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10 Best Mac-Compatible External Hard Drives 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD - Up to 2,000MB/s, RGB Lighting, Portable External Solid State Drive , Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBAWY0010BBK-WESN
The Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD is a solid choice for Mac users looking for a portable external hard drive that excels in speed and durability. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it provides ample space for games, files, and media, making it particularly beneficial for gamers who want to keep multiple titles ready to launch. The USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface allows for impressive speeds up to 2,000MB/s, although actual performance may vary based on usage and device compatibility.
Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,235
Storage Capacity
Portability
Compatibility
Most important from
1341 reviews
#2
LaCie 1big Dock 20TB External Hard Drive HDD Docking Station – Thunderbolt 4 Compatible, USB4, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC, Rescue Service (STHS20000800)
The LaCie 1big Dock 20TB External Hard Drive is designed for creative professionals, especially filmmakers, who need an efficient storage solution. One of its key strengths is its massive 20TB capacity, which can hold extensive portfolios of large files like videos and high-resolution images. The Thunderbolt 4 compatibility ensures fast data transfer speeds, which is essential for managing large projects smoothly. Additionally, it functions as a docking station with multiple ports, including a built-in USB hub and card reader, making it a versatile addition to any desktop setup.
Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Connection Interface
Drive Type
Most important from
1509 reviews
#3
LaCie Mobile Drive, 5 TB , External Hard Drive HDD – Moon Silver, USB-C USB 3.0, With Rescue Services (STHG5000400)
The LaCie Mobile Drive is a 5 TB external hard drive designed with portability in mind, making it a great option for users who need ample storage while on the go. Its sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around, catering well to travelers and professionals alike. One of its significant advantages is its compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems, along with the ability to connect to current and future laptops using USB-C or USB 3.0 ports, enhancing its versatility.
Rating
9.1
Compatibility
Most important from
1921 reviews
Top 10 Best Mac-Compatible External Hard Drives 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.7 score
Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD - Up to 2,000MB/s, RGB Lighting, Portable External Solid State Drive , Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBAWY0010BBK-WESN
Western Digital 1TB P40 Game Drive SSD - Up to 2,000MB/s, RGB Lighting, Portable External Solid State Drive , Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBAWY0010BBK-WESN
Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Connection Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Portability: Portable
Compatibility: Laptop, Console, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
Durability: Shock-resistant, drops up to 2 meters
Chosen by 1235 this week
LaCie 1big Dock 20TB External Hard Drive HDD Docking Station – Thunderbolt 4 Compatible, USB4, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC, Rescue Service (STHS20000800)
LaCie 1big Dock 20TB External Hard Drive HDD Docking Station – Thunderbolt 4 Compatible, USB4, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC, Rescue Service (STHS20000800)
Storage Capacity: 20 TB
Connection Interface: Thunderbolt 4, USB Type C, DisplayPort
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: 3.74 pounds, 4.65 x 2.22 x 8.54
Compatibility: Desktop, Windows, Mac
Durability: Five-year warranty, data recovery services
LaCie Mobile Drive, 5 TB , External Hard Drive HDD – Moon Silver, USB-C USB 3.0, With Rescue Services (STHG5000400)
LaCie Mobile Drive, 5 TB , External Hard Drive HDD – Moon Silver, USB-C USB 3.0, With Rescue Services (STHG5000400)
Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Connection Interface: USB 2.0/3.0, USB-C
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: Portable
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Backup and Security Features: User-friendly software, hot swap, rescue services
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Water Resistant, 1 Mo Adobe CC (STFS5000800)
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Water Resistant, 1 Mo Adobe CC (STFS5000800)
Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Connection Interface: Thunderbolt, USB-C
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: External
Compatibility: Mac, PC
Durability: Drop, dust, water-resistant
Backup and Security Features: Three-year warranty, Data Recovery service
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000400)
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000400)
Storage Capacity: 14 TB
Connection Interface: USB 3.0
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: Not portable
Compatibility: Windows, Mac (reformat for Time Machine)
Durability: Less durable than SSD
Backup and Security Features: Rescue Data Recovery Services
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Seagate Desktop Drive 8000 GB 8TB external Hard Drive, 3.5 Inch, USB 3.0, PC & Notebook, Xbox & PS4, Modellnr.: STGY8000400
