Cheapest way for wireless Time Machine backup?

[Phunk]

Looking for a solution where I can wirelessly back to my time machine.

I'm aware that a 'Time Capsule' can do it, but they're expensive for what is basically a hard drive with WiFi.

Would a router with a USB port plugged into an external HD do the same job?

[Don]

You need something with the compatible backup software on it, IIRC. Time Capsule has this. So does Synology.

I'd get a Synology box myself as it is so useful for so many other things as well as backup up your Mac.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

WD My Cloud works with Time Machine.

[Don]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

WD My Cloud works with Time Machine.

I had a WD device. Three of them, in fact. When the third one went back I got the Synology.

[Bikerjon]

Time capsule is a bit more than just a hard drive with Wi-Fi. If you happen to need a new router and want the fastest "AC" standard Wi-Fi then the time capsule does both those things plus of course provides you with a fully supported backup server too.

Synology is also a good option if you need a NAS - not exactly cheap though by the time you've added the drives. WD MyCloud is probably the cheapest option but unfortunately the performance isn't as good for backups as the other two in my experience.

[megaphone]

You could buy an Airport Extreme, then plug in and formated a USB external HDD.

[Perik Omo]

I've got my Apple backup drive connected to my Asus router via the USB port, there's a specific Time Machine config in the Asus to allow this.