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10 Best External Hard Drive For Mac 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

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)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Connectivity
Durability
Compatibility

Most important from
1568 reviews

Connectivity
Easy to set up and offers fast transfers, making it a convenient choice for those needing quick data access.
Durability
A concerning risk of data corruption, as one user experienced devastating data loss despite initial positive performance.
Compatibility
Works great across both Apple and Windows platforms, highlighting its versatility.

The LaCie d2 Professional 10TB External Hard Drive is a high-capacity storage solution aimed at Mac users, particularly those in creative fields who need to manage large files and projects. Its standout feature is the substantial 10TB storage capacity, ideal for users needing extensive space for data archiving or editing tasks. The drive's 7200 RPM speed and enterprise-class BarraCuda Pro drive ensure reliable performance, which is crucial for handling demanding tasks efficiently.

Connectivity is well-covered with USB-C and USB 3.0 interfaces, making it compatible with modern Mac devices that support Thunderbolt 3. This makes transferring data fast and easy, although some might miss native Thunderbolt 3 speeds. The aluminum casing adds to its durability and helps minimize noise and vibration, a thoughtful design choice for desktop environments.

However, this drive is less about portability. Its size and design are geared more towards a stationary desktop setup rather than being a lightweight travel companion. Weighing under a pound, it's not too cumbersome, but its dimensions suggest it’s best left on a desk. Durability is another strong suit, thanks to its robust build and the inclusion of a five-year warranty with recovery services, providing peace of mind for long-term use.

For Mac users needing a reliable, high-capacity solution for their desktop setup, the LaCie d2 Professional is a solid choice. It's particularly suitable for creative professionals using Mac desktops or laptops with limited internal storage. However, those looking for a more portable solution might need to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Connectivity
Durability
Compatibility

Most important from
1568 reviews

Connectivity
Easy to set up and offers fast transfers, making it a convenient choice for those needing quick data access.
Durability
A concerning risk of data corruption, as one user experienced devastating data loss despite initial positive performance.
Compatibility
Works great across both Apple and Windows platforms, highlighting its versatility.
#2

Avolusion T1 Series 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive for PC, Mac, Playstation & Xbox (White) - 2 Year Warranty

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility

Most important from
143 reviews

Storage Capacity
Works perfectly with PS5 after reformatting, providing a whole TB of external storage.
Compatibility
Works perfectly with PS5 after reformatting, providing a whole TB of external storage.

The Avolusion T1 Series 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive is a practical option for Mac users looking for additional storage. It offers a sizeable 1TB capacity, suitable for storing large amounts of data, whether for personal use or professional tasks. The drive type is mechanical, which is generally reliable though not as fast as solid-state drives (SSD). Connectivity is straightforward with USB 3.0, enabling faster data transfer speeds compared to older USB versions.

This external hard drive is bus-powered, meaning it does not require an additional power source, making it highly portable. Its compact dimensions (5 x 3 x 0.5 inches) and light weight (10.5 ounces) further enhance portability, making it easy to carry along with your MacBook or iMac. The product is also durable, ensuring it can withstand regular use and travel. Compatibility is broad; it works with not only Macs but also PCs, PlayStations, and Xboxes, although reformatting might be required for some devices.

A drawback could be the mechanical nature of the hard drive, which isn't as fast as SSDs. Additionally, it is advisable to reformat the drive for Mac use, which might be cumbersome for less tech-savvy users. The product comes with a two-year warranty, providing some peace of mind regarding its durability.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility

Most important from
143 reviews

Storage Capacity
Works perfectly with PS5 after reformatting, providing a whole TB of external storage.
Compatibility
Works perfectly with PS5 after reformatting, providing a whole TB of external storage.

Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drive For Mac

When choosing an external hard drive for your Mac, 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. By understanding the key specs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much information you can store. Capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files like videos or extensive photo libraries, consider a drive with at least 1TB or more. For basic document storage and backups, 500GB to 1TB should suffice. Assess your storage needs based on the type and volume of data you plan to store.
Drive TypeExternal hard drives come in two main types: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). HDDs are generally more affordable and offer larger storage capacities, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage. SSDs, on the other hand, are faster, more durable, and consume less power, but they are more expensive per gigabyte. If speed and durability are your priorities, especially for tasks like video editing or frequent file transfers, an SSD is a better choice. For general storage and backups, an HDD is a cost-effective option.
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. If your Mac has USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, opting for a drive with these interfaces will ensure faster performance and better compatibility. Consider the ports available on your Mac and choose a drive that matches for optimal performance.
PortabilityPortability is about the size and weight of the external hard drive. If you need to carry the drive around frequently, a compact and lightweight model is ideal. Portable drives are typically smaller and powered via the USB connection, making them easy to use on the go. Desktop drives, while offering larger capacities, are bulkier and require an external power source. Determine how often you will need to transport the drive and choose a portable model if mobility is a key factor.
DurabilityDurability refers to the external hard drive's ability to withstand physical damage. This is particularly important if you plan to carry the drive around frequently. Some drives come with rugged designs, including shock resistance, water resistance, and reinforced casings. If you need a drive for travel or outdoor use, look for these features to ensure your data remains safe. For home or office use, standard drives without extra durability features may be sufficient.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external hard drive works seamlessly with your Mac. Most modern drives are compatible with macOS, but it's important to check if the drive is pre-formatted for Mac or if it requires reformatting. Some drives come with software that enhances compatibility and offers additional features like automatic backups. Ensure the drive you choose is compatible with your Mac's operating system version and consider any additional software benefits that may come with it.

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