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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,410
Connection Type
Speed
Durability

Most important from
337 reviews

Connection Type
The drive performs flawlessly with Thunderbolt, freeing up USB ports and accommodating multiple displays.
Speed
Despite being slower than an SSD, it operates nearly as fast with HD audio and graphics once active.
Durability
No noise issues and it does not run too hot, making it ideal for photo storage and processing.
Compatibility
Reliable and seamless performance, with zero connectivity issues compared to other drives.

The G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE is a solid choice for Mac users needing a high-capacity external hard drive. One of its key strengths is its ample 10TB storage capacity, which provides plenty of space for extensive files and backups. It features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port, allowing for fast data transfer and compatibility with Macs, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency.

Additionally, its ability to daisy chain up to 5 additional devices can be highly beneficial for those with extensive peripheral requirements. The all-aluminum case not only gives it a sleek and stylish look but also ensures durability, protecting the drive from physical damage. However, as a desktop external hard drive with a 3.5-inch form factor, it may not be the most portable option compared to smaller, more lightweight alternatives.

The product is clearly aimed at users needing a robust, high-capacity solution rather than those seeking a portable drive. In summary, the G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE excels in storage capacity, speed, and durability, making it a great fit for Mac users with significant storage needs while being less suitable for those prioritizing portability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,410
Connection Type
Speed
Durability

Most important from
337 reviews

Connection Type
The drive performs flawlessly with Thunderbolt, freeing up USB ports and accommodating multiple displays.
Speed
Despite being slower than an SSD, it operates nearly as fast with HD audio and graphics once active.
Durability
No noise issues and it does not run too hot, making it ideal for photo storage and processing.
Compatibility
Reliable and seamless performance, with zero connectivity issues compared to other drives.
#2

G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1

Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Connection Type
Speed

Most important from
337 reviews

Storage Capacity
While not as fast as SSDs, it balances speed and capacity well, making it a smart investment for large storage needs over RAID alternatives.
Connection Type
Thunderbolt connectivity offers great speed and daisy chain capability, freeing up USB ports efficiently.
Speed
Performance feels nearly as fast as an SSD when actively working with HD audio and graphics, despite a brief pause when waking from rest.
Durability
The drive operates quietly with no noticeable noise or heat issues, making it ideal for extended use in photography storage.

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.

Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Connection Type
Speed

Most important from
337 reviews

Storage Capacity
While not as fast as SSDs, it balances speed and capacity well, making it a smart investment for large storage needs over RAID alternatives.
Connection Type
Thunderbolt connectivity offers great speed and daisy chain capability, freeing up USB ports efficiently.
Speed
Performance feels nearly as fast as an SSD when actively working with HD audio and graphics, despite a brief pause when waking from rest.
Durability
The drive operates quietly with no noticeable noise or heat issues, making it ideal for extended use in photography storage.
#3

SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Connection Type
Speed

Most important from
682 reviews

Storage Capacity
The size is extremely small for an 8TB storage, making it highly portable.
Connection Type
Some users may experience disconnects when using Type C cables, possibly due to front port issues.
Speed
Read and write speeds are impressive, and the device operates quietly.
Portability
The size is extremely small for an 8TB storage, making it highly portable.
Durability
The drive is rugged and designed for on-the-go use, perfect for Steam game storage and backups for photos and videos.
Compatibility
Reformatting and using the encryption scheme native to the operating system can improve performance.

The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD with 8TB storage is an impressive option for Mac users who require large storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds. With a substantial 8TB of digital storage, this SSD is perfect for gamers and content creators who need to store and work with large files. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection ensures quick data transfer speeds up to 460MB/s, making it significantly faster than traditional HDDs. This means you can transfer large files efficiently, which is ideal for tasks such as video editing and gaming.

Additionally, its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, so you can easily carry it with you wherever you go. The drive's shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet add to its durability, giving you peace of mind when handling the device on the move. In terms of compatibility, the T5 EVO works seamlessly with a range of devices, including PCs, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, and Macs, providing versatility for various users.

However, one potential drawback is that it uses the USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which is not the latest version and may not fully utilize the speed potential of newer devices with USB 3.2 Gen 2. Nonetheless, for most users, the performance and features of the SAMSUNG T5 EVO make it a strong contender for those in need of reliable, high-capacity storage on the go.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Connection Type
Speed

Most important from
682 reviews

Storage Capacity
The size is extremely small for an 8TB storage, making it highly portable.
Connection Type
Some users may experience disconnects when using Type C cables, possibly due to front port issues.
Speed
Read and write speeds are impressive, and the device operates quietly.
Portability
The size is extremely small for an 8TB storage, making it highly portable.
Durability
The drive is rugged and designed for on-the-go use, perfect for Steam game storage and backups for photos and videos.
Compatibility
Reformatting and using the encryption scheme native to the operating system can improve performance.

Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drives For Macs

Choosing the right external hard drive for your Mac can significantly enhance your storage capacity, backup options, and overall performance. It's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
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, including files, photos, videos, and applications. Storage capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files or have extensive media libraries, opt for higher capacities like 2TB or more. For basic use, such as document storage and occasional backups, 500GB to 1TB should suffice.
Connection TypeThe connection type determines how the external hard drive connects to your Mac. Common types include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and sometimes older USB 2.0. USB-C and Thunderbolt are faster and more efficient, making them ideal for transferring large files quickly. If your Mac has these ports, it's best to choose a drive that supports them. USB 3.0 is also widely compatible and offers good speed, but it's slightly slower than USB-C and Thunderbolt.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the external hard drive. This is important for tasks like transferring large files, running applications directly from the drive, or performing backups. Speed is often measured in RPM (for HDDs) or read/write speeds in MB/s (for SSDs). SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, offering speeds up to several hundred MB/s. If you need high performance for tasks like video editing, an SSD is preferable. For general storage and backups, an HDD with 5400 or 7200 RPM is adequate.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. This is important if you need to transport your data frequently or use the drive on the go. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and often bus-powered (meaning they don't require an external power source). If you need a drive for travel or frequent movement, look for compact and lightweight models. For stationary use, such as a home office, larger desktop drives can offer more storage and better performance.
DurabilityDurability indicates how well the external hard drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or impacts. This is crucial if you plan to carry the drive around or use it in various environments. Some drives come with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, consider these features. For home or office use, standard durability is usually 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 for any specific requirements or pre-formatted options. Some drives come pre-formatted for Windows but can be easily reformatted for Mac. Ensure the drive supports macOS and consider drives that offer easy setup and use with Time Machine for backups.

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