That's more flexible than the NFC-based security of the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC ($94.99 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window). Hardware encryption is disabled by default, but you can easily enable it with the included utility. (You can also use the drive with OS X or Window's built-in backup functions.) WD's backup utility will also let you save copies of your documents to your Dropbox account automatically, but you'll need your own paid account to do so. Software on the My Passport Ultra includes drive-monitoring programs, an app to activate the 256-bit hardware encryption, and a backup utility. The MyPassport Ultra is formatted for NTFS, so you'll need to reformat it to use it with a Mac. It can hold a couple of thousand movies, several hundred thousand photo and audio files, and pretty much every document you've written, ever. Our review unit has a 2TB storage capacity, which is certainly enough to back up most laptops and desktops. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. ( Read our editorial mission (Opens in a new window) & see how we test everything we review (Opens in a new window).) The sole USB 3.0 port on the drive connects to the included cable. You can personalize the drive further with WD Grip Packs ($12.99), which are colored rubber bumpers that protect the drive case. The color covers the top face of the shell, while the bottom and sides are a matte black. Our review unit came in Wild Berry, but the drive is also available in Classic Black, Brilliant White, and Noble Blue. The enclosure feels sturdy, but doesn't share the same high-quality aesthetic as models with metal exteriors, like the 500GB Adata DashDrive Elite HE720 ($3,153.25 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window) and the 1TB G-Technology G-Drive Mobile USB 3.0 ($179.99 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window). It comes in a polycarbonate shell, which has a smoother feel than previous Western Digital drives. The My Passport Ultra measures 0.8 by 3.25 by 4.5 inches (HWD) and weighs about 8 ounces, so it will fit easily in a pocket or commute bag.
It's slimmer and less expensive than the Editors' Choice 4TB Seagate Backup Plus Fast ($119.00 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window), but the latter has higher performance numbers, double the storage space, and is a better drive for getting work done.
It's a great choice as a backup device and for anyone who needs a lot of portable storage. The 2TB Western Digital My Passport Ultra ($129.99) distinguishes itself from more basic external hard drives with its selection of different colors, 256-bit hardware encryption, additional software, and a lengthy 3-year warranty.
How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.
It’s with these things in mind that Solutions Review editors assembled this list of the best Western Digital external hard drives for Mac to consider. The company has recently begun to branch out its product line to offer solutions for a wider variety of devices (like next-gen gaming) and personas (like color combinations and construction materials). Whether you’re looking for one of the best Western Digital external hard drives for Mac for work or play, there is sure to be an option for you. Western Digital is also a manufacturer of hard drives used in popular consumer electronic brands and products like DVRs, security surveillance systems, and gaming consoles. The company markets Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid-State Drive (SSD) products for desktop and notebook computers, as well as high-capacity performance drives for enterprise use cases. Western Digital (WD) offers data storage solutions that enable individuals and organizations to manage and preserve their digital content. The editors at Solutions Review curated this list of the best Western Digital external hard drives for Mac to consider right now.