Buying Guide
The Best External Hard Drive for Mac Backup
Five external drives ranked on capacity and drive type, where the Passport Ultra for Mac has the largest capacity; the WD Elements is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A hard drive is the cheapest way to keep full Mac backups. Every pick is a hard drive, ordered by capacity.
Rankings weigh drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and connection as the makers state them; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing 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
WD Elements 2TB Portable Hard DriveThe lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ADATA HD720 2TB.
Check price for WD Elements 2TB Portable Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ADATA HD720 2TBA USB 3.0 connection.
Best for: Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Check price for ADATA HD720 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Seagate One Touch 2TB Portable Hard Drive with PasswordA brushed-metal enclosure.
Best for: Buyers who want brushed-metal enclosure.
Check price for Seagate One Touch 2TB Portable Hard Drive with Password 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
- If budget leads, the WD Elements was cheaper at our last price check.
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). No other pick in this guide offers a USB-C (USB 3.1) connection; compare the ADATA HD720 2TB, which has a USB 3.0 connection.
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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Canvio Advance 4TB the nearest cheaper option.
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 WD Elements 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
- Skip it if price comes first: the WD Elements 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 One Touch 2TB (2TB). It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the ADATA HD720 2TB and One Touch 2TB; the WD Elements goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connection.
It is the only pick here with a password protection software security; the WD Elements has a none stated security instead. 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. Its price falls between the One Touch 2TB and the Passport Ultra for Mac, based on our last check.
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 WD Elements
- Password protection software security, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the WD Elements at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
WD Elements 2TB Portable Hard Drive
WD Elements is a no-frills 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 1 drive.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ADATA HD720 2TB.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: capacity of 2TB, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB).
Why we like it
It is formatted for Windows out of the box. It matches the ADATA HD720 2TB and the One Touch 2TB on capacity (2TB). A USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Canvio Advance 4TB uses a USB 3.0 connection.
Like the ADATA HD720 2TB, it has a none stated security, while the Canvio Advance 4TB uses a password protection software security. You also get plug-and-play setup, a small, light enclosure and USB 3.2 Gen 1. 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 cheapest of the group when we checked; the ADATA HD720 2TB was the next step up.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Plug-and-play setup
- Small, light enclosure
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Capacity of 2TB, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB)
The catch
The main gap: capacity of 2TB, behind the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB). If that matters, the Passport Ultra for Mac is rated for 5TB.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ADATA HD720 2TB
The ADATA HD720 2TB stands out for a USB 3.0 connection.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the WD Elements, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 2TB. It matches the WD Elements and the One Touch 2TB on capacity (2TB). It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the Canvio Advance 4TB and One Touch 2TB; the WD Elements goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connection.
Like the WD Elements, it has a none stated security, while the Canvio Advance 4TB uses 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. Its price falls between the WD Elements and the One Touch 2TB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- IP68, shock resistant
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- USB 3.0 connection
- HDD drive type
- 2TB capacity
- IP68, shock resistant durability claim
Cons
- Costs more than the WD Elements at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Seagate One Touch 2TB Portable Hard Drive with Password
Seagate's One Touch adds password-protected hardware encryption and a brushed-metal case to a 2TB hard drive.
Best for
- Buyers who want brushed-metal enclosure.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the Passport Ultra for Mac offers 5TB.
Why we like it
Its warranty runs two years with Rescue data recovery. It matches the WD Elements and the ADATA HD720 2TB on capacity (2TB). It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the Canvio Advance 4TB and ADATA HD720 2TB; the WD Elements goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connection.
It also comes with scheduled or one-click backups. 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.
Its price falls between the ADATA HD720 2TB and the Canvio Advance 4TB, based on our last check. If capacity is your priority, the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password, hardware encryption
Pros
- Brushed-metal enclosure
- Scheduled or one-click backups
- Two-year warranty with Rescue data recovery
Cons
- Capacity trails the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB)
- Costs more than the WD Elements at the time of writing
How We Chose
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.
- What we compared
- We compared five drives on drive type, capacity, connection and security from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Passport Ultra for Mac to the One Touch 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 WD Elements for the lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the WD Elements ($100 to $150) to the Passport Ultra for Mac ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive for Mac Backup
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity
The Passport Ultra for Mac tops capacity at 5TB and the One Touch 2TB sits lowest at 2TB. 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 WD Elements: a small, light enclosure. The One Touch 2TB: scheduled or one-click backups.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure Budget
$100 to $150 buys the WD Elements, the ADATA HD720 2TB and the One Touch 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. Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ADATA HD720 2TB: the WD Elements.
An M.2 2280 SSD held in a hand 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.
How to Choose an External Hard Drive for Mac Backup
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 |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the ADATA HD720 2TB | WD Elements | The lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection | ADATA HD720 2TB | A USB 3.0 connection |
| Buyers who want brushed-metal enclosure | One Touch 2TB | A brushed-metal enclosure |
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 |
| WD Elements | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) | Not stated |
| ADATA HD720 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | IP68, shock resistant |
| One Touch 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The WD Elements 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 | WD Elements, ADATA HD720 2TB, One Touch 2TB |
| About $150 to $250 | Canvio Advance 4TB |
| About $250 to $500 | Passport Ultra for Mac |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Passport Ultra for Mac ahead of the Canvio Advance 4TB on capacity?
The Passport Ultra for Mac tops capacity at 5TB; the Canvio Advance 4TB follows at 4TB, 25% apart. The spread runs down to the One Touch 2TB at 2TB.
What does the Passport Ultra for Mac add over the WD Elements?
On paper it adds capacity (5TB against 2TB). On our last price check the WD Elements 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 carries the badge for the largest capacity here (5TB). On capacity it leads the Canvio Advance 4TB, 5TB against 4TB, a 25% margin. The WD Elements, 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 HD720 2TB and the One Touch 2TB use USB 3.0; the WD Elements uses USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps).
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 WD Elements: plug-and-play setup.
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 WD Elements for the lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing and the ADATA HD720 2TB for a USB 3.0 connection if those matter more to you.
Reformat to APFS before the first backup.
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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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