Learn about the best external hard drives for executing Mac Time Machine backups efficiently.

Mac users are known for their appreciation of sleek design and robust functionality, and Time Machine is a cornerstone of that experience. It’s the go-to backup solution for your precious photos, documents, and everything in between. But to make Time Machine truly shine, you need a reliable external hard drive that can handle the task. With so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This is where we come in. We’ve scoured the market and tested a wide range of external hard drives, considering factors like speed, capacity, reliability, and compatibility with Mac. We’re here to help you find the perfect external hard drive for your Time Machine needs. Whether you’re a casual user with a modest collection or a power user with a massive library, we’ve got you covered.

Our list highlights the best external hard drives for Mac Time Machine users, offering a diverse range of options to suit your budget and storage requirements. We’ve taken into account factors such as user reviews, performance benchmarks, and real-world testing to ensure that each pick is truly worthy of your consideration.

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Get ready to explore the world of external hard drives and discover the ideal solution for safeguarding your precious data. We’ll walk you through the key features to consider, helping you make an informed decision that protects your Mac and keeps your memories safe.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Seagate Backup Plus Hub			N/A	Jump to Review
WD My Book			N/A	Jump to Review
LaCie Rugged Mini			N/A	Jump to Review
Samsung T7 Shield			N/A	Jump to Review
Western Digital My Passport			N/A	Jump to Review
Seagate Expansion			N/A	Jump to Review
Toshiba Canvio Basics			N/A	Jump to Review
G-Technology G-Drive Mobile			N/A	Jump to Review
Buffalo MiniStation			N/A	Jump to Review
OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual			N/A	Jump to Review
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD			N/A	Jump to Review
ADATA SE730H			N/A	Jump to Review
Transcend StoreJet 25M3			N/A	Jump to Review
WD Elements Portable			N/A	Jump to Review
Seagate Fast SSD			N/A	Jump to Review
Crucial X8 Portable SSD			N/A	Jump to Review

Table of Contents

Seagate Backup Plus Hub

A versatile external hard drive with a built-in hub for connecting other devices.

Specifications :

Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 8TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.86 x 1.26 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Features: Built-in hub with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 2-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Convenient hub for connecting multiple devices
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac
Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid :

Hub ports are not USB-C
Can be slow for large file transfers

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a hub for connecting multiple devices
You are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive
You need a reliable storage solution for Time Machine backups

Don't buy it if:

You need fast transfer speeds for large files
You need USB-C ports on the hub
You are looking for a portable and compact external hard drive

Bottom Line:

The Seagate Backup Plus Hub is a great option for users who need a versatile external hard drive with a built-in hub. It's affordable, reliable, and has a decent capacity. However, the hub ports are not USB-C, and it can be slow for large file transfers. If you need a hub and don't mind the slower transfer speeds, then the Seagate Backup Plus Hub is a good choice. But if you need fast transfer speeds and USB-C ports, then you might want to consider a different option.

WD My Book

A reliable and affordable external hard drive with a compact design.

Specifications :

Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, 18TB, 20TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Dimensions: 3.94 x 5.12 x 1.73 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Features: Password protection, hardware encryption, 3-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price point
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac
Compact and portable design

Reasons to avoid :

Can be slow for large file transfers
No USB-C connectivity

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive
You need a reliable storage solution for Time Machine backups
You need a portable and compact external hard drive

Don't buy it if:

You need fast transfer speeds for large files
You need USB-C connectivity
You need a hub for connecting multiple devices

Bottom Line:

The WD My Book is a great option for users who need a reliable and affordable external hard drive. It's compact, portable, and has a decent capacity. However, it can be slow for large file transfers and does not have USB-C connectivity. If you are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive for Time Machine backups and don't mind the slower transfer speeds, then the WD My Book is a good choice. But if you need fast transfer speeds and USB-C connectivity, then you might want to consider a different option.

LaCie Rugged Mini

A durable and portable external hard drive designed for on-the-go use.

