restoring.
Compatibility
When looking for the best external hard drive for time machine, make sure it is compatible with Mac. However, this does not mean that PC drives are all incompatible with Mac.
Drivers labeled as Mac or PC drives mean that the disk was preformatted for either Mac or PC, and you plug it in and use it right away.
As long as drives have accurate connectors, they can be connected with Mac devices. However, Time Machine only identifies the external hard drives formatted as macOS Extended (HFS+). If the hard drive is formatted with other styles, the Time Machine will wipe off the disk and format it again before use.
Connector
As you know by now, all external hard drives are compatible with Apple Mac devices as long as they have appropriate connectors.
Therefore, check your Mac for extension ports.
If your Mac is new, you will require a USB-C hard drive. Older Macs have USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, or Thunderbolt. Select the drive that goes with all Mac ports.
Some individuals use USB-A drives with Mac fitted with USB-C ports and adapters. Unfortunately, data transfer speed is adversely affected by such configuration because the adapter causes blockage.
Price
While price is an essential factor, reliability is more important. Opt for a drive with less storage and speed but do not compromise on the manufacturer if you are on a budget.
You need to choose the best device that suits not only your performance requirements but also your budget.
External-Drive Considerations
File-System Considerations
An external drive’s file system is the most crucial factor in deciding whether it is readable by PCs, Mac, or both. Starting with macOS, it shifted to the macOS Extended file system (HFS+) and finally to the new file system called the Apple File System (APFS). The HFS+ is the first format to be utilized in all Mac iOS devices.
Both APFS and HFS+ do not work with Windows. However, if you want to use your external hard drive with PCs that run both systems, you need to format your drive with the exFAT file system.
External Drives: SSD vs. Spinning Platters
A Solid State Drive (SSD) delivers fast access to your digital data because it stores it in flash memory instead of on spinning platters. SSDs are usually lighter and smaller than spinning external drives because of their non-moving parts. While external SSD is expensive, their small structure makes them travel-friendly.
Moreover, SSDs have decreased capacity limitations, but external spinning drives are easy to find even in capacities over 8TB for desktop drives or about 5TB for portable drives.
Does Thunderbolt Matter, Or Will USB-C Do?
Latest Mac has USB Type-C ports that support Thunderbolt rates. The 2021 MacBook Pro models have the latest Thunderbolt 4 interface, while some Macs have Thunderbolt 3. Both Thunderbolt interfaces have 40GBps, which is a lot more than the speed of standard USB-C ports.
However, not many drives compatible with Thunderbolt 3- are available, and very few drives have Thunderbolt 4.
You can insist on Thunderbolt support if you know you need all the speed you can get, but a USB-C drive will be a better pick if you are on a budget or need to use the drive with a PC. With USB-only drives, some companies include a USB Type-C cable for those who have a USB Type-C-only Mac. You can also buy a converter if the external hard drive you want to buy does not have one.
Other External-Drive Considerations
Drives configured for PCs come with software that automatically backs up your files to the drive when connected. Still, this software is not suitable for Mac users, who already have an excellent preformatted backup option: The Time Machine.
Physical soundness is another crucial thing to consider. Robust, water-resistant drives are a valuable option for those who carry their drives around.
Another thing to consider is the look of your external hard drive. They are available in many colors, textures, and designs that go well with your Mac.
FAQs – Best External Hard Drive For Time Machine
What size external hard drive do I need to back up my Mac?
External hard drives are available in sizes up to 16TB now. The standard rule of thumb is to get a hard drive 1.5 to 2 times the size of your Mac’s internal storage. It is always a good idea to have excess extra storage space rather than not enough. It is advisable to buy the largest possible hard drive according to your budget.
Do I have to keep my external hard drive plugged in for Time Machine?
The ideal scenario is to keep your external hard drive always plugged in so that the backup occurs in real-time and you do not miss out on anything. However, the time machine is built to be resilient. It backs up your data in specific volumes every hour. It only captures the latest differences in the previously saved data every hour instead of doing it all over again. This makes it faster and more reliable.
Rest assured, it is safe to keep your hard drive plugged in for the time machine as it goes to sleep when not in use, so you will not have to worry about much.
Remember to safely eject the hard drive whenever not in use so that you do not lose any data which may be in the process of being backed up at that particular moment.
How do I extend the life of my external hard drive?
The durability of the best external hard drive for time machine depends on how you handle it. Be gentle with your hard drive. Do not toss it around roughly. Being extremely rough with your external hard drive is the fastest way to decrease its lifespan.
Also, it is commonly understood that dust is awful for electronics because it makes them heat up very quickly since it is a good insulator. Heat wears down your electronics very quickly. Make sure to keep your external drive in a clean and cool place to extend its age.
As mentioned earlier, it is also essential to eject the hard drive first before you unplug it so that you don’t risk losing any crucial files and damaging the device during the process.
Best External Hard Drive For Time Machine Takeaway
With the advancements in technology over time, the risk of cyberattacks and data loss has drastically increased. External hard drives are vital components that can be used to ensure the safety of your data via Mac Time Machine backup.
The 8 best external hard drive for time machine review list mentioned in our guide will preserve your data and save your precious time if something wrong happens to your system. Make sure to backup your data frequently, ideally once a week.
Good luck!
