2. Top Portable HDD for MacBook Air/Pro/iMac
Looking to reformat an external hard drive for both Mac and Windows use? Check out this tutorial on how to properly format your device quickly and easily. Assuming that your device is not brand new out of the box like mine was, you will need to be sure to back up your hard drive's contents before.
LaCie Rugged Mini ($99.99/1TB) - Review: 4.5
Since many users recommend LaCie as the best external DVD drive for Mac, we put the 1TB version on the top of the best external hard drive for Mac list. Claimed as being even rain-resistant, and pressure-resistant, it can be easily carried wherever you go. 700MB video file can be transferred with USB 3.0, which is quite satisfying in speed. With secure password protection software built-in, it's also the best portable hard drive for MacBook Air/Pro/iMac to backup Mac, restore Mac data in terms of security.
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt ($169.90/1TB) - Review: 4.5
It says the best external drive for Mac with Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 connector can transfer data in a speed of up to 240 MB/s. LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt is a good choice for users requiring more data security and mobility thanks to its hardware RAID 0/1 flexibility and two-meter drop resistance. However, some users complain that the best Mac external hard drive is not as fast as they believer. Know More Top Fast File Transfer for Mac.
Western Digital ($59/1TB) - Review: 4.5
It's the best external hard drive to backup Mac compared with other items from WD. Speed is improved a lot in this model. Optional AES hardware encryption is offered by the best hard disk drive for Mac, you are free to block and unblock the drive and restore data for Mac. Four colors are available, black, blue, white and berry. The best Mac portable hard drive for is suitable for both Mac and PC. Also see iPhone flash drive app.
Seagate Backup Plus Slim ($59.99/1TB)- Review: 4.4
The extra 200GB of free OneDrive cloud storage make the best HDD for Mac more appealing, which requires a register of your drive on its official site though. With Lyve App, data backup on the best portable hard drive for MacBook is being reached within the app anywhere and anytime. It has up to 4TB version priced at $119.99, 4TB fast $199.99, with data transfer speed up to 220MB/S.
Transcend 1 TB StoreJet ( $56.99/1TB) - Review: 4.4
This Transcend 1 TB StoreJet can transfer large file with speed of up to 100MB/s according to users report. the 256-bit AES file and folder encryption sounds good. 2TB version only costs $ 102.99, which is really cheap on the list of best external hard drive for Mac. The so claimed military-grade shock resistance, however, is not expected as it ought to be. It's durability needs to be improved.
Toshiba Canvio Connect II ( $54.99/1TB) - Review: 4.5
Data encryption, auto backup and Cloud-enabled backup are all allowed by the top HDD for MacBook. It is available in various capability, 1TB, 2TB, 3TB and 500MB. Stable and fast data transfer speed of the updated Toshiba Canvio Connect version is highly praised by users. It's a great choice for best portable hard drive for Mac hunters.
G-Technology G-DRIVE ($ 84.95/500GB) - Review: 4.8
If you are looking for the best portable firewire external hard drive for Mac, this one is probably what you want. The G-Technology G-DRIVE 500GB top portable firewire hard drive for Mac is good for Mac data backup/recovery and video editing. Time Machine-ready, bus-powered operation and Firewire port are appreciated features. Note that this best-rated hard disk drive requires computer with OS X 10.5 or later and USB 3.0 or FireWire 800 port.
Author: Abby Poole | Updated on Dec 6, 2018
![Amazon external hard drive for mac Amazon external hard drive for mac](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125856380/435807390.jpg)
Contents
- 5.1 Top External Hard Drives
So much is the need for this modern mode of communication that items such as external hard drives are made for the purpose of keeping huge amount of data in a safer manner. In a nutshell, it's for data storage. But unlike the built-in one in your computer, this more portable and can be carried anywhere- which of course makes it perfect for those who are always on the go. If you're looking for an avenue to store confidential information in a safer and portable manner, then getting yourself a unit will be a real treat. In this article, we will review top 5 external hard drives for Mac and PC and help you pick the best external hard drive.
Part 1. The 5 Most Reliable External Hard Drives
But with the popularity of this material comes the bigger challenge in making sure that you buy the best. Different brands and variations have now made their availability in the market but if you're after of the most in demand units, then you better have a look at the following:
1. LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2
It's considered as the fastest external storage for those who are using professional Windows workstations and Apple Macs. It's faster than the typical internal flash storage in MacBook Pro and is ideal for people who are power-user.
