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If you need more storage space on your new Mac, you can choose from a variety of options. Our favorite external hard drive and SSD choices for Mac are drop-by-drop, from small and detailed options to rugged hard drives that protect your data.
There are many hard drives and SSDs on the market today, with some brands that focus on portability, brands that focus on speed, and brands that maximize file protection. However, they are not all cut from the same cloth. Make sure all the boxes are checked when it comes to what you’re looking for in the hard drive or SSD you’re buying.
Which external hard drive or SSD is right for you? The best external hard drives and SSDs for Mac are organized by category. It also includes various budget proposals, so you don’t have to break the bank to store your data.
Overall the best hard drive
WD My Passport for Mac drives come in capacities from 2TB to 5TB
Western Digital (WD) is known for its variety of affordable and reliable hard drives, and WD MyPassport External HD is available in capacities of 2TB to 5TB. This 5TB hard drive is ready to use with My Passport for Mac. This means you can easily set up backup routines and drag and drop content into your drive. It also includes cloud storage and 256-AES encryption.
It’s not the fastest hard drive, but it’s balanced, reliable, affordable, and fast enough for most users.
Drive for speed
SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD has fast read and write speeds
If speed is your primary concern when choosing a new hard drive, the SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD is the way to go. It has a professional grade transfer rate with up to 1050MB / s read and 1000MB / s write capabilities.
This means you can create and store larger media and take it with you wherever you go. It includes simple 256-bit AES encryption and can be obtained with very little power. In addition, it is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it extremely sturdy.
The best rugged drive
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is covered with silicone for added protection
If it’s important to keep your data on your portable drive safe, you can’t mistake the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro. It’s a bit more expensive than the other options and writes a bit slower, but it’s wrapped in silicone. It helps protect not only from heat but also from elements.
A thick layer of silicone also helps prevent dust and dissipate pressure. You can also choose from 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.
Best value SSD
SanDisk 1TB ExtremePortable SSD is a more affordable option
Sometimes you don’t have to break the bank to find the perfect product. The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a great alternative to more expensive hard drives and is the perfect drive to use on the go. It offers NVMe solid-state performance with read speeds up to 1050MB / sec and write speeds up to 1000MB / sec, making it the perfect form factor size to put in your bag and go out.
The SanDisk Portable SSD also features a fall protection of up to 2 meters, making it IP55 waterproof and dustproof. In addition, there is a carabiner loop at the top, so you can carry your favorite bag or belt loop with you. All of this and 256-bit AES encryption for less than $ 150.
The best compact drive
Sabrent Rocket Nano 2TB External SSD is a small plug and play drive
The good ones come in small packages, and the Sabrent Rocket Nano 2TB External SSD is the small drive that takes you. It is completely bus-powered and does not require a driver. In other words, it can be installed quickly with Plug and Play. Ultra-fast, low latency, 10Gbps at speeds up to 1000MB / sec. It’s so small and durable that you can store a lot in the palm of your hand.
There is an extra charge for privileges, but it’s worth it given the amount of data this little drive can hold. The Sabrent Rocket Nano 2TB External SSD can be ordered from Amazon for $ 229.99.
Best spurge drive
OWC Envoy Pro EX can be ordered with up to 8TB of storage
If you’re comfortable with your money, the OWC Envoy Pro EX is one of the best luxury drives you can buy. Available in capacities up to 8TB, it features a high-performance NVMe M.2 SSD that offers ultra-fast speeds up to 980MB / sec. In addition, since water is certified up to IP67, it can be used for a long time even if it is dropped for some reason. The unit itself is also housed in anodized aluminum, which looks great when combined with a Mac.
The OWC Envoy Pro EX enclosure itself can be purchased for $ 69, and Amazon has a 240GB option starting at $ 139. High-end 8TB variations aren’t currently available on OWC’s own MacSales.com site, but other variations start at $ 139 and 4TB peaks at $ 849.