Creating a backup of the external drive helps in using the content to restore a computer or laptop with ease. Additionally, its usefulness in copying essential files from the backup makes it worth every penny. A better way to carry out is by using backup software for external hard drive.
To see the size of a specific file or folder, click it once and then press Command-I. To see storage information about your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left of your screen. Choose About This Mac and click the Storage tab. For Time Machine backups, it's good to use a drive that has at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac. Jan 17, 2020 You need an external hard drive that is at least as large as the documents and files you are backing up. It is really best to have about twice the space so that you can grow into your backup drive. You’ll hear why later. The hard drive you’re backing up to formatted to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) file system (also known as HFS+). Your Best External Hard Drive Backup Software. It provides 3 backup modes (File backup, Drive backup, System backup) and sets up a plan to help you automatically back up files from external hard drives, built-in disks, and more. The best backup software for external hard drive can also be clone HDD to SSD, USB drive, external hard drive, etc. Backing Up External Hard Drives During install Backblaze will backup any USB or Firewire hard drive you have attached to your computer. You can also add external hard drives from the Backblaze Settings panel. Adding an External Hard Drive You can add an external hard drive by opening the Backblaze Settings panel on your computer and clicking. The latest generation of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra range of external hard drives is here, coming in sizes from 1TB to 4TB, and they’re among the best external hard drives out there.
Any individual can backup external hard drives using the backup tool. These have the ability and the options to create a backup of a hard disk in a few simple steps. The following six are the best external hard drive backup software for the year 2020:
The Six Best External Hard Drive Backup Software for 20201.iBeesoft DBackupYour Best Backup Software to External Hard Drive
It is an efficient software for creating a backup of the content from a hard drive, partitions, and the entire operating system. The best backup external drive software provides the chance to create image files of the backup with schedule and the flexibility to choose an incremental or differential backup. The software is fast and secure. It is a powerful all-in-one backup program that also has a cloning feature. Therefore, users can choose to clone drives or partitions and migrate with ease.
iBeesoft DBackup leads the race of external hard drive backup software. The program gives the chance to clone the entire system, hard drive, partition/partitions, USB cloning, memory cards, and other devices. With the content readily available as a backup, restoring a hard drive to the previous state is no longer a tedious process.
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2. Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image promises a full-featured backup solution. best backup software for external hard drive promises to send the backup to both a local drive and cloud storage at the same time. It is also capable of cloning and mirroring images for the system’s hard drive, partitions, and only the operating system.
Acronis True Image also has anti-ransomware that detects and reverses the unauthorized encryption of the disk. The external hard drive backup software also helps in creating a smartphone backup. The license does not include a storage solution. However, users can pay an additional fee to get a cloud storage space.
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3. EaseUS ToDo Backup
EaseUS ToDo Backup is in the backup field for a long time. The software offers solutions for both personal and business entities. Installation is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. The backup software to external hard drive can handle up to 16TB of data that includes incremental or differential. Additional options include coping hardware RAID and multiple partitions. It further supports cloud backups.
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4. Paragon Backup & Recover Advanced
Paragon Backup & Recover Advanced gives a flexible solution for people seeking simple backup answers. The backup wizard offers guidance in creating the needed backup of the content with ease. It also shows what content it is creating as backup and where it is storing. It covers all the crucial backup processes and can create complex routines. It even creates automatic backups.
The standout feature of the external hard drive backup software is the WinPE recovery media. It comes to the rescue when the PC refuses to boot. With the help of USB, users can fix the issue and restore a system.
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Disadvantages:Best Software For Backing Up External Drives Macbook Pro
5. NovaBackup PC
NovaBackup PC is available as a subscription and ideal for making copies of a computer’s hard disk to an external media. It is the right choice for those who are modest users. However, it does not reach to the standard when it comes to interface, support for platforms, and advanced tasks. Although it is expensive, it offers service to backup PC to OneDrive and Dropbox.
