Is your Mac groaning under the weight of too many files? Running out of space is a common woe for many Mac users, especially with those beautiful high-resolution photos and 4K videos piling up. You’re probably hunting for a way to expand your storage without breaking the bank, and you’ve heard good things about Sabrent. So, where do you find the Sabrent best and cheapest SSD for Mac?
You’re in the right place! Sabrent has carved out a solid reputation for offering high-performance, reliable, and often budget-friendly SSD solutions. While our focus today is primarily on Sabrent, we’ve also included a couple of excellent alternatives that frequently come up in the discussion of “best and cheapest SSD for Mac” to give you a well-rounded view. We’ll dive deep into some fantastic options, from internal NVMe drives (if your Mac supports upgrades) to super-fast external Thunderbolt and USB-C portable SSDs, ensuring you find the perfect storage solution for your macOS device. Let’s get your Mac humming again!
Top SSD Picks for Your Mac
Here’s a look at some of the best Sabrent and alternative SSDs that combine performance, value, and Mac compatibility.
1. SABRENT Rocket 4 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280
For those Mac Pro or Mac Mini users (or external enclosures) who can take advantage of internal NVMe drives, the Sabrent Rocket 4 1TB is a powerhouse. This SSD delivers incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds, making it an excellent choice for demanding creative workflows like video editing, graphic design, or even high-fidelity gaming on compatible setups. Its efficient design ensures stable performance without overheating, making it a reliable workhorse for any intense task.
- Blazing Gen4 Speed: Up to 7450MB/s read, 6100MB/s write – optimized for fast boots and demanding workloads.
- High IOPS, Efficient Design: Delivers up to 850K/800K random IOPS with low heat and power draw.
- Broad System Compatibility: Single-sided M.2 2280 form factor fits desktops, laptops, and PS5 (and compatible Mac setups/enclosures).
- Made for Pros and Gamers: Ideal for creating, streaming, or gaming with high-performance systems.
- Trusted Sabrent Support: Premium hardware, supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
– Exceptional speed for compatible systems
– Great for professional content creation
– Reliable and stable performance
– Supports macOS natively
Cons:
– Requires compatible M.2 slot or external NVMe enclosure (not for all Macs)
– Gen4 speeds might be bottlenecked by older Mac hardware
User Impressions: Users rave about the speed boost this drive provides, often citing how much quicker applications launch and large files transfer. Creative professionals particularly appreciate its sustained performance under heavy load, making it a solid choice for their Mac workflows.
See it on Amazon here
2. SABRENT Rocket 4 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280
Need more space for your projects, games, or extensive media libraries? The 2TB version of the Sabrent Rocket 4 takes all the benefits of its 1TB sibling and doubles the capacity. This means even more room for your entire digital life without compromising on the blistering Gen4 speeds. It’s truly a fantastic option for a high-performance Mac storage upgrade if your system allows for it, or when paired with a high-speed external Thunderbolt enclosure.
- Next-Gen Gen4 Performance: Up to 7450MB/s read, 6400MB/s write speeds with PCIe 4.0 NVMe.
- High IOPS, Low Heat: Up to 1000K/950K random IOPS with minimal thermal output.
- Universal Compatibility: Compatible with desktops, laptops, and PS5 (and Mac via enclosure).
- Power for Pros and Gamers: Fast, reliable storage for intensive applications like editing or gaming.
- Sabrent Quality and Support: Built with premium components and broad OS support including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
– Massive storage capacity with top-tier speeds
– Ideal for large media libraries and demanding applications
– Excellent sustained performance and reliability
– Full macOS compatibility
Cons:
– High performance requires a compatible interface (Thunderbolt enclosure for most Macs)
– Higher price point due to capacity and speed
User Impressions: Customers consistently highlight the sheer speed and generous capacity as game-changers. Many Mac users leveraging Thunderbolt enclosures found this drive to be a significant upgrade, boosting productivity for video editing and other data-intensive tasks.
See it on Amazon here
3. SABRENT 2TB External Aluminum SSD, Rocket Nano V2, USB
When you need an external SSD for Mac that’s both robust and incredibly fast, the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 is a standout. This portable SSD combines a sleek, durable aluminum build with a protective silicone sleeve, making it perfect for creatives on the go. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface provides serious bandwidth, ensuring smooth 8K video recording directly to the drive, which is a huge win for filmmakers and content creators.
