Your Mac works hard, thus you should expect your storage to keep up.
Whether you’re backing up your MacBook, editing 4K videos, or just need space for your growing photo library, the best external hard drive for Mac can seriously boost your workflow.
When looking for the best external hard drive for Mac, you don’t need to sacrifice speed for size. In fact, today’s top drives offer lightning-fast transfers and massive capacity, all in sleek, Mac-friendly designs.
Remember that not all drives for Mac are created equal, though. Some are perfect for creatives and hence need speed and reliability.
On the other hand, other external hard drives for Mac are ideal for casual users who want an affordable, plug-and-play backup solution.
Thankfully, macOS plays nice with both SSDs and traditional hard drives, and that means you’ve got options.
In the next few sections, we’ll break down the best external hard drive for Mac in terms of speed, storage, portability, and more. That said, let’s find the perfect match for your Mac below.
Quick Comparison Table: Best External Drives for Mac
| Model | Type | Capacity Range | Interface | Best For |
| Crucial X9 Pro | SSD | 1TB–4TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) | Everyday speed and cross-platform use |
| Samsung Portable SSD T9 | SSD | 1TB–4TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | Creative pros needing ultra-fast speed |
| LaCie Rugged SSD Pro | SSD | 1TB–4TB | Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C | Rugged, pro-grade field work |
| WD My Passport USB-C | HDD | 1TB–6TB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) | Affordable, high-capacity backups |
| SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD | HDD | 1TB–5TB | USB-C | Travel-ready durability on a budget |
| LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle | HDD (RAID) | 8TB | USB-C | Large backups with RAID flexibility |
Best External Drives for Mac in 2025
1. Crucial X9 Pro (Best General-Use External SSD for Mac)
If you want a fast, durable, and hassle-free SSD, the Crucial X9 Pro is our top pick for best external hard drive for Mac that delivers. It’s compact enough to fit in your pocket and tough enough to take a tumble.
Thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2, you get snappy transfer speeds without the wait. Its native exFAT formatting works out of the box on both Mac and Windows.
So you can share files with friends or move projects between platforms meaning no reformatting needed.
Furthermore, the X9 Pro also takes your data security seriously due to the AES 256-bit hardware encryption that ensures your files stay locked down and private.
Whether you’re editing video, storing photos, or backing up schoolwork, this SSD keeps up.
Ultimately, its rugged design resists drops, dust, and water, so you don’t have to baby it.
Key Features
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 for up to 1,050 MB/s speeds.
- Native exFAT format for Mac and PC compatibility.
- AES 256-bit encryption for hardware-level security.
- Shock-, water-, and dust-resistant.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Lightweight and portable – Fast, reliable everyday performance – Secure and simple to use – Works on Mac and PC without reformatting | – No included backup software – Cable could be longer |
2. Samsung Portable SSD T9 (Best High-Speed External SSD for Mac)
Need extreme speeds? The Samsung T9 is built for rapid, high-volume imaginative work. It employs USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which exponentially increases the data transmission rate of most outside SSDs.
For this reason, you can obtain lightning-quick transfers, even for large files like 8K video clips, RAW images, and substantial documents.You’ll truly feel it all through your entire workflow.
From video editors to 3D developers, makers rely on the T9 for its strength and consistency. T
o continue to keep everything flowing effortlessly, Samsung Magician software gives control in your hands. You can monitor functionality, apply firmware updates, and lock your drive, all in one place.
Most significantly, it’s housed in a sleek, shock-resistant shell for added sturdiness. In spite of its raw power, the T9 remains remarkably cool under heavy workloads.
Thanks to thermal shield innovation, it maintains steady execution during long, imaginative sessions. That implies you can edit, export, and keep going without lag or thermal throttling slowing you down.
Key Features
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for speeds up to 2,000 MB/s.
- Thermal guard keeps performance stable.
- Samsung Magician software for control and encryption.
- Sleek, rugged, and shock-resistant design.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Ultra-fast performance for large files – Built-in thermal management – Easy-to-use software for security and updates – Professional-grade reliability | – Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 to reach top speeds – Slightly bulkier than other SSDs |
3. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro (Best Rugged External SSD for Mac)
If you need serious speed and toughness, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro best external hard drive for Mac. With Thunderbolt 3, it blazes through transfers, even with massive 6K or 8K footage.
Whether you’re in a studio or on a mountain, this drive consistently delivers. It’s IP67-rated, so rain, dust, and drops won’t slow you down.
For the LaCie Rugged SSD, you can toss it in your backpack and go, since there is no need to handle it with care. That’s why filmmakers, photographers, and field pros rely on it in tough conditions.
The USB-C compatibility of the LaCie Rugged SSD gives you flexibility across Macs and other modern devices. Meanwhile, the solid aluminum body and rubber bumper absorb real-world hits with ease.
Key Features
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C interface for peak performance.
- IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
- Shock-resistant for up to 3-meter drops.
- Built for travel and outdoor environments.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Top-tier durability for harsh conditions – Super-fast speeds for high-resolution media – Works seamlessly with Mac and USB-C gear – Trusted by professionals worldwide | – Pricey compared to standard SSDs – Overkill for light, casual use |
4. WD My Passport USB-C [6TB] (Best Portable Hard Drive for Mac)
![screenshot image of WD My Passport USB-C [6TB] homepage](https://roamingdev.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/www.amazon.com_Passport-Portable-Chromebook-Consoles-Software-Protection_dp_B0D275YGJM_th1-1024x576.png)
WD My Passport USB-C offers massive storage on the go. With up to a whopping 6TB, you can carry years of files in the palm of your hand.
That’s a dream come true for photographers, students, or digital packrats who want space without bulk.
And it just works with your Mac out of the box, so there’s no setup pain. Moreover, the AES 256-bit encryption keeps your files secure and out of reach of prying eyes.
Acronis True Image backup software of the WD My Passport USB-C secures your system in just a couple of clicks. Despite its considerable capacity, it remains lightweight and slim for convenient travel.
Once you own the WD My Passport USB-C, you’ll have serious storage, solid security, and an easy setup. Fortunately, it doesn’t cost a fortune.
Key Features
- USB-C interface for modern Macs.
- Huge 6TB capacity in a small package.
- Features AES encryption and backup software.
- Formatted for macOS out of the box
| Pros | Cons |
| – Enormous storage for the price – Mac-friendly with USB-C support – Built-in backup and encryption tools – Portable despite high capacity | – Slower speeds than SSDs – Not ideal for frequent file swapping |
5. SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD (Best Rugged Portable Hard Drive for Mac)
Looking for toughness and style? The SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD has you covered. This semi-rugged hard drive combines shock resistance with weatherproofing, perfect for unpredictable environments.
Whether you’re heading to the mountains or just traveling, SanDisk G-Drive ArmorAT is designed to go wherever you do. Preformatted for macOS in HFS+, this drive is ready to use with your Mac immediately upon arrival.
You get durable storage in a compact, easy-to-carry package. Therefore, the SanDisk G-Drive ArmorAT is ideal for anyone who needs safe, reliable storage while on the move.
Key Features
- Shock and weather-resistant design for rugged use.
- Preformatted for macOS (HFS+).
- Lightweight and travel-ready.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Withstand dents and stumbles – Immediately usable with macoS – Allows for on-the-go storage | – May not hold as much as a bigger drive – Slower speeds than SSDs |
6. LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle (Best Portable Hard Drive With RAID Speed)
For both speed and capacity, check out the LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle. With a capacity of 8TB, it offers substantial storage as well as flash speeds with RAID setups.
RAID 0 offers speed, and RAID 1 adds redundancy for your peace of mind. Also, it’s tough, rugged design makes it equally safe to use in the field or ship the drive without concern.
If you’re a photographer, videographer, or content creator, the LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle still gives you the reliability you need.
Compromise storage cost, speed, and durability with a drive that’s just as rugged as your workload.
Key Features
- 8TB capacity with RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations.
- Built for field use and shipping.
- Balance of performance and durability.
| Pros | Cons |
| – RAID and high-capacity options for flexibility – Rugged construction for heavy-use environments – Perfect for those creativeswho just need a little speed and dependability | – A bulkier design that makes it less portable – Overkill for casual users |
FAQs
Take into account your storage needs, speed requirements, and portability SSDs are quicker and more resilient, whereas HDDs deliver greater capacity for a lower price.
RAID 0 focuses on speed, splitting data across different drives, and RAID 1 focuses on redundancy, where your data is mirrored across two drives to provide a backup.
Some drives are meant for macOS, while others can be specific to Windows. Therefore, choose drives formatted with native exFAT (for cross-platform use).
Conclusion
The best external storage for a Mac comes down to what you need. If you’re often on the go, a rugged drive like the SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD or the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro will protect your precious data under adverse conditions.
And for the creators and professionals working with massive files, the LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle or LaCie 2big RAID brings high-speed storage and spectacular performance.
Need an affordable option? For its price, the WD My Passport USB-C is a spacious and secure hard drive. Either way, for benchmark performance, if speed is your top priority, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Portable SSD T9 or SanDisk Desk Drive.
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