can I use iCloud to back up my iMac or do I need a separate backup drive?

Hi ikneadhlp,

In theory, iCloud does backup, but it is more of a "syncing" service. Meaning, if you delete a file from your Mac, it is also deleted from iCloud. It will only keep the most recent version of most files.

Time Machine however requires an external hard drive, but it keeps copies and lots of backups and history of all content on your Mac. If you need a drive, I recommend the https://shop.westerndigital.com/products/external-drives/g-technology-g-drive-usb-c-usb-3-1-hdd#0G05666-1 or https://shop.westerndigital.com/products/portable-drives/g-technology-g-drive-mobile-usb-c-usb-3-1-hdd#0G10264-1, depending what type of drive you want.

Cheers,

Jack

iCloud is NOT a backup solution. Apple's backup solution for Macs is Time Machine which does require an external HD. I strongly recommend you follow Apple's advice. Most experienced users on these forums prefer the OWC Mercury Elite Pro due to it's build quality, reliability and reasonable price. You can find them by clicking OWC Mercury Elite Pro

If you are not experienced with Time Machine here is a link to a good overview, Back up your Mac with Time Machine

In addition, many experienced users use a second external HD and create a bootable clone backup (currently requires Catalina or earlier), they do this using either SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner. The difference between a clone and Time Machine is if the HD crashes you can boot your computer using a clone and continue working. While TM is extremely useful you cannot boot from it. Finally it is wise to have redundant backups because yes, even a backup drive can die so it's nice to more than 1 backup solution.

Furthermore, you only get 5GB free with iCloud. Then, you have to pay for more storage.

5GB iCloud - FREE

50GB iCloud - $0.99 monthly

200GB iCloud - $2.99 monthly

2TB iCloud - $9.99 monthly