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10 Best External Backup Drive For Mac 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1
The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C is a robust external backup drive for Mac users. With a substantial storage capacity of 12TB, it provides ample space for large files and extensive backups. The dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and single USB-C port with USB 3.1 support allow for high-speed data transfers, which is ideal for users who need to move large amounts of data quickly. The daisy-chaining capability is a robust feature, enabling the connection of up to 5 additional devices, which can be convenient for users with extensive setups. Its all-aluminum casing not only makes it durable but also adds a sleek, stylish look to your desktop setup.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,384
Storage Capacity
Drive Type
Connectivity
Most important from
339 reviews
#2
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
The SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB offers impressive storage capacity and high-speed performance, making it a solid choice for Mac users needing an external backup drive. With its 4TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, it provides ample space and fast data transfer speeds, up to 2,000MB/s, which is ideal for large file transfers, backups, and even gaming.
Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Drive Type
Connectivity
Most important from
2643 reviews
#3
SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25
The SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD is a solid choice for Mac users needing extensive external storage. With a generous 4TB capacity, it offers ample space for large photo, video, and music collections, as well as important documents. The SSD technology ensures fast performance, with read speeds up to 1000MB/s, making it significantly quicker than traditional hard drives. This speed not only facilitates rapid file transfers but also makes backing up data more efficient.
Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Connectivity
Portability
Most important from
213 reviews
Top 10 Best External Backup Drive For Mac 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1
G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1
Storage Capacity: 12 TB
Drive Type: thunderbolt 3
Connectivity: USB, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Durability: all-aluminum casing
Chosen by 1384 this week
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Portability: 3.46 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches
Durability: Withstands drops up to 9.8 feet
Backup Software: Magician
Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware encryption
SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25
SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Durability: Good
Backup Software: Included software for automatic backups
Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive, Gray, Sturdy and Blazing Fast, Password Protection with Hardware Encryption - WDBAGF0020BGY-WESN
Western Digital 2TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive, Gray, Sturdy and Blazing Fast, Password Protection with Hardware Encryption - WDBAGF0020BGY-WESN
Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Hard Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen-2, USB-C
Portability: Compact, lightweight
Durability: Withstands drops up to 7 feet
Encryption: 256-bit AES hardware encryption
LaCie d2 Professional 10TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.0 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, 5 Year Warranty and Recovery Service (STHA10000800)
LaCie d2 Professional 10TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.0 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, 5 Year Warranty and Recovery Service (STHA10000800)
Storage Capacity: 10 TB
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Connectivity: USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3
Durability: BarraCuda Pro, aluminum form factor
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LaCie Mobile SSD Secure 2TB, 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen2, Password Protection, iPhone ProRes 4K 120FPS Compatible, Data Rescue Service (STKH2000800)
LaCie Mobile SSD Secure 2TB, 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen2, Password Protection, iPhone ProRes 4K 120FPS Compatible, Data Rescue Service (STKH2000800)
Storage Capacity: 2TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C
Portability: small and lightweight
Durability: built tough for life on the go
Backup Software: file mirroring software
Encryption: AES-256 hardware encryption
G-Technology 5TB ArmorATD All-Terrain Rugged Portable External Hard Drive - USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 1 - 0G10478-1
G-Technology 5TB ArmorATD All-Terrain Rugged Portable External Hard Drive - USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 1 - 0G10478-1
Storage Capacity: 5TB
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3
Portability: 12.3 ounces, Portable
Durability: Triple-layer shock, rain, dust, pressure
#10
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Buying Guide for the Best External Backup Drive For Mac
When choosing an external backup drive for your Mac, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. An external backup drive is essential for safeguarding your data, providing additional storage, and ensuring you have a reliable backup in case of hardware failure or data loss. Here are the key specs to consider and how to choose the best fit for you.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much data you can back up. Storage capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you have a lot of large files, such as videos and high-resolution photos, you might need a drive with 2TB or more. For general use, such as documents and smaller files, 500GB to 1TB might be sufficient. Assess your current data size and consider future needs to choose the right capacity.
Drive TypeThere are two main types of external drives: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). HDDs are generally cheaper and offer larger storage capacities, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage. SSDs are faster, more durable, and more reliable, but they are more expensive and typically offer less storage space. If speed and durability are important to you, especially if you plan to frequently access the data, an SSD might be the better choice. For less frequent use and larger storage needs, an HDD could be more suitable.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the drive connects to your Mac. Common options include USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. USB 3.0 is widely compatible and offers decent speeds, while USB-C and Thunderbolt provide faster data transfer rates and are more future-proof. If your Mac has USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, opting for a drive with these connections can offer better performance. Ensure the drive you choose is compatible with your Mac's available ports.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the drive around. If you need to take your backup drive with you frequently, a smaller, lighter drive is preferable. SSDs are generally more portable than HDDs due to their smaller size and lack of moving parts. Consider how often you will need to transport the drive and choose one that fits your lifestyle.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the drive can withstand physical shocks and environmental factors. SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. Some drives are also designed to be rugged, with features like water and shock resistance. If you plan to use the drive in various environments or are concerned about accidental drops, look for a drive with enhanced durability features.
Backup SoftwareSome external drives come with built-in backup software that can automate the backup process. This can be a valuable feature if you want a hassle-free way to ensure your data is regularly backed up. Check if the drive includes software that is compatible with macOS and meets your backup needs. If you prefer to use your own backup software, ensure the drive is compatible with it.
EncryptionEncryption is the process of encoding your data to protect it from unauthorized access. This is important if you have sensitive information that you want to keep secure. Some drives offer hardware encryption, which is more secure and efficient than software encryption. If data security is a priority for you, look for a drive with built-in encryption features.