10 Best External Ssd For Mac 2025 in the United States

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is a solid choice for Mac users who need reliable and fast external storage. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it offers plenty of space for photos, videos, games, and backups. Its read speeds of up to 2,100MB/s ensure quick access to your files, which is much faster than traditional hard drives, making it great for creators, students, and gamers alike.

It uses a USB 3.2 USB-C interface, which is compatible with Mac computers and a variety of other devices including Windows PCs, Android devices, and gaming consoles. This broad compatibility adds to its versatility. The drive is built tough, featuring an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and can survive drops from up to 9.8 feet, so it's well-suited for portable use and travel. Weighing just over an ounce and compact in size, it’s easy to carry around without hassle.

The drive includes bonus software like Mylio Photos and Acronis True Image. For those seeking a durable, fast, and easy-to-use external SSD that works seamlessly with Mac and other devices, the Crucial X10 presents a dependable option to consider.

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 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-capacity external drive designed to meet the needs of Mac users who want fast and reliable storage on the go. Its 4TB capacity offers plenty of room for large files like videos, photos, and backups. Thanks to the latest USB4 interface, it delivers impressively fast read speeds up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3700 MB/s, which means transferring big files happens in seconds rather than minutes. It’s also backwards compatible with older USB standards and supports Thunderbolt 4, making it flexible with various Mac models. The build is rugged, featuring a silicone shell and a forged aluminum body that provide water and dust resistance (IP65 rating) and shock protection—ideal if you carry your drive outside the home or office.

At just over 6 ounces and reasonably compact, it’s very portable without sacrificing durability. Security is addressed through physical protection and reliability backed by a 5-year warranty, offering peace of mind. Although the price may be higher compared to slower or smaller SSDs, the speed and durability benefits make it a great choice for creative professionals or anyone needing fast, reliable external storage for Mac. Prioritizing top-tier speed and solid build quality in an external SSD with plenty of space makes this SanDisk unit a strong option.