Welcome to our selection of the best external hard drives for Macs. In this guide, we have focused on the best external hard drives, which offer simple and fast (as well as affordable) ways to increase the storage capacity of your Mac or MacBook.
Macs, iMacs and especially MacBooks are famous for being particularly complicated when it comes to improving the internal hard drive, which means that if you run out of space on your hard drive, you must delete files or store them on an external hard drive. And in this list, we focused only on external hard drives designed specifically for Apple’s Macs and MacBooks.
This means that all the models listed here are compatible with Apple’s file system, and many of them take advantage of the high-speed ports available on Macs, such as Thunderbolt ports.
KESU Portable External Hard Drive Type C USB3.0 HDD Storage Compatible for PC, Mac, Desktop, Laptop, MacBook, Chromebook (White) (250GB) 4.4 out of 5 stars 922 $27.19 $ 27. 10 Best External Hard Drives for MacBook in 2020. Although choosing an external hard drive is a complicated process but we have made a list of 10 best external hard drives for Mac that you should consider before your final decision. Samsung Portable SSD T5.
We chose these hard drives for ease of use, price, and reliability. This last consideration and perhaps the most important of all, because if you have to put sensitive or important files in an external hard drive, you must be sure that it will not stop working and that it will not lose not your data.
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The latest Macs do not allow any update with regard to internal storage, so the best solution to the problem is to expand the storage externally.
These external devices are not only useful for expanding storage, but also allow you to backup your Mac. The decision to choose the best external hard drive for Mac can be a complicated task, so we help you with a list updated of the best alternatives of external hard drives.
Most external hard drives are suitable for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac and even the iPhone and iPad (the drives have wireless access) and also work under the Windows operating system.
Also, read our other guides on the best external SSD drives for MacBook, MacBook Air 13 cases, and the bestalternatives to the Apple MacBook.
The AirPort Time Capsule from Apple itself is a real luxury option to manage all your backups without having to lift a finger. Literally. You only have to set it once, when you take it out of the box, and … you will not have to do anything else anymore. He alone, wirelessly, will make backup copies automatically.
But not only that: the AirPort Time Capsule can also perform the functions of a Wi-Fi base station, reaching very high speeds of up to 1.3GB per second. Manage the Wi-Fi network of this device, likewise, is very simple, and can be done both from Mac and from your iPhone or iPad. But the best thing is that, through the aforementioned Wi-Fi network, you can have several Macs connected to it, and all with their corresponding backup made frequently.
In summary, if what you are looking for is the simplest and easiest way to have your Mac data backed up, it is definitely about this one; and is especially recommended for those who have more than one computer at home, or for small offices with several Macs. You have it available in versions of 2 or 3 TB and, as you can imagine, it is somewhat more expensive than normal external hard drives: $300 for the 2TB version, and $ 400 for the 3TB, although we have found both in Amazon with a juicy discount.
If you are looking for an external hard drive that is very cheap but, at the same time, reliable and fast, the Toshiba Canvio Basics can be the answer to your prayers. It is the most basic model of the reputed Japanese company, but it comes with what is necessary to satisfy a large part of the users.
For starters, it has a USB 3.0 port, so with it,
By cons, the Toshiba Canvio Basics lacks data encryption software, so you cannot protect your files by password, and it comes preformatted for Windows instead of Mac: that is, to save data on it from your Mac, you will first have to reformat it to the HFS + file system. A little discomfort, but it will be worth it to those who want to save a few euros and do not mind doing this operation (which, in reality, is extremely simple).
Western Digital’s My Passport comes with a huge 4TB storage capacity and is equipped with dizzying read and write speeds. It goes well for those who want fast storage speeds for their MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, as well as PCs.
Its large capacity allows you to store lots of data files. Therefore, it is ideal for backing up your Mac or PC. In addition, it will not take long to transfer data. Depending on your preferences, you can choose any capacity that ranges between 1TB and 4TB. The device is also equipped with cloud storage features and comes with 256-bit AES encryption.
My Passport also has the backup software of Western Digital, but some of you may not find it very useful because it is too basic. It is one of the best external hard drives for Mac, as well as PC because it has excellent data transfer speeds, better than a number of its competitors.
It will not beat many flash drives that are available in the market, but when it comes to hard drives, My Passport is one of the best alternatives in the market.
It is one of the best external hard drives in terms of security. The iStorage diskAshur offers a storage capacity of 2 TB and is equipped with USB 3.0. The unit provides physical security thanks to a robust design. The disadvantage is its high price, especially if its capacity and characteristics are compared with other market options.