The primary feature of the software for backup to external hard drive is the security it offers. The tool runs locally on the computer to send the data without connecting to the internet. Furthermore, it is possible to encrypt the data with 256-bit AES encryption.
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6. Genie Timeline Home 10
The software promises effortless backup PC to an external hard drive in Windows 10 Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows XP. It is possible to configure the same in three steps. The trial version is available for Windows XP and higher. It focuses on the traditional backup – creating the backup file to a media drive. The developer is offering additional solutions according to the need. For instance, users can opt for Android and cloud backup needs.
The notable features include the choice to create a backup at full speed using the Turbo mode or run in the Smart Mode, which adjusts according to the available resources of the system.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Use Best Software to Backup External Hard Drive
iBeesoft DBackup is the best external hard drive backup software for the external hard drive. Users can download the trial version from the website and follow the steps to create a backup file.
Step 1: Start the program by clicking the icon. From the window, choose the 'File Backup' option to backup files from external hard drive.
Step 2: From the new screen, opt for the folders that require a backup. One can use the tree form to browse the contents of the system and mark multiple folders or files. After the selection is complete, clicking the 'Start' button begins the external hard drive backup process. It compresses and creates an image file.
Step 3: When the backup is complete, the best backup external hard drive software will show the following screen.
Note: It is possible to edit the backup settings. In general, users can choose between full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup. Depending on the requirement, one can make the necessary change before starting the external hard drive backup and proceed with the step.
BestExternal Hard Drives for MaciMore2020
We understand that your data is important to you. Whether its personal documents, important work files, or just making sure you have everything you need to be backed up, you can never be too safe. External hard drives are not only useful for storing data but are an excellent way to transport files from one location to another. When you take into account price, ease of use, and portability, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is the most reliable hard drive you can carry around with you at all times.
Best Overall: Seagate Backup Plus Slim (2 TB)
If you want a reliable external hard drive that has a decent amount of storage, is super easy to carry around and has a very affordable price tag, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is the best option for most people. Formatted for Windows and Mac right out of the box, it's easy to carry all your essential documents from desktop to laptop without missing a beat.
The Seagate Dashboard back up system is a fantastic simple tool that can let you schedule backups to ensure you never miss any critical files you need in case something terrible happens to your computer. You can set automatic backups daily, weekly, or monthly, and change the frequency whenever you want.
Seagate also throws in a one-year complimentary subscription to Mylio Create. This can help you wrangle your photo library if you don't already use some photo managing tool, and a two-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
Pros:
Best OverallSeagate Backup Plus Slim (2 TB)
Reliable, portable, and affordable.
No lengthy setups or formatting procedures, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB is formatted for Mac right out of the packaging.
Best USB-C hard drive: Samsung T5 Portable SSD (1 TB)
This small compact SSD drive from Samsung comes with both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A, meaning it's perfect to use with your MacBook or Mac.
Its fast 540 MB/s read and write speeds are more than enough to transfer any file. And should be able to store all your photo and video files with ease thanks to its straightforward software. Plus, if you're worried about encryption, the Samsung T5 Portable SSD has you covered with an optional password to launch the drive and AES 256-bit hardware encryption on all your files.
Pros:
Best USB-CSamsung T5 Portable SSD (1 TB)
Fast and encrypted
With 540 MB/s read and write speeds, the Samsung T5 Portable SSD is fast enough for photographers and videographers to transport all their work.
Source: Western Digital
Compatible with Time Machine right out of the box, the 8 TB storage capacity on the Western Digital My Book is perfect for people looking for a lot of stage at a reasonable price. It's USB 3.0, meaning it's easy to take advantage of its storage speed with fast transfer speeds.
While portability is not the Western Digital My Book's strong suit and it needs a separate power source, it does offer 256-AES encryption when you download its easy-to-use security software. It ensures all your important files and documents stay private.
If you're looking for a drive that has lots of space, os you don't have to have multiple as your storage needs grow, look no further.
