If you’re looking for the best external hard drive for Time Machine, there are some important factors to consider before making a purchase. First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the external hard drive you choose is compatible with your Mac operating system. This means finding a hard drive that supports the same macOS version as your computer. Additionally, you should consider the size of the hard drive, as well as any additional features such as durability or data encryption.
When shopping for an external hard drive for Time Machine, it’s important to keep in mind the storage capacity you need. Depending on how much data you need to back up, you may require a larger hard drive. Additionally, you may want to choose a hard drive with a faster transfer rate for quicker backups. Finally, if you plan on taking your external hard drive with you on the go, you may want to consider a more durable option.
Are you tired of constantly worrying about losing important files on your computer? Are you in need of a reliable backup solution? If so, an external hard drive for Time Machine may be the perfect solution for you. By backing up your files to an external hard drive, you can ensure that your data is safe and secure in the event of a computer crash or other disaster. So why wait? Find the best external hard drive for Time Machine today and protect your precious data.
10 Best External Hard Drive For Time Machine
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1
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This storage solution is ideal for fast data transfer and efficient storage management.
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2
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Ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data between various devices such as gaming consoles, computers, and laptops.
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3
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Ideal for storing large amounts of data and offering data recovery services in case of drive failure.
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4
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This product is ideal for those who need a rugged and durable external hard drive with high capacity and fast transfer speeds.
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5
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Ideal for storing and backing up data on a Mac computer, compatible with Time Machine and includes Adobe CC Photography software.
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6
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This product is ideal for storing a large amount of data on MacOS devices and using Time Machine backup.
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7
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The product is ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data safely and securely, even in harsh environments.
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8
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Ideal for MacOS users who need a reliable and large external storage solution with Time Machine compatibility.
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9
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Ideal for storing and backing up digital files on a Mac computer.
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10
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This product is ideal for storing large amounts of data and easily transferring files between Mac and Windows devices.
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1. Owc Mercury Elite Pro 7200 Rpm Storage Solution W/usb 3.2 5gb/s

Looking for a reliable and efficient storage solution? Look no further than this rugged and flexible external hard drive. With built-in shock isolation and non-skid rubber feet, this drive is designed to protect your data while also being easy to use in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
This external hard drive is compatible with a wide range of systems, including Mac, Windows, and Linux machines, as well as PS4 and Xbox consoles and Smart TVs. And with its high-quality double-shielded USB Type A-B connecting cable, you can connect it to your computer or other device quickly and easily.
Whether you're backing up important files or storing large media files, this external hard drive is up to the task. It comes preconfigured with solutions that undergo rigorous multi-step performance certification, ensuring that your data is safe and secure.
And if something does go wrong, you can count on the up to 3 year limited warranty with 1 year Level 1 data recovery and lifetime US-based live support to help you get back up and running quickly. So why wait? Order your rugged and flexible external hard drive today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe and secure.
2. Silicon Power 2tb External Portable Hard Drive A62, Compatible With Ps5 Ps4 Xbox One Pc And Mac

This product boasts a flexible cable-carry design that makes cable storage a breeze. It offers military-grade shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant protection, ensuring that your data stays safe from unforeseen accidents. The stylish and slim exterior design adds a touch of elegance to the overall look of the product.
The USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface is backward compatible with USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0, making it easy to use with a variety of devices. It is ideal for gaming enthusiasts who use Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS4 Pro, and PS4 Slim (PS4 System Software version 4.50 or higher). It works seamlessly with PCs and Macs, enabling users to share files between different platforms effortlessly.
With its impressive technical specifications, this product is perfect for those who need a reliable and efficient storage solution. It offers a wide range of storage capacities, making it easy to choose the one that suits your needs. Whether you're looking to store large amounts of data or just a few files, this product has got you covered.
3. 18tb Seagate External Drive With Rescue Services

The desktop hard drive is a reliable and user-friendly device that provides an additional layer of protection to your valuable data. With the included 3 year Rescue Data Recovery Services, you can rest assured that your data is in safe hands and can be recovered in case of any unexpected data loss.
Setting up the hard drive is a breeze – simply plug in the power adapter and USB cable, and it is ready to use. The device is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers and automatically recognizes them for easy setup. However, it is important to note that reformatting is required for use with Time Machine.
The hard drive offers a convenient drag-and-drop file saving feature right out of the box, making it easy to backup and transfer files. With fast file transfers enabled by the USB 3.0 technology, you can quickly move large files between the hard drive and your computer.
4. Sandisk Armoratd: Rugged 5tb External Hdd

