STAFF BestReviews External hard drives for Macs: prices Overall storage space will typically play the main role in the final price youll pay for an external hard drive.

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Transferring files from one computer to the next can be much faster with the help of an external hard drive.

Theyre often used to store backup files or files too large to keep on a primary computer.

Flash drives are external drives, but they arent as fast, and they dont usually store as much space as their larger external hard drive relatives.

Some external hard drives get power directly from the computer connection.

There are varying levels of storage capacity in an external hard drive, and the overall size of the HDD depends on the model.

This is because when you initially connect an external HDD made for Mac (to a Mac computer), you wont be required to format it before you begin transferring files.

External HDDs that are not specific to Macs may also work, but youll need to reformat them first, which could take some time.

There are obvious benefits to getting power directly from your computer, but hard drives that are larger and more powerful may need the independent power source to optimize efficiency.

Typically, 1TB is enough for 250,000 MP3s or 200,000 digital photos.

This is also how much space youd need for about 120 HD videos.

Theyre lighter, thinner, and will likely have extra protection for the casing.

Theyre made to easily slip in and out of a laptop case or bookbag, taking up very little space.

The best external hard drives should be able to withstand an occasional drop or two.

They tend to be bigger in size and dont have as much protection against drops.

These drives tend to pack a slightly larger punch than smaller, more portable HDDs.

USB is very compatible with Mac machines, especially those with older versions.

Most (but not all) Mac computers and will have at least one USB port that supports external memory.

New hard drives will come with the proper connection cords to ensure compatibility.

Its strength is in its speed and power as well as its ability to chain more than one device to a single computer.

Its max transfer speed is about double that of USB-C at 40 Gbs.

There are a few downsides, however, such as longer loading speeds and the need to have the drive with you in order to play the game.

Best External Hard Drives For Usb-C Mac