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10 Best External Hard Drive For Mac
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Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drive For Mac
Choosing an external hard drive for your Mac is all about finding a balance between storage, speed, portability, and compatibility. Think about what you plan to store—such as documents, photos, videos, or backups—and how often you’ll need to access or transport this data. Remember that Macs have their own file system, so making sure your drive works smoothly with your computer is key. The right choice will help you safely keep, transfer, and back up your files over time.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to how much data your external hard drive can hold, often measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). This is important because it determines how many files, photos, videos, or backups the drive can accommodate. Drives typically start at 500GB, which might be enough for everyday documents and some photos, but go up to several terabytes, suited for large video libraries or regular Time Machine backups. Choosing the right capacity depends on what you store: casual users may get by with 1TB, while photographers, videographers, or those backing up their entire Mac may want 2TB or more.
Drive Type (HDD vs SSD)There are two main types of drives: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs use spinning disks and tend to offer more storage for less money, but they're generally slower and more sensitive to drops. SSDs, on the other hand, have no moving parts, making them much faster and more durable, but they often come at a higher cost per gigabyte. If speed and portability are important—like editing videos directly from the drive or carrying it around a lot—an SSD is likely best. For bulk, infrequent storage or backups mainly at home, an HDD is often sufficient.
Connection TypeExternal hard drives connect to Macs through various ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt, or sometimes even older connections. USB-C and Thunderbolt are the newest, offering fast data transfer and simple plug-and-play with newer Macs. If you have an older Mac, a USB-A connection may be necessary. Consider your Mac’s available ports, since using adapters can slow things down or add bulk. Choose a drive with a connection matching your Mac for the best speed and simplicity.
Compatibility and FormattingDrives need to be formatted—a process that prepares them to store files—in a way your Mac recognizes. While many drives are ready for Windows by default, look for those that are labeled as 'Mac compatible' or ones you can easily reformat using macOS Disk Utility. If you’re using the drive only with Macs, Apple’s APFS or Mac OS Extended formats are ideal. If you want to share the drive between Mac and Windows, ExFAT is best. Always check if the drive you choose suits your system and intended use.
Portability and DurabilityPortability refers to how easy the drive is to carry, often determined by its size and weight, while durability is about how well it can handle travel or the occasional drop. Portable drives are usually small and bus-powered (drawing power from your Mac), making them easy to slip into a bag. Some are even ruggedized with shock or water resistance. Decide how often you'll take your drive with you—occasional home use might need less protection, while frequent travelers should prioritize compact, tough drives.