iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Time Machine does not require a special Apple-branded drive, an SSD, or an HFS+ volume. A dependable USB hard drive with enough capacity will work once it is formatted as APFS or APFS Encrypted. The important distinction is that many drives arrive formatted as exFAT or NTFS for Windows, and those formats cannot be used as a Time Machine destination without being erased and reformatted.
The eight drives below are the first eight models in Macworld’s June 24, 2026 external-drive ranking. They are conventional hard-disk drives, so they trade SSD-level speed for substantially more storage per dollar. For a backup drive that normally runs in the background, that is often a sensible trade-off.
Quick comparison
| Drive | Available capacities | Power and connection | Best for | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate Expansion Desktop | 4TB–24TB | AC-powered; USB | Large, inexpensive backup libraries | Requires reformatting for Mac use |
| WD My Passport Ultra for Mac | Up to 6TB | USB-C; bus-powered | Portable Mac backups | About 110MB/s read/write in testing |
| Seagate Ultra Touch HDD | 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | USB-C; bus-powered | Portable encrypted backups | Larger and heavier than the previous version |
| WD My Passport | Up to 6TB | USB Micro-B; USB-A cable and USB-C adapter | Affordable portable storage | Uses an older connector |
| SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD | 1TB–6TB | USB Type-C; bus-powered | Portable use where ruggedization matters | Ships as exFAT and must be reformatted |
| LaCie Mobile Drive (2022) | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | USB-C; bus-powered | Portable backups and mirror folders | About 126MB/s write and 130MB/s read |
| Seagate Special Edition FireCuda | Varies by configuration | USB; adapter not included | Users who also want Seagate ToolKit | Formatted for Windows and needs reformatting |
| WD My Book | Up to 24TB | AC-powered; USB-A | High-capacity desktop backups | Requires mains power and uses USB 3.0 |
Capacity figures and specifications can vary by retailer and exact configuration. Confirm the model and capacity before buying.
1. Seagate Expansion Desktop: best high-capacity Time Machine drive
The Seagate Expansion Desktop is the straightforward choice when capacity matters more than portability. The range runs from 4TB to 24TB, giving it enough headroom for a Mac with a large internal drive, photo library, video collection, or several years of retained backups.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
It is a desktop drive, so it needs an AC power connection. That makes it less suitable for travel but appropriate for a desk where it can remain attached and let Time Machine work automatically. Macworld notes that it must be reformatted for Mac use. Treat that as a setup requirement, not a defect: erase it as APFS or APFS Encrypted before assigning it to Time Machine.
Choose it if: you want a large backup destination at a sensible hard-drive price and do not need a bus-powered portable disk.
2. Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac: best portable USB-C option
The My Passport Ultra for Mac is designed around newer Macs, with USB-C on the drive and both a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter included. It reaches approximately 110MB/s for reads and writes in Macworld’s testing—adequate for scheduled background backups, though not close to the performance of a modern external SSD.
Its maximum listed capacity is 6TB. That is enough for many MacBooks, particularly when the backup disk is used for documents, applications, and ordinary media rather than a very large video archive. As with any new backup disk, check its format before setup and allow macOS to erase it if there is nothing worth keeping on it.
Choose it if: you want a compact, portable HDD that connects cleanly to a USB-C Mac without needing to buy a separate adapter.
3. Seagate Ultra Touch HDD: best portable drive with extra security features
The Seagate Ultra Touch HDD is available in 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB versions. It uses USB-C and includes password-protection and encryption features, which makes it appealing if the drive will leave the house or be stored somewhere accessible to other people.
Macworld measured approximately 130MB/s read and write performance. It is larger and heavier than the earlier Ultra Touch version, so portability is relative: it is easy to carry in a bag, but it is not as unobtrusive as a small SSD.
Do not confuse the drive’s manufacturer security software with Time Machine’s own backup encryption. For a new Time Machine backup, the cleanest approach is to enable Encrypt Backup during macOS setup and store the resulting password safely.
Choose it if: you want a portable HDD with USB-C and hardware/software security features, and you can accept a somewhat bulkier enclosure.
4. Western Digital My Passport: best basic portable budget choice
The standard My Passport offers capacities up to 6TB and is a practical option when price or availability matters more than having a current connector. It uses USB Micro-B on the drive and comes with a USB-A cable plus a USB-C adapter.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
That connector arrangement works, but it adds another small point of failure compared with a drive that has USB-C directly on the enclosure. The included WD Discovery software provides password-protection and encryption features. Those features are optional; Time Machine can also encrypt the backup volume during setup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose it if: you want a widely available portable drive and do not mind using an older Micro-B cable or adapter.
5. SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD: best rugged portable HDD
The G-Drive ArmorATD is available from 1TB through 6TB and uses USB Type-C. Its ruggedization is useful for a portable backup disk because an HDD contains moving parts and is more vulnerable to drops and rough handling than an SSD.
