10 Best Apple Mac External Hard Drives 2026 in the United States

The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE is a solid choice for Mac users who need a large amount of external storage combined with fast data transfer speeds. Its 12TB capacity offers plenty of room for storing multimedia files, backups, and other data-heavy projects. The drive supports both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connections, which are common on modern Mac computers, providing flexibility and fast performance. The ability to daisy chain up to five devices through its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports is a helpful feature for users with multiple drives or peripherals. The all-aluminum enclosure not only adds a sleek, professional look but also ensures good durability for desktop use.

Weighing around 2.7 pounds and being labeled portable, it’s somewhat portable, though it’s a 3.5-inch desktop drive, so it's best suited for stationary setups rather than frequent travel. While it doesn’t specifically highlight advanced backup or security software, it does come with a 5-year limited warranty, which offers peace of mind regarding reliability. The drive spins at 7200 RPM, which supports decent media speeds around 150 MB/s, suitable for most multimedia tasks but might be less speedy compared to SSD options.

This drive is well-suited for Mac users who want a large, fast, and durable external hard drive primarily for desktop use, especially if they utilize Thunderbolt 3 connections. However, those needing built-in backup software or extreme portability may want to explore additional options.

The Seagate Expansion 22TB External Hard Drive offers a huge amount of storage, making it a great choice for Mac users who need to store large files such as videos, photos, or extensive backups. It connects via USB 3.0, which provides decent transfer speeds, though not the fastest available today. It’s a desktop-style drive, so it requires external power and is less portable than smaller, bus-powered drives.

For Mac users, it works right away for basic file storage but needs to be reformatted to work with Time Machine, Apple’s backup software. This drive comes with Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services, offering some peace of mind in case you accidentally lose data. The build uses a 3.5-inch mechanical hard drive, which is reliable but more vulnerable to damage if moved roughly compared to solid-state drives.

It’s not the lightest or most compact option, but it’s solid for long-term desktop storage needs. The 1-year warranty is standard, so if you’re after extensive protection, you might want to consider additional coverage. This drive is ideal for Mac users who prioritize high-capacity, affordable storage for desktops and value included data recovery support but don’t need a portable or plug-and-play Time Machine solution out of the box.