- Burst transfers over 1500 MB/s: Sustained performance for smooth 8K video recording.
- Rugged and Portable Design: Aluminum body with external silicone sleeve for protection and cooling.
- Generous Capacity: Available up to 4TB to prevent running out of space.
- Flexible Connectivity: Includes both Type-C to Type-A and Type-C to Type-C cables.
- High-Endurance Flash: Cutting-edge internal hardware with wear management for longevity.
Pros:
– Extremely fast for a USB external drive
– Excellent build quality and durability
– Compact and travel-friendly
– Wide compatibility with various Mac models via USB-C or USB-A
Cons:
– USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 might not be fully utilized on older Mac models
– Can be pricier than traditional HDDs
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the Nano V2’s speed and portability. Mac users particularly love its plug-and-play simplicity and robust construction, making it a go-to for field work and quick backups.
See it on Amazon here
4. SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 4TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
The future is here with the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5. For professionals who demand the absolute peak of performance, this Thunderbolt SSD Mac compatible drive is a dream. With incredible Thunderbolt 5 speeds, transferring massive files or running demanding applications directly from the drive is effortless. The 4TB capacity ensures you’ll rarely run out of space, making it a perfect solution for high-end video production, large data analytics, or any workflow requiring lightning-fast, high-capacity external storage.
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance: Up to 64Gbps transfer speeds with 80Gbps connection.
- Broad Compatibility: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Aluminum body for heat dissipation, silicone sleeve for drop protection.
- Plug and Play, No External Power Needed: Bus-powered for convenience, comes with a premium Thunderbolt cable.
- Reliable, Future-Proof Storage: Ideal for creators, professionals, and gamers, designed for evolving hardware.
Pros:
– Blazing-fast speeds via Thunderbolt 5 (and backward compatible)
– Massive 4TB storage capacity
– Extremely durable and well-built
– Future-proof technology
Cons:
– Premium price point
– Thunderbolt 5 is cutting-edge, not all Macs support it yet (but backward compatibility helps)
User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the speed, calling it a game-changer for large file transfers and real-time editing. Mac Pro and newer MacBook Pro users find it integrates seamlessly into their workflows, making it an indispensable tool.
See it on Amazon here
5. SABRENT Rocket XTRM 5 2TB Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
If the immense 4TB capacity isn’t quite necessary but you still want the cutting-edge performance of Thunderbolt 5, the 2TB version of the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 is your pick. It offers the same incredible transfer speeds and robust build quality in a slightly more manageable capacity. This is an ideal solution for creative professionals or power users who need top-tier portable SSD for macOS performance without needing the absolute highest capacity.
- Ultra-Fast Thunderbolt 5 Performance: Up to 64Gbps transfer speeds with 80Gbps connection.
- Broad Compatibility: Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Aluminum body for heat dissipation, silicone sleeve for drop protection.
- Plug and Play, No External Power Needed: Bus-powered for convenience, comes with a premium Thunderbolt cable.
- Reliable, Future-Proof Storage: Ideal for creators, professionals, and gamers, designed for evolving hardware.
Pros:
– Phenomenal Thunderbolt 5 speeds
– Excellent build quality and durability
– Good balance of capacity and performance
– Future-proof for upcoming Mac models
Cons:
– High investment cost
– Full speed potential requires Thunderbolt 5 compatible Mac
User Impressions: Users value the XTRM 5 for its incredible speed and solid construction. Mac users with Thunderbolt 4 ports appreciate the strong performance, noting a significant improvement in workflow efficiency for tasks like video editing and software development.
See it on Amazon here
6. SABRENT Rocket XTRM Plus 2TB Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD
For those looking for a high-performance Thunderbolt SSD for Mac that’s a little more established than Thunderbolt 5, the Sabrent Rocket XTRM Plus 2TB is an excellent option. Offering fast Thunderbolt 3 speeds, it’s perfect for Mac users with compatible ports who need rapid data transfer and robust external storage. The included USB fallback mode also adds great versatility, ensuring it works with a wider range of devices.
- Upgraded TB3/USB SSD: Enhanced Thunderbolt 3 portable SSD with sleek, durable design.
- Flexible High-Speed Performance: Up to 2,700 MB/s with Thunderbolt 3, up to 900 MB/s in USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 fallback.
- Built To Last: Aluminum outer shell for ruggedness and heat dissipation, removable silicone sleeve for protection.
- Complete Package: Includes premium Thunderbolt 3 cable and USB-A to USB-C cable.
