11 best portable hard drive for mac firewire

A portable hard drive for Mac with FireWire connectivity is an external storage device designed for Mac computers and equipped with FireWire ports. These drives offer high-speed data transfer capabilities and are used for data backup, storage expansion, and data transportation. Here's what you need to know about them:

  1. External Hard Drives: Portable hard drives are external storage devices that connect to your Mac computer via various interfaces, including USB, Thunderbolt, and FireWire. They are used to store and back up data, freeing up space on your Mac's internal hard drive.

  2. FireWire Connectivity: FireWire is an interface standard that provides high-speed data transfer. It is known for its reliability and stability, making it a popular choice for Mac users who need fast data transfer speeds.

  3. Compatibility: Portable hard drives with FireWire are specifically designed for Mac systems and are compatible with macOS. They may also be compatible with older Mac models that have FireWire ports. Be sure to check the compatibility of the drive with your Mac before purchasing.

  4. Data Transfer Speed: FireWire offers fast data transfer speeds, which is advantageous when you need to transfer large files or perform tasks like video editing directly from the external drive. FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) has a maximum data transfer rate of 400 Mbps, while FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) offers speeds of up to 800 Mbps.

  5. Capacity: Portable hard drives come in various storage capacities, ranging from a few hundred gigabytes to several terabytes. Choose a capacity that suits your storage needs, considering factors like the size of your files and how much data you plan to store.

  6. Portability: These drives are designed to be compact and easily transported. They are often small enough to fit in a bag or backpack, making them convenient for on-the-go use and data sharing.

  7. External Power: Some portable hard drives can draw power directly from the FireWire port, eliminating the need for an additional power adapter. This can be especially useful when you're using the drive with a laptop.

  8. Data Backup: Portable hard drives are commonly used for data backup. You can schedule regular backups or use them for Time Machine backups on your Mac to protect your data.

  9. Additional Features: Some portable hard drives may come with features like hardware encryption for data security, rugged and durable casings for added durability, and LED indicators to show drive activity.

  10. Electronics and Accessories: You can find portable hard drives with FireWire connectivity at electronics stores and computer accessories retailers. Be sure to verify the availability of FireWire ports on your Mac or use a FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter if needed.

Portable hard drives with FireWire connectivity offer a reliable and fast way to expand your Mac's storage capacity and ensure the safety of your important data. They are particularly well-suited for tasks that require high data transfer speeds, such as multimedia editing or managing large files.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable hard drive for mac firewire on the market
  

WD My Passport Studio 2TB Mac Portable External Hard Drive Storage FireWire (WDBU4M0020BBK-NESN)

Based on 141 reviews Check latest price

Product description

My Passport Studio comes standard with two super fast FireWire 800 ports, massive capacity, password protection, and a MacBook inspired metal enclosure that makes this drive the ideal companion for Mac professionals.

From the Manufacturer

  • Massive capacity. All metal design.
  • Dual FireWire 800 interfaces
  • Password protection and hardware encryption
  • Interface Speed: 800 Mbps (FireWire 800) / 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
  • 3 Years worldwide warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Does this drive work with FireWire
Answer: Works well with my nikon
Question: Are the firewire and usb cables included
Answer: The D200 should have an 3.5mm mic port if it does and the menu options allow for external sound to be captured onto its media then I suppose so. The Microphone will need an XLR to 3.5 mm converter cable.
Question: Is a 5400 or 7200 Rpm
Answer: Yes.
Question: Will this work with OS Mavericks? Thanks
Answer: 1-Year Warranty
Question: What do you do when you can no longer do a backup because the "Drive is full
Answer: Yes it is Frequency leagel not had a problem
Question: my seagate backup plus hard drive in not showing up in my computers.. please help
Answer: It just blends the two to one channel I have to watch volume on both because I shoot a lot of bilingual stuff
Question: Does this model work easily with the new Mac - Catalina software
Answer: Click the power button once. It toggles the mute button.
Question: Is this drive bootable? I have a 3TB Seagate bootable drive but need another but it has to be bootable
Answer: It's got a mini plug, so it the Sony has one, then it should work. I use a Black Magic Pocket Cinema 4k and I plug it right into the camera.

