Top External Storage Options for Carbon Copy Cloner Users
Choosing the right external drive is an important step when setting up backups with Carbon Copy Cloner. Whether you’re creating a bootable clone or backing up important files, the performance and reliability of your external drive directly impact your backup experience. Here’s what you need to know when selecting a drive — and some top recommendations to consider.
What to Look For in an External Drive for CCC
When using Carbon Copy Cloner, your external drive should be:
Fast and reliable – Especially for bootable backups, faster drives reduce clone time and improve system performance if you ever need to boot from the backup.
Mac-compatible – The drive must be properly formatted (APFS or HFS+ depending on your macOS version) to support bootable backups.
At least the same size as your internal drive – Or larger, to ensure all system and user data fits comfortably.
USB-C or Thunderbolt – For modern Macs, these interfaces offer optimal speed and compatibility.
Top External Drives for Carbon Copy Cloner
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
Fast, compact, and highly reliable, the Samsung T7 offers up to 1,050 MB/s read speeds via USB-C. It’s perfect for creating fast, bootable backups with minimal wait time.
2. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (V2)
A rugged, high-speed SSD ideal for both home and mobile users. It’s water- and dust-resistant and supports fast data transfer, making it a great match for CCC backups on the go.
3. LaCie Rugged USB-C
Known for its durability, LaCie’s Rugged series offers solid performance and physical protection, making it ideal for travel or rough environments. Also works well for Time Machine if you choose to combine backup tools.
4. OWC Envoy Pro FX
This Thunderbolt 3/USB4 SSD offers top-tier speeds and is fully compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. It’s a great choice for professionals or those who need rapid, bootable Carbon Copy Cloner backups.
5. Seagate Backup Plus Slim (HDD)
If you’re looking for a more affordable option and don’t need SSD speeds, this traditional hard drive provides plenty of space at a budget-friendly price, though it’s slower than SSDs.
SSD vs HDD: Which Should You Choose?
For bootable backups, SSD drives are strongly recommended due to their speed and durability. While HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage per dollar, they are slower and more prone to mechanical failure over time. If speed and reliability matter, go with an SSD.
Using a quality external drive with Carbon Copy Cloner ensures smooth backups, faster recovery, and long-term data protection. Whether you’re backing up a MacBook or a desktop Mac, investing in a good drive makes all the difference.