- Universal Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
Pros:
– Very fast Thunderbolt 3 performance
– Versatile with USB fallback mode
– Excellent build quality and durability
– Bus-powered and plug-and-play
Cons:
– Not as fast as Thunderbolt 5 options
– Can still be a significant investment
User Impressions: Many Mac users praise this drive for its consistent high speeds over Thunderbolt 3 and its robust construction. It’s often recommended for creative professionals who need reliable, fast external storage for their MacBook Pro or Mac Studio.
See it on Amazon here
7. SABRENT 1TB Rocket Nano V2 External SSD – USB 3.2
If you’re looking for a portable, fast, and reliable USB-C SSD Mac compatible drive without the higher cost of Thunderbolt, the Sabrent 1TB Rocket Nano V2 is a fantastic contender for the Sabrent best and cheapest SSD for Mac in the portable category. It offers impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds, making it great for everything from quick backups to editing high-bitrate content on the go. Its tiny, rugged design means it can truly go anywhere.
- Unrivaled Speed Performance: Sustained transfers over 1500 MB/s—ideal for 8K video recording and ultra-fast backups.
- Rugged Yet Refined Design: Anodized aluminum housing and shock-absorbing silicone sleeve.
- Ready for Anything: 1TB storage in a compact, travel-friendly design.
- Dual-Cable Convenience: Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.
- Engineered for Longevity: High-endurance NAND flash with advanced wear leveling.
Pros:
– Excellent speed for a USB-C drive
– Extremely compact and portable
– Very durable and robust construction
– Great value for performance
Cons:
– Not Thunderbolt speeds
– USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 might require specific ports for max speed
User Impressions: Users love the Nano V2’s blend of speed, size, and durability. MacBook Air and iPad Pro users frequently highlight its seamless integration and impressive performance for its small footprint, making it a highly practical portable SSD for macOS.
See it on Amazon here
8. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
While Sabrent is our main focus, it’s worth considering top-tier alternatives when looking for the “best and cheapest SSD for Mac.” The Crucial X10 Pro is an excellent example of a high-performance external SSD for Mac that offers competitive speeds and rugged durability. Its impressive 2,100MB/s read speeds over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 make it a fantastic choice for creators and gamers, providing a robust and reliable storage solution.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for fast data access.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Compact 1TB SSD for photos, videos, backups, and more.
- Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Exceptional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds
– Highly durable and weather-resistant
– Wide compatibility across devices, including Mac and iPad Pro
– Compact and portable
Cons:
– Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatible port
– Can be more expensive than lower-tier USB drives
User Impressions: Mac users specifically praise the X10 Pro for its consistent fast performance and its ruggedness, making it a reliable choice for outdoor shoots or travel. The included software is a nice bonus for data management.
See it on Amazon here
9. Crucial X10 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
For those who need the same incredible speed and durability of the Crucial X10 Pro but with double the storage, the 2TB version is an ideal pick. It offers substantial space for extensive media libraries, large game installations, or professional project files, all while maintaining the blistering 2,100MB/s read speeds. This makes it a strong contender for the best external SSD for Mac for users needing both performance and generous capacity.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Compact 2TB SSD for extensive files.
- Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Large 2TB capacity with top-tier USB speeds
– Extremely robust and durable design
– Excellent cross-device compatibility, including Mac
– Compact for its capacity
Cons:
– Premium pricing for the combination of speed and capacity
– Full speed potential relies on specific USB-C port generation
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the X10 Pro 2TB as a fantastic all-rounder: fast enough for editing, tough enough for travel, and spacious enough for almost anything. Mac users appreciate its native compatibility and how it handles large data transfers with ease.
See it on Amazon here
10. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want reliable SSD performance, the Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice. While not as fast as the X10 Pro, its 1050MB/s speeds are still a massive upgrade over traditional hard drives and perfectly sufficient for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and media editing. It’s a great option for an affordable SSD Mac users can depend on for general storage needs and backups.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s for accelerating file transfers and media editing.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- High-Capacity Storage: Compact 1TB SSD for photos, videos, backups, and more.
- Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Great balance of speed and affordability
– Durable with good resistance ratings
– Wide compatibility, including Mac and iPad Pro
– Compact and lightweight
Cons:
– Not the fastest portable SSD available
– Lacks Thunderbolt interface speeds
User Impressions: This drive is frequently recommended for students and everyday users who need reliable and reasonably fast external storage for their Mac. Its robust design and included software are often cited as strong selling points for its price.
