WD
2 articles
Best External Hard Drives for Time Machine Backups on a Mac: HDD vs SSD, Capacity, and What Actually Matters
For most Mac users running stationary Time Machine backups, the WD My Passport Ultra is the Top Pick: high capacity at a genuinely low cost per terabyte, USB-C connectivity, and reliable macOS compatibility with minimal setup friction. MacBook users who travel should step up to the Samsung T7 Shield SSD, which adds meaningful drop and weather resistance in a pocket-sized form factor. The right drive is determined less by raw specs than by a single question: does the drive move with the Mac, or does it stay on a desk?
Updated September 2026
Best External Hard Drives for Music Production: SSDs, Portable Drives, and Desktop Archives for DAW Projects and Sample Libraries
The Samsung T7 is the strongest all-around choice for producers who want fast, compact SSD storage that works across Mac and PC DAW setups. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface suits sample streaming and moving sessions between systems, and owner feedback on reliability is the most consistently positive in this set. Producers who need low-cost bulk capacity for backup and archiving will find the Seagate Expansion Desktop a practical complement.
Updated October 2026