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External Ssd For Mac

10 Best External Ssd For Mac 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-8T00-NA25​

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SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-8T00-NA25​

SanDisk

9.9 score

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The SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD offers an impressive storage capacity of up to 8TB, making it ideal for users with large files such as photo and video collections, music libraries, and important documents. It boasts read speeds of up to 1000MB/s, which is significantly faster than traditional desktop hard drives, ensuring quick access to your content and efficient backups using Apple Time Machine or Acronis True Image software.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,125
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
124 reviews

Storage Capacity
High capacity SSD at a reasonable price with read/write speeds as advertised.
Read/Write Speeds
High capacity SSD at a reasonable price with read/write speeds as advertised.
Durability and Build Quality
Runs a little bit hot but operates with no noise whatsoever.
Compatibility
Perfect for accessing large sound libraries for music production and Lightroom photo editing.
#2
9.8 score

SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black

SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black

SAMSUNG

9.8 score

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The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD is a robust choice for Mac users needing substantial storage, with its impressive 8TB capacity. It's ideal for gamers and content creators who handle large files regularly. The drive boasts sequential read speeds up to 460MB/s, providing faster performance than traditional HDDs, which can significantly improve workflows for tasks that involve large data transfers. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface ensures solid connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of devices, including PCs, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, and particularly Macs, making it versatile for various uses.

Rating
9.8
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Interface

Most important from
537 reviews

Storage Capacity
The SAMSUNG T5 EVO's compact size is impressive for an 8TB storage device, making it extremely portable.
Read/Write Speeds
The SSD offers good read and write speeds, significantly quieter than traditional hard drives.
Interface
Its rugged design makes it ideal for on-the-go use, although some users experienced occasional disconnects with Type C cables.
Durability and Build Quality
The SSD's durability is highlighted by its ability to withstand accidental wash and dry cycles, showcasing its robust build.
Compatibility
Its versatility allows easy connection to various devices, including phones and tablets, for media use and file sharing.
Security Features
Reformatting and using native encryption schemes of the operating system can enhance performance.
#3
9.6 score

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

SanDisk

9.6 score

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The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-capacity external drive designed to meet the needs of Mac users who want fast and reliable storage on the go. Its 4TB capacity offers plenty of room for large files like videos, photos, and backups. Thanks to the latest USB4 interface, it delivers impressively fast read speeds up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3700 MB/s, which means transferring big files happens in seconds rather than minutes. It’s also backwards compatible with older USB standards and supports Thunderbolt 4, making it flexible with various Mac models. The build is rugged, featuring a silicone shell and a forged aluminum body that provide water and dust resistance (IP65 rating) and shock protection—ideal if you carry your drive outside the home or office.

Rating
9.6
Read/Write Speeds
Durability and Build Quality
Compatibility

Most important from
22 reviews

Read/Write Speeds
The drive delivers blazing fast speeds up to around 3400 MB/s in real-world use, living up to its high-performance claims.
Durability and Build Quality
Exceptional reliability and cool, quiet operation make this SSD a trustworthy choice for demanding Mac setups.
Compatibility
Compatibility issues may arise with newer Mac Studio Thunderbolt 5 ports, but these can be resolved through proper troubleshooting and power management adjustments.
Security Features
Built-in security and durability stand out, avoiding the kernel panics and instability seen with cheaper external SSD alternatives.

Top 10 Best External Ssd For Mac 2025 in the United States

Sponsored

Slide 1

Kingston

Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 7.6TB External SSD | FIPS 197 | XTS-AES 256GB Encrypted | Touch Screen PIN | Secure Data Protection | IKVP80ES/7680G

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#1

Winner

9.9 score

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SanDisk

SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-8T00-NA25​

Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Read/Write Speeds: Read Speed: 1000 MB/s
Interface: USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Durability and Build Quality: Durable
Compatibility: Laptop, Desktop, Mac, Windows
Portability: Limited

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22% OFF

Chosen by 1125 this week

Sponsored

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Kingston

Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 7.6TB External SSD | FIPS 197 | XTS-AES 256GB Encrypted | Touch Screen PIN | Secure Data Protection | IKVP80ES/7680G

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#2

9.8 score

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SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black

Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Read/Write Speeds: 460MB/s
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Durability and Build Quality: Shock resistance up to 6 feet
Compatibility: PC, Console, Tablet, Smartphone, Mac
Security Features: Hardware Encryption
Portability: Compact and lightweight

