10 Best External Hard Drives For Macs 2026 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 Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD is a solid choice for Mac users, especially content creators who need fast and reliable external storage. With a large 4TB capacity, it provides plenty of space for storing high-resolution photos, videos, and large project files. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection offers speedy data transfers of up to 1,050 MB/s, which helps you move files quickly without long waits. The drive’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, perfect for those who work on the go.

What stands out most is its rugged build — it’s water and dust resistant (IP65 rated) and can survive drops from nearly 10 feet, so it’s well suited for outdoor or travel use. This durability adds peace of mind if you’re worried about accidental damage. It’s also compatible with Mac, PC, gaming consoles, Android devices, and even the latest iPhone models, giving you flexibility to use it across multiple devices. Additionally, the included Samsung Magician software helps you monitor the drive’s health and protect your data easily.

While the speed is impressive, it might not match the absolute fastest SSDs available, but it strikes a good balance for everyday and professional use. Also, the price can be on the higher side compared to traditional external hard drives, but you’re paying for speed and ruggedness. If you need a tough, fast, and spacious external SSD for Mac that can handle rough conditions, the Samsung T7 Shield is a reliable option.

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.