Seagate

Seagate Backup Plus 5TB Desktop External Hard Drive

4.4 (3730 reviews)
USB 3.0

Massive 5TB desktop backup drive with USB 3.0 speed and seamless PC/Mac cross-compatibility.

$216.71*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Seagate Backup Plus 5TB Desktop External Hard Drive is designed for users who need serious storage capacity without a serious price tag. With 5TB of space, it can comfortably house extensive photo and video libraries, complete system backups, and large project archives. USB 3.0 connectivity ensures that transferring even multi-gigabyte files is reasonably swift, while backward compatibility with USB 2.0 means it will work with older machines as well. The drive works with both Windows and Mac out of the box—just install the included NTFS driver on your Mac and move files freely between platforms.

Seagate bundles its Dashboard software with the drive, giving you the option to set up one-click or scheduled automatic backups so your data stays protected without ongoing manual effort. The Lyve App integration extends that protection to your mobile devices by automatically backing up photos and videos. As a desktop drive, it does require AC power and a permanent spot on your desk, so this is best suited for a home office or workstation environment rather than mobile use. For sheer capacity and straightforward backup functionality, the Backup Plus 5TB remains a solid workhorse.

Key Features

High-speed USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectivity offers plug-and-play functionality on your PC.

Install the NTFS driver for Mac, and you can use the drive interchangeably between Windows and Mac computers without reformatting.

Run a one-click backup or schedule an automatic backup plan to protect your files in your Backup Plus desktop drive at your convenience with Seagate Dashboard software

Works interchangeably on PC and Mac computers—without needing to reformat

Backup your mobile device photos and videos automatically with the Lyve App

Quick file transfer with USB 3.0 connectivity

The available storage capacity may vary.

Specifications

Brand
Seagate
Model
Backup Plus 5TB
Capacity
5TB
Interface
USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
Type
Desktop External Hard Drive
Compatibility
PC and Mac (NTFS driver for Mac included)
Software
Seagate Dashboard, Lyve App

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 5TB capacity provides ample room for large media libraries, full system backups, and years of accumulated files.
  • USB 3.0 connectivity enables fast file transfers for large data sets.
  • Cross-platform compatibility with both PC and Mac eliminates the need for reformatting.
  • Included Seagate Dashboard software simplifies scheduling automatic backups.
  • Lyve App integration allows automatic backup of mobile device photos and videos.

👎 Cons

  • Desktop form factor requires an external power adapter, limiting portability.
  • Drive must remain stationary and connected to power, making it unsuitable for on-the-go use.
  • Mechanical hard drive is more susceptible to damage from vibration or drops compared to solid-state alternatives.
  • Seagate Dashboard software must be installed separately and may feel dated compared to modern backup utilities.
  • Fan-less desktop enclosure can run warm during extended read/write operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as a desktop external hard drive, it uses an included AC power adapter and is designed for stationary use rather than portable, bus-powered operation.
Yes, by installing the included NTFS driver for Mac, the drive works interchangeably between Windows and Mac computers without needing to reformat.
It comes with Seagate Dashboard software, which lets you run one-click backups or schedule automatic backup plans to protect your files.
Yes, it supports both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connections, though transfer speeds will be slower when connected via USB 2.0.
The formatted capacity will be somewhat less than 5TB due to how operating systems calculate storage versus how manufacturers advertise it.