See it on Amazon here
Why an SSD is a Must-Have for Your Mac
Modern Macs, especially newer models, often come with fixed, non-upgradable internal storage. This is where external SSDs shine! They offer:
- Speed: SSDs are vastly faster than traditional hard drives (HDDs), reducing load times for applications and files, and speeding up file transfers. This is crucial for creative professionals working with large media files.
- Portability: External SSDs are compact, lightweight, and durable, making them perfect for carrying your projects or entire OS with you.
- Durability: With no moving parts, SSDs are much more resistant to drops and shocks compared to HDDs, making them ideal for mobile use.
- Silent Operation: Unlike spinning hard drives, SSDs operate silently.
- Bootability: You can install macOS on an external SSD and boot your Mac from it, potentially giving an older Mac a new lease on life with faster performance.
Whether you’re looking for the Sabrent best and cheapest SSD for Mac or considering other great brands, upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful ways to improve your Mac’s performance and usability.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I get an external SSD for my Mac instead of a traditional external hard drive?
A1: External SSDs offer significantly faster data transfer speeds, which means quicker file copying, faster application loading, and smoother performance, especially for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. They’re also more durable due to the absence of moving parts, more compact, and operate silently compared to traditional hard drives.
Q2: Will a Sabrent SSD work with my Mac?
A2: Yes, Sabrent SSDs are generally compatible with macOS. Both their internal NVMe drives (when placed in a compatible external enclosure or in specific Mac Pro/Mini models) and their external portable SSDs (Thunderbolt or USB-C) are designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s operating system. You might need to format the drive to APFS or ExFAT for optimal Mac compatibility.
Q3: What’s the difference between a Thunderbolt SSD and a USB-C SSD for Mac?
A3: Thunderbolt SSDs (like Sabrent’s XTRM series) offer much higher transfer speeds (e.g., 40Gbps for Thunderbolt 3/4, 80Gbps for Thunderbolt 5) compared to most USB-C SSDs (which typically max out at 10Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2, or 20Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2). If your Mac has Thunderbolt ports (most modern Macs do), a Thunderbolt SSD will provide the fastest possible external storage performance. USB-C SSDs are generally more affordable and offer good speeds for everyday use.
Q4: Can I boot my Mac from an external SSD?
A4: Absolutely! You can install macOS onto an external SSD and configure your Mac to boot from it. This is a popular way to give an older, slower Mac a significant performance boost, or to run a separate macOS installation for specific tasks. High-speed SSDs like the Sabrent Rocket Nano or XTRM are ideal for this.
Q5: How do I ensure I’m getting the “cheapest” while still getting “best” performance?
A5: The “best and cheapest SSD for Mac” balance depends on your needs. For raw speed, look at Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives. For basic, affordable storage, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive (10Gbps) will be cheaper and still vastly faster than an HDD. Compare price per gigabyte (GB) and consider if you truly need the absolute fastest speeds or if a slightly slower, more affordable option will suffice for your typical workflow. Sabrent often offers great value across various speed tiers.
Q6: Do I need to format my new Sabrent SSD for Mac?
A6: Most new SSDs come pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS). For optimal use with your Mac, it’s recommended to format the drive. You can do this using Disk Utility in macOS. Common formats for Mac are APFS (for macOS High Sierra and newer, especially boot drives) or ExFAT (for cross-platform compatibility with Windows).
Q7: Is 1TB enough capacity for a Mac external SSD?
A7: For many users, 1TB is a good starting point for external storage, providing ample space for documents, photos, and some video. However, if you work with large video files (4K/8K), extensive photo libraries, or multiple virtual machines, you might quickly find 1TB limiting. In such cases, 2TB or even 4TB options like the Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 would be more suitable.
Conclusion
Finding the Sabrent best and cheapest SSD for Mac comes down to balancing your specific needs for speed, capacity, portability, and budget. Whether you’re upgrading an internal drive, seeking a super-fast external Thunderbolt solution for demanding creative work, or simply need reliable and rapid USB-C storage, Sabrent offers a diverse range of high-quality SSDs that won’t disappoint. We’ve also highlighted some Crucial alternatives that offer fantastic value and performance, ensuring you have the full picture.
Ultimately, investing in a good SSD for your Mac is one of the smartest ways to boost its performance and extend its utility. So, take your pick from these top options and give your Mac the speed and space it deserves!