Iomega eGo Mac Edition 500 GB USB 2.0/FireWire 400/800 Portable External Hard Drive 34629 (Ruby Red)

Based on 225 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Great aluminum design and multiple connections too! With one FireWire 800 port, one FireWire 400 port, and one USB 2.0 port, the Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive offers triple interface versatility for Mac users and a stylish design. These drives are formatted HFS+ for a great out-of-box experience. Plus, the Iomega Drop Guard feature protects the drive when dropped up to 51" (40% above the industry average!). EMC Retrospect, QuikProtect, and MozyHome Online backup software is included with purchase. Available in Ruby Red, Alpine White and Midnight Blue in up to 500GB capacity (capacities vary per color).

From the Manufacturer

  • Rugged Perfect for travel environments, the Drop Guard feature protects the drive when dropped up to 51"
  • Secure Receive backup software solutions when you purchase Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drives for Mac
  • 3 Year Warranty with product registration

User questions & answers

Question: I HOPE someone is reading this still. HOW do i get all the files OFF this device and into ITUNES? Please!??! thank you a million
Answer: I will try and see
Question: help! I have info on this hard drive that I need to get onto a MacBook air. What cords do I need to buy? I currently have NO cords
Answer: So far on three pci-E mini ports on three older laptops, no, did not. I then go ExpressCard type instead, with five different video adapters, 3 different video cards and 2 more days tinkering. Finally saw a single thin line of flickering video on vga screen. Then, kept switching to different video cable/video adapters/gpu ports; maybe 15 more attempts, finally got it wking running but still qwarky. When I have a day to spare n can local another cheapie laptop, will try try again. But no, so far, this particular unit isn’t showing any signs by itself. Will also try with other cable/adapter combination when I have more parts n patience.
Question: i used this with my MacBook but my 2011 MacBookPro dosen't have same firewall plug! Anyone know which cable i need as replacement? thanks
Answer: I have tested the expresscard version on the Zbook 15 G2. It works perfectly and even hotplug works. However the mini-AE cable end will only fit in the card slot that your wifi is in. Might also work on the M.2 m key slot, but I have my system ssd in that one so I won't be testing that probably. For the 3rd slot I have done some research and it is a type B NGFF (M.2) slot that has sata and should have usb and pcie. It might be possible to adapt the AE plug to connect to it, but I haven't tried yet. Note that I have the AE version of this product also and might test it in the wifi slot this week. I have a sata ssd bay that connects to the dvd drive slot. On this laptop if you connect the mini-AE to any of the internal slots you should be able to feed the cable through the empty space in the dvd bay then cut a whole in the side of the ssd bay. Then you can stuff the cable into the bay when not in use. Also I have confirmed that VFIO passthrough works on the expresscard slot. So you connect something like a USB (with premium chipset) or video card you can attach it to a VM on this laptop. So far it works best on kernel 5.3.10. Some earlier versions had issues when you hot plugged the express card and tried to pass it into VM (required laptop reboot).
Question: How can I make this sexy ruby red iomega ext hard drive compatible to my desktop
Answer: 450w yes it is enough. Some cards do need newer power supply with some specific graphic cards

OLD MODEL) Seagate Backup Plus 1TB Portable External Hard Drive for Mac USB 3.0 (STBW1000900)

