3 best mac external drive format

When it comes to external drives for Mac computers, there are several formats and options to consider. These formats are primarily related to the type of storage media used and how the drive is formatted for use with Mac systems. Here's what you need to know:

  1. External Hard Drives: External hard drives for Mac are commonly used for additional storage capacity. They typically come pre-formatted with the HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) file system. However, since macOS High Sierra, Apple has started transitioning to the APFS (Apple File System) for internal storage, so it's a good idea to check compatibility when using older external hard drives with newer macOS versions.

  2. External SSDs: External SSDs (Solid State Drives) are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed and durability.They are often formatted with APFS or exFAT (a file system compatible with both Mac and Windows) for broader compatibility.

  3. External Optical Drives: External optical drives, such as CD/DVD drives, can be connected to Macs for reading and writing optical discs. These drives typically use the Universal Disk Format (UDF) for compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems.

  4. File System Compatibility: When formatting an external drive for use with a Mac, you have several options:

    • HFS+ (Mac OS Extended): This format is compatible with macOS, but it may not be the best choice if you need to use the drive with Windows PCs as it may require third-party software for full read/write support.

    • APFS (Apple File System): APFS is optimized for use with macOS and is the default file system for internal drives in macOS High Sierra and later. It provides features like snapshots and encryption.

    • exFAT: exFAT is a cross-platform file system that works well with both Mac and Windows systems. It's a good choice for drives that need to be used on multiple operating systems without limitations.

    • FAT32: While less common today, FAT32 is an older file system that is compatible with both Mac and Windows, but it has limitations on file size (4GB maximum) and volume size.

  5. Formatting Drives: To format an external drive on a Mac, you can use the built-in "Disk Utility" application. Be cautious when formatting, as it will erase all data on the drive. Choose the file system format that best suits your needs and the devices you plan to use it with.

  6. Time Machine Backup: If you plan to use an external drive for Time Machine backups on your Mac, it's recommended to format it with macOS Extended (Journaled) or APFS, depending on your macOS version.

The choice of format for your external drive depends on your specific requirements, including compatibility with other devices and whether you need features like encryption or large file support. Always ensure you back up any important data before formatting a drive, as the process will erase all existing data on it.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best mac external drive format on the market
  

Fantom Drives 2TB 7200RPM External Hard Drive - USB 3.2 Gen 1 - 5Gbps - GForce 3 Aluminum - Black - Compatible with Mac/Windows/PS4/Xbox (GF3B2000UP) by Fantom Drives

Fantom Drives

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The GFORCE 3 family of external hard drives is easy to use and plug and play with any Windows PC. To use the hard drive with Mac or any other operating systems, a simple and quick format of the 500GB hard drive is needed (we've included easy to use instructions). The GF3B500UP model is a very fast 7200RPM hard drive which is 25% faster than a 5400RPM hard drive. The GFORCE 3 family is made from sturdy and robust aluminum with a stylish brushed black finish. The aluminum material doubles as a heat sink allowing the GFORCE 3 to operate fan-free and silently. It comes with a stand so it can be stored horizontally or vertically to optimize and fit your work space. The GFORCE 3 is great for PC's, Macbook Pro, Xbox One, PS4 (PlayStation 4) and any other devices that need fast data transfer. Fantom Drives is proudly Designed, Engineered and Assembled in United States since 1988.

  • Fantom Drives GFORCE3 7200RPM is a very fast, easy to use plug and play external hard drive.
  • With USB 3. 0 connection allowing transfer rates up to 10 times the rate of USB 2. 0, the GFORCE3 is made for fast data transfer.
  • The enclosure is made with high quality aluminum which doubles as a heat sink. GFORCE3 is great at heat dissipation and is fan less to ensure cool and quiet operation.
  • The external hard drive provides additional space for Macbook Pro, PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
  • The GFORCE3 hard drive comes with an external hard drive stand for vertical placement, USB 3. 0 cable and a 12V power supply. 1 Year Manufacturer with an extra year available with product registration through Fantom Drives.