There is a critical setup detail: the drive ships formatted as exFAT. It will mount in Finder, but that does not make it a Time Machine destination. Use Disk Utility or let Time Machine erase it, choosing APFS or APFS Encrypted. Reformatting permanently removes the existing exFAT contents.
Ruggedization is not permission to disconnect the drive while it is writing. Eject it before unplugging it, and avoid moving it while the disk is active.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Choose it if: the backup drive will travel regularly and physical protection is more valuable than maximum capacity.
6. LaCie Mobile Drive (2022): best portable drive for backups plus a mirror folder
The 2022 LaCie Mobile Drive comes in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB capacities and includes a USB-C cable. Macworld measured approximately 126MB/s write and 130MB/s read speeds, placing it in the same general performance class as the other portable HDDs here.
Its distinguishing extra is LaCie ToolKit for macOS 10.14 and later, which can create a continuously updated Mirror folder. That is separate from Time Machine: a mirror folder keeps a current copy of selected files, while Time Machine maintains historical versions and lets you recover older states.
Do not allocate the entire physical disk to both systems casually. Time Machine uses the selected APFS volume. If you want a Time Machine volume and a separate data area, create a second APFS volume and leave enough capacity for the backup history.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Choose it if: you want Time Machine history plus a convenient current-copy folder for selected working files.
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
7. Seagate Special Edition FireCuda: best if you already use Seagate ToolKit
The Special Edition FireCuda includes Seagate ToolKit and can suit someone who wants that software alongside a Time Machine setup. Macworld lists the drive as formatted for Windows PCs, so it must be erased and reformatted with Disk Utility before it can be used as a Time Machine destination.
A USB-C adapter is not included. Check the cable and port arrangement of the particular bundle before ordering, especially if your Mac has USB-C ports only.
As with the other Windows-formatted drives, copy anything you need elsewhere before formatting. The fact that the FireCuda appears normally in Finder does not mean macOS can use its existing volume for Time Machine.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Choose it if: you specifically want Seagate ToolKit or find this model at a good price and already have the required cable.
8. Western Digital My Book: best desktop drive for very large backups
The WD My Book is the other obvious desktop option in this group. The range reaches up to 24TB, with Macworld reviewing a 22TB model. It requires mains power and uses USB 3.0 with a USB-A cable, so it belongs on a permanent desk rather than in a laptop bag.
Macworld measured approximately 215MB/s read and write performance, faster than the portable HDDs listed above. The drive also supports password protection and 256-bit encryption through WD Security.
Its high capacity is useful for Macs with large internal storage or large media libraries. Remember, however, that a single Time Machine disk is not a complete disaster-recovery strategy. A second backup, preferably stored separately, protects against theft, fire, drive failure, and accidental erasure.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose it if: you need a high-capacity desktop backup disk and have a permanent location with an AC outlet.
How to choose the right Time Machine drive
Capacity
Apple says the backup disk should ideally have at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. That is guidance rather than an absolute minimum. A smaller disk can still hold backups, but Time Machine will reach its limit sooner and remove older backups sooner.
Time Machine normally keeps hourly backups for the previous 24 hours, daily backups for the previous month, and weekly backups for earlier months. When the destination fills, it deletes the oldest backups. A larger disk therefore preserves a longer history, especially if your files change frequently.
Rank #4
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Mac
Portable or desktop
- Portable HDD: bus-powered, easier to move, usually available up to about 5TB or 6TB in this list.
- Desktop HDD: requires AC power but offers capacities up to 24TB and often better sustained performance.
For a MacBook that travels, choose a portable model or connect a desktop drive at home. For a Mac mini or iMac that stays in one place, a desktop model is often the better capacity-per-dollar choice.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
HDD or SSD
An SSD is not required for Time Machine. HDDs are suitable and generally cheaper at high capacities. An SSD makes the initial backup and large restores faster, runs silently, and is more resistant to movement, but it usually costs more per terabyte. For unattended overnight backups, an HDD remains a reasonable choice.
Format and encryption
Apple’s preferred formats are APFS and APFS Encrypted. Mac OS Extended (Journaled), Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled), and Xsan disks are also supported, but Apple’s current compatibility guidance makes APFS Encrypted the better choice for a new encrypted setup. Apple specifically flags existing encrypted Mac OS Extended backup disks as a compatibility matter for macOS 28 or later.
Time Machine cannot use exFAT or NTFS as a backup destination. A Windows-formatted disk may mount and accept ordinary files while remaining unusable for Time Machine.
How to set up an external drive for Time Machine
- Connect the drive directly to the Mac rather than through a USB hub or another device.
- Open Apple menu → System Settings → General → Time Machine.
- Click Add Backup Disk or the Add (+) button.
- Select the connected drive and click Set Up Disk.
- If macOS asks to erase the disk, proceed only if its existing files are backed up elsewhere. Erasing permanently deletes them.