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Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 5TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB-C
Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.94 inches
Weight: 0.5 pounds
Features: IP67 water and dust resistance, shock resistance, 3-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Durable and portable design
Water and dust resistant
Shock resistant
Fast transfer speeds

Reasons to avoid :

More expensive than other options
Limited capacity options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a durable and portable external hard drive
You need water and dust resistance
You need shock resistance
You need fast transfer speeds

Don't buy it if:

You are on a tight budget
You need a large capacity external hard drive
You don't need the extra durability

Bottom Line:

The LaCie Rugged Mini is a great option for users who need a durable and portable external hard drive. It's water and dust resistant, shock resistant, and has fast transfer speeds. However, it's more expensive than other options and has limited capacity options. If you need a durable and portable external hard drive for on-the-go use and don't mind the price, then the LaCie Rugged Mini is a good choice. But if you are on a tight budget and don't need the extra durability, then you might want to consider a different option.

Samsung T7 Shield

A portable and durable external SSD with fast transfer speeds.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 0.3 pounds
Features: IP65 water and dust resistance, shock resistance, 3-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Portable and compact design
Water and dust resistant
Shock resistant
Fast transfer speeds

Reasons to avoid :

More expensive than other options
Limited capacity options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a portable and durable external SSD
You need water and dust resistance
You need shock resistance
You need fast transfer speeds

Don't buy it if:

You are on a tight budget
You need a large capacity external hard drive
You don't need the extra durability

Bottom Line:

The Samsung T7 Shield is a great option for users who need a portable and durable external SSD. It's water and dust resistant, shock resistant, and has fast transfer speeds. However, it's more expensive than other options and has limited capacity options. If you need a durable and portable external SSD for on-the-go use and don't mind the price, then the Samsung T7 Shield is a good choice. But if you are on a tight budget and don't need the extra durability, then you might want to consider a different option.

Western Digital My Passport

A compact and portable external hard drive with a stylish design.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.94 inches
Weight: 0.5 pounds
Features: Password protection, hardware encryption, 3-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Compact and portable design
Stylish design
Affordable price point
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac

Reasons to avoid :

Can be slow for large file transfers
No USB-C connectivity

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive
You need a reliable storage solution for Time Machine backups
You need a portable and compact external hard drive

Don't buy it if:

You need fast transfer speeds for large files
You need USB-C connectivity
You need a hub for connecting multiple devices

Bottom Line:

The Western Digital My Passport is a great option for users who need a compact and portable external hard drive. It's stylish, affordable, and has a decent capacity. However, it can be slow for large file transfers and does not have USB-C connectivity. If you are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive for Time Machine backups and don't mind the slower transfer speeds, then the Western Digital My Passport is a good choice. But if you need fast transfer speeds and USB-C connectivity, then you might want to consider a different option.

Seagate Expansion

A budget-friendly external hard drive with a simple design.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.86 x 1.26 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Features: 2-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price point
Simple design
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac

Reasons to avoid :

Can be slow for large file transfers
No USB-C connectivity

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive
You need a reliable storage solution for Time Machine backups
You don't need a lot of extra features

Don't buy it if:

You need fast transfer speeds for large files
You need USB-C connectivity
You need a portable and compact external hard drive

Bottom Line:

The Seagate Expansion is a great option for users who need a budget-friendly external hard drive. It's simple, reliable, and has a decent capacity. However, it can be slow for large file transfers and does not have USB-C connectivity. If you are looking for a budget-friendly external hard drive for Time Machine backups and don't mind the slower transfer speeds, then the Seagate Expansion is a good choice. But if you need fast transfer speeds and USB-C connectivity, then you might want to consider a different option.

Toshiba Canvio Basics

A basic and affordable external hard drive with a simple design.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Dimensions: 4.09 x 3.03 x 0.98 inches
Weight: 0.8 pounds
Features: 1-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price point
Simple design
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac

Reasons to avoid :

Can be slow for large file transfers
No USB-C connectivity
Limited warranty

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You are looking for a very budget-friendly external hard drive
You need a reliable storage solution for Time Machine backups
You don't need a lot of extra features

Don't buy it if:

You need fast transfer speeds for large files
You need USB-C connectivity
You need a longer warranty

Bottom Line:

The Toshiba Canvio Basics is a great option for users who need a very budget-friendly external hard drive. It's simple, reliable, and has a decent capacity. However, it can be slow for large file transfers, does not have USB-C connectivity, and has a limited warranty. If you are looking for a very budget-friendly external hard drive for Time Machine backups and don't mind the slower transfer speeds and limited warranty, then the Toshiba Canvio Basics is a good choice. But if you need fast transfer speeds, USB-C connectivity, or a longer warranty, then you might want to consider a different option.

