If you’re a Mac user, you already know that these sleek and powerful machines are capable of handling everything from graphic design to video editing. However, one limitation of most Mac computers is the relatively limited storage space. That’s where an external hard drive comes in handy. Not only does it provide additional storage space for your files and media, but it also allows you to back up your data to protect against loss or damage. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which external hard drive is the best fit for your Mac. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top external hard drives on the market for Mac users, and what sets them apart from the competition. Whether you’re a professional content creator or simply need more space to store your personal files, we’ve got you covered.
1. Take Your Data Anywhere with the Portable and Lightweight WD External Hard Drive
This is an external hard drive designed to provide high-capacity add-on storage for Windows PCs. It offers fast data transfers and is plug-and-play ready. The drive is manufactured by Western Digital, a well-known brand in the storage industry.
Pros:
• High-capacity storage: The external hard drive provides a lot of additional storage space for users who need it.
• Fast data transfers: With fast transfer speeds, users can quickly move large files to and from the drive.
• Plug-and-play ready: The drive is easy to set up and use, with no additional software required.
• WD quality: Western Digital is a trusted brand known for producing reliable storage devices.
Cons:
• Compatibility: The drive is specifically designed for Windows PCs, so it may not be suitable for users with other operating systems.
• Limited portability: The drive is a bit bulky and may not be as portable as smaller external hard drives.
- Fantom Drives GFORCE 3 Pro 7200RPM external hard drive is formatted for Windows and can easily be formatted for Mac
- Transfer rates up to 250MB/s depending on capacity and up to 30% faster than 5400RPM drives. USB 3.0 cable included. Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 (cable sold separately)
- Fanless hard-bodied aluminum provides protection for drives and doubles as a heat sink to keep temperatures cool and operation quiet
- Compatible with Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11), Mac OS X or newer (great for Time Machine backup), PlayStation (PS4) up to 8TB, Xbox One (Original, S, X)
- GFORCE 3 Pro 7200RPM external hard drives are available from 1TB to a monstrous 20TB capacity. 2 Years Warranty when registered with Fantom Drives
2. The Seagate Expansion 18TB External Hard Drive: Your One-Stop Data Storage Solution
The desktop hard drive is easy to use and set up with its plug-and-play feature. It provides fast file transfers with USB 3.1 and allows for drag-and-drop file saving. It is also compatible with both Windows and Mac computers and comes with a limited warranty and data recovery services for added peace of mind.
Pros:
• The hard drive is easy to use with its plug-and-play feature.
• USB 3.1 provides fast file transfers.
• The drag-and-drop file saving feature allows for easy organization and management of files.
• It is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, making it versatile and convenient for users of both systems.
• The limited warranty and data recovery services provide added peace of mind in case of any issues.
Cons:
• The hard drive may require reformatting for use with Time Machine on Mac computers.
• The limited warranty may not cover all types of damage or issues.
• It may not be suitable for users who require a large storage capacity, as the storage size is not specified.
- Easy-to-use desktop hard drive—simply plug in the power adapter and USB cable.Specific uses: Business, personal.Special feature : Compact. Hard disk description : Mechanical Hard Disk.
- Fast file transfers with USB 3.1
- Drag-and-drop file saving right out of the box
- Automatic recognition of Windows and Mac computers for simple setup (Reformatting required for use with Time Machine)
- Enjoy peace of mind with the included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services
3. Store All Your Important Data in One Place with WD 5TB External Hard Drive
The WD Elements portable hard drive is designed to provide additional storage for videos, music, photos, and files. It has a data transfer rate of 5Gbps, supports USB 3.0, and is compatible with USB 2.0. The device can help improve the performance of your PC by freeing up space on your internal hard drive. It is plug-and-play ready for Windows PC and comes in a small, lightweight design with up to 5TB capacity.