- PROS: It has two Thunderbolt 2 ports, fast and flexible, semi-portable and has a metal construction for added durability and protection.
- CONS: It requires a non bus-powered AC adapter for use. It has a high per-gigabyte cost. Also, finding a Thunderbolt 2 ports used for computers is rare, which may require the user to spend more time looking.
2. Apricorn Aegis Padlock DT FIPS (4TB)
An item best fit for those people who are after of a combined speed and efficiency in one package. This unit is also equipped with several layers of protection, allowing corporate people to secure their confidential data even more.
- PROS: It has a metal construction with a handy built-in keypad for easier operation. Its storage amounts to 4TB and has added encryption details for added security.
- CONS: Its lock codes are just limited to 5. Also, those who are using bulky desktop units will require AC adapter in order to have power.
3. Seagate Backup Plus Desktop Drive
Perhaps the most in demand in the market when it comes to general use. It's spacious and can hold a lot of downloaded videos, which is a treat to those who are using the drive to transfer stored files from their PC for safekeeping purposes.
![Windows Windows](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125856380/163197687.jpg)
- PROS: It has a high capacity that comes with a low price. A Dashboard software is also included in the whole package, which means that you don't have to pay anything additional for it. It's spacious and fast.
- CONS: Requires wall-wart adapter for power.
4. G-Technology G-Speed Studio (24TB)
For professionals who need an extremely large storage unit for photos, videos and other huge files for daily work, then this external hard drive will be an excellent pick.
- PROS: Huge capacity RAID array. It supports 5 several levels of RAID arrays and has swappable hard drive cartridges amounting to 24 TB of enterprise-class drives.
- CONS: Absence of USB port. You also cannot position this horizontally. Large chassis and a design which is not stackable.
5. Monster Digital Overdrive Thunderbolt (1TB)
A spacious external solid-state drive that is ideal for those who are after of combine space, portability and speed. It comes with a Thunderbolt cable that Mac users can always use.
- PROS: Very portable with its pocket-sized form. Has a 450 Mbps throughput.
- CONS: Expensive, and with no USB 3.0 port. It also has no cable pass-through.
Want a summary of the specs? Here's a clearer view on what they can do.
Features | LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 | Apricorn Aegis Padlock DT FIPS (4TB) | Seagate Backup Plus Desktop Drive | G-Technology G-Speed Studio | Monster Digital Overdrive Thunderbolt (1TB) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lowest Price | $1,199.00 | $429.99 | $150.99 | $ 2,999.95 | $759.00 |
Storage Capacity | 1000 GB | 4 TB | 5000 GB | 18 TB | 1000 GB |
Rotation Speed | SSD | SSD | 5400 rpm | 7200 rpm | SSD |
Ports | Thunderbolt | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt |
Part 2. How to Recover Lost Data from External Hard Drive for Mac and PC
Choosing the best portable external hard drive that fits you purpose well can save you a lot of hassle when locating the files that you need every now and then. But even by using the most secure storage to keep those confidential information away from prying hands, there are times when certain software upgrades that we do from our end can threaten to delete those files that we are keeping.
Using iSkysoft Data Recovery for Mac is an efficient means of recovering those files without losing anything on the process. By installing this software, you'll get the chance to enjoy some of its great features like:
- Flexible recovery options
- Easy-to-follow steps
- Risk-free recovery procedure
- Deep Scanning process
Step 1: After you've plugged your external hard drive into your computer, you then need to run iSkysoft Data Recovery for Mac. From the main window of the program, choose the data types that you hope to recover. Then please click 'Next' to continue.
Step 2: Select the external hard drive disk that you formatted or want to recover. After doing that, click the 'Start' button to proceed with the scanning process.
Step 3: In this software, you have the option to preview all your files. From there, you can just select the specific ones that you want to recover. After selecting, you can just click 'Recover' button on top of the window. Select the folder where you want to save the recovered files. Then, click 'OK' to start recovery.
If you don't find your wanted data from the scanned results, there is a 'Deep Scan' option for you to let the program scan deep into your external drive and find more recoverable files. In this mode, you can selectively recover thousands of files like the the screenshot below. Just try!