Choosing the right file system for your external drive is important as it can affect the performance, compatibility, and accessibility of the drive. Mac users have three main file systems to consider: APFS, HFS+, and exFAT. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of them to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

APFS:

APFS (Apple File System) is the default file system on all Apple devices running macOS High Sierra or later. APFS is designed for modern flash/SSD storage, making it an excellent choice for external drives with high-speed storage. It supports features such as snapshots, cloning, encryption, and compression, which can come in handy depending on your use case. However, APFS is not compatible with older versions of macOS and may not work with some third-party devices. If you plan on using your external drive with newer Apple devices, APFS is a good choice.

HFS+:

HFS+ (Hierarchical File System Plus) is the older file system used on Macs before APFS. It’s still a popular choice for external drives as it’s compatible with older versions of macOS and works seamlessly with Time Machine backups. HFS+ is reliable, secure, and supports a variety of file types. However, it’s not optimized for solid-state drives, which may affect performance if you’re using an external SSD. If you have an older Mac or plan on using your drive with a Mix of Macs, HFS+ is a good choice.

exFAT:

exFAT is a file system that’s compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. It’s a great option if you share your external drive between different systems or need to transfer large files between them. exFAT supports large files and volumes, making it ideal for video editors, photographers, or anyone who needs to work with large files. However, it’s not as secure or reliable as HFS+ or APFS, so it’s not recommended for long-term storage. If you need to use your external drive with both Mac and Windows devices, exFAT is an excellent choice.