Best External Hard Drive for iMac 2021
What is best External HD for iMac 2021
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There is no "best" external drive for the Mac.
Most available external drives are compatible and will work just fine with the Mac. Most also come pre-formatted for use with PCs, but can easily be formatted for use on the Mac with the Mac's Disk Utility application.
You'll likely be looking for a drive that has a USB-C connector to match that of your Mac's ports. But a drive with the common USB-A connector can also be used with the addition of a small USB-A to USB-C plug adapter or adapter cable.
Usually recommend is an external drive that comes with its own ac power adapter because these type will be less apt to disconnect from the Mac because of power issues over the USB/Thunderbolt port. These are usually a little larger than bus-powered drives - those that get their power from the computer's USB connection.
WD and Sony and Seagate and Toshiba are four common brands.
If the drive you buy comes with utility software, don't install that on the Mac. It isn't necessary and may cause problems.
Many veteran users here in the community will recommend drives from the good folks at OWC/macsales.com. (unaffiliated), but you can also find a wide assortment of external storage devices on Amazon and at other retailers.