Pros:
• Provides additional storage for videos, music, photos, and files
• High data transfer rate of 5Gbps and USB 3.0 compatibility
• Helps improve PC performance by freeing up space on internal hard drive
• Plug-and-play ready for Windows PC
• Small, lightweight design with up to 5TB capacity
Cons:
• No support for other operating systems such as macOS or Linux
• Does not come with built-in security features such as password protection or encryption
- Adding extra storage for your videos, music, photos, and files..Date transfer rate:5Gbps.Operating temperature: 5°C to 35°C, Non-op. temperature: –20°C to 65°C.
- Transfer data at maximum speed with USB 3.0; USB 2.0 compatible
- Improve PC performance - When your internal hard drive is almost full your PC slows down. Don’t delete files. Free up space on your internal hard drive by transferring files to your WD Elements portable hard drive and get your laptop moving again.
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PC
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 5TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
4. Keep Your Files Safe with LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive – USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible, Drop, Shock, Dust, Rain Resistant, Orange Color
This item is a shock-resistant and water-resistant hard drive designed for all-terrain use, capable of withstanding drops of up to 4 feet. The hard drive comes with password protection built-in and uses USB 3.0 technology, which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0. However, for Mac compatibility, the hard drive requires reformatting, and users should refer to the Application Guide for more details.
A complimentary 1-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan is also included, which must be redeemed by January 31, 2020.
Pros of this hard drive include its rugged design, making it suitable for use in harsh environments, and its fast data transfer speeds using USB 3.0 technology. Additionally, the built-in password protection adds an extra layer of security to protect valuable data.
Cons of this hard drive include the need for reformatting for Mac compatibility, which can be time-consuming, and the fact that the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan membership has an expiration date.
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use.Specific uses: Personal
- For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
- Password protection built in
- Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
- Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
5. Back Up Your Files Automatically with the WD My Book External Hard Drive
The device being described has a massive capacity of up to 18TB (1TB=one trillion bytes, actual user capacity may vary) and includes software for device management and backup with password protection. It also features 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added security. The device uses SuperSpeed USB for fast data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps and is also USB 2.0 compatible. However, it’s worth noting that the device may require software download and installation, user account registration, and terms and conditions apply.
- Massive capacity, up to 18TB capacity (1 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.).date transfer rate:600.0 megabytes_per_second.Operating temperature: 5°C to 35°C, Non-op. temperature: –20°C to 65°C.
- Includes software for device management and backup with password protection (Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.)
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible
In conclusion, an external hard drive is a crucial investment for Mac users who need additional storage space or backup options. The top Mac external hard drives on the market offer various features, including large storage capacity, fast data transfer speeds, and advanced security features such as encryption and password protection. Whether you’re a creative professional dealing with large media files or just need extra space to store your personal data, there is an external hard drive that can meet your needs. When choosing an external hard drive for your Mac, it’s essential to consider factors such as compatibility, reliability, and warranty coverage. By selecting a reliable and high-quality external hard drive, you can ensure the safety and security of your important data while also increasing your Mac’s storage capacity and performance.
FAQs
What is an external hard drive?
An external hard drive is a portable storage device that can be connected to a computer or other device via a USB cable. It allows you to store and access files, documents, and media files outside of your computer’s internal hard drive.
What is the best external hard drive?
There are several great external hard drives, including the Western Digital My Passport, Seagate Backup Plus Slim, and Toshiba Canvio Advance. Each of these hard drives offers unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and budget.
How do I choose the right external hard drive for me?
When choosing an external hard drive, you should consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, durability, and compatibility with your device. You should also consider your budget and the type of files you plan to store.
What are the benefits of a good external hard drive?
A good external hard drive can provide many benefits, including increased storage capacity, improved data backup and recovery, and enhanced mobility and convenience. It can also help protect your valuable data in case of a computer failure or virus attack.
How much does a good external hard drive cost?
The cost of a good external hard drive can vary depending on the brand, storage capacity, and features. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 for a good quality external hard drive.