10 Best Mac External Hard Drives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is a strong choice for Mac users looking for fast and reliable external storage. With a 1TB capacity, it offers plenty of space for photos, videos, games, and backups, making it suitable for students, creators, and everyday users who need ample storage on the go. Its speed is impressive—up to 2,100MB/s read speed—so transferring large files happens quickly, which is a big step up from traditional hard drives. The USB 3.2 USB-C connection ensures compatibility with Macs while also working well with other devices like Windows PCs, gaming consoles, and Android devices.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,416
Storage Capacity
Speed
Durability
Most important from
1959 reviews
#2
WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive, Works with Playstation, Xbox, & PC - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN
The WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive offers a large storage capacity of 5TB, which is excellent for storing a substantial amount of games or other files, making it a strong choice if you need plenty of space. Its speed of up to 130MB/s is decent for a mechanical hard drive and will deliver reasonable performance for everyday use, though it’s not as fast as solid-state drives (SSD). The drive connects via USB 3.0, which is widely compatible with Macs and other devices, but it does not support newer USB-C or Thunderbolt connections natively, which some Mac users might prefer for faster transfer speeds.
Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Portability
Most important from
25283 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 with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C offers a very generous 10TB storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for users who need a lot of space for their files, such as video editors or data-heavy professionals. Its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and single USB-C port provide high-speed data transfers, which means quick backups and file transfers.
Rating
7.9
Speed
Connectivity
Most important from
339 reviews
Top 10 Best Mac External Hard Drives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Speed: up to 2,100MB/s read
Connectivity: USB 3.2 USB-C
Durability: dust, water resistant IP65, drop safe
Portability: lightweight and compact
Chosen by 1416 this week
WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive, Works with Playstation, Xbox, & PC - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN
WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive, Works with Playstation, Xbox, & PC - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN
Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Speed: up to 130MB/s
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Durability: metal top, mechanical drive
Portability: 2.5-inch size, 8.2 oz
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: 10TB
Speed: High-speed transfers
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Durability: All-aluminum case
4TB SanDisk 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
4TB SanDisk 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
Speed: read up to 3800 MB/s, write 3700
Connectivity: USB4, USB-C, backward USB, Thunderbolt
Durability: rugged, silicone shell, aluminum, IP65
Portability: compact, lightweight design
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
Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Durability: Drops up to 9.8 feet
Portability: 3.46 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches
Related Products
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
Speed: 7200 RPM, up to 290MB/s
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 2
Durability: Aluminum case, 5-year warranty
Portability: Heavier, less portable, desktop use
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
Speed: USB 3.0
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Portability: Desktop, 3.03 lbs, needs power
WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN
WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN
Storage Capacity: 20 TB
Speed: USB 3.0
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Portability: 3.5-inch HDD, 1.98 lbs, external power
#10
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
Speed: 240MB/s
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.0
Durability: Aluminum casing
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Buying Guide for the Best Mac External Hard Drives
Choosing the right external hard drive for your Mac can significantly enhance your storage capabilities and ensure your data is safe and easily accessible. When selecting an external hard drive, consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, connectivity, durability, and portability. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information, such as files, photos, videos, and applications, you can store. External hard drives typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files or a significant amount of data, opt for a higher capacity drive, such as 2TB or more. For basic use, like documents and photos, a smaller capacity, such as 500GB to 1TB, may suffice.
SpeedSpeed is determined by the type of drive and its connection interface. Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are generally slower than Solid State Drives (SSDs). SSDs offer faster read and write speeds, which means quicker access to your files and faster data transfer. The connection interface, such as USB 3.0, USB-C, or Thunderbolt, also affects speed. Thunderbolt and USB-C are faster than USB 3.0. If you need quick access to large files or plan to use the drive for applications that require high-speed data transfer, an SSD with a Thunderbolt or USB-C connection is ideal. For general storage, an HDD with USB 3.0 may be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the external hard drive connects to your Mac. Common interfaces 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. Ensure the drive you choose is compatible with your Mac's ports. If you have a newer Mac with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, selecting a drive with these interfaces will offer better performance and convenience.
DurabilityDurability is important if you plan to carry your external hard drive with you or use it in various environments. Some drives are designed to be rugged and resistant to shocks, drops, and water. If you need a drive for travel or outdoor use, look for one with a durable, rugged design. For home or office use, a standard drive without extra protection may be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease of carrying the external hard drive around. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and powered via the connection cable, making them convenient for travel. Desktop drives are larger and often require an external power source, offering higher capacities but less portability. If you need a drive to take with you on the go, choose a portable model. For stationary use with higher storage needs, a desktop drive may be more appropriate.