- Turn on Encrypt Backup if you want an encrypted backup, then create and save the backup password.
- If macOS asks whether this Mac should claim backups made by another Mac, claim them only when they should become part of this Mac’s backup history.
The encryption password is needed when restoring from the backup. macOS may also ask for it when the disk is connected, disconnected, or the Mac is restarted. Store it in a password manager or another secure location; without it, encrypted backup recovery can become impossible.
Sharing one physical disk with other files
Apple recommends using the Time Machine disk only for backups. If you have an advanced use case, create a second APFS volume on the same physical device rather than placing ordinary files inside the Time Machine volume. APFS volumes share the container’s free space dynamically.
To add one:
- Open Disk Utility.
- Select an existing APFS volume in the sidebar.
- Click Add Volume.
- Enter a name and choose an APFS format.
- Use Size Options if you need to set a quota or reserve space.
- Click Add, then Done.
Keep the Time Machine volume at roughly twice the Mac’s storage capacity when possible. Sharing a small disk may leave too little room for useful backup history.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Useful Time Machine controls
To start a backup immediately, click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and choose Back Up Now. To change how often backups run in Ventura 13 or later, open that menu, choose Open Time Machine Settings, click Options, and use the Back up frequency menu.
If the icon is not visible, go to Apple menu → System Settings → Menu Bar → Time Machine and enable it.
Recommended Free Tools
Before disconnecting a directly attached disk, eject it in Finder or shut down the Mac. When you reconnect it, Time Machine automatically resumes its schedule.
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Common problems before blaming the drive
- The disk mounts but cannot be selected: it is probably exFAT or NTFS. Reformat it as APFS or APFS Encrypted after copying off its contents.
- The first backup is very slow: connect directly, avoid hubs, and allow time for the initial scan. Cloud-sync activity and large protected-file sets can also delay it.
- Backups fail intermittently: check the cable, adapter, hub, VPN, and third-party security software. Insufficient free space on the Mac can also stop a backup.
- The drive disconnects: use a direct connection and eject it before moving or unplugging it.
- A network backup is unreliable: if it previously succeeded, hold Option while opening the Time Machine menu and choose Verify Backups.
For a NAS, choose a model that supports Time Machine over SMB. Apple recommends SMB when both SMB and AFP are available. AFP-based Time Machine backups are not recommended and will not be supported in macOS 27 or later, which also makes older AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme backup arrangements poor choices for a new setup.
Sources and compatibility notes
Setup, capacity, encryption, supported formats, troubleshooting, and network-backup guidance are based on Apple’s Time Machine support article, the Mac User Guide, the backup troubleshooting guidance, and Apple’s current compatibility documentation. Drive specifications and performance figures come from Macworld’s June 24, 2026 external-drive ranking.
FAQ
What is the best overall external hard drive for Time Machine?
For a portable Mac, the Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Mac is the most convenient all-round choice because it has USB-C and includes both USB-C and USB-A connectivity. For a desktop Mac or a very large library, the Seagate Expansion Desktop or WD My Book is a better fit.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Does a Time Machine drive need to be twice the size of the Mac?
No. Apple says twice the Mac’s storage capacity is ideal, not an absolute requirement. A smaller disk works but will retain fewer historical backups before Time Machine removes older ones.
Can Time Machine use an exFAT drive?
No. exFAT and NTFS drives can mount in Finder but cannot be used as Time Machine destinations. Reformat the drive as APFS or APFS Encrypted, after copying away any files you need.
Should I format a new Time Machine drive as APFS or HFS+?
Use APFS or APFS Encrypted for a new setup. HFS+ remains supported in compatible situations, but Apple’s current documentation favors APFS and flags existing encrypted Mac OS Extended backup disks as a compatibility matter for macOS 28 or later.
Can I use one external drive for Time Machine and ordinary files?
Apple recommends dedicating the drive to Time Machine. If you must share it, create a separate APFS volume using Disk Utility and leave sufficient capacity for the Time Machine volume.
Is an external SSD required for Time Machine?
No. HDDs are supported and are often cheaper at high capacities. An SSD is faster, quieter, and more resistant to movement, but it is not necessary for scheduled backups.
Can I still buy an AirPort Time Capsule for Time Machine?
It is not a good current recommendation. AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme backup setups use AFP, which Apple says will not be supported in macOS 27 or later. A directly connected drive or an SMB-compatible NAS is a safer choice.
The Bottom Line
The best choice depends mainly on where the drive will live. Choose the WD My Passport Ultra for Mac or LaCie Mobile Drive for portable USB-C backups, the G-Drive ArmorATD for extra physical protection, and the Seagate Expansion Desktop or WD My Book for large desktop libraries. Whichever model you buy, verify the capacity, connect it directly, and format it as APFS or APFS Encrypted before trusting it with Time Machine.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
