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

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 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 LaCie d2 Professional 14TB external hard drive is a solid choice for Mac users who need large, reliable storage for creative projects. Its massive 14TB capacity offers plenty of space for videos, photos, and large files. The drive connects via USB 3.0 with a USB-C compatible port, ensuring decent transfer speeds up to 260 MB/s—fast enough for editing and archiving without major delays. Its 7200 RPM mechanical drive delivers good performance compared to slower drives, though it won’t match the speed of SSDs.

Designed more as a desktop or portable-but-not-pocket-sized solution, the drive is fairly heavy at just over 3 pounds and measures about 7.4 x 2.4 x 5.1 inches. Its sturdy aluminum casing helps reduce noise and vibration, which adds to durability and a professional feel. It works seamlessly with both Mac and PC, making it versatile if you switch systems. Included extras like a 5-year warranty with Rescue Data Recovery add peace of mind, especially if important data is stored. The bonus one-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership may be a nice perk for creative professionals.

While the drive is not the most portable option for those needing something ultra-light for travel, it is a durable and spacious external HDD suited well for Mac users prioritizing capacity and reliability over extreme portability or top SSD speeds. Additionally, although USB 3.0 is widely compatible, newer devices might use faster USB-C or Thunderbolt connections for quicker speeds, which this drive supports partially through USB-C compatibility.