Pros:
Best CapacityWestern Digital My Book (8TB)
Lots of storage for those who need it
Software To Backup Computer To External Hard Drive
Western Digital offers 256-AES encryption when you download its security software, meaning you can rest easy knowing your private information and personal data is safe.
Best Thunderbolt 3 Drive: LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt
LaCie hard drives have always been good for people on the go because of the rugged design. The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt can withstand some dust, dirt, and even a tiny bit of water being splashed on it.
It's 7200 RPM Hard drive keeps things running smoothly. And the included USB-C cable — which supports Thunderbolt 3 — makes it perfect for MacBook and Mac users alike!
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Best Thunderbolt 3 DriveLaCie Rugged Thunderbolt
Rugged design with Thunderbolt 3
The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt 3 is a favorite because it can withstand drops, dust, and even the occasional splash of water, making it easy to carry around!
Best for Legacy Hardware : G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB)
While Apple has been going the way of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 for a while now, some of us still use older hardware and thus don't need hard drives that have USB-C connections. If you're still rocking USB-A or even a Thunderbolt 2 connection from your Mac, the G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB) is a perfect companion.
Its all-metal design is not only more durable than plastic hard drives, but it also looks stylish! Plus, it's 7200 RPM speed allows the G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 to achieve 195 MB/s read and write speeds. This makes it fast enough to transfer large video files quickly and efficiently.
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Best for legacy hardwareG-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB)
Stylish and fast even on older computers
With 7200 RPM, this hard drive works hard and fast to get your files transferred quickly. Plus, it uses USB 3.0, and it even has a Thunderbolt 2 port.
Source: CalDigit
The CalDigit Tuff does the best it can to live up to its name, giving you a hard drive that isn't as delicate as most. Its official IP rating is IP57, meaning it can be submerged in 3-feet of water for 30 mins and come out the other side functional. That's not all; this Thunderbolt 3 compatible drive can also withstand falling from about 4-feet high. We still don't suggest that you purposely abuse the CalDigit Tuff. Still, it's always good to have peace of mind when you're carrying your hard drive around.
Cons:
Best rugged driveCalDigit Tuff
Can withstand drops and water
Official rated IP57, the CalDigit Tuff can survive an accidental dip into the water and has a great price tag.
Source: Samsung
If you're used to dealing with giant file sizes and need a hard drive that can handle transfer data fast, the Samsung X5 is one of the fastest SSD's you'll find. Its read and write speeds are 2,800MB/s and 2,300MB/s, respectively, and the entire body is made of metal, making it much harder than plastic drives. Plus, The internal frame on the inside is shock resistant for drops from 2 meters.
This SSD comes with Thunderbolt 3 technology included. This you can take advantage of the fast speeds on your Mac or MacBook Pro, and it doesn't need any formatting, so it's plug and play!
Pros:
Best fast driveSamsung X5
Incredibly fast SSD
If you need blazing fast speeds for giant files, the Samsung X5 is a monster external SSD that can handle any workload.
Bottom lineBest Software For Backing Up External Drives Mac Os
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is the most reliable hard drive you can carry around with you at all times. It is formatted for both Mac and Windows right out of the box, and its easy-to-use software can automatically do backups for you as often or as little as you want.
Seagate also throws in a one-year complimentary subscription to Mylio Create. This program can help you wrangle your photo library if you don't already use some photo managing tool. A two-month membership to Adobe's Creative Cloud Photography Plan means it's perfect for budding photographers as well.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Luke Filipowicz is an iMore staff writer who has been carrying around his Seagate Backup Plus Slim since his college days.
Lory Gil is the Managing Editor of iMore and an avid believer in having as many backups of your important files and documents as possible.
Rene Ritchie is the foremost authority on all things Apple and has insider knowledge about the goings-on at the biggest tech company in the world. When it comes to accessories for Mac, Rene has used them all.
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