Seagate Desktop Drive 8000 GB 8TB external Hard Drive, 3.5 Inch, USB 3.0, PC & Notebook, Xbox & PS4, Modellnr.: STGY8000400
Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Connection Interface: USB 3.0
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Backup and Security Features: Data Recovery Service
G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Portable External Hard Drive, Space Gray - 0G10317
G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Portable External Hard Drive, Space Gray - 0G10317
Storage Capacity: 2TB
Connection Interface: USB-C, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: Portable
Compatibility: Mac, Laptop, Desktop, Television
Durability: Aluminum design
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
Connection Interface: USB-C, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: Portable
Compatibility: Mac, Windows PCs
Durability: Triple-layer shock resistance, IP54, 1000-pound crush
LaCie Rugged Mini, 5T,B USB 3.0 Portable 2.5 inch External Hard Drive for PC and Mac, Orange/Grey, with Rescue Services (STJJ5000400)
LaCie Rugged Mini, 5T,B USB 3.0 Portable 2.5 inch External Hard Drive for PC and Mac, Orange/Grey, with Rescue Services (STJJ5000400)
Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Connection Interface: USB 3.0
Drive Type: External Hard Drive
Portability: Portable
Compatibility: Mac, PC
Durability: Resistant to drops, shocks, rain
Backup and Security Features: Encryption, Rescue Services for recovery
#10
7.0 score
SanDisk Professional 5TB G-Drive ArmorATD - Rugged, Durable Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 - SDPH81G-005T-GBA1D
SanDisk Professional 5TB G-Drive ArmorATD - Rugged, Durable Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 - SDPH81G-005T-GBA1D
Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Connection Interface: USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Portability: 2.5-inch, 12.3 ounces
Compatibility: Mac, Desktop
Durability: Rugged, aluminum enclosure, easy-grip bumper
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Buying Guide for the Best Mac-Compatible External Hard Drives
When choosing a Mac-compatible external hard drive, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. External hard drives are essential for expanding storage, backing up data, and transferring files. Understanding the different specs will help you make an informed decision and find a drive that meets your requirements.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store on the drive. Storage capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files like videos or a large number of files, you should opt for a higher capacity drive, such as 2TB or more. For basic use, like storing documents and photos, a 500GB to 1TB drive may be sufficient.
Connection InterfaceThe connection interface is how the external hard drive connects to your Mac. Common interfaces include USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. This spec is important because it affects the data transfer speed and compatibility with your Mac. USB 3.0 is widely compatible and offers good speeds, while USB-C and Thunderbolt provide faster transfer rates and are ideal for newer Mac models. Choose an interface that matches your Mac's ports and your need for speed.
Drive TypeExternal hard drives come in two main types: 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 better for performance-intensive tasks, but they are more expensive and usually have lower storage capacities. If you need speed and reliability, go for an SSD. If you need more storage at a lower cost, an HDD might be the better choice.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. This is important if you plan to use the drive on the go. Portable drives are usually smaller, lighter, and powered through the connection interface (bus-powered), making them convenient for travel. Desktop drives are larger, require an external power source, and are better suited for stationary use. Choose a portable drive if you need to carry it with you frequently, and a desktop drive if it will stay in one place.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external hard drive works seamlessly with your Mac. This is crucial because not all drives are formatted for macOS out of the box. Look for drives that are labeled as Mac-compatible or pre-formatted for macOS. If a drive is not pre-formatted, you can reformat it using Disk Utility on your Mac. Ensure the drive supports the macOS version you are using to avoid any compatibility issues.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the external hard drive can withstand physical damage and wear over time. This is important if you plan to use the drive in different environments or if it might be subject to drops and bumps. Some drives come with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance, making them more durable. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, consider a more durable model. For home or office use, standard durability should suffice.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the external hard drive. This is important for tasks that require fast data access, such as video editing or running applications from the drive. Speed is influenced by the drive type (SSD is faster than HDD) and the connection interface (Thunderbolt and USB-C are faster than USB 3.0). If you need high-speed performance, choose an SSD with a fast interface. For general storage, speed may be less critical.