Type-C Apple Compatible Backup Drives
Shopping for a external USB-C storage peripherals? The future of Mac compatible storage devices, displays and other peripherals will all center around a Type-C connector. As the unifying interface for both data and power, Apple is standardizing on USB-C and ThunderBolt 4 -- BOTH of which use the Type-C connection for nearly every type of Mac compatible peripheral computing device.
Ideal for Thunderbolt3/USBC Macs
Best USB-C Drives For Mac : SSD & HDD
Here's a sample of MacBook, iMac and Mac mini compatible USB-C storage devices with a 10Gbps Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface. Note some of these backup drives may include only a USB-C to USB-A cable for legacy connection to older Macs, but most now include a USB-C to USB-C cable for use on Apple's newest computers. Read product decriptions carefully as you may need to order one separately.Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Type-C SSD RAID | Type-C CalDigit HDD |
|---|---|
Glyph Atom USB-C RAID 2x SSD Speed To 770MBps 
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CalDigit USB-C Hard Drive 2TB - Speeds To 130MBps 
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| Type-C Samsung SSD | Type-C LaCie HDD |
|---|---|
T5 USB 3.1 Solid-State Drive 250GB To 2TB SSD Storage 
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Portable & Desktop USB 3.1 Hard Drives Available 1TB - 8TB Capacities 
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| Type-C AData SSD | Type-C Sandisk Drive |
|---|---|
10Gbps Gen2 SSD Drive 250GB Solid-State Drive 
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128GB USB-C Flash Drive Dual Type A & C Plugs 
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USB-C Mac Solid-State vs Hard Disk Drives
With significantly faster data transfers, many will opt to buy a flash memory based Mac compatible USB-C SSD drive for maximum read/write speeds. However, those with large files should look to USB-C hard disk drives with more affordable multi-terabyte capacities.
250GB to 2TB Capacities
With cost per gigabyte of SSD's collapsing, Apple compatible Type-C Flash and SSD drives are becoming suprisingly affordable if your storage needs are in the 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacity range.
USB 3.1 Gen 1 5Gbps Drives For 12" MacBooks
The Early 2105 12 inch MacBook introduced a single, reversible Type-C port on the left-hand side for both data and charging. Sadly, this USB-C port only supported Gen 1 speeds. Simply put, it was still 5Gbps USB 3.0 technology, but adopted the SuperSpeed+ Type-C connection. SOME drive peripherals makers rushed to market with USB-C drive enclosures or USB-C SSD or HDD backup drives that also adopted the Type-C interface, but who's chipsets still were limited to Gen 1 5Gbps speeds.USB 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps Drives For ThunderBolt3 Macs
With the introduction of the Late 2016 TouchBar MacBook Pro line, Apple revised the USB protocol to Gen 2 to support full 10Gbps SuperSpeed+ (Plus) USB 3.1 speeds. It does so via ThunderBolt 3 which incorporates BOTH ThunderBolt and USB 3.1 protocols in a single, unified interface. Apple has also included more Type-C ports: 2 on the base 13" MacBook Pro, and 4 on the 13" and 15" TouchBar OLED enabled models.
Read Speeds Up To 1050MBps
More recently Apple has upgraded the iMac, Mac mini and reintroduced the MacBook Air, all which now support Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3.1 Gen 2 drives and devices as well.
ThunderBolt 3 "COMPATIBLE" Backup Drives
Because of the dual-protocol support in the latest generation of Type-C Macs, the average consumer won't think much about the USB-C vs ThunderBolt3 distinction. They'll just plug Type-C cables and peripherals into their Macs and not give much more thought about it. As such, some manufacturers are labeling their Type-C USB 3.1 hardware as "ThunderBolt 3 Compatible." More savvy users - and those who can afford more pricey ThunderBolt3 gadget will know there's a distinction.FYI : Macintosh, Apple, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini or iMac, iPhone, iPad, iPod and others are a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other countries and regions. Several other computing peripheral, data storage, accessory, upgrade, add-on or gizmo and gadget mfrs, brands and product names which may be referred to at this page are registered trademarks of each respected technology corporate entity.