Buying Guide
The Best Hard Drives for Time Machine Backup
Five external drives ranked on capacity and drive type; the YOTUO 1TB is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Time Machine works with any external drive you format for it; a hard drive gives the most space for the money. Every pick is a hard drive.
The order reflects drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and connection from maker specifications; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
Undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard Drive
A plain plug-in design.
Best for: Buyers who want plain plug-in design.
Our take Check price for Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard Drive (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive
PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility.
Best for: Buyers who want PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility.
Our take Check price for Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
WD My Passport 2TB Portable Hard Drive
Backup software with ransomware defense.
Best for: Buyers who want backup software with ransomware defense.
Our take Check price for WD My Passport 2TB Portable Hard Drive (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB Portable Hard Drive
Drop resistance up to 4ft at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB Portable Hard Drive (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
YOTUO's 1TB drive ships with both USB 3.0 and USB-C connections and a silicone sleeve.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Pass on it if capacity of 1TB, behind the My Passport 2TB (2TB rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It weighs 0.16kg. It stores and plays PS4 and Xbox One games directly, and a silicone sleeve cushions drops. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux.
It matches the Expansion 1TB and the Seagate Portable 1TB on capacity (1TB). Like the Expansion 1TB and Seagate Portable 1TB, it has a none stated security, while the Rugged Mini uses a password security. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Expansion 1TB was the next step up. The main gap: capacity of 1TB, behind the My Passport 2TB (2TB). If that matters, the My Passport 2TB is rated for 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Connection: USB 3.0 and USB-C
- Durability claim: Silicone sleeve
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Both USB 3.0 and USB-C connections
- Silicone sleeve
- 0.16kg weight
- Undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked
Cons
- Capacity of 1TB, behind the My Passport 2TB (2TB)
Also Consider2 of 5
Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Expansion Portable is Seagate's simplest drive: a 1TB USB 3.0 hard drive with no extras.
Best for
- Buyers who want plain plug-in design.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the YOTUO 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits a single backup job. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD, but it costs less per terabyte for backups. It needs no power adapter and draws power over USB.
It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the My Passport 2TB; the Seagate Portable 1TB goes with a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection. Like the YOTUO 1TB and Seagate Portable 1TB, it has a none stated security, while the Rugged Mini uses a password security. It also comes with a plain plug-in design, USB 3.0 and a compact enclosure.
It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper YOTUO 1TB and the pricier Seagate Portable 1TB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Connection: USB 3.0
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Plain plug-in design
- USB 3.0
- Compact enclosure
Cons
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 1TB Seagate Portable lists PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox support and a year of Rescue data recovery.
Best for
- Buyers who want PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the My Passport 2TB offers 2TB.
Why we like it
Mac users reformat it first. On capacity it ties with the YOTUO 1TB and the Expansion 1TB at 1TB. Like the Rugged Mini, it has a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection, while the Expansion 1TB uses a USB 3.0 connection.
It shares a none stated security with the YOTUO 1TB and Expansion 1TB; the Rugged Mini goes with a password security. It also offers the lowest price tier among Seagate drives here. It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable.
It ships formatted for Windows, so a Mac user reformats it (exFAT for both systems, APFS for Time Machine). When we checked, only the Expansion 1TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the My Passport 2TB cost more. Capacity is its weakest area, and the My Passport 2TB covers it better at 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Connection: USB 3.0 (USB-A)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility
- One year of Rescue data recovery
- The lowest price tier among Seagate drives here
Cons
- Capacity trails the My Passport 2TB (2TB)
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
WD My Passport 2TB Portable Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WD's My Passport adds password protection, hardware encryption and backup software to a slim 2TB drive.
Best for
- Buyers who want backup software with ransomware defense.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the YOTUO 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
WD offers a three-year warranty. On capacity it ties with the Rugged Mini at 2TB. Like the Expansion 1TB, it has a USB 3.0 connection, while the YOTUO 1TB uses a USB 3.0 and USB-C connection.
It also offers backup software with ransomware defense. It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running.
