Buying Guide
The Best Time Machine Backup Drives
Five external drives ranked on capacity and drive type, where the Passport Ultra for Mac has the largest capacity; the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A Time Machine backup drive needs space for many snapshots. These are ordered by capacity.
We ranked these external drives on drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and connection using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Capacity
WD My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TBThe largest capacity here (5TB).
Best for: Buyers who put capacity first.
Check price for WD My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TBA USB 3.0 connection.
Best for: Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Check price for Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ADATA HD710 Pro 2TBUndercutting the My Passport 2TB on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the My Passport 2TB the next step up.
Check price for ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
WD My Passport 2TB Portable Hard DriveBackup software with ransomware defense.
Best for: Buyers who want backup software with ransomware defense.
Check price for WD My Passport 2TB Portable Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TBReformatting required for Mac.
Best for: Buyers who want reformatting required for Mac.
Check price for Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Capacity1 of 5
WD My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TB
WD's My Passport Ultra for Mac arrives formatted for macOS and connects by USB-C.
Best for
- Buyers who put capacity first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It adds 256-bit AES hardware encryption and the largest capacity here, 5TB. On capacity it leads this guide at 5TB, ahead of the Canvio Advance 4TB (4TB). It is the only pick here with a USB-C (USB 3.1) connection; the Canvio Advance 4TB has a USB 3.0 connection instead.
It also offers formatting for Mac out of the box, a metal cover and a USB-C connection. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. Only the Canvio Advance 4TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 5TB
- Connection
- USB-C (USB 3.1)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password, 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Pros
- Formatting for Mac out of the box
- Metal cover
- USB-C connection
- Largest capacity of the picks (5TB)
Cons
- Costs more than the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB
What the Canvio Advance 4TB brings to the table is a USB 3.0 connection.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 4TB. Its 4TB capacity ranks second of 5 here, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB) and ahead of the Canvio Basics 2TB (2TB). No other pick in this guide offers a password protection software security; compare the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, which has a none stated security.
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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Canvio Basics 2TB and the pricier Passport Ultra for Mac, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 4TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password protection software
Pros
- USB 3.0 connection
- Capacity of 4TB, ahead of the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB
- Password protection software security, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB
The ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB is built around a USB 3.0 connection.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the My Passport 2TB the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: capacity of 2TB, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 2TB. On capacity it ties with the My Passport 2TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB at 2TB. It shares a none stated security with the Canvio Basics 2TB; the Canvio Advance 4TB goes with a password protection software security.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the My Passport 2TB was closest. What it gives up: capacity of 2TB, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB); by contrast, the Passport Ultra for Mac is rated for 5TB.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Shockproof, waterproof, dustproof
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- USB 3.0 connection
- Undercutting the My Passport 2TB on price when we checked
- HDD drive type
- 2TB capacity
Cons
- Capacity of 2TB, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
WD My Passport 2TB Portable Hard Drive
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
WD offers a three-year warranty. On capacity it ties with the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB at 2TB. 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. You also get this: slim enclosure.
Key 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
Cons
- Costs more than the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB
What the Canvio Basics 2TB brings to the table is reformatting required for Mac.
Best for
- Buyers who want reformatting required for Mac.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the Passport Ultra for Mac offers 5TB.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 2TB. On capacity it ties with the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB and the My Passport 2TB at 2TB. It shares a none stated security with the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB; the Canvio Advance 4TB goes with a password protection software security.
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. When we checked, only the My Passport 2TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the Canvio Advance 4TB cost more. Capacity is its weakest area, and the Passport Ultra for Mac covers it better at 5TB.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Reformatting required for Mac
- HDD drive type
- 2TB capacity
- USB 3.0 connection
Cons
- Capacity trails the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB)
- Costs more than the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Time Machine Backup Drives
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five drives on drive type, capacity, connection and security, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and all 4 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Passport Ultra for Mac to the Canvio Basics 2TB, state drive type, capacity and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The Passport Ultra for Mac for the largest capacity here (5TB); the Canvio Advance 4TB for a USB 3.0 connection; the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB for undercutting the My Passport 2TB on price when we checked.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB ($100 to $150) to the Passport Ultra for Mac ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Time Machine Backup Drive
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity across these picks
Across these 5 picks capacity spans 2TB (the Canvio Basics 2TB) to 5TB (the Passport Ultra for Mac). The Canvio Advance 4TB comes second at 4TB, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Passport Ultra for Mac.
Extras that separate them
The Canvio Advance 4TB: a USB 3.0 connection. The My Passport 2TB: a three-year limited warranty. The Canvio Basics 2TB: reformatting required for Mac.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, the My Passport 2TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB; $150 to $250 buys the Canvio Advance 4TB; $250 to $500 buys the Passport Ultra for Mac at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who put capacity first: the Passport Ultra for Mac. Spending as little as possible, with the My Passport 2TB the next step up: the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB.
An M.2 2280 SSD held in a hand 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.
How to Choose a Time Machine Backup Drive
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put capacity first | Passport Ultra for Mac | The largest capacity here (5TB) |
| Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection | Canvio Advance 4TB | A USB 3.0 connection |
| Spending as little as possible, with the My Passport 2TB the next step up | ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB | Undercutting the My Passport 2TB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want backup software with ransomware defense | My Passport 2TB | Backup software with ransomware defense |
| Buyers who want reformatting required for Mac | Canvio Basics 2TB | Reformatting required for Mac |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Passport Ultra for Mac leads on capacity at 5TB, ahead of the Canvio Advance 4TB at 4TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Connection | Durability claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Ultra for Mac | HDD | 5TB | USB-C (USB 3.1) | Not stated |
| Canvio Advance 4TB | HDD | 4TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Shockproof, waterproof, dustproof |
| My Passport 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| Canvio Basics 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Passport Ultra for Mac the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, My Passport 2TB, Canvio Basics 2TB |
| About $150 to $250 | Canvio Advance 4TB |
| About $250 to $500 | Passport Ultra for Mac |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Canvio Advance 4TB compare with the Passport Ultra for Mac on capacity?
The Passport Ultra for Mac leads at 5TB, with the Canvio Advance 4TB at 4TB. The Canvio Basics 2TB is at the other end of this group with 2TB.
What does the Passport Ultra for Mac add over the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB?
The spec sheets show capacity (5TB against 2TB) in its favour. On our last price check the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Passport Ultra for Mac in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if capacity decides your purchase.
Why is the Passport Ultra for Mac our Largest Capacity pick?
It earns the label for the largest capacity here (5TB). On capacity it leads the Canvio Advance 4TB, 5TB against 4TB, a 25% margin. The ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts capacity first.
Do the Passport Ultra for Mac and the Canvio Advance 4TB differ on connection?
The Passport Ultra for Mac uses USB-C (USB 3.1); the Canvio Advance 4TB, the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB, the My Passport 2TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB use USB 3.0.
What extras do the Passport Ultra for Mac and the Canvio Advance 4TB include?
The Passport Ultra for Mac: formatting for Mac out of the box. The Canvio Advance 4TB: a USB 3.0 connection. The ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB: a USB 3.0 connection.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Passport Ultra for Mac, chosen for the largest capacity here (5TB). Look at the Canvio Advance 4TB for a USB 3.0 connection, the ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB for undercutting the My Passport 2TB on price when we checked and the My Passport 2TB for backup software with ransomware defense if those matter more to you.
Keep the drive connected so Time Machine can back up hourly.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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