Based on 448 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Seagate Backup Plus for Mac portable drive simplifies backup for consumers who want to protect their entire digital life locally or on social networks. The drive is formatted for Mac out of the box, making it compatible with Time Machine software to provide the simplest and most efficient way to back up locally. With the Save feature, user-generated content can be backed up from your favorite social networks. Many people now use their smartphones to capture priceless moments. While these devices are handy and readily available, storage is not their strong suit. Capture a memory, post it on a social networking site and let the Seagate Dashboard automatically back up any content posted. Even if the file gets accidentally deleted from the device, another copy can be waiting. The Share feature allows multiple files to be uploaded to social networks at once from your computer. Simply select files to upload, choose where to post them and even add comments. Managing your social profile has never been easier. Install the downloadable HFS+ driver for PC, and use the drive interchangeably between Mac computers and PCs, without reformatting. Take advantage of the Seagate Backup Plus design and upgrade from the included USB 3.0 interface to Thunderbolt technology or FireWire 800 with the additional adapter. System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6 or higher or Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit and 64-bit) operating system (HFS+ driver for PC operability available by download; compatibility may vary depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (required for USB 3.0 transfer speeds or backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports at USB 2.0 transfer speeds; varies depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.) Inside the Box: Seagate Backup Plus drive, Seagate Dashboard pre-loaded on drive, USB 2.0 interface adapter, 18-Inch USB 3.0 cable, Quick start guide, 2-year limited warranty.

  • 1 TB storage capacity with lightning fast USB 3.0 transfer speed (upgrade to Thunderbolt or FireWire 800 with adapter, purchased separately)
  • Use the Save feature to back up user-generated content from your favorite social media networks
  • Share feature allows multiple files to be uploaded to social networks at once
  • Install the downloadable HFS+ driver for PC and use the drive interchangeably between Mac computers and PC's without reformatting

User questions & answers

Question: What color is the case? Silver on top, white on sides or all silver? Hard to tell from the photos. Thanks
Answer: Hi Sharon - I am out of stock on this towel until next week but it is listed here on Amazon. Have A Pleasant Day ! Mary Ann taylor & Co ~ Distinctive Gifts
Question: Will it work with mavericks
Answer: Hi Erica - Thank you for your question. This towel is made by Primitives By Kathy and are massed produced. I am sorry but they do not have one that is spelled Meme. Wishing you the best this holiday season ! Mary Ann / Taylor & Co ~ Distinctive Gifts
Question: What all damages that 2-year limited warranty covers? Does it covers data recovery, failure to show up drives on mac, etc
Answer: Hello, Primitives by Kathy towels are mass produced, so unfortunately they do not offer customization.
Question: Can I use the Seagate Backup Plus not as an automatic backup, but as a external hard drive that I control
Answer: Just one towel. It's not a pack.

WD My Passport Studio 500GB Mac Portable External Hard Drive Storage

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price

Product description

My Passport Studio comes standard with two super-fast FireWire 800 ports, massive capacity, password protection, and a MacBook-inspired, metal enclosure that make this drive the ideal companion for Mac professionals.

From the Manufacturer

  • Massive capacity. All metal design.
  • Dual FireWire 800 interfaces
  • Password protection and hardware encryption

LaCie LAC9000298 Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.0 USB 2.0 Compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant Shuttle Drive, For Mac And PC Computer Desktop Workstation PC Laptop

LaCie

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Travel with a capacity of 2TB in an ultra compact portable hard drive—LaCie Rugged Mini. Seamlessly connect to USB 3. 0 computers, transfer content fast with speeds of up to 130MB/s, and trek confidently with all terrain durability of drop, crush, and rain resistance. This drive even includes a complimentary one month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps, as well as a two year limited for long term peace of mind.

  • Travel with a massive capacity of up to 5TB in an ultra compact portable external hard Drive
  • For those who have a need for Speed, seamlessly connect to USB 3. 0 computers and transfer content Fast with speeds of up to 130MB/s
  • Trek confidently with an external Hard Drive that offers all terrain durability of drop, crush, and water resistance
  • Take advantage of a complimentary 1 month membership to the Adobe creative cloud all apps plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
  • Enjoy long term peace of mind with the included 2 year limited

Product features

The Smallest Rugged Around

With capacities of up to 5TB, the LaCie Rugged Mini is a small but mighty USB 3.0 portable hard drive. Perfect for busy creatives, it offers premium protection for photos, footage, and more while delivering Mac and Windows compatibility, fast speeds, and customizable backup.