This device is best for staff working in multinational and government corporations because these devices are equipped with very strong security features.
The best feature it has to offer is that it can be configured to self-destruct if someone tries to manipulate it. Storage data is encrypted with 256-bit AES protocol encryption with other multiple security features due to which it has a higher price.
However, with the only 2TB of storage capacity, you may well consider other options unless security is the highest priority for you.
If the
It also comes with USB 3.0 connection, which guarantees good data transmission speeds, and preformatted directly in HFS + so you can use it with your Mac without doing anything else than take it out of the box and plug it into your computer. As for data encryption, the hard drive does not come with the corresponding pre-installed software, but it is possible to download it free from the official LaCie website (the application is called LaCie Private-Public and you can find it in this link).
The LaCie Porsche Design is available in 5 different storage capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 5TB.
The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt is the ideal choice for those who seek, mainly, two things: speed and endurance.
The speed is provided by the connection Thunderbolt, connection included for some time in the different models of Mac and that is twice as fast as USB 3.0. This hard drive, in fact, not only has a port of this type included, but comes with a Thunderbolt cable directly integrated into its own design, so you will not need anything else: plug it, and run (and never rather!).
And the resistance is provided by the hard construction of the hard disk: it is made of high-quality metallic materials, and also comes wrapped in a silicone cover that further increases the level of protection. To give you an idea, the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt comes prepared to easily withstand falls of up to 2 meters in height and is IP54 certified, which ensures the survival of the device against dust and water splashes. Not in vain, “rugged” is the English word for “resistant”.
But it is also that this model has other virtues: it allows you to encrypt data by password, so that your files are safe, and comes prepared to work directly with Mac, as well as to manage your backups easily through Time Machine. An external hard drive, without a doubt, the most complete.
The Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC offers wireless security and has a capacity of 2 TB. The device comes with a USB 3.0 Adobe photo album software, free download. interface. It is ideal for users who prefer to store a wireless device; The device is not very fast when it comes to the read and write operation.
But it is the best option for those who do not want to break their wallet. The device is compatible with MacBook Pro, MacBook Air,
The MiniStation Extreme is equipped with a 256-bit AES security function, as well as Near Field Communication. The device allows you to unlock and quickly access your files with the help of the NFC card that comes with it. The device also comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The only disadvantage of this device is that for many users it may not be the fastest available options in the market. For those who want more storage, 2TB could run out quickly.
It is the wireless version of Western Digital’s My Passport and comes in storage capacities ranging from 1 TB to 4 TB. The device supports a USB 3.0 interface, as well as Wi-Fi. Despite having a Wi-Fi interface, it offers a great battery life. However, it does not have a USB Type C port, and it is also expensive due to the Wi-Fi features.
The device is the updated version of My Passport Wireless from 2015, and the company has come a long way since then. The device is equipped with an integrated SD card slot, as well as an SD transfer button.
The storage device is ideal for photographers since the device comes with an excellent application. Because it is equipped with Wi-Fi features, it also has a 6400 mAh battery.
However, when the device is connected to cables, transfer speeds of the cutting edge is reduced because the device uses USB Type A and Type B. The device is expensive but justifies the expense with a lot of features offered to its users.
The Innov8 8TB from Seagate joins portability with capacity. The device comes with USB 3.0 as well as USB type C interfaces, however, Type-C is still in its early stages. The device offers a high storage capacity and does not require power through USB.
However, the gadget is relatively expensive. It is an ideal device for
For regular users of hard drives, this may not be the ideal option simply because it is an expensive device. Innov8 8TB works exceptionally well when it comes to data transfer, and also provides a good amount of storage capacity.
However, there are other options available in the market that are not only cheaper but also at the same level as the Innov8 8TB from Seagate.
We know that each product comes with its own characteristics, which make them excel in certain categories over others. A hard disk could provide higher speed, higher security, etc. While another may come with additional features such as a USB-C port.
The important thing is that all the external hard drives here detailed are very good, there are obviously some that are the best, but also its price is higher. The important thing is that whatever external hard drive for Mac you choose, it complies with the specific requirements that you need for your particular storage and security needs.
We all love saving tons of photos, videos, and even movies on our laptops. So the default in-built storage on a MacBook can quickly run out, especially if you’ve been using it for a while. That’s why it’s handy to get an external drive too on which you can easily transfer all your big files. This will ensure your computer always has sufficient space. So without further delay, let’s go ahead and find out the best external SSDs for Mac.
