Transfer Speed - Wifi vs. External HD

In general, is it faster to transfer applications and data to a new MacBook via wifi with old MacBook or connecting new MacBook to an external drive (where the Time Machine backup is stored)? My external is HDD, not SSD. We're talking about 500gb total.

Thanks

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Feb 2, 2023 1:48 PM

Similar questions

After buying a new Macbook Air, is it faster to transfer the data from my old MacBook over a network, or over a cable with USB-C connections on each end? After buying a new Macbook Air, is it faster and/or safer to transfer the data from my old MacBook over a network, or over a cable with USB-C connections on each end?
602 1
Does this transfer include data that I have on attached external hard drives? I am updating date to my new computer, as the article states. It says like 60 hours. I know Wi-Fi is slower, bUt I am concerned that it is trying to copy over EVERYTHING, including all my data from my external hard drives. This is for a new iMac.
451 2
Migrating from 2015 MacBook Pro to 2022 MacBook Pro I want to migrate approximately 1 TB of data from my mid-2015 MacBook Pro to a new MacBook Pro. I plan to use Migrate Assistant. From what I understand, it's faster to connect the computers via cable than by WiFi. What cable fits this purpose? The different connector types on all my devices are getting confusing. The mid-2015 MacBook Pro has USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2 type ports. I see nothing on the Apple website that seems to fit. Thanks!
967 1

2 replies

babowa

Level 9

78,562 points

Feb 2, 2023 2:33 PM in response to 10thgroupvet

Cabled connections are always faster than wifi.

Feb 3, 2023 6:13 AM in response to 10thgroupvet

Also, the direct connection of the Time Machine is also much more reliable than WiFi as there are many variables that can mess up a WiFi signal that can bork the process.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Transfer Speed - Wifi vs. External HD

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up