10 Best External Ssd For Mac 2025 in the United States

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a solid choice for Mac users in need of a reliable and high-performance external storage solution. With up to 2000MB/s read and write speeds, it excels in providing fast data transfer rates, making it ideal for tasks that require quick access to large files.

The USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface ensures compatibility with modern Mac devices, offering seamless connectivity and performance benefits. Additionally, its durable build, featuring a forged aluminum chassis that acts as a heatsink, enhances sustained speeds while ensuring the device can withstand tough conditions. The SSD's IP65 water and dust resistance, along with up to 3-meter drop protection, add an extra layer of durability, making it suitable for users who need a rugged and portable solution.

The inclusion of 256-bit AES hardware encryption for password protection is a notable security feature, helping to keep your data safe. One downside is that the actual performance may vary depending on the host device and usage conditions, so users might not always achieve the maximum advertised speeds. Moreover, while the SanDisk Memory Zone app offers convenient file management, it requires download and installation, which might be an additional step for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD stands out as a high-performing, durable, and secure external SSD for Mac users.

The SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drive stands out as a competent choice for Mac users looking for fast and portable storage. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it meets the general expectations for an external SSD, although it may appear slightly less on some systems due to different measurement standards. The drive provides impressive read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s, making it suitable for quickly accessing and transferring large files. This is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who work with high-resolution videos or large data sets.

The SSD offers wide compatibility through its USB 3.2 Gen2 interface, supporting USB-C and USB-A connections. This versatility ensures it can easily connect to various devices, including Macs, PCs, and even smartphones. Its compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable, perfect for those who need storage on the go. While the aluminum alloy case helps dissipate heat effectively, users should still be cautious during prolonged use to avoid potential overheating, though the design minimizes this risk.

On the security front, the drive incorporates S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology, which help maintain data integrity and prolong the SSD's lifespan. These features are crucial for users who prioritize data security and long-term reliability. Moreover, the low power consumption makes it suitable for use with mobile devices without quickly draining battery life. Despite its strengths, the SSD may not be the best choice for users needing extensive security features such as encryption, as these aren't highlighted as significant aspects of the device. Additionally, users who prioritize ruggedness for extreme conditions might need to look for more robust options. For most Mac users seeking a blend of speed, compatibility, and portability, the SSK Portable SSD serves as a solid option.

The SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD offers an impressive storage capacity of up to 8TB, making it ideal for users with large files such as photo and video collections, music libraries, and important documents. It boasts read speeds of up to 1000MB/s, which is significantly faster than traditional desktop hard drives, ensuring quick access to your content and efficient backups using Apple Time Machine or Acronis True Image software.

The SSD uses a USB-C interface with USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, providing a reliable and speedy connection to your Mac or Windows devices. Its compact design helps save desk space and makes it easy to integrate into any workspace setup. Additionally, the SSD comes with both USB-C to USB Type-A and USB Type-C cables, enhancing its compatibility with various devices out of the box due to exFAT formatting.

The product's desktop form factor limits its portability compared to smaller, pocket-sized SSDs. While it includes useful features like data recovery services, it lacks advanced security features such as hardware encryption, which might be a drawback for users needing enhanced data protection. The build quality appears durable, but its reliance on an AC power adapter could be inconvenient for users looking for a more mobile solution. The SanDisk 8TB Desk Drive SSD is a powerful and capable storage solution for desktop use, particularly suited for multimedia, personal, and business applications, but may fall short in terms of portability and advanced security features.