Looking for a reliable and durable storage solution to back up your important files? Look no further than this USB-C drive! With lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, you can quickly and easily save and transfer your important data. This drive is also compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB Type-C, making it a versatile choice for all your storage needs.
Constructed with a premium, anodised aluminum enclosure, this drive is built to last and feels sturdy in your hand. Plus, it's designed with an easy-grip bumper for added durability, ensuring that it can withstand even the toughest conditions. With triple-layer shock resistance, it provides an extra layer of protection to keep your data safe.
The rain and dust-resistant enclosure (IP54) provides peace of mind, knowing that your data will remain secure even in harsh conditions. Additionally, this drive has a crush resistance of up to 1000lbs, making it strong enough to withstand accidental drops and bumps.
Please note that to use this drive with a Mac, it is important to update your operating system. Overall, this USB-C drive is a reliable and durable choice for all your storage needs.
5. Mac Slim Backup: 1tb Usb Hard Drive

The Backup Plus Slim for Mac is an external hard drive that offers a stylish and convenient solution to store and access up to 1TB of content. With a sleek and modern metal enclosure, it is the perfect complement to any personal aesthetic.
This USB drive is easy to use – simply plug it into a Mac or Windows computer via the included USB 3.0 cable to back up files with a single click or schedule automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups. Please note that reformatting may be required for use with Time Machine.
As an added bonus, users will receive a complimentary two-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan, providing access to an array of photo and video editing apps.
Rest assured with the included two-year limited warranty, providing long-term peace of mind.
With its combination of style, convenience, and practicality, the Backup Plus Slim for Mac is an excellent choice for those in need of extra storage space and easy accessibility to their content.
6. Macos Time Machine Companion: Avolusion 8tb Hard Drive

Introducing the Built-in 8TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, the perfect solution to expand your computer's storage instantly! This external hard drive works seamlessly with any Windows OS Desktop PC or Laptop with a USB 3.0 port, allowing you to add extra storage without opening up the case.
With this external hard drive, you can easily expand your hard drive storage and create a backup storage for your entire Windows OS system. It's the perfect solution to ensure that your important files and data are safe and secure, especially before any unexpected crashes. Daily schedule backup is no longer optional, and with this external hard drive, you can ensure that your data is always protected.
This external hard drive comes with a 2-year warranty from the reseller, providing you with peace of mind that your investment is protected. It's the perfect addition to any computer system, providing you with the storage space you need to keep your important files and data safe and secure.
7. Rugged Orange 2tb Portable Hard Drive

This Hard Drive is designed to withstand the toughest conditions, making it perfect for all-terrain use. It boasts of shock and drop resistance of up to 4 feet, as well as resistance to dust and water. This makes it an ideal storage solution for those who are always on-the-go or those who work in harsh environments.
For Mac users, it's important to note that this Hard Drive requires reformatting to be compatible. The Application Guide provides more details on how to do this, ensuring that users can take full advantage of its features.
One of the key features of this Hard Drive is its built-in password protection. This is an important security feature that ensures that sensitive data is safe from unauthorized access.
With USB 3.0 technology, this Hard Drive is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0, making data transfer faster and more efficient. It's also USB 2.0 compatible, ensuring that it can be used with a wide range of devices.
In addition to its impressive features, this Hard Drive comes with a 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. This is a great value-add for creative professionals who rely on Adobe software for their work. To take advantage of this offer, users must redeem it by January 31, 2020.
8. Mac Backup Beast: Avolusion 6tb External Drive

Looking for a reliable and efficient external hard drive to expand your computer's storage capacity? Look no further than this Built-in 6TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive!
With a massive 6TB of storage, this external hard drive is the perfect solution for anyone looking to expand their computer's hard drive storage quickly and easily. Whether you're working on a desktop PC or a laptop with a USB 3.0 port, this external hard drive is compatible with any Windows OS system, making it a versatile and convenient choice for any user.
With its simple plug-and-play design, this external hard drive can be easily connected to your computer without the need for any complicated software or installation processes. And with its USB 3.0 connectivity, you can enjoy fast data transfer speeds, making it easy to move large files and documents to and from your computer.
In addition to its impressive storage capacity, this external hard drive is also an excellent choice for backup storage for your entire Windows OS system. With the risk of data loss and system crashes always present, it's important to have a reliable backup solution in place. And with this external hard drive, you can easily schedule daily backups to ensure that your data is always protected and secure.
So why wait? Add extra storage to your Desktop PC or Laptop without opening up the case, and ensure that your valuable data is always safe and secure with this Built-in 6TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive. And with a 2-year warranty from the reseller, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
9. Wd My Passport For Mac Portable External Hard Drive

