Got a Mac and tired of slow file transfers or running out of storage space? If you’re dealing with large files, 4K video editing, or just want your workflow to fly, an external SSD is your best friend. But not just any SSD – for true Mac performance, especially with newer models, you need a drive that can keep up. That’s where Thunderbolt 4 comes in. It’s incredibly fast, reliable, and perfectly suited for the demands of creative professionals and power users.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a hand-picked selection of the best external SSD for Mac Thunderbolt 4 options available today. These drives aren’t just about raw speed; they offer robust build quality, excellent thermal management, and seamless compatibility with your Apple ecosystem. Ditch the lag and get ready to experience storage like never before!
Our Top Picks for the Best External SSD for Mac Thunderbolt 4
Let’s dive into the details of these stellar performers.
OWC 4TB Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD Enclosure
This isn’t just an external SSD; it’s a future-proof powerhouse. The OWC Envoy Ultra enclosure allows you to install your own NVMe SSD, then leverages the incredible speeds of Thunderbolt 5 (backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4) to deliver mind-boggling performance. If you’re a professional dealing with colossal files or high-resolution video, this enclosure ensures you’re getting the absolute maximum speed possible, making it a contender for the best external SSD for Mac Thunderbolt 4 you can get, while also being ready for what’s next.
Key Features:
– Ultra-Fast: Over 6000MB/s…up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4
– Ultra Maximizer: Gets the most speed possible from Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 machines
– Ultra Ready: Easily handle daily data needs to pro-level creative projects while matching internal storage performance
– Ultra Compatible: Works with Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, and Surface devices
– Weatherproof: Protects data from dust, drops, and downpours
– Ultra Convenient: Bus-powered with built-in Thunderbolt cable
– Ultra Silent: Fanless, heat dissipating aluminum design
– 5 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Pros:
– Unmatched speeds, setting a new benchmark
– Future-proof with Thunderbolt 5 technology
– Highly durable and weatherproof design
– Bus-powered with integrated cable for convenience
– Fanless silent operation
Cons:
– It’s an enclosure, so you need to purchase an NVMe SSD separately
– Higher initial investment compared to pre-built drives
User Impressions: Users rave about the incredible speeds and solid build quality. Many appreciate the flexibility of choosing their own SSD for custom capacity and performance, noting it significantly accelerates their workflow, especially for video editing and large data backups.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 External
The Samsung T9 is built for creators who need speed and consistency. While it’s officially USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, its performance reaches impressive sustained read/write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, thanks to its advanced internal components and Samsung’s “Dynamic Thermal Guard” technology. This ensures the drive stays cool and performs optimally even during extended, heavy usage, making it a reliable workhorse for anyone seeking a top-tier external drive. Plus, it plays nicely with your iPhone 15 Pro for direct video recording!
Key Features:
– NONSTOP SPEED: Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s
– DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Stays cool under heavy use to maintain ideal temperatures
– ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Extensive compatibility with desktops, cameras, gaming consoles, and mobile devices
– STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: Built for longevity and heavy use
– WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Magician Software provides firmware updates, encryption, and health monitoring
– WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: In-house production of all components for trusted quality
– SUPPORTS iPHONE: Directly record Pro Res 4K at 60fps video from iPhone 15 Pro
Pros:
– Excellent sustained speeds for large file transfers and editing
– Superior thermal management prevents throttling
– Broad compatibility across various devices
– Robust and durable construction
– Useful Samsung Magician software for drive management
– Great for iPhone 15 Pro users
Cons:
– Not native Thunderbolt 4, though speeds are very competitive
– Can still get warm under extreme sustained loads
User Impressions: Customers love the T9’s blend of speed, compact design, and thermal efficiency. Many highlight its reliability for demanding tasks like video editing and photography, appreciating that it doesn’t slow down under pressure.
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive
The Samsung T7 is a beloved classic in the portable SSD world, offering a fantastic balance of speed, portability, and durability. With read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, it’s significantly faster than traditional hard drives and even its predecessor, the T5. Its compact, shock-resistant design means you can toss it in your bag without a second thought. For everyday tasks, creative projects, and general storage, the T7 offers excellent bang for your buck and is a popular choice for any Mac user.
Key Features:
– MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Fast speeds and durable features for various creative endeavors
– SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: PCIe NVMe technology for read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s
– ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with capacities up to 4TB
– ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Extensive compatibility with PCs, mobile phones, and cameras
– HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly
– ALL FOR THE SHOT: Shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet with solid aluminum unibody
– WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: In-house produced components for trusted quality
Pros:
– Excellent value for its speed and features
– Very compact and lightweight design
– Highly durable with shock resistance
– Wide device compatibility
– Great for direct video recording from cameras/phones
Cons:
– Not as fast as the T9 or dedicated Thunderbolt 4 drives
– Can still feel warm during prolonged transfers
User Impressions: Users consistently praise the T7 for its reliability, small form factor, and impressive speed for a USB-C drive. It’s often recommended as a go-to portable storage solution for its all-around performance and affordability.
