Best backup software for MacBook Pro to external drive

Time Machine, which is part of the Mac's operating system will reliably do the job. That said, I don't like T.M. because of the way it saves its files, making some very difficult to access. I like and use Carbon Copy Cloner which gives you a backup which looks exactly like your computer looks. Everything is displayed and easy to access. It does have a cost, however. I have no association with C.C.

<< Time Machine is good but has a one possible issue: it needs the Time Machine app to restore everything. >>

I think you got that backward.

Recovery or Migrations Assistant can be used to restore EVERYTHING.

Where you MUST have Time machine.app is to selectively restore a few files.

Apple’s Time Machine.

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support

Best is subjective and depends on your needs.

But for now … “Best” is defined as what you have now, will perform, and which works reliably.

TM is already built-in and it’s easy … to not only backup … buy also to RESTORE.

Once you’re regularly backing-up … your definition of “Best for You” might change.

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

<< Time Machine is good but has a one possible issue: it needs the Time Machine app to restore everything. >>

I think you got that backward.

Recovery or Migrations Assistant can be used to restore EVERYTHING.

Where you MUST have Time machine.app is to selectively restore a few files.

Good point and I apologise for my error, but still it indicates that you need an app to restore, rather than a plain copy that you get with the apps I mentioned. Just a different way of working...

Start with a backup to an external drive using Time Machine.

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Time Machine is good but has a one possible issue: it needs the Time Machine app to restore everything.

Super Duper! or CarbonCopy Cloner back ups don't necessarily need the app for restoration.