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 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.

The SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB is a solid choice for Mac users seeking high-speed, reliable external storage. With a substantial 4TB storage capacity, it provides ample space for large files and extensive data backups. The SSD uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, offering impressive read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, making it suitable for tasks requiring fast data transfer, such as video editing and gaming. Its solid-state drive type ensures better durability and faster performance compared to traditional hard drives.

The T9 is also highly portable, measuring just 3.46 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches and weighing only 4.3 ounces, making it easy to carry around. It's compatible with a wide range of devices, including Macs, PCs, gaming consoles, and even iPhones, enhancing its versatility. The drive’s durability is further underscored by its rugged design, capable of withstanding drops up to 9.8 feet, and the inclusion of Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to manage heat during extended use.

However, its high-end performance comes at a premium price, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users. Additionally, while the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface offers excellent speed, users need to ensure their devices support this interface to fully benefit from the speed. Finally, while the drive’s encryption and Magician Software for firmware updates and drive health monitoring are great features, they might be more than what a casual user needs. Nevertheless, for professionals, gamers, and students who require robust, high-speed storage with excellent durability and compatibility, the SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB is a commendable option.