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

The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE is a great choice if you need a large amount of reliable storage for your Mac. With 12 terabytes of space, it offers plenty of room for backing up photos, videos, and other important files. It connects using Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, which means fast data transfer speeds that help you move or access files quickly. This drive also allows daisy chaining, so you can connect up to five more devices without needing extra ports. Its all-aluminum case gives it a sturdy build and a sleek, modern look, which fits nicely on a desk. The drive spins at 7200 RPM, contributing to its speed, which is good for professional or creative work where performance matters.

It’s designed mainly as a desktop device—it weighs nearly 3 pounds and is not very compact, so it’s best kept in one place rather than carried around. Compatibility-wise, it works well with Macs, making it a solid fit for Mac users. Plus, the 5-year warranty offers extra peace of mind. If you’re looking for something ultra-portable or budget-friendly, this might not be the best fit. This external hard drive suits Mac users who want high capacity, fast connection, and durable design for desktop use.

The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD offers a substantial storage capacity of 4TB, making it an excellent choice for Mac users who need ample space for backups or large files. Its standout feature is the USB4 interface, boasting incredibly fast read speeds of up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3700 MB/s. This means transferring large files will be swift and efficient, ideal for professionals dealing with high-resolution videos or extensive data sets.

Compatibility is another strong suit, as it supports USB-C and is backward compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices. This makes it versatile across a range of older and newer Mac devices. Additionally, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, further enhancing its usability across various platforms.

Portability is well-considered, with the device weighing just 6.1 ounces and having compact dimensions, making it easy to carry. The durability is enhanced by its rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis, and it also boasts an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, making it suitable for outdoor or on-the-go use.

While it offers premium features, potential drawbacks include its higher price point compared to basic models, which might not be justified for users who don't need the top-tier speed and rugged features. Also, despite the high speeds, the performance is dependent on having devices that support USB4 to fully benefit from these capabilities. For those who need regular, reliable storage without the emphasis on speed, there might be more cost-effective options available.

For creative professionals or tech enthusiasts in need of fast, durable, and large-capacity external storage, this SanDisk model is a robust choice. It’s especially beneficial for those who are frequently mobile and require a reliable device that can withstand various conditions.

The SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD offers a generous 4TB of storage capacity, which is ideal for those with extensive photo and video collections, as well as large music libraries and important documents. Its use of SSD technology allows for significantly faster data access compared to traditional hard drives, boasting read speeds up to 1000MB/s. This speed is particularly beneficial for quickly backing up files and accessing large multimedia files without long wait times.

The drive comes with a USB-C connection, compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring it can connect easily to modern Mac computers, although users may need an adapter for older models without USB-C ports. Compact in design, it's intended to save desk space, but at 9.4 ounces, it's not the lightest option if you're looking for something ultra-portable for on-the-go use. However, its solid build quality adds to its durability, making it a reliable choice for desktop use.

It's formatted with exFAT out of the box, making it compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, which is great for users who need to switch between different operating systems. The included data recovery service is a nice safety net, providing peace of mind should any data loss occur. While the need to download software for automatic backups may be a minor inconvenience, it's a helpful feature for ensuring data is continuously protected. For those who prioritize speed and large storage capacities in a desktop setting, this SanDisk drive is a strong contender. However, if extreme portability is a key factor, you might want to consider smaller, lighter options.