Right now, storage capacity is slowly becoming an important aspect of every computer or laptop as the default storage drives don’t satisfy the requirements of a heavy user. When it comes to Apple devices like MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, there is no chance of upgrading the internal storage drive which is common for Windows computers and laptops. So for such devices, one has to rely on external hard drives to make up for the storage needs. Even for a hard drive, there are some factors that should not be overlooked if you want to get the best option.
- Read Speed: For any type of storage drive, the most important factor is its read speed. Even if it takes a long time to copy the data to the hard drives, it should have a fast read speed so that you can quickly access the stored data when needed. For external drivers that you will be using as a backup, the read speed is even more important. As it goes without saying, premium storage drivers offer better speed in comparison.
- Type of Storage Drive: Before you buy an external storage drive, you need to carefully think about whether you want an external HDD or SSD. HDDs are standard storage drives that are cheaper and offer pretty good storage capacity. SSDs on the other hand are significantly expensive options that offer a lightning-fast operation speed, which is necessary if you work in the content creation industry.
- Hard Disk Interface: The operation speed of the storage drive also depends upon the hard disk interface of the drive. Right now, there are various options for you to choose from when it comes to hard disk interfaces like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB Type-C, etc. You will get the most reliable connection and data transfer speed with the latest USB interface. But, your hard drive should also be similarly fast in order to use the interface up to its full potential.
Today, we will be looking at some of the best options on the market for an external hard drive suitable for MAC devices. We have carefully shortlisted these particular options on the basis of the factors mentioned above and some more. If you are interested in knowing how to buy the perfect external storage drive, check out our “Buying Guide” for the best external hard drive present right after our picks.
Best External Hard Drive For MAC List
| External Hard Drive For MAC | Storage Capacity | Hard Disk Interface | Read Speed | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate External Hard Drive For MAC | 4TB | USB 3.0 | 120 MB/s | Check On Amazon |
| Western External Hard Drive For MAC | 4TB | USB 3.0 | Up to 5000 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| SAMSUNG External Hard Drive For MAC | 1TB | USB 3.2 | Up to 8400 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| SAMSUNG T7 External Hard Drive For MAC | 1TB | USB 3.0 | Up to 1050 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| Crucial External Hard Drive For MAC | 1TB | USB 3.2 | Up to 1050 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| LaCie External Hard Drive For MAC | 2TB | USB 1.1, USB-C, and USB 3.0 | Up to 1120 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| Kingston External Hard Drive For MAC | 1TB | USB-C | Up to 16000 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| OWC External Hard Drive For MAC | 1TB | USB 3.1 | Up to 7840 Mbps | Check On Amazon |
| CalDigit External Hard Drive For MAC | 2 TB | USB, USB 3.0, USB 1.1 | Up to 1080MB/s | Check On Amazon |
Best External Hard Drive For MAC Reviews
1. Seagate External Hard Drive For MAC
When it comes to external storage devices, there are only a couple of brands like Seagate which offer the best quality within an affordable price range. Hence, the portable storage drive from Seagate is the most popular option on this list.
Coming at the first position on our list, we have theSeagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive redefines convenience with its massive storage capacity, offering a seamless solution for users on the move. Boasting compatibility with Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation, this USB 3.0 powerhouse ensures lightning-fast data transfers. Setting up is a easy by connecting the drive to your computer using the included 18-inch USB 3.0 cable for automatic recognition, eliminating the need for additional software.
With a mechanical hard disk at its core, the Seagate Portable Drive guarantees reliability and durability for extended use. Included in the package is a 1-year rescue service,
Best Features:
- Massive 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB 3.0 Interface for High-Speed Connectivity
- Versatile Compatibility with Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation
- Portable and Compact Design for On-the-Go Use
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity with 18-inch USB 3.0 Cable
Pros:
- Perfect external hard drive for keeping backups of files.
- Handy and very easy to use
- Best price for the most storage
Cons:
- Requires formatting for use with Apple Users
- Drive is extremely slow
2. Western External Hard Drive For MAC
If storage capacity is your primary need, then you should take a look at our next choice from Western Digital. It is also a very reliable brand name in the market for external storage drives and it is chosen by hundreds of thousands of users.
In the 2nd place, we are putting yet another popular option from Western Digital. It is a 4 TB capacity external storage drive, marking one of the best options in terms of storage capacity. To ensure versatile connectivity, the Western Digital Elements Drive offers both a USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interface for data transfer. By default, this hard drive comes with the NTFS file system which is supported by recent versions of Windows OS as well.