Enjoy seamless transfers with this USB C SSD that gives up to 550MB/s read speeds. This external SSD for Mac is rugged and resistant to both water and dust with an IP55 rating.
Along with being compact and pocket-sized, it’s also durable and shock-proof. So your data can stay safe during minor falls or drops. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can choose from varied capacities from 250 GB to 1 TB, according to your needs.
Pros
Cons
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
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Take your storage to the next level with this SSD. Designed with Thunderbolt 3 ports, the X5 is made for busy professionals who want to render high-resolution content quickly. Its thermal management and password protection features ensure safety and security.
Further, it offers impressive read/write speeds of 2,800/2,300 MB/s. So you can transfer a 20GB 4K UHD video from your computer to the SSD in as little as 12 seconds, depending on your system configurations. The innovative design is inspired by supercars!
Pros
Cons
Price: $699.99 for 2TB capacity
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This high-speed, portable solid-state drive is perfect for streaming stored videos directly to your Macbook. It’s an excellent choice for backing up your data on the go.
Moreover, its a mini USB 3.0 SSD with a lightweight, minimalist design that’s convenient to carry every day Finally, you can enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Price: $144.99 for 1TB capacity
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For those who want ultimate protection on their external SSD for Mac, this rugged one can withstand the pressures of life! It can survive a 3-meter drop and a two-ton car crash. Moreover, it is IP67-rated dust water-resistant.
You can take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe creative cloud apps when you get this drive. Further, it comes with a 5-year limited protection plan so you can have long-term peace of mind about it’s functionality.
Pros
Cons
Price: $451.99 for 2TB capacity
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Incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s makes this one of the best SSDs for Mac. It has a durable design featuring an aluminum core. It offers drop protection for up to 7. 5 feet, and can also withstand extreme temperature. It’s shock and vibration proof so you can carry it around in your bag with ease.
Finally, you can rest assured about quality because this SSD is backed by Micron, one of the well-known storage tech manufacturers in the world. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Price: $164.95 for 1TB capacity
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Check out this pocket-sized SSD for Mac and Windows computers. It’s convenient to carry and is also capable of surviving drops up to 2 meters. The protective bumper acts as a cushion and absorbs shocks and bumps.
It offers a transfer rate of 400MB/s which is pretty decent. Further, it comes with a 3-year warranty and you can get it in 2 cool color options namely cobalt blue and amber. All in all, it’s an excellent everyday choice for your storage needs.
Pros
Cons
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
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For the stylish and modern professional, this is one of the best SSDs for your Mac! With a USB 3.1 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s depending on your system. So transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.
Furthermore, the impressive performance comes in a compact package that’s easy to carry with you. Perhaps the best part is the classy color options such as blue, gold, and red.
Pros
Cons
Price: $319.85 for 2TB capacity
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For ultimate portability, check out this ultra-slim SSD. It’s sleek and durable – an ideal travel companion whether for work or leisure. Easily transfer your media with the smooth plug-and-play technology.
It provides speeds of up to 1000MB/s, depending on your system configurations. Further, you can get it in 3 convenient storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB. You can also choose either black or silver color options.
Pros
Cons
Price: $299.99 for 2TB capacity
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Carry your data worry-free on this shock and vibration resistant SSD for Mac. The durable design comes with iP67 dust and water resistance.
The USB C connectivity offers transfer rates of up to 560MB/s. Further, you can buy with confidence given the industry-leading 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
Cons
Price: $329.95 for 2TB capacity
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With reliable performance and a speed of up to 540MB/s, you can enjoy smooth data transfer on this external SSD for Mac. It features a minimalist design and green LED accent light.
It’s a perfect solution for carrying media on the go or even for external Xbox or PlayStation storage. It offers seamless installation and loading. Moreover, you get a limited product protection plan too.
Pros
Cons
Price: $109.99 for 500 GB capacity
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Summing Up
Well, as you can see, there’s a wide variety of external SSDs for Mac. Most come with warranties so are a valuable accessory to get. Let us know in the comments below which one you prefer and why.
I have been writing about tech for over 10 years now. I am passionate about helping people solve their tech problems with easy and practical solutions. At iGeeksBlog, I write and edit how-to guides and accessory reviews for all things Apple. My work has previously appeared in Live IT and Woman’s Era magazines. When not working, I love reading and traveling.
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