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

The G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 is a solid choice for Mac users needing a large amount of storage. With 10TB capacity, it offers plenty of space for backups, videos, photos, and large files. It supports fast data transfer thanks to its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port, making it compatible with modern Macs and allowing quick file access or transfers. The device also supports daisy chaining, which is handy if you want to connect multiple drives without cluttering your ports.

Its all-aluminum case provides good durability and a sleek design, which fits well on a desktop setup. However, it is a mechanical hard drive spinning at 7200 RPM, so while it’s fast for a traditional drive, it won’t match the speed of solid-state drives (SSD). Being a 3.5-inch desktop drive, it’s less portable than smaller external drives—it's best suited for stationary use.

This G-DRIVE model is a reliable, high-capacity external hard drive tailored for Mac users who need strong compatibility, decent speed, and a robust build for desktop use but do not prioritize portability or built-in security.

The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C is a robust external hard drive designed for Mac users. One of its standout features is the massive 12TB storage capacity, which is ideal for users who need to store large amounts of data, such as video editors or media professionals. The inclusion of dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port ensures high-speed data transfer, making it efficient for transferring large files quickly. Additionally, the ability to daisy chain up to 5 additional devices adds flexibility to expand your storage setup seamlessly.

The drive's all-aluminum casing is not only stylish but also adds an extra layer of durability, protecting your data against physical damage. Moreover, the manufacturer's 5-year limited warranty provides peace of mind regarding long-term reliability. However, the drive is relatively large and not as portable due to its 3.5-inch form factor and weight of 2.73 pounds, which might be a drawback for users who need a more travel-friendly option. The device is also more aligned with desktop use rather than on-the-go needs.

Additionally, while the drive is compatible with both Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 interfaces, users with older USB ports or lacking Thunderbolt 3 ports might need additional adapters. The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE is an excellent choice for Mac users who need a high-capacity, durable, and fast external hard drive for desktop use, but it may not be the best option for those prioritizing portability.

The Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD offers a substantial 8TB storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for users needing significant space for large files, such as gamers and content creators. Its compact and lightweight design enhances portability, allowing users to carry it conveniently wherever they go. The drive uses a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, providing impressive sequential read speeds of up to 460MB/s, which ensures fast data transfer, outperforming traditional external HDDs.

This SSD is highly compatible, working seamlessly with various devices including PCs, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, and Macs. It also comes with hardware encryption for added security. Durability is another strong point, as it features shock resistance and can withstand falls up to 6 feet, offering reliability during travel or rough handling.

Some users might find the price point higher compared to HDDs or other SSDs with lower capacities. Additionally, while the USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface is fast, it is not the latest standard, which could be a minor drawback for those seeking the absolute fastest transfer speeds available. Despite these points, the Samsung T5 EVO remains a robust and versatile external SSD, particularly suited for users requiring large storage and reliable performance on the go.