This is a standard 3.5 inches portable hard drive so portability is not a problem with this unit. However, the best part about this drive is its data transfer capacity. It is capable of offering up to 5 Gbps read speed with similarly fast write speed as well. So, you can use installed software directly from the external drive, eliminating the need of expanding the internal storage drive completely.
Best Features:
- It has 4 TB storage capacity
- It has standard USB 3.0 interface
- Offers a read speed of 5000 Mbps
- Suitable for almost all systems
Pros:
- Default file system is NTFS
- Offers better storage capacity in comparison
- Read speed is pretty good
Cons:
- It is an HDD which is easily surpassed by an SSD
3. SAMSUNG External Hard Drive For MAC
Now that you know which options are best for an external HDD, let us turn our attention to external SSDs. Out of all the brands that design external SSDs, Samsung is one name that stands out above all with its fast SSDs.
Our 3rd choice is a rather fast option available on this list since this is an external SSD. The SAMSUNG SSD T7 has 1 TB storage capacity with a data transfer speed ranging up to 8400 Mbps. and to ensure fast data transfer with all systems, it features a USB 3.2 gen 2 USB interface. Still, it is a very compact drive and measures only 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches in size.
Samsung also offers the best build quality with its portable SSDs. Since the SAMSUNG SSD T7 does not have any moving parts, you won’t have to worry about the drive getting damaged after falling down from your desk. On top of that, the PCIe NVMe drive is enclosed in an aluminum unibody enclosure for added protection. You will also find a 6 ft long cable included with the SAMSUNG SSD T7.
Best Features:
- It has 1 TB storage capacity
- It has standard USB 3.2 interface
- Offers a read speed of 8400 Mbps
- Comes with a 6 ft long cable
Pros:
- Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
- Data transfer speeds are pretty good
- Advanced heat-control via the ePCM technology
Cons:
- Comparatively expensive than other options
4. SAMSUNG T7 External Hard Drive For MAC
As Samsung offers a wide range of options for all electronic gadgets, you will find many different options even for an external SSD. Thus, we are including yet another Samsung SSD in our picks.
The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is our next pick for the best external hard drive for MAC devices. Similar to our last choice, this is also a compact and high-performance solution designed for gamers, students, and professionals alike. With a generous 1TB digital storage capacity and cutting-edge USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity.
The T7 boasts lightning-fast sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, outperforming its predecessor, the T5, by twofold. Compatible with a wide range of devices, including PC, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles, the T7 includes USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added convenience.
Best Features:
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB 3.0 Interface
- Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation.
- Convenient for on-the-go use and easy storage.
- No software required; use the 18-inch USB 3.0 cable for instant recognition.
Pros:
- Super-fast Transfer Rate
- Very light and handy
- Both USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables included
Cons:
- Poor software and clunky cable
5. Crucial External Hard Drive For MAC
If you are thinking all external SSDs are expensive, take a look at our next option from Crucial. Crucial is known for offering the most affordable options for internal as well as external storage drives.
Just by looking at the Crucial X8 Portable SSD, you can conclude that it has a rather rugged build quality, making it more reliable than other SSDs. The data transfer speed on the Crucial X8 Portable SSD goes as high as 8400 Mbps. So it is suitable for all types of applications, whether it is for a backup storage unit or a device to run your software from.
The Crucial X8 Portable SSD has a USB 3.2 interface that ensures high data transfer speed to all devices connected to it. You will get both, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C to Type C and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C to USB A cable included with the drive. Since it is a highly reliable option, the Crucial X8 Portable SSD is backed by a 3-year long warranty period, making it an ideal choice for this budget.
Best Features:
- It has 1 TB storage capacity
- It has standard USB 3.2 interface
- Offers a read speed of 8400 Mbps
- Comes with both types of cables
Pros:
- Durable build quality
- Comes with a 3-year long warranty
- Drop-proof guarantee from up to 7 feet
Cons:
- Storage capacity should have been larger
6. LaCie External Hard Drive For MAC
Now that you are familiar with the popular options for an external storage drive, let us take a look at some lesser popular options from brands like LaCie. The following external drive from LaCie is probably the slimmest and most attractive drive available on our picks.
The LaCie Mobile Drive features a stunning design aspect that you would find missing from many premium options. Along with that, it also features a compact design with a slim form factor as the drive measures only 0.39 x 3.46 x 4.79 inches in size. Even with such a compact form factor, the LaCie Mobile Drive offers 2 TB of storage capacity.
A great addition to the LaCie Mobile Drive is a one-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud service. It includes many popular Adobe services such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and many others. And with the USB Thunderbolt technology, you will have pretty great data transfer speeds with the LaCie Mobile Drive.