Product features

Even Faster Transfer Rates

The Gforce 3 Pro 7200RPM is generally 33% faster than the 5400RPM series. Reach even faster rates with the newest generation USB 3.0* allowing transfer rates up to 10 times the rate of USB 2.0.

Audio and Video For Professionals

The Gforce 3 Pro USB 3.0 hard drive is perfect for audio and video professionals requiring maximum performance and reliability.

Natural Heat Sink

The hard and durable aluminum casing acts as a natural heat sink to allow for a fan-free design.

Horizontal or Vertical

The Gforce 3 Pro can be stored horizontally or vertically to optimize your workspace.

Pioneer BDR-XD07B Portable Burner & DVD Player - 6X Slim External BDXL, BD, DVD & CD Drive for Windows & Mac w/ 3.0 USB - CD Player -Write & Read on Laptop or Desktop w/Carry Case (Black)

Plethora7

Based on 183 reviews Check latest price
  • One of the World's Smallest & Lightest Blu Ray Player - This BD/DVD/CD external optical drive & burner is one of the smallest & lightest in the world, supporting BDXL and M-Disc. The ultra-compact USB 3.0 Blu-ray player allows you to read and write to all BDXL discs (including BD-R triple-layer 100GB media, BD-R quad-layer 128GB media, and BD-RE triple-layer 100GB media) as well as Blu-ray discs. Weighing only 8.1oz, the Pioneer burner can be powered directly via USB (no AC adaptor required).
  • Cyberlink Software Included - Includes award-winning playback software that will upscale standard-definition content to high-definition quality. PowerDirector 10 LE allows you to import your home movies, edit them, and then upload them to social media sites. Power2Go 8 gives you the ability to burn your valuable files to Blu-ray (including triple and quad layer BDXL discs), DVD or CD media. *Software for Windows only. Mac OS Software is sold separately.
  • Multisystem Additions for Smart Sound & Display Experience - Featuring PowerRead, Auto Quiet mode, and PureRead3+ combo. PowerRead can provide smoother movie playback when a disc has fingerprints or minor surface scratches. Auto Quiet mode intelligently adjusts the disc rotation speed to reduce noise (best while streaming movies, recording, or listening to music), and PureRead3+ automatically adjusts the drive parameters to minimize speakers' sound glitches during music playback.
  • More Storage & Faster Speeds - Buy this electronics device and get up to 156% more data storage capacity than a 50GB Dual Layer Blu-ray Disc. One BD-R DL disc can hold the same amount of data as 10 DVDs (single-layer). One QL disc can hold the same amount of data as 27 DVDs (single-layer). 6x2 writing on BD-R single-layer and dual-layer discs. 4x writing on BD-R triple-layer and quad-layer discs.
  • All-Inclusive Premium Bundle - The blu ray burner & player machine includes the Pioneer BDR-XD07B BluRay Burner, Instruction Guide, CyberLink Media Suite 10 for Windows download key, USB cable, warranty card, and premium protective carry case to ensure that your new external drive stays in great condition, and portable, all at a reasonable price.

User questions & answers

Question: I've bought an external blu-ray drive before and been screwed. so i have to ask, will this actually play blu-ray discs i put in? like movies i own
Answer: You will need additional software in order to play Blu-ray Discs. For windows they provide a free viewer, which I cannot comment on, since I own a Mac. For a Mac, I recommend Blu-ray Player Pro, which has a free version, but it has a watermark that does get annoying after awhile. The paid version is $35, and it works great. Hope that helps.
Question: Can i copy a blu-ray from a blu-ray player using the hdmi output or usb on source player
Answer: No HDMI is encrypted to prevent copying. However there is software available to make a copy from a blu ray or 4K disc to your hard drive and then burn another disk if you so desire using this drive.
Question: whats the difference between this model and the pioneer xd05b
Answer: greetins xd05b is No Longer Available, old model. atte.
Question: Does it work with mac os x catalina (latest version
Answer: Yes it does work with the latest version of Catalina. Be aware that to play Blu-ray discs, you will need to purchase a Blu-ray Disc software in order to use on a Mac. Blu-ray Player Pro works great, but it will set you back 39.99. Their free version has a watermark, which does become annoying.