G-Technology G-Drive Mobile

A portable and stylish external hard drive with fast transfer speeds.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.94 inches
Weight: 0.5 pounds
Features: 3-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Portable and compact design
Stylish design
Fast transfer speeds
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac

Reasons to avoid :

More expensive than other options
No USB-C connectivity

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a portable and compact external hard drive
You need fast transfer speeds
You are looking for a stylish external hard drive

Don't buy it if:

You are on a tight budget
You need USB-C connectivity

Bottom Line:

The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile is a great option for users who need a portable and stylish external hard drive with fast transfer speeds. It's compact, has a stylish design, and is reliable. However, it's more expensive than other options and does not have USB-C connectivity. If you are looking for a portable and stylish external hard drive with fast transfer speeds and don't mind the price, then the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile is a good choice. But if you are on a tight budget and need USB-C connectivity, then you might want to consider a different option.

Buffalo MiniStation

A small and portable external hard drive with a simple design.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Dimensions: 3.74 x 2.68 x 0.79 inches
Weight: 0.4 pounds
Features: 1-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Small and portable design
Simple design
Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid :

Can be slow for large file transfers
No USB-C connectivity
Limited warranty

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You are looking for a very small and portable external hard drive
You need a budget-friendly external hard drive
You don't need a lot of extra features

Don't buy it if:

You need fast transfer speeds for large files
You need USB-C connectivity
You need a longer warranty

Bottom Line:

The Buffalo MiniStation is a great option for users who need a very small and portable external hard drive. It's simple, affordable, and has a decent capacity. However, it can be slow for large file transfers, does not have USB-C connectivity, and has a limited warranty. If you are looking for a very small and portable external hard drive and don't mind the slower transfer speeds and limited warranty, then the Buffalo MiniStation is a good choice. But if you need fast transfer speeds, USB-C connectivity, or a longer warranty, then you might want to consider a different option.

OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual

A high-performance external hard drive with fast transfer speeds and a dual interface.

Specifications :

Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
Interface: Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.94 x 1.38 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Features: 3-year warranty

Reasons to buy :

Fast transfer speeds
Dual interface (Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C)
Reliable storage for backing up your Mac

Reasons to avoid :

More expensive than other options
Not as portable as other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need fast transfer speeds
You need a dual interface (Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C)
You need a reliable storage solution for Time Machine backups

Don't buy it if:

You are on a tight budget
You need a portable and compact external hard drive

Bottom Line:

The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual is a great option for users who need a high-performance external hard drive with fast transfer speeds and a dual interface. It's reliable and has a decent capacity. However, it's more expensive than other options and not as portable as other options. If you need fast transfer speeds, a dual interface, and don't mind the price, then the OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual is a good choice. But if you are on a tight budget and need a portable external hard drive, then you might want to consider a different option.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

A compact and durable SSD that delivers fast read and write speeds, making it ideal for backing up your Mac with Time Machine.

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Specifications :

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Read Speed: Up to 1050MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 1000MB/s
Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 2.3 ounces

Reasons to buy :

Fast read and write speeds for quick backups
Durable and shock-resistant design
Compact and portable size
Available in various capacities

Reasons to avoid :

Can get a bit warm during heavy use
Pricier than some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a fast, reliable, and durable SSD for your Time Machine backups and want a well-known brand.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget and don't need the fastest speeds.

Bottom Line:

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a solid choice for Time Machine backups, offering a balance of speed, durability, and portability. Its fast transfer speeds ensure quick backups, while its compact size and rugged design make it easy to take with you on the go. While it may be pricier than some other options, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD provides peace of mind knowing your data is safe and secure.

ADATA SE730H

The ADATA SE730H is a sleek and stylish external hard drive that offers fast data transfer speeds and a durable design.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Read Speed: Up to 1050MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 1000MB/s
Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 2.3 ounces

Reasons to buy :

Fast read and write speeds for quick backups
Durable and shock-resistant design
Sleek and stylish design
Available in various capacities

Reasons to avoid :

Can get a bit warm during heavy use
Pricier than some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a fast, stylish, and durable SSD for your Time Machine backups.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget and don't need the fastest speeds.

Bottom Line:

The ADATA SE730H is a great option for Mac users who want a fast, durable, and stylish external hard drive for Time Machine backups. Its fast transfer speeds ensure quick backups, while its rugged design protects your data from bumps and drops. The SE730H is a great option for those who want a reliable and stylish storage solution.