Best Features:
- It has 2 TB storage capacity
- It has standard USB 1.1. And USB Type C interface
- Offers a read speed of 1120 Mbps
- Stunning design with slim form factor
Pros:
- Storage capacity is pretty good
- Seamless connection with MAC and Windows devices with USB C port
- Package includes one month’s membership to Adobe Creative Cloud
Cons:
- It is not an SSD
7. Kingston External Hard Drive For MAC
Gone are the days when thumb drives used to offer a maximum storage capacity of up to 128 GB. The following option for the best external hard drive is coming from Kingston, a very popular brand for thumb drives.
The Kingston XS2000 is the most compact option we could find for an external hard drive suitable for MAC devices. Despite measuring only 2.74 x 1.28 x 0.53 inches in size, the Kingston XS2000 offers 1 TB of storage capacity, making it a strong competitor for portable hard drives. And this is also an SSD instead of an HDD, making the data transfer speeds as high as 16000 Mbps.
Thus, you will find the Kingston XS2000 a perfect option for productive application, especially for content creation where you would have to carry 8K videos and other large files with you. Apart from the size and speed, the Kingston XS2000 is also tested to be water and dust-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Best Features:
- It has 1 TB storage capacity
- It has standard USB Type C interface
- Offers a read speed of 16000 Mbps
- Completel water and dust resistant
Pros:
- Pocket size thumb drive
- Storage capacity is pretty good
- Offers very high data transfer speeds
Cons:
- Expensive compared to standard HDDs
8. OWC External Hard Drive For MAC
If you want the most durable external storage drive for your MAC device, then consider going with this option from OWC. It also has a very attractive design along with exceedingly fast transfer speeds.
Most users find their external drive damaged after a year or so, especially if it is used outdoors a lot. If you want to prevent that from happening, you should consider going with the OWC Envoy Pro Ex. What makes this drive stand out in the crowd is the fact that it has a completely aluminum-made external casing, making it resilient to external damage. And since it is an NVMe M.2 SSD, the chances of external damage are close to nothing.
The OWC Envoy Pro Ex has a 1 TB storage capacity and its data transfer speeds range up to 7840 Mbps. for connectivity, you will get a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port, making it compatible with all computers, whether it is a MAC or Windows computer. It also features the IP67 water resistance rating and OWC ensures water resistance for up to 30 minutes under 1-meter deep water. You will also get a 3-year warranty period on the OWC Envoy Pro Ex.
Best Features:
- It has 1 TB storage capacity
- It has standard USB 3.1 interface
- Offers a read speed of 7840 Mbps
- Comes with a 3-year warranty period
Pros:
- It has an IP67 water resistance
- Data transfer speeds are very good
- Aluminum body for best durability
Cons:
- Very expensive option for an external SSD
9. CalDigit External Hard Drive For MAC
If you already own a couple of external HDDs or SSD, you should get your hands on a decent storage hub. So, we are finishing our picks with a storage hub made by CalDigit.
The CalDigit Tuff Nano Plus 2TB, a compact and robust external NVMe SSD in Charcoal Black. With a blazing USB-C 10Gb/s interface, it’s compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB-C, and USB-A. IP67 certified, it’s waterproof, shockproof, and dust-resistant. Boasting speeds up to 1080MB/s, it’s ideal for professionals and enthusiasts. Compatible with Mac and PC.
Best Features:
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB-C, and USB-A.
- IP67 Certified
- Up to 1080MB/s transfer speeds
- Mac and PC Compatibility
- Water and Dust Protection
- Read Speeds Up to 1088MB/s
Pros:
- Small and Super fast
- Transfer stuff from my PC to Macbook with ease.
Cons:
- Gets too hot and slows down considerably
Buying Guide For The Best External Hard Drive For MAC
External storage drivers are very important these days since almost all users, especially if you own a MAC device like the MACBook Air or MACBook Pro. Since Apple laptops do not have the option for storage upgradable, you can simply buy an external storage drive and use it with your MAC device.
There are a lot of decent external HDDs and SSDs present on the market that can be an ideal pick for a MAC device. But while choosing a hard drive for your MAC, you should be aware of the important characteristics of an external hard drive and make sure that your selection is offering the best performance for the price. If you are not sure which characteristics matter the most for a hard drive, take a look at our buying guide for the best hard drive suitable for MAC devices.
1. Storage Capacity
If there is one quality that matters the most for an external storage drive, it is its storage capacity. The main reasons users decide to get an external storage drive are either the default internal storage is full, or they need a portable storage drive to transfer data to multiple devices on a daily basis.
For both counts, it is important to have sufficient data storage capacity so that you can store all of your data without any problem. If you are planning to store movies, TV shows, games, or other entertainment content on your external hard drive, you should consider buying the largest external drive you can find. Such data can easily occupy terabytes of storage before you realize your HDD is full.