What's Included

LaCie Rugged Mini hard drive, USB 3.0 cable (2.0 compatible), Quick Install Guide

FD 2TB 7200RM External Hard Drive - USB 3.2 Gen 1 - 5Gbps & eSATA & FireWire - GForce 3 Aluminum - Black - Compatible with Mac/Windows/PS4/Xbox (GFP2000Q3) by Fantom Drives

Fantom Drives

Based on 244 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fantom Drives GFORCE 3 is a market tested product and is proven for reliability and quality. Using the USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, it features a maximum bus speed of 5Gb/s and is compatible with legacy systems using USB 2.0. Using high quality aluminum, the GFORCE 3 does not need a fan and as it doubles at a heat sink. Versatile sleek design makes it a must have complement to any home or office environments.

  • Made to Plug & Play with Mac computers, iMac, MacBooks, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro. MacOS Extended Journaled (HFS+) formatted.
  • Compatible with Mac OS X 10.2.2 and newer: (Panther, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, and High Sierra).
  • 7200 RPM Hard Drive for faster transfer rates.
  • Host Interface: eSATA / FireWire 800 / FireWire 400 / USB 3.0
  • 1 Year Limited Warranty
  • Host Interface: eSATA / FireWire 800 / FireWire 400 / USB 3.0
  • 7200RPM

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.

G-Technology 4TB ArmorATD All-Terrain Rugged Portable External Hard Drive - USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 1 - 0G10435-1

G-Technology

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

You go through extremes to capture the perfect shot, so make sure your storage is as relentless as you are. With G-Technology’s ArmorATD drive, you get an all-terrain drive with shock, rain, dust and crush resistance to protect your footage from out in the wild to back in the studio. Finally, a rugged drive you can rely on. | *As used for storage capacity, one terabyte (TB) = one trillion bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment. | **Shock resistance up to 1.2m for 1TB and 2TB drive, and 1m for 4TB and 5TB drive on a carpeted concrete floor.

  • Triple-layer shock resistance for added durability
  • Rain-and dust-resistant (IP54) enclosure with a 1000lb crush rating
  • With capacities up to 5TB* of storage for your photos and footage
  • USB-C ready; USB-3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible
  • Ready to go with mac and Windows

User questions & answers

Question: Which laptop or tablet is the model holding along with the drive in the last picture
Answer: I have bought a few pairs of 64GB flash drives and haven't had any problems except when I ended work while it was still processing. And that was easy to fix. I don't use 128GB (no matter the brand) because I have had problems. Mike PS- Go on You Tube and see if they have a solution to repair your drive.
Question: Can this be plugged into a smartphone (Samsung, Apple, Android, etc) and be used to transfer files dirctly between the smartphone and hard drive
Answer: Install in a computer usb port and copy music to it.
Question: My 2013 imac i7 connected to this drive with a usbc to thunderbolt cable doesn't see the drive. what's up
Answer: Hello, these USB flash drives can be read and write. You can read or edit the data directly on it. They can be formatted. The default format is exFAT, they can be formatted to exFAT or NTFS.
Question: Is the connection speed 40gbps when connecting to thunderbolt 3 on a late 2018 macbook pro or 10gbps
Answer: I’m not aware that cold will cause any problems. I have stored some at near zero (Utah mountains) and they were fine. Extreme heat might be bad for them, but I don’t know.

Product features

Room For Adventure

Up to 5TB* of storage gives you a portable way to back up your photos, footage and files wherever your adventure takes you.

USB-C Ready

USB-C connectivity gives you plug and play storage with support for Thunderbolt 3, with an included USB-C to USB-A adapter for USB 3.0 compatibility.

Ready to Go With Mac And Windows

Works with both Mac and Windows right out of the box. No reformatting necessary.

LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Water Resistant, Mac and PC Computer Desktop Workstation Laptop, 1 Mo Adobe CC (STFS2000800)

LaCie

Based on 258 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Enjoy high-speed file transfers and extreme in-field durability with Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C, an external hard drive. For those who have a need for speed, transfer files with speeds of up to 130MB/s using the integrated Thunderbolt cable that seamlessly wraps around the enclosure when not in use. Trek confidently with a portable external hard drive that’s drop, dust, and water resistant. Includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps. Enjoy long-term peace of mind with an included three-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services

  • Enjoy high-speed file transfers and extreme in-field durability with Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C, an external hard drive
  • For those who have a need for speed, transfer files with speeds of up to 130MB/s using the integrated Thunderbolt cable that seamlessly wraps around the enclosure when not in use
  • Trek confidently with a portable external hard drive that’s drop, dust, and water resistant
  • Includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
  • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with an included three-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services

User questions & answers

Question: Is this drive thunderbolt 3 or
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Question: What is the hd speed of the 2tb thunderbolt usb-c rugged drive
Answer: Dear Rita Noetzel, there is no lead and nickel in these necklace. It is made of high quality stainless steel. Hope this can help you. Have a nice day!
Question: can you replace the drive with ssd
Answer: Hi Amazon, No is the answer to your question. I have been wearing the gold chain continuously for three weeks now and there has been no discolouration. Peace, love and creativity; Michael Johnson
Question: What are the benefits of the thunderbolt cable & when exactly do you get 10 gb/s speed? Please provide an example
Answer: Dear customer, for most man of this height , usually 30 inch is suitable. So I recommend you 30 inch chain. Hope this can help you. Have a nice day!

Product features

Field Tough. Future Proof.

Legendary Rugged toughness meets USB-C compatibility and blazing-fast Thunderbolt speeds. The result? An on-the-road powerhouse that helps creatives capture, edit, and deliver their work faster and more efficiently than ever.

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

Seagate

Based on 96 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Easily store and access 2TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a great laptop hard drive. Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this compact external hard drive makes backup a snap. Just drag and drop To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition—no software required—and enjoy plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable.

  • Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included one-year limited warranty and 1 year rescue data recovery services

Product features

Always Spacious. Always Easy.

Back up yesterday’s memories and today’s documents, even on the go. Seagate Portable makes it possible thanks to the plug-and-play simplicity of USB 3.0 and drag-and-drop functionality.

What's Included

Seagate Portable, 18-inch (45.72cm) USB 3.0 cable, Quick start guide

WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver Portable External Hard Drive, USB-C - WDBKYJ0020BSL-WESN

Western Digital

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The My Passport Ultra is trusted, portable storage in a design that brilliantly pairs metal and matte finishes to create a sophisticated style. It has plenty of space to store all the content you love. Social media and cloud storage import, WD Backup software and password protection help keep all your memories safe and secure. Easy to use, just plug it in to start saving and backing up.

  • USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible
  • Innovative style with refined metal cover
  • Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • Formatted for Mac
  • 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty

Product features

USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible

Featuring the latest in USB-C technology, the My Passport Ultra for Mac portable drive delivers quick and easy storage for your Mac, while the included USB-3.0 adapter makes sure it’s compatible with older machines.

Innovative Style and Function

Fusing modern anodized metal and textures, the My Passport Ultra for Mac portable drive matches your personal style and the latest Mac computers.

Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC Laptop and Mac (STGX1000400) & AmazonBasics External Hard Drive Portable Carrying Case

Seagate

Based on 66 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Amazon Basics External Hard Drive Portable Carrying Case

The Amazon Basics hard-shell case for portable hard drives offers durable protection for your portable Seagate or other hard drive. Designed especially to fit the Seagate External Hard Drive (fits drives sized up to 5 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches / 12.7 x 8 x 2 cm), this soft-lined case features an inner mesh compartment for a USB cable and accessories. The interior mesh pocket allows you to carry a USB cable and other accessories (enlarge).

  • Easily store and access 1TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • Max compatible dimensions (outside): 5.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
  • Compact case to store or transport medium and larger portable hard drives
  • Slimline design allows case to easily fit into any backpack or briefcase
  • Interior strap and zippered closure secures portable hard drive in place

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