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#3

9.6 score

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SanDisk

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
Read/Write Speeds: Read 3800 MB/s, Write 3700 MB/s
Interface: USB4, backward compatible, supports Thunderbolt 4
Durability and Build Quality: Silicone shell, aluminum, IP65, shock protection
Compatibility: Mac, backward compatible, supports Thunderbolt 4
Security Features: Physical protection, 5-year warranty
Portability: 6.1 ounces, compact

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#4

9.5 score

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SAMSUNG

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)

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#5

9.3 score

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SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Bundle with 1 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack

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#6

9.1 score

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Crucial

Crucial X6 4 TB Portable Solid State Drive - Internal

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#7

8.9 score

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LaCie

LaCie Portable SSD 2TB External Solid State Drive - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, speeds up to 1050MB/s, Moon Silver, for Mac PC and iPad, with Rescue Services (STKS2000400)

Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Read/Write Speeds: Read: 1050MB/s, Write: 1000MB/s
Interface: USB 3.2
Durability and Build Quality: Compact and robust
Compatibility: Mac, iPads, Windows
Security Features: Three-year warranty, Data Recovery
Portability: Portable

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#8

8.7 score

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SanDisk Professional

SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD - Up to 2700MB/s, Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps), USB-C (10Gbps), IP68 dust/Water Resistance, External Solid State Drive - SDPS31H-002T-GBCND

Storage Capacity: 2TB
Read/Write Speeds: 2700MB/s read, 1900MB/s write
Interface: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Durability and Build Quality: IP68, 4000lb crush, 3m drop
Compatibility: Mac laptops
Portability: Portable size

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#9

8.5 score

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Samsung

SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)

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#10

8.3 score

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Seagate

Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB External SSD Portable – Black, speeds up to 1030MB/s, 6mo Mylio Photo+ subscription, 6mo Dropbox Backup Plan​ and Rescue Services (STKG2000400)

Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Read/Write Speeds: up to 1030MB/s
Interface: USB-C
Durability and Build Quality: rugged textile exterior
Compatibility: Mac
Portability: lightweight and compact design

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Buying Guide for the Best External Ssd For Mac

When choosing an external SSD for your Mac, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and compatibility for your needs. External SSDs are great for expanding storage, speeding up data transfer, and providing a portable solution for your files. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the SSD can hold. This is important because it determines how much space you have for your files, applications, and backups. Capacities typically range from 250GB to 4TB or more. If you need an SSD for basic tasks like document storage and occasional backups, 250GB to 500GB might be sufficient. For more extensive use, such as storing large media files or running applications directly from the SSD, consider 1TB or higher.
Read/Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly data can be transferred to and from the SSD. This is crucial for tasks like transferring large files, running applications, and booting up your system. Speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Entry-level SSDs might offer speeds around 400-500 MB/s, which is adequate for general use. For more demanding tasks, look for SSDs with speeds of 1000 MB/s or higher. If you work with high-resolution video editing or large data sets, the fastest speeds available will be most beneficial.
InterfaceThe interface is the type of connection the SSD uses to connect to your Mac. Common interfaces include USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3. The interface affects both compatibility and speed. USB 3.0 is widely compatible and offers decent speeds, but USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 provide faster data transfer rates and are more future-proof. If your Mac has Thunderbolt 3 ports, choosing an SSD with a Thunderbolt 3 interface will give you the best performance.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the SSD can withstand physical wear and tear. This is important if you plan to carry the SSD around frequently. Look for SSDs with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance if you need extra protection. For everyday use at home or the office, a standard build should suffice. However, if you travel often or work in harsh environments, investing in a more durable SSD is wise.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the SSD will work seamlessly with your Mac. Most modern SSDs are compatible with macOS, but it's always good to check for any specific requirements or software that might be needed. Some SSDs come pre-formatted for macOS, while others may need to be reformatted. Ensure the SSD supports the file system you plan to use, such as APFS or HFS+.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your data from unauthorized access. This is important if you store sensitive information on your SSD. Look for features like hardware encryption, password protection, and biometric security. Basic models might not offer these features, but if data security is a priority for you, choose an SSD with robust security options.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the SSD around. This is important if you need to use the SSD on the go. Smaller, lightweight SSDs are easier to transport and can fit in your pocket or bag. If you need an SSD for travel or frequent use outside the home, prioritize a compact and lightweight design. For stationary use, portability might be less of a concern.

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