Worth noting too: slim enclosure. It was priced above the Seagate Portable 1TB and below the Rugged Mini at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Connection: USB 3.0
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: Password, hardware encryption
Pros
- Backup software with ransomware defense
- Three-year limited warranty
- Slim enclosure
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the YOTUO 1TB
Cons
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB Portable Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LaCie's Rugged Mini wraps a 2TB hard drive in a bumper rated for 4ft drops, with dust and water resistance.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the YOTUO 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects by USB 3.0 and needs reformatting for Mac. It matches the My Passport 2TB on capacity (2TB). It shares a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection with the Seagate Portable 1TB; the My Passport 2TB goes with a USB 3.0 connection.
It is the only pick here with a password security; the Expansion 1TB has a none stated security instead. You also get built-in password protection and a rubber bumper design. It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable.
It ships formatted for Windows, so a Mac user reformats it (exFAT for both systems, APFS for Time Machine). As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the My Passport 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Connection: USB 3.0 (USB-A)
- Durability claim: Drops up to 4ft, dust and water resistant
- Security: Password
Pros
- Drop resistance up to 4ft
- Built-in password protection
- Rubber bumper design
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the YOTUO 1TB
Cons
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Hard Drives for Time Machine Backup
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connection
- We checked the USB standard and connector each maker names.
- Drive type and speed
- We recorded whether each drive is an SSD or hard drive and its read speed.
- Durability
- We noted listed drop, water and dust claims.
- Security and extras
- We checked for password protection, encryption and backup software.
What to Look for in a Hard Drive for Time Machine Backup
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the port
A 1,050MB/s SSD needs USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps); a 2,000MB/s SSD needs Gen 2x2 (20Gbps), which few laptops and no Macs offer. On a slower port the drive simply runs at the port's speed.
Mac and Windows formatting
Many drives ship formatted for Windows. On a Mac, reformat to APFS for Time Machine, or exFAT to share the drive with a Windows PC.
Password and encryption
Hardware encryption with a password protects a drive that could be lost. Software-only encryption depends on an app being available on each computer.
SSD or hard drive
A portable hard drive gives the most terabytes per dollar and suits backups. A portable SSD is several times faster, lighter and more tolerant of drops, which suits working files and games.
Size for what you store
1TB suits documents and a few games. 2TB or more suits photo libraries, video and large game libraries. Hard drives reach larger sizes for the money.
Drop and water ratings
IP ratings and drop heights are manufacturer claims. They matter for drives that travel in bags; a drive that stays on a desk needs less.
How to Choose a Hard Drive for Time Machine Backup
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | YOTUO 1TB | Undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want plain plug-in design | Expansion 1TB | A plain plug-in design |
| Buyers who want PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility | Seagate Portable 1TB | PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility |
| Buyers who want backup software with ransomware defense | My Passport 2TB | Backup software with ransomware defense |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Rugged Mini | Drop resistance up to 4ft at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Connection | Durability claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YOTUO 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 and USB-C | Silicone sleeve |
| Expansion 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| Seagate Portable 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | Not stated |
| My Passport 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| Rugged Mini | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | Drops up to 4ft, dust and water resistant |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | YOTUO 1TB |
| About $100 to $150 | Expansion 1TB, Seagate Portable 1TB, My Passport 2TB, Rugged Mini |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these external drives has the largest capacity?
The My Passport 2TB, at 2TB. The Rugged Mini follows at 2TB, while the Seagate Portable 1TB has 1TB.
What is the least I can spend on one of these external drives?
At our last price check the YOTUO 1TB was the cheapest pick and the Rugged Mini the most expensive; the Expansion 1TB was the next step up from the YOTUO 1TB.
Is a portable SSD good for backups?
It works, but a hard drive gives more capacity per dollar for backups. Keep a second copy somewhere else for anything irreplaceable.
Why does my 1TB drive show less space?
Drive makers count 1TB as one trillion bytes; Windows counts in binary units, so it shows about 931GB. No space is missing.
How long do portable drives last?
It depends on use and handling. Check the warranty length as a signal of the maker's confidence, and replace a drive that reports errors.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the YOTUO 1TB, chosen for undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked. Look at the Expansion 1TB for a plain plug-in design, the Seagate Portable 1TB for PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility and the My Passport 2TB for backup software with ransomware defense if those matter more to you.
Choose a drive at least twice the size of the data you back up.