Got a Mac and need more storage that’s fast, reliable, and portable? You’re in the right place! Apple devices are known for their sleek design and powerful performance, but let’s be real, internal storage can fill up surprisingly quickly, especially if you’re working with large files, 4K videos, or a growing photo library. That’s where an external SSD swoops in to save the day. And when it comes to external SSDs, Crucial has built a solid reputation for offering excellent performance and durability.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the crucial best external SSD for Mac options, specifically looking at seven fantastic Crucial models. We’ll break down what makes each one stand out, so you can pick the perfect companion for your MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini. Let’s get your digital life flowing faster!
Why an External SSD for Your Mac is a Game Changer
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an external SSD is superior to traditional hard drives for your Mac. Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory, which means no moving parts. This translates to:
- Blazing Speeds: Significantly faster read and write speeds for quick file transfers, app loading, and project rendering.
- Durability: Less susceptible to damage from drops or bumps compared to fragile spinning hard drives.
- Silence: No noisy spinning platters – just silent operation.
- Portability: Often smaller and lighter, making them easy to carry.
Now, let’s explore the crucial best external SSD for Mac lineup!
The 7 Best Crucial External SSDs for Mac
We’ve rounded up Crucial’s top portable SSDs, highlighting their strengths and helping you decide which one best suits your Mac workflow.
1. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
The Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD is an excellent all-rounder, perfect for Mac users who need reliable, high-speed storage for everyday tasks. Whether you’re a student backing up assignments, a casual gamer needing extra space, or someone who just wants to transfer large media files quickly, this drive offers a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and ruggedness without breaking the bank. Its 1050MB/s speed is a massive leap from traditional hard drives, ensuring your Mac operates smoothly even with heavy external usage.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s, ideal for large 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: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with 2TB of space.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Excellent speed for its price point
– Robust and durable design with IP55 rating
– Wide compatibility across devices
– Good capacity for everyday users and media storage
Cons:
– Not the absolute fastest Crucial option available (X10 series is faster)
– Might be overkill for very light users
User Impressions: Many users praise its plug-and-play simplicity with Macs and its solid build quality. They love the speed increase for backups and moving large video files compared to their old external HDDs. Its compact size is also frequently highlighted as a major plus.
2. Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
If speed is your ultimate priority, especially for demanding creative tasks or serious PC gaming on your Mac (via bootcamp or virtualization), the Crucial X10 Pro 4TB is a beast. With read speeds soaring up to 2,100MB/s, this drive delivers lightning-fast data access, making it a dream for video editors, photographers, and anyone who can’t stand waiting. Its generous 4TB capacity means you’ll have plenty of room for countless projects, high-res footage, and extensive game libraries.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for pro-level performance.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop-resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Massive 4TB to store all your professional and personal files.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Incredible speed, ideal for high-bandwidth applications
– Superior durability with IP65 rating and higher drop resistance
– Huge 4TB capacity for extensive storage needs
– Premium performance for professional use
Cons:
– Higher price point due to speed and capacity
– May be overkill for basic backup needs
User Impressions: Professionals rave about the X10’s speed, especially when working with large video files or running virtual machines. Its robust build provides peace of mind, and the performance gain over other SSDs is often cited as a game-changer for their workflow.
3. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
For those who need the reliable performance of the X9 series but with a more modest capacity, the Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice. It offers the same great 1050MB/s speeds and rugged durability as its 2TB sibling but at a more accessible price point. This makes it ideal for students, casual users, or as a dedicated drive for specific projects, like storing a season’s worth of TV shows or a large photo archive. It’s a fantastic entry point for Mac users looking for their first external SSD.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s, speeding up everyday file transfers and backups.
- 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: A compact 1TB SSD, perfect for students and everyday users.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Affordable entry into high-speed external SSDs
– Same robust build quality as other X9 models
– Excellent for everyday tasks and casual backups
– Compact and highly portable
Cons:
– 1TB might be limiting for professional video editors or extensive game libraries
– Not the fastest option available
User Impressions: Users frequently commend its “just works” compatibility with Mac, often mentioning its quick setup and smooth operation. The size and durability make it a favorite for travel and on-the-go data access. It’s often recommended as a solid value pick.
4. Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s
This is the one specifically tailored for the Apple ecosystem! The Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 2TB Portable SSD stands out because it’s optimized for Apple’s file system (APFS), ensuring seamless integration and peak performance with your iMac, MacBook, Mac Mini, iPad Pro, and even iPhone 15/16. While it offers the same 1050MB/s speeds as the standard X9, the “Pro” designation comes with an activity light, a lanyard loop, and SSD password protection, adding crucial features for professional Mac users who demand security and specific compatibility. If you’re looking for the crucial best external SSD for Mac with native optimization, this is it.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and write speeds for a seamless workflow.
- Built for Pros: IP55 water and dust resistance, 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance, lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
- Optimized for Apple: Specifically optimized for Apple’s APFS file system and fully compatible with iMac, MacBook, Mac Mini, iPad Pro, and iPhone 16. Also works with other devices via USB-C and USB-A.
- High-Capacity Storage: 2TB for all your professional projects and media.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Directly optimized for Mac’s APFS, ensuring top-tier compatibility
– Added professional features like password protection and activity light
– Excellent durability for field work
– Strong 2TB capacity for creative projects
Cons:
– Speed (1050MB/s) isn’t as fast as the X10 series
– Slightly higher price than the standard X9 due to Mac optimization and extra features
User Impressions: Mac users absolutely love the “for Mac” optimization, noting how smoothly it integrates and performs without any formatting headaches. The added security features are a big plus for creative professionