10 Best Mac External Hard Drives 2025 in the United States

The LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is designed for durability and portability, making it an excellent option for users needing a robust storage solution. With a digital storage capacity of 2TB, it offers ample space for storing large amounts of data. Its USB 3.0 connectivity ensures faster transfer speeds, up to four times quicker than USB 2.0, although it remains compatible with older USB 2.0 ports. This makes it suitable for both Mac and PC users, though Mac users will need to reformat the drive for compatibility.

The drive's durability is a standout feature, with resistance to shocks, drops from up to 4 feet, dust, and rain, making it ideal for all-terrain use. This rugged design enhances its portability, ensuring it can handle various environments without issue. Additionally, it includes built-in password protection for added security. Weighing 9.9 ounces and with compact dimensions (5.3 x 3.4 x 0.79 inches), it is easy to carry around.

The hard drive's rotational speed of 5400 RPM is relatively standard and may not be the fastest option available. Also, the hard drive interface uses USB 1.1, which is less advanced compared to current standards. The LaCie Rugged Mini is a durable and portable external hard drive with good storage capacity and speed suitable for both Mac and PC users, although it has some limitations regarding speed and connectivity standards.

The G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C offers a very generous 10TB storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for users who need a lot of space for their files, such as video editors or data-heavy professionals. Its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and single USB-C port provide high-speed data transfers, which means quick backups and file transfers.

The ability to daisy chain up to 5 additional devices adds to its versatility, allowing you to connect multiple drives and other peripherals through a single port. The all-aluminum case not only gives it a sleek and stylish look but also enhances durability, protecting the drive from potential damage.

However, its 3.5-inch form factor and mechanical design make it bulkier and less portable compared to smaller, solid-state drives. It's mainly suitable for desktop use rather than being carried around frequently. Also, while it is listed as 'portable,' its size and need for external power make it less convenient for on-the-go use. This external hard drive is ideal for users needing high capacity and fast connectivity, especially those who work at a fixed location like a home office or studio, rather than for those who need a travel-friendly option.

The G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD is a solid option for those in need of reliable, portable external storage. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it offers ample space for most users' needs. It stands out with its impressive speed, offering transfer rates up to 560MB/s, which ensures quick file transfers and efficient data management.

The connectivity is modern and convenient, featuring the latest USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) technology, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, particularly newer Mac laptops. Durability is one of its key strengths. It boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, has been drop tested from 3 meters, and can withstand up to 1000lbs of pressure, making it suitable for those who need a rugged and reliable storage solution on the go.

Portability is another highlight; it is lightweight (3.03 ounces) and compact (3.74 x 1.97 x 0.57 inches), making it easy to carry around. On the downside, while 1TB is sufficient for many, some users might find the need for more storage, although the product does offer variants up to 2TB. Additionally, the premium build and features come at a higher price point compared to some other options on the market. The G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile SSD is an excellent choice for users looking for fast, durable, and portable external storage, especially those using Mac devices.