OWC Express 1M2 Portable NVMe SSD USB4 (Thunderbolt Compatible)
The OWC Express 1M2 is another fantastic option for those who like to customize. This NVMe SSD enclosure combines the flexibility of choosing your own NVMe M.2 drive with the incredible speed of USB4 (fully compatible with Thunderbolt and USB-C). It boasts real-world performance exceeding 3,000MB/s, making it one of the fastest portable enclosures around. Its patent-pending heat-dissipating design ensures your high-performance NVMe SSD stays cool, providing consistent top speeds without throttling. If you’re building your own best external SSD for Mac Thunderbolt 4 solution, this is a prime candidate.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast: over 2x faster than Thunderbolt portable enclosures with up to 3151MB/s real-world performance
– Ultra-compatible: use with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C computers and devices
– Ultra-reliable & Innovative: Patent-pending heat-dissipating design for rugged protection and silent cooling
– Flexible DIY: use your choice of NVMe M.2 2280, 2242, or 2230 SSD
– Portable: bus-powered and palm-sized for convenient use anywhere
– Complete: includes 40Gb/s USB-C cable and screwdriver for enclosure
– Worry-free: 2 Year (enclosure) or 3 Year (solution) OWC Limited Warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional real-world speeds
– Supports a variety of NVMe M.2 SSD sizes
– Excellent passive cooling for sustained performance
– Broad compatibility with USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C
– Bus-powered and very portable
Cons:
– Requires separate purchase of an NVMe SSD
– DIY assembly required (though tools are included)
User Impressions: Reviewers love the DIY aspect and the incredible speeds achieved with their chosen NVMe drives. The robust construction and effective heat dissipation are frequently highlighted, making it a favorite among tech-savvy users.
Fantom Drives Extreme 2TB External SSD – 2800MB/s, Thunderbolt 3
The Fantom Drives Extreme is a purpose-built external SSD for Mac enthusiasts and creative professionals. Officially licensed and certified by Intel for Thunderbolt 3 (which works seamlessly with Thunderbolt 4 ports), it delivers blazing fast read speeds up to 2,800MB/s and write speeds up to 2,300MB/s. Its robust, full-metal aluminum body isn’t just for looks; it features unique Thermal Dissipation Technology inspired by CPU heatsinks to keep the NVMe drive cool and performing at its peak, even with 6K and 8K video workloads.
Key Features:
– Power and Speed: Equipped with Thunderbolt 3 technology and PCIe Gen 3 M.2 3D NAND NVMe for 6K/8K video
– Officially Licensed & Certified: Passed stringent Intel tests, ensuring optimal Thunderbolt 3/4 performance
– Durable & Portable: High-quality aluminum body with sandblasted finish, pocket-sized, no external power needed
– Thermal Dissipation Technology: Grooved edges inspired by CPU heatsinks to efficiently transfer and dissipate heat
– Mac Ready: Comes formatted APFS, compatible with macOS 10.13 or higher
– 5 Year Warranty: Best-in-class warranty for peace of mind
Pros:
– Blazing fast speeds for demanding professional tasks
– Officially Intel certified for reliable Thunderbolt performance
– Exceptional thermal management for sustained speeds
– Extremely durable all-metal construction
– Bus-powered and highly portable
– Comes pre-formatted for Mac
Cons:
– Thunderbolt 3 means it won’t hit Thunderbolt 4’s theoretical maximums (though practically very fast)
– Only available up to 2TB currently (check for higher options)
User Impressions: Users praise the Fantom Drives Extreme for its rock-solid performance and sturdy build. Many highlight its ability to handle intensive video editing sessions without overheating, calling it a reliable and essential tool for their creative workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions about External SSDs for Mac Thunderbolt 4
Still got questions? We’ve got answers!
Q1: Why should I choose a Thunderbolt 4 SSD over a regular USB-C SSD for my Mac?
A1: Thunderbolt 4 offers significantly higher bandwidth (up to 40Gbps) compared to standard USB-C (which typically uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 at 20Gbps). This means much faster data transfer speeds, especially crucial for large files like 4K/8K video, high-resolution photos, or running virtual machines directly from the drive. For power users and creative professionals, the speed difference is tangible and can greatly improve workflow efficiency.
Q2: Is Thunderbolt 3 compatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports on my Mac?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3. This means a Thunderbolt 3 SSD will work perfectly with your Thunderbolt 4 Mac port, though it will operate at Thunderbolt 3 speeds (which are still very fast!). The reverse is also true: Thunderbolt 4 devices generally work with Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Q3: Can I use an external SSD for video editing directly on my Mac?
A3: Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Using an external SSD, especially a fast Thunderbolt 4 or high-speed USB-C one, allows you to store and edit video files without clogging up your Mac’s internal storage. The high read/write speeds ensure smooth playback, scrubbing, and rendering, making your editing workflow much more efficient.
Q4: How much storage capacity do I really need in an external SSD?
A4: This depends on your usage. For casual backups and document storage, 500GB-1TB might suffice. For photographers, videographers, and graphic designers dealing with large raw files, 2TB-4TB (or even higher) is often a minimum. Consider your current data volume and future growth to make an informed decision. More capacity generally means higher cost, but also more freedom.
Q5: Are these external SSDs bus-powered, or do they need an external power adapter?
A5: Most modern portable external SSDs, including all the ones on our list, are bus-powered. This means they draw all the necessary power directly from your Mac’s Thunderbolt or USB-C port, eliminating the need for an extra power adapter and making them much more convenient for on-the-go use.
Q6: What does “NVMe” mean for external SSDs?
A6: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol that allows SSDs to take full advantage of the high-speed PCIe interface. In simple terms, NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than older SATA-based SSDs. When an external enclosure or drive specifies NVMe, it indicates that it’s designed for maximum performance, which is ideal for pairing with Thunderbolt 4.
Q7: How do I format an external SSD for my Mac?
A7: Most external SSDs come pre-formatted, often for Windows (NTFS) or a universal format. For optimal performance and compatibility with your Mac, you should format it using Disk Utility. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility), select your external drive, and choose “Erase.” For Macs, “APFS” is generally the best modern format, while “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” is also a solid option, especially for older macOS versions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best external SSD for Mac Thunderbolt 4 is a smart investment that can dramatically improve your workflow and peace of mind. Whether you prioritize the absolute fastest speeds, rugged durability, or the flexibility of a DIY enclosure, there’s a perfect option out there for you. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and feel confident in picking the ideal external drive to supercharge your Mac!