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

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#2

SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-1T00-G25

Rating
9.8
Speed
Durability

Most important from
15026 reviews

Speed
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD delivers blazing fast performance with transfer speeds up to 2000MB/s, ideal for handling 4K videos and massive photo libraries effortlessly.
Durability
Its compact and rugged design, coupled with an IP55 rating, ensures durability and peace of mind for on-the-go professionals.

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a robust option for Mac users seeking a high-performance external hard drive. With its 1TB storage capacity, it offers ample space for storing large files, making it suitable for photographers, videographers, or anyone needing significant storage. The drive's connection type, USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, ensures fast data transfer speeds up to 2000MB/s, which is beneficial for quickly accessing files or performing backups.

Portability is a strong suit for this SSD. It is compact and lightweight, weighing only 2.72 ounces, which means it can easily fit into a bag or pocket. The drive is designed with an aluminum chassis, not only aiding in heat dissipation for maintaining speed but also enhancing durability. It boasts IP65 water and dust resistance and can withstand drops from up to 3 meters, making it a reliable choice for users who are often on the move.

Compatibility with various devices, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets, is supported, though Mac users should ensure their devices support the USB 3.2 interface for optimal performance. The inclusion of 256-bit AES hardware encryption offers a layer of security, safeguarding your sensitive data. However, while this SSD provides impressive speed and durability, it's important to remember that achieving maximum speed depends on your device's capabilities and other factors. Additionally, some users may find the need to download the SanDisk Memory Zone app an extra step for managing files and freeing up space efficiently.

For those in need of a fast, durable, and portable external storage solution for their Mac, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a commendable option, making it especially appealing to professionals who require reliable performance in various environments.

Rating
9.8
Speed
Durability

Most important from
15026 reviews

Speed
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD delivers blazing fast performance with transfer speeds up to 2000MB/s, ideal for handling 4K videos and massive photo libraries effortlessly.
Durability
Its compact and rugged design, coupled with an IP55 rating, ensures durability and peace of mind for on-the-go professionals.

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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