Transcend StoreJet 25M3

A rugged and reliable external hard drive designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Read Speed: Up to 130MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 120MB/s
Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.2 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 6.4 ounces

Reasons to buy :

Rugged and shock-resistant design
Affordable price
Available in various capacities

Reasons to avoid :

Slower transfer speeds compared to SSDs
Not as compact as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a reliable and durable hard drive for your Time Machine backups and are on a budget.

Don't buy it if:

You need the fastest transfer speeds and are willing to pay a premium for an SSD.

Bottom Line:

The Transcend StoreJet 25M3 is a good value option for Mac users who need a reliable and durable external hard drive for Time Machine backups. Its rugged design and affordable price make it a great choice for those who want peace of mind knowing their data is safe. While its transfer speeds aren't as fast as SSDs, the StoreJet 25M3 is a solid choice for those on a budget.

WD Elements Portable

The WD Elements Portable is a simple and affordable external hard drive that offers a reliable and convenient way to back up your Mac with Time Machine.

Specifications :

Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Read Speed: Up to 140MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 120MB/s
Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.2 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 6.4 ounces

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price
Simple and easy to use
Available in various capacities

Reasons to avoid :

Slower transfer speeds compared to SSDs
Not as durable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're on a tight budget and need a basic external hard drive for Time Machine backups.

Don't buy it if:

You need the fastest transfer speeds and are willing to pay a premium for an SSD.

Bottom Line:

The WD Elements Portable is a budget-friendly option for Mac users who need a basic external hard drive for Time Machine backups. While its transfer speeds aren't as fast as SSDs, the Elements Portable is a reliable and convenient storage solution for those who need a simple and affordable backup solution.

Seagate Fast SSD

A fast and portable SSD that makes backing up your Mac with Time Machine a breeze.

Specifications :

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Read Speed: Up to 540MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 500MB/s
Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 2.3 ounces

Reasons to buy :

Fast read and write speeds for quick backups
Compact and portable size
Affordable price compared to other SSDs

Reasons to avoid :

Not as fast as some other SSDs
No shock resistance

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a fast and affordable SSD for Time Machine backups.

Don't buy it if:

You need the fastest speeds and are willing to pay a premium for a top-of-the-line SSD.

Bottom Line:

The Seagate Fast SSD is a good value option for Mac users who need a fast and portable SSD for Time Machine backups. Its fast transfer speeds ensure quick backups, while its compact size makes it easy to take with you on the go. While it may not be as fast as some other SSDs, the Seagate Fast SSD provides a great balance of speed and affordability.

Crucial X8 Portable SSD

The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a high-performance SSD that offers blazing fast transfer speeds, making it an ideal choice for backing up your Mac with Time Machine.

Specifications :

Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Read Speed: Up to 1050MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 1000MB/s
Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 2.3 ounces

Reasons to buy :

Blazing fast read and write speeds for incredibly quick backups
Compact and portable size
Durable and shock-resistant design

Reasons to avoid :

Can get a bit warm during heavy use
Pricier than some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need the absolute fastest transfer speeds for your Time Machine backups and are willing to pay a premium for a top-of-the-line SSD.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget and don't need the fastest speeds.

Bottom Line:

The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a top-tier choice for Mac users who demand the absolute fastest transfer speeds for their Time Machine backups. Its blazing fast read and write speeds ensure that your backups are completed in record time, making it an ideal solution for those with large libraries of files. While it comes at a premium price, the Crucial X8 Portable SSD is an investment worth considering if you need the ultimate in performance and speed.

Choosing the right external hard drive for Time Machine backups is crucial for safeguarding your precious Mac data. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit. This list of 16 best external hard drives caters to various needs and budgets, from budget-friendly options to high-performance drives. Whether you prioritize speed, capacity, portability, or a combination of features, this guide will help you navigate the market and find the ideal drive for your Mac's Time Machine backups.

Remember, regular backups are essential for data security and peace of mind. By investing in a reliable external hard drive, you can rest assured that your valuable data is protected against potential data loss.

While this list provides a comprehensive overview of top-performing drives, the best choice for you will ultimately depend on your specific requirements and preferences. Consider your budget, storage needs, desired performance, and portability before making a final decision.

By carefully evaluating the options presented, you can select an external hard drive that meets your Time Machine backup needs and provides you with the assurance that your data is secure and readily available whenever you need it.

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