The external hard drive is specifically designed for Mac users and is ready to be used with Time Machine. With password protection and hardware encryption, this device offers a high level of security to safeguard your personal data.
The external hard drive boasts a reimagined design that is both sleek and modern. It is important to note that the device requires the HFS+ Journaled format and is compatible with macOS High Sierra, Sierra or El Capitan.
The device is built with WD reliability, ensuring that you can trust it to safely store your important files and documents. With a USB 3.0 port, the external hard drive provides fast data transfer speeds. It is also compatible with USB 2.0 devices, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices.
10. Wd 4tb My Passport For Mac Portable External Hard Drive, Usb-C/usb-A – Wdbp6a0040bbk-Wese

This external hard drive is the perfect companion for Mac users who value security and reliability. With its sleek design and compatibility with Time Machine, backing up important files has never been easier.
One of its standout features is its password protection with hardware encryption, ensuring that sensitive data remains safe from prying eyes. Additionally, this trusted drive is built with WD reliability, giving users peace of mind that their data is secure.
The external hard drive boasts a USB 3.0 port, which is compatible with USB 2.0 devices, allowing for fast transfer speeds of up to 625 MB/s. This makes it ideal for transferring large files such as videos and photos.
To top it all off, this product comes with a 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty, providing users with added confidence in their purchase.
Best External Hard Drive For Time Machine FAQs
Are there any additional features or benefits to look for in an external hard drive for Time Machine backups?
When it comes to choosing an external hard drive for Time Machine backups, there are a few additional features and benefits you may want to consider.
Firstly, you should make sure that the external hard drive has enough storage space to accommodate your backup needs. As a general rule of thumb, your external hard drive should have at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac's internal hard drive.
Secondly, it's important to choose an external hard drive that has a fast transfer speed. This will ensure that your backups are completed quickly and efficiently, without taking up too much of your time.
Some external hard drives may also come with additional security features, such as encryption or password protection. This can help to keep your backups safe and secure, and prevent unauthorized access to your data.
Finally, you may want to consider the overall durability and reliability of the external hard drive you choose. Look for a drive that is built to last, with a sturdy construction and a good reputation for reliability.
In summary, when choosing an external hard drive for Time Machine backups, look for a drive with plenty of storage space, fast transfer speeds, security features, and a reputation for durability and reliability.
Are there any external hard drives that come pre-formatted for use with Time Machine?
Yes, there are external hard drives that come pre-formatted for use with Time Machine. Some manufacturers, such as Western Digital, Seagate, and LaCie, offer pre-formatted external hard drives specifically designed for use with Time Machine. These drives typically come with software that makes it easy to set up and use Time Machine backup.
However, it's important to note that any external hard drive can be formatted for use with Time Machine. If you already have an external hard drive that you want to use for Time Machine backups, you can simply format it using the Disk Utility application on your Mac. Just make sure to choose the "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" format and the "GUID Partition Map" scheme.
Regardless of whether you choose a pre-formatted external hard drive or format one yourself, it's always a good idea to choose a drive that has enough capacity to store all your important data and files, and to make sure you back up your data regularly to protect it from loss.
Are there any external hard drives that offer faster backup speeds for Time Machine?
Yes, there are external hard drives that offer faster backup speeds for Time Machine. The speed of the backup depends on the transfer rate of the hard drive. The transfer rate is determined by the interface used to connect the hard drive to the computer. The fastest interfaces for external hard drives are Thunderbolt and USB 3.0.
External hard drives with Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 interfaces can provide significantly faster backup speeds than those with USB 2.0 or FireWire interfaces. Additionally, using a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard drive can also significantly increase backup speeds.
It's important to note that the speed of the backup also depends on the size of the files being backed up and the processing power of your computer. So, even with a fast external hard drive, larger files or an older computer may still result in slower backup speeds.
Some recommended external hard drives for faster Time Machine backups include the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt, Samsung T5 Portable SSD, and the Western Digital My Book Thunderbolt Duo.
Can I use any external hard drive for Time Machine or do I need a specific brand/model?
You can use almost any external hard drive for Time Machine backup, as long as it meets the minimum requirements. Time Machine is a built-in backup feature in macOS, which allows you to automatically backup your entire system. To use Time Machine, you need an external hard drive with a USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire connection. The hard drive should have at least the same capacity as the internal drive you want to back up.
In terms of brand or model, Apple recommends using a drive that has been tested and certified to work with Time Machine. You can find a list of these certified drives on Apple's website. However, you can also use other external hard drives as long as they meet the minimum requirements. It's always a good idea to choose a high-quality hard drive from a reputable brand to ensure reliability and longevity. It's also important to format the hard drive to the correct file system (Mac OS Extended or APFS) before using it with Time Machine.
What are the top external hard drives that are compatible with Time Machine?
Apple's Time Machine is a reliable backup solution for Mac users. If you're looking for an external hard drive to use with Time Machine, there are several options available in the market. Here are some of the top external hard drives that are compatible with Time Machine:
