best backup drive for M1 macbook pro

JScott wrote:

I am trying to create an external bootable backup drive for my MacBook Pro 16" M1. I have used SuperDuper to create the backup on a WD 2TB external HDD. But it won't boot and I am wondering if the HDD is too slow to boot this machine and whether an external SSD might be better? Thanks in advance.

External bootable clones have been hobbled...

you can read more fro example at CCC blog—

https://bombich.com/blog/2021/05/19/beyond-bootable-backups-adapting-recovery-strategies-evolving-platform

Super Duper—

the point being with Apple Silicon, if the internal SSD fails, it's game over, the system isn't bootable even off of an external drive, due to the integration of SoC...

Have you searched your third party app

Version 3.6.2 supports bootable backups for Big Sur and Monterey, is Apple silicon native,

https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

If in doubt refer to the developers website; Support/Help/FAQ/known issues/compatibility/updates:

Contact a third party vendor

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

I've successfully made a bootable SSD (and HDD) for M1 iMac with Monterey. What you have to do is follow the instructions in the link below to enable booting from an external drive.

About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip – Apple Support (UK)

JScott wrote:

Yes, I've been reviewing the SuperDuper site and have been in touch with their support team as I work through this, thanks. Just wondering more in general if anyone's seen significant performance differences between using external SSD vs HDD with Apple Silicon.

No.

this is not your issue... other than the fact the HDD is slower the SSD