10 Best External Hard Drives For Macs 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
4TB SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD offers a substantial storage capacity of 4TB, making it an excellent choice for Mac users who need ample space for backups or large files. Its standout feature is the USB4 interface, boasting incredibly fast read speeds of up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3700 MB/s. This means transferring large files will be swift and efficient, ideal for professionals dealing with high-resolution videos or extensive data sets.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,199
Connection Type
Speed
Most important from
306 reviews
#2
G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1
The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE is a great choice if you need a large amount of reliable storage for your Mac. With 12 terabytes of space, it offers plenty of room for backing up photos, videos, and other important files. It connects using Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, which means fast data transfer speeds that help you move or access files quickly. This drive also allows daisy chaining, so you can connect up to five more devices without needing extra ports. Its all-aluminum case gives it a sturdy build and a sleek, modern look, which fits nicely on a desk. The drive spins at 7200 RPM, contributing to its speed, which is good for professional or creative work where performance matters.
Rating
10.0
Storage Capacity
Connection Type
Speed
Most important from
339 reviews
#3
Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black
The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD with 8TB storage is an impressive option for Mac users who require large storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds. With a substantial 8TB of digital storage, this SSD is perfect for gamers and content creators who need to store and work with large files. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection ensures quick data transfer speeds up to 460MB/s, making it significantly faster than traditional HDDs. This means you can transfer large files efficiently, which is ideal for tasks such as video editing and gaming.
Rating
8.8
Storage Capacity
Connection Type
Speed
Most important from
744 reviews
Top 10 Best External Hard Drives For Macs 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
4TB SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
4TB SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Connection Type: USB4
Speed: Read: 3800 MB/s, Write: 3700 MB/s
Portability: 6.1 ounces
Durability: IP65
Compatibility: USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0
Chosen by 1199 this week
G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1
G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1
Storage Capacity: 12 TB
Connection Type: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Speed: 7200 RPM
Portability: Not compact, best kept stationary
Durability: All-aluminum case
Compatibility: Mac
Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black
Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH8T0S/AM, Black
Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Connection Type: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Speed: 460MB/s
Portability: Compact and lightweight
Durability: Shock resistance, fall protection 6 feet
Compatibility: PC, Console, Tablet, Smartphone, Mac
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G05678-1
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G05678-1
Storage Capacity: 10 TB
Connection Type: USB-C
Speed: USB 3.1 Gen 1
Portability: Portable
Durability: All-aluminum case
Compatibility: Mac OS 10.9+; Windows 7+
SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25
SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Connection Type: USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Speed: 1000MB/s
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Related Products
Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MB/s, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant, for Content Creators - Black
Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MB/s, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant, for Content Creators - Black
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Connection Type: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Speed: up to 1,050 MB/s
Portability: Portable, 3.39x2.24x0.49 inches, 3.42 oz
Durability: Water, dust resistant (IP65), drop proof
Compatibility: Mac, PC, consoles, Android, iPhone 15/16
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Connection Type: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Speed: up to 2,000 MB/s
Portability: compact, lightweight 4.3 oz
Durability: rugged, survives 9.8 ft drop
Compatibility: Macs, PCs, consoles, tablets, iPhone
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1
G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1
Storage Capacity: 10000 GB
Connection Type: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Speed: Fast transfer
Durability: All-aluminum case
Compatibility: Mac
LaCie d2 Professional 20TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1mo Adobe CC All Apps Plan, Rescue Services (STHA20000800)
LaCie d2 Professional 20TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1mo Adobe CC All Apps Plan, Rescue Services (STHA20000800)
Storage Capacity: 20 TB
Connection Type: USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2
Speed: 290MB/s
Durability: Aluminum form factor
Compatibility: Mac and PC
#10
LaCie d2 Professional 14To, disque dur Externe Portable et de Bureau HDD, Pour PC Mac & iPad, Data Rescue Service (STHA14000800)
LaCie d2 Professional 14To, disque dur Externe Portable et de Bureau HDD, Pour PC Mac & iPad, Data Rescue Service (STHA14000800)
Storage Capacity: 14 TB
Connection Type: USB 3.0, USB-C compatible
Speed: 260 MB/s, 7200 RPM
Portability: 3.08 lbs, 7.42x2.36x5.12 in
Durability: sturdy aluminum casing
Compatibility: Mac, PC, Windows
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Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drives For Macs
Choosing the right external hard drive for your Mac can significantly enhance your storage capacity, backup options, and overall performance. It's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much information you can store, including files, photos, videos, and applications. Storage capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files or have extensive media libraries, opt for higher capacities like 2TB or more. For basic use, such as document storage and occasional backups, 500GB to 1TB should suffice.
Connection TypeThe connection type determines how the external hard drive connects to your Mac. Common types include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and sometimes older USB 2.0. USB-C and Thunderbolt are faster and more efficient, making them ideal for transferring large files quickly. If your Mac has these ports, it's best to choose a drive that supports them. USB 3.0 is also widely compatible and offers good speed, but it's slightly slower than USB-C and Thunderbolt.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the external hard drive. This is important for tasks like transferring large files, running applications directly from the drive, or performing backups. Speed is often measured in RPM (for HDDs) or read/write speeds in MB/s (for SSDs). SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, offering speeds up to several hundred MB/s. If you need high performance for tasks like video editing, an SSD is preferable. For general storage and backups, an HDD with 5400 or 7200 RPM is adequate.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. This is important if you need to transport your data frequently or use the drive on the go. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and often bus-powered (meaning they don't require an external power source). If you need a drive for travel or frequent movement, look for compact and lightweight models. For stationary use, such as a home office, larger desktop drives can offer more storage and better performance.
DurabilityDurability indicates how well the external hard drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or impacts. This is crucial if you plan to carry the drive around or use it in various environments. Some drives come with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, consider these features. For home or office use, standard durability is usually sufficient.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external hard drive works seamlessly with your Mac. Most modern drives are compatible with macOS, but it's important to check for any specific requirements or pre-formatted options. Some drives come pre-formatted for Windows but can be easily reformatted for Mac. Ensure the drive supports macOS and consider drives that offer easy setup and use with Time Machine for backups.