1. Western Digital My Passport – This external hard drive is available in different storage capacities and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It has a compact design and comes with backup software for Time Machine.
2. Seagate Backup Plus Slim – This external hard drive is available in different storage capacities and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It has a sleek design and comes with backup software for Time Machine.
3. LaCie Mobile Drive – This external hard drive is available in different storage capacities and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It has a durable design and comes with backup software for Time Machine.
4. G-Technology G-Drive – This external hard drive is available in different storage capacities and is specifically designed for Mac users. It has a sleek design and comes with backup software for Time Machine.
5. Toshiba Canvio Advance – This external hard drive is available in different storage capacities and is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It has a slim design and comes with backup software for Time Machine.
When choosing an external hard drive for Time Machine, it's important to consider factors such as storage capacity, compatibility, and durability.
What is the best external hard drive for backing up my Mac using Time Machine?
When it comes to backing up your Mac using Time Machine, it is important to choose an external hard drive that is reliable and compatible with your Mac. One of the best options for this purpose is the Western Digital My Passport for Mac.
This external hard drive is specifically designed for Mac users and comes with a pre-formatted HFS+ Journaled file system, which is required for Time Machine backups. It also offers fast transfer speeds and a large storage capacity, ranging from 1TB to 5TB.
Another great option is the Seagate Backup Plus for Mac, which is also pre-formatted for Mac and offers a range of storage capacities. It also includes Seagate Dashboard software, which provides additional backup and file management options.
Ultimately, the best external hard drive for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It is important to do your research and choose a reputable brand with a good track record for reliability and customer support.
What is the best way to set up an external hard drive for Time Machine backups?
To set up an external hard drive for Time Machine backups, the first step is to ensure that the drive is compatible with Time Machine. The drive should be formatted in HFS+ or APFS format, and it should be large enough to accommodate all of the files that you want to back up.
Once you have a compatible drive, connect it to your Mac and open Time Machine preferences. Click on the "Select Backup Disk" button, and choose your external drive from the list of available disks. If the drive isn't listed, click "Add or Remove Backup Disk" and follow the prompts to add the drive.
Once you have selected your backup disk, Time Machine will begin backing up your files automatically. You can view the progress of your backups by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.
It's a good idea to keep your external hard drive connected to your Mac at all times, so that Time Machine can perform regular backups. You should also make sure to eject the drive properly before disconnecting it, to avoid any data loss or corruption.
What is the lifespan of an external hard drive when used for Time Machine backups?
The lifespan of an external hard drive used for Time Machine backups can vary depending on several factors. One of the most important factors is the quality of the hard drive itself. Generally, hard drives last for about 3 to 5 years, and this can be affected by how often it is used and how it is maintained.
The amount of data being backed up can also affect the lifespan of the external hard drive. As the amount of data being backed up increases, the hard drive is likely to wear out faster. Additionally, the frequency of backups can also affect the lifespan of the external hard drive. If backups are done frequently, the hard drive may wear out faster than if backups were done less frequently.
It's important to note that there is no concrete answer to this question, as the lifespan of an external hard drive can vary greatly depending on several factors. However, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the health of the hard drive and replace it if necessary to ensure that your Time Machine backups are safe and secure.
What is the most reliable external hard drive for Time Machine backups?
When it comes to choosing the most reliable external hard drive for Time Machine backups, it's important to consider factors such as storage capacity, connectivity, and durability. One of the most trusted brands in the market is Western Digital (WD). Their My Passport series is a popular choice among users for its fast transfer speeds, compact design, and reliable performance.
Another option is the Seagate Backup Plus Slim, which offers up to 5TB of storage capacity and a sleek, portable design. It also comes with a helpful dashboard software that allows you to easily manage your backups and customize your preferences.
If you're looking for a more rugged option, the LaCie Rugged external hard drive is a great choice. It's designed to withstand harsh environments and features a shock-resistant exterior, making it ideal for travelers or those who work in challenging conditions.
Ultimately, the most reliable external hard drive for Time Machine backups depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you choose a product that will meet your requirements and provide you with the peace of mind that your data is safe and secure.
What size external hard drive is recommended for Time Machine backups?
The recommended size for an external hard drive for Time Machine backups depends on the amount of data you need to backup. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to use an external hard drive with at least twice the capacity of your Mac's internal storage. For example, if your Mac has a 500GB internal storage, you should use an external hard drive with a minimum of 1TB storage capacity.
It's important to note that Time Machine will continue to backup your data until the external hard drive is full. Therefore, it's always better to have a larger external hard drive to accommodate future backups and prevent the need to frequently switch out drives.
In addition to storage capacity, it's also important to consider the speed and connectivity of the external hard drive. It's recommended to use a hard drive with a fast transfer speed and a connection type that is compatible with your Mac, such as USB or Thunderbolt.