External DVD Drive USB 3.0/Type-C 5 in 1 Slim CD/DVD+/-RW Drive Burner CD Player for Laptop Mac Desktop PC MacBook Pro Air Windows

NOLYTH

Based on 559 reviews Check latest price
  • 【5 in 1 DVD drive】NOLYTH external CD drive has independent slots for TF and SD Cards. Also, there are two additional USB 3.0 ports.This DVD drive supports to play and burn DVD/CD/Mini Disk. It can transfer photos and videos directly from SD / TF card into the computer, USB Hard Drive and flash drive. It also as a USB HUB with the 2 USB 3.0 inputs. It has slick RGB Lighting and it even shifts between different colors periodically once it is plugged in.
  • 【Slots for TF and SD Cards】This external DVD drive has extra TF and SD card slot on the right side. On the computer we will use this on but don't have those options. So this DVD drive will help us to transfer photos and videos directly from our camera's memory card into the computer. Or into the USB flash drive and Hard Drive. It also transfer photos and videos from computer, USB Disk, hard drive directly into the TF and SD card.
  • 【Extra 2 USB 3.0 Inputs】This external CD burner has 2 extra built-in USB 3.0 ports input next to the SD TF card slots. So it acts as an expansion device if your computer doesn't come with many. You can indeed run a mouse, keyboard, USB flash drive, mobile phone or similar. It helps us to transfer and charge like a USB HUB. ★ NOTE: SD card and TF card can't work together at the same time, only choose one each time.
  • 【Plug and Play】NOLYTH external DVD burner can easily connect to a computer with the USB Type-C or USB 3.0 interface, plug and play with our data cable. No driver need. Works well for Laptop/MacBook Pro/Air/PC/Windows10. Burn files, install software and create a backup DVD/CD. ★ On note:Can't work with Car/TV/Projector/Chrome OS/Tablet/Smartphone.
  • 【After-Sales Service】We offer this external CD drive a 2 years warranty, 60 days full refund. Each external CD player is with 1 free protective hard case. Any problem about NOLYTH DVD player, please contact with us, We will do the best for each issue. Any product quality problem in the process of using this external DVD drive(Nonhuman destruction), we will provide free & quick replacement.

Product features

SD and TF Card Reader

  • This external DVD drive is with 1 extra SD card reader and 1 extra TF card reader.
  • Insert the SD or TF card,you can transfer the files/data/pictures/videos/Movies directly from the SD or TF card into your CD drive/computer/USB flash drive/hard drive.Also can be transferred from DVD drive/computer/USB flash drive/hard drive into the SD or TF card.
  • Note:

The SD card and TF card can’t work at the same time, only choose one to work for you. Each of them can work well with the 2 USB 3.0 ports at the same time.

USB 3.0 HUB Function

  • This 2 USB3.0 ports is with USB Hub function,can help us to transfer and charge,especial for USB flash dirve / hard drive / Keyboard / USB mouse / Phone etc USB devices.
  • It can transfer directly to the DVD drive / SD card / TF card / computer / USB flash drive / hard drive and charging for our phones through the USB3.0 ports.

Wrong Connecting

  • Please plug the micro USB of data cable into the back of drive,plug the USB or USB Type-C port into your computer,that will be OK.
  • NOTE: Don't plug the USB port of data cable into the USB port of drive and plug the USB Type-C port into computer,this is a wrong connecting.

Extra Protective Storage Hard Case

  • Each external DVD drive is with 1 extra high quality protective storage hard case.We can put the disks and cables inside the storage case,help us to take everywhere and play DVD disk at any time.

What is in the package ?

  1. 1 x External DVD Drive
  2. 1 x USB Data Cable
  3. 1 x USB Power Cable
  4. 1 x Storage Hard Case
  5. 1 x User Manual

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