US
Seagate

Seagate Backup Plus Desktop for Mac Hard Drive 2TB

  • 2 TB capacity, formatted for Mac
  • USB 3.0 adapter with capacity gauge included
  • Thunderbolt or FireWire 800 upgrade with extra adapter
  • Seagate Dashboard preloaded, with backup and social Save and Share
  • Time Machine compatible out of the box
  • HFS+ driver download for PC use
  • 3 year warranty

Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A desktop backup drive formatted for Mac, with an upgradeable connection and social media backup. The interface field names an old USB standard and the portable tag is wrong for a drive that needs a power adapter.

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ASIN: B00965HKK8Category: External Hard Drives

Styles Available

USB 2.0USB 3.0

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Overview

A swappable interface adapter on the base starts the Backup Plus on a fast USB connection, and it can be exchanged for Thunderbolt or FireWire adapters. Seagate Dashboard software comes preloaded on the drive.

Choose it for Time Machine backups of a Mac, with a capacity gauge on the adapter and an upgrade path to faster connections. A PC driver download is needed for use on Windows, and the listing contradicts itself on the USB generation.

Who it's for

A Mac desk with room for a power adapter and a library of photos and files suits the large capacity and Dashboard backup. Windows users or travelers should consider drives made for those uses.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Formatted for Mac, Time Machine ready
  • Upgradeable to Thunderbolt or FireWire
  • Capacity gauge on the adapter
  • Dashboard Save feature backs up social content
Cons
  • Interface field says USB 1.1, text says USB 3.0
  • Tagged portable but a desktop drive
  • Needs a power adapter

Performance notes

The drive connects at the speed of the adapter fitted, so it runs at the included USB speed out of the box and only reaches Thunderbolt or FireWire speed with the additional adapter. Time Machine can back up from the pre-formatted volume without setup. The HFS+ driver lets a PC read the same drive without reformatting.

Specifications

BrandSeagate
Dimensions & fit
Item weight2.4 pounds
Capacity & performance
Digital Storage Capacity2 TBlower than 57% of 144 external hard drives
Compatibility & installation
Hardware ConnectivityUSB 3.0 included; Thunderbolt or FireWire 800 with additional adapter
CompatibilityMac OS X 10.6 or higher; Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP SP3
Included components
Included componentsDrive, USB 3.0 adapter with capacity gauge, 4 foot USB 3.0 cable, power adapter, quick start guide
Warranty & support
Warranty3 year
Other details
Hard Disk Form Factor3.5 inch desktophigher than 73% of 118 external hard drives
FormatMac formatted; HFS+ driver for PC
SoftwareSeagate Dashboard preloaded

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Frequently asked questions

How big is the Seagate Backup Plus Desktop for Mac?

It is a 3.5 inch desktop drive weighing 2.4 pounds. The listing gives no outer dimensions, and it needs a power adapter.

Can I use the Seagate Backup Plus with a PC?

Yes. Install the downloadable HFS+ driver for PC and the drive works interchangeably between Mac and PC without reformatting.

Does the Seagate Backup Plus support Thunderbolt?

Yes, with the additional adapter. The included interface is USB 3.0.

Is the Seagate Backup Plus a portable drive?

The features list says portable, but it is a 3.5 inch desktop drive supplied with a power adapter.