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10 Best External Hard Drives For Macs 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD offers a substantial storage capacity of 4TB, making it an excellent choice for Mac users who need ample space for backups or large files. Its standout feature is the USB4 interface, boasting incredibly fast read speeds of up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3700 MB/s. This means transferring large files will be swift and efficient, ideal for professionals dealing with high-resolution videos or extensive data sets.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,248
Connection Type
Speed
Most important from
57 reviews
#2
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 offers a generous 4TB of storage capacity, which is ideal for those with extensive photo and video collections, as well as large music libraries and important documents. Its use of SSD technology allows for significantly faster data access compared to traditional hard drives, boasting read speeds up to 1000MB/s. This speed is particularly beneficial for quickly backing up files and accessing large multimedia files without long wait times.
Rating
10.0
Storage Capacity
Portability
Compatibility
Most important from
158 reviews
#3
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1
The G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE is a solid choice for Mac users needing a high-capacity external hard drive. One of its key strengths is its ample 10TB storage capacity, which provides plenty of space for extensive files and backups. It features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port, allowing for fast data transfer and compatibility with Macs, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency.
Rating
9.9
Connection Type
Speed
Durability
Most important from
338 reviews
Top 10 Best External Hard Drives For Macs 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Connection Type: USB4
Speed: Read: 3800 MB/s, Write: 3700 MB/s
Portability: 6.1 ounces
Durability: IP65
Compatibility: USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0
Chosen by 1248 this week
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
Connection Type: USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Speed: 1000MB/s
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1
Storage Capacity: 10000 GB
Connection Type: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Speed: Fast transfer
Durability: All-aluminum case
Compatibility: Mac
G-Technology 6TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G05670-1
G-Technology 6TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G05670-1
Storage Capacity: 6 TB
Connection Type: USB-C
Speed: 5400 RPM
Durability: aluminum enclosure
Compatibility: Mac, reformat for Windows
LaCie d2 Professional 20TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1mo Adobe CC All Apps Plan, Rescue Services (STHA20000800)
LaCie d2 Professional 20TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1mo Adobe CC All Apps Plan, Rescue Services (STHA20000800)
Storage Capacity: 20 TB
Connection Type: USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2
Speed: 290MB/s
Durability: Aluminum form factor
Compatibility: Mac and PC
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Up to 25% off
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
Connection Type: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Speed: up to 2,000 MB/s
Portability: compact, lightweight 4.3 oz
Durability: rugged, survives 9.8 ft drop
Compatibility: Macs, PCs, consoles, tablets, iPhone
#10
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000402)
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000402)
Storage Capacity: 14 TB
Connection Type: USB 3.0
Portability: Portable
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
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Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drives For Macs
Choosing the right external hard drive for your Mac can significantly enhance your storage capacity, backup options, and overall performance. It's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much information you can store, including files, photos, videos, and applications. Storage capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files or have extensive media libraries, opt for higher capacities like 2TB or more. For basic use, such as document storage and occasional backups, 500GB to 1TB should suffice.
Connection TypeThe connection type determines how the external hard drive connects to your Mac. Common types include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and sometimes older USB 2.0. USB-C and Thunderbolt are faster and more efficient, making them ideal for transferring large files quickly. If your Mac has these ports, it's best to choose a drive that supports them. USB 3.0 is also widely compatible and offers good speed, but it's slightly slower than USB-C and Thunderbolt.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the external hard drive. This is important for tasks like transferring large files, running applications directly from the drive, or performing backups. Speed is often measured in RPM (for HDDs) or read/write speeds in MB/s (for SSDs). SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, offering speeds up to several hundred MB/s. If you need high performance for tasks like video editing, an SSD is preferable. For general storage and backups, an HDD with 5400 or 7200 RPM is adequate.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. This is important if you need to transport your data frequently or use the drive on the go. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and often bus-powered (meaning they don't require an external power source). If you need a drive for travel or frequent movement, look for compact and lightweight models. For stationary use, such as a home office, larger desktop drives can offer more storage and better performance.
DurabilityDurability indicates how well the external hard drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or impacts. This is crucial if you plan to carry the drive around or use it in various environments. Some drives come with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, consider these features. For home or office use, standard durability is usually sufficient.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external hard drive works seamlessly with your Mac. Most modern drives are compatible with macOS, but it's important to check for any specific requirements or pre-formatted options. Some drives come pre-formatted for Windows but can be easily reformatted for Mac. Ensure the drive supports macOS and consider drives that offer easy setup and use with Time Machine for backups.