10 Best External Ssd For Mac 2025 in the United States

The Western Digital WD_BLACK P50 offers a spacious 4TB storage capacity, ideal for storing large files, games, or media on your Mac. Its read speeds of up to 2000MB/s enable fast file transfers and quick game loading, minimizing wait times. Featuring a USB 3.2 interface, it is compatible with Macs, PCs, and gaming consoles, providing versatility across devices.

This drive is built with a shock-resistant, sturdy design, making it durable and highly portable due to its compact size and light weight. The included USB cable connects via Type-A to Micro-B, which may require adapters to fit newer Macs that use USB-C ports, potentially causing some inconvenience unless adapters are available.

While the drive emphasizes a strong build targeted at gamers, it does not include built-in security features such as encryption or password protection. If you prioritize fast performance and large capacity in a durable, portable drive, this SSD is a solid option. However, for native USB-C connectivity or additional security, you might need to consider accessories or alternative products.

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.

The Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD is a solid choice for Mac users, especially professional creators who need fast and reliable storage on the go. Its large 4TB capacity offers plenty of space for high-resolution photos, 4K/8K videos, and large projects. With read speeds up to 2100MB/s and write speeds up to 2000MB/s, it handles file transfers and video editing smoothly, much faster than traditional hard drives. The USB-C interface ensures easy connection with Macs and many other devices, including Windows PCs and gaming consoles.

Durability is a strong point here — the drive is water and dust resistant (IP55 rated) and can survive drops from up to 7.5 feet, making it a dependable companion for fieldwork or travel. Security features like hardware encryption and password protection help keep your data safe. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable.

A possible downside is that true performance depends on your device's USB-C port capabilities, so older Macs might not fully utilize the maximum speeds. Also, while the drive is robust, it’s not fully waterproof, so careful use around water is still advised. The Crucial X10 Pro suits creative Mac users who require fast, spacious, and durable external storage capable of keeping up with demanding workflows.