2. Data Transfer Speed
Another highly important factor for a storage drive, or any other PC component for that matter, is the data transfer speed. The data transfer read of an external storage drive not only affects the time required to transfer content to the drive but also the overall performance of the drive. There are 2 types of speed that you should be aware of while checking out an external hard drive which are read speeds and write speeds.
The write speed refers to the speed at which the content is written on the drive. Whereas, the read speed is the speed at which the stored content can be fetched from the drive. Both of these speeds are equally important for a storage drive, especially if you’re transferring official data to and from the drive. But for entertainment content, only read speed is important since you can watch the content directly from the drive if it has a faster read speed.
3. Portability
Portability is also important for an external storage drive since you will be mostly using it outdoors with your MAC device. This standalone storage module should be lightweight and compact so that you can easily pack it alongside your laptop while you are going out.
And since there are many advanced options present in the market, you will find a high storage capacity even with a storage drive that is as large as the palm of your hand. You can also find enough space on your home desk or office desk for a portable and compact external storage drive. But for overly large external storage drives, the overall casing would be large since it also encloses cooling fans necessary for the drive.
4. Extra Features
Now that you know which basic features are essential for an external hard drive, let us look at some extra features that you might get with an external drive. These features are not entirely necessary, but they surely offer ease of access to the user and make the storage drive a much better companion for outdoor usage.
There are a handful of external hard drives that come with a built-in WiFi module that offers internet connectivity. With that, you will get access to features like cloud storage drive for even better storage capacity. Apart from that, you can also choose an option based on the design and looks of the storage as per your liking. There are many great designs available for a portable storage drive that look premium while offering some design advantages.
External Hard Drive For MAC FAQs
Ans: The best way to extend the storage capacity of your MAC device is to add an external drive in your setup. Since internal storage upgrade is not an option, you will have to buy an external drive for your MAC device if you’re running out of storage capacity. As for the compatibility, all USB external hard drives are supported by MAC devices. The only thing you should check is what type of USB interface is available on the drive and whether the same is available with your MAC device or not.
Ans: If you are looking for an external storage drive to store basic content such as entertainment videos, movies, TV-shows, music, games, etc. then you should consider going with an HDD. The HDDs are quite cheaper in comparison and offer a large storage capacity within the same budget. And even if the data transfer speed is low, it doesn’t matter a lot for non-professional data transfer. An SSD on the other hand is necessary for official usage where you quickly need to transfer large files from one place to another.
Ans: When it comes to storage capacity, the requirements of every user can be different based on the type of data that you are going to store on the drive and how you are going to use the drive. If you are using it as a backup drive for your personal files, a 1 TB external storage drive will be enough for most users. For any additional content like Blu-ray movies or complete runs of long TV shows, even 4 TBs of storage capacity can be insufficient. On our list, you will find storage capacities ranging from 1 TB up to 8 TB, so you can easily find the perfect option for yourself.
Conclusion
Today, we have looked at some exciting options for a portable external hard drive that you can buy right now. We have only selected the options that are perfect for MAC devices since MAC users need an external hard drive most of the time. So in terms of performance and transfer speed, our picks will be the best options that you can find on a particular budget right now. If you are not sure how to select the perfect storage drive for your MAC device, simply check the buying guide included along with our picks. We also have some handy recommendations lined up for you if you are in a hurry.
- If you are looking for a cheaper option for an external storage drive, you should close your eyes and order the Seagate External Hard Drive For MAC. Seagate is one of the most trusted brands for external hard drives and its 4 TB variant is nothing short of a celebrity in this selection. It offers a USB 3.0 interface, making it suitable for MAC as well as other devices like PC, PlayStation, Xbox, etc. It is also backed by a 1-year long rescue service from Seagate for reliable performance.
- Our next recommendation is the largest external storage drive on this list. The CalDigit External Hard Drive For MAC is more than just another regular external storage drive.. Instead, it is a storage hub that can house multiple storage drives with a maximum capacity of 2 TBs. OPn the back of the unit, you will find a USB, USB 3.0, USB 1.1 for ease of connectivity. The case also includes a fan to keep the device cool and maintain its performance.
- A lot of users prefer going for an SSD over HDD to make the data transfer instantaneous. If you are also looking for one, take a look at the SAMSUNG External Hard Drive For MAC This is a highly portable SSD made by Samsung that offers a 1 TB storage capacity with blazing-fast data transfer speeds. Unlike most other SSDs, the data transfer speed on the SAMSUNG SSD T7 is about 8400 Mbps. Furthermore, it also features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port to offer high-data transfer speed for all connected devices.
