When it comes to external hard drives for Mac computers, there are a few different file formats to choose from. The two most popular options are Mac OS Extended (also known as HFS+) and exFAT.
Mac OS Extended is the default file format used by Mac computers, so if you’re using your external hard drive exclusively with a Mac, this is a good option to choose. It supports file sizes up to 8 exabytes and offers built-in support for Time Machine backups. However, Mac OS Extended drives aren’t compatible with Windows computers unless you install additional software.
exFAT, on the other hand, is a cross-platform file format that works with both Mac and Windows computers without any additional software. It supports file sizes up to 16 exabytes and is a good choice if you need to use your external hard drive with computers running different operating systems. However, some older versions of Mac OS X may not support exFAT by default, so you may need to install additional software to use it.
Ultimately, the format you choose depends on your specific needs. If you’ll only be using your external hard drive with a Mac, Mac OS Extended is a good option, while exFAT is a better choice if you need cross-platform compatibility.
Video Tutorial:Is exFAT or NTFS better for Mac?
What format should I use for external hard drive for both Mac and PC?
If you want to use an external hard drive for both Mac and PC, it’s important to format it in a way that both systems can read and write to. One option is to use the exFAT format, which is recognized by both Mac and PC operating systems and can support files over 4GB in size. Another option is to use the FAT32 format, which is even more widely recognized but has limitations on file size and may require special software for Macs to write to it. Another option is to use the NTFS format, which is preferred for Windows but may require additional software or configuration on the Mac side to ensure full read and write access. Ultimately, the choice of format will depend on your specific needs, the size of files you’ll be transferring, and the level of cross-compatibility you require between the two operating systems.
Is exFAT better than Mac OS Extended?
exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) and Mac OS Extended (HFS+) are both file systems used in modern devices. However, they serve different purposes.
Mac OS Extended is a file system that is compatible with Apple devices, including Mac computers and iOS devices. It is optimized for use with Apple’s own hardware and operating systems. This file system is popular among Apple users because it supports metadata and includes features such as journaling, which ensures data integrity even in the event of a power failure or system crash.
On the other hand, exFAT is a file system that is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices, as well as a variety of other non-Apple devices such as cameras, gaming consoles, and media players. This file system is optimized for use with removable storage devices such as SD cards and USB drives, where compatibility with multiple devices is a key consideration. It supports large file sizes and is generally a good choice for storing files that are shared between different systems.
So, whether exFAT is better than Mac OS Extended depends on your use case. If you are primarily using Apple devices, Mac OS Extended may be the better choice because it is optimized for use with Apple hardware and software. However, if you need to share files between a variety of devices, exFAT may be the better option because of its cross-platform compatibility. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What is the difference between Mac OS Extended journaled and APFS?
Mac OS Extended (HFS+) and APFS are two different file systems used by Apple’s macOS operating system. Mac OS Extended Journaled is the older file system used in previous versions of macOS, while APFS is the newer file system introduced in macOS High Sierra.
APFS offers many advantages over the older Mac OS Extended Journaled file system, including improved performance, enhanced security, and better storage management. APFS is also optimized for solid-state drives (SSDs), making it ideal for use with newer Macs that have SSDs installed.
One key advantage of APFS over Mac OS Extended Journaled is space-saving. APFS has a built-in space-saving feature called cloning that makes copying files and folders instantaneous, without duplicating data, which can save a lot of space on your hard drive.
Another significant advantage of APFS is its support for snapshots. Snapshots allow you to take a snapshot of your entire file system at a specific point in time, allowing you to roll back to an earlier version of the file system if needed. This feature is particularly useful for backing up your files and restoring your system if an update or other software-related issue causes problems.
Overall, while Mac OS Extended journaled is still suitable for older Macs, APFS is the latest file system and offers a range of advantages over the older file system. Therefore, if you have a newer Mac or want to maximize all the benefits offered by the latest macOS version, it’s highly recommended to use APFS as your file system.
Is exFAT slower than NTFS?
The answer to this question is not clear-cut as it depends on various factors. exFAT and NTFS are both file systems used in modern Windows operating systems and are designed for different types of usage scenarios.
exFAT is a file system optimized for portable drives and flash memory devices, with the ability to read and write large files with faster transfer speed compared to FAT32. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X and can handle files up to 16 exabytes in size.
NTFS, on the other hand, is a file system designed for high-performance workstations and servers that require advanced security and encryption features. It supports larger volume sizes and files than exFAT and has built-in journaling capabilities that help reduce the risk of data corruption.
In terms of speed, exFAT is generally faster in reading and writing small files, while NTFS excels in handling larger files. However, the performance differences are generally minor and may not be noticeable in everyday usage scenarios.
Overall, choosing between exFAT and NTFS depends on your specific use case and the device you are using. If you’re working with portable drives and/or flash memory and require compatibility with both Windows and Mac OS X, exFAT might be the better choice. If you need advanced security features and are working with larger files and volumes, NTFS might be a better option.
Should I use FAT or NTFS for Mac?
As a technical blogger, I would say that it depends on your intended use case. If you are only using the drive on Mac machines, then it’s better to choose a file system that’s natively supported by macOS, which is HFS+ or APFS, depending on your macOS version. However, if you need to use the drive on both Windows and Mac machines, or if you frequently transfer files between the two systems, then you might want to consider using NTFS as it provides better compatibility and can handle larger files. FAT, on the other hand, is an older format that is compatible with both Windows and Mac, but has limitations like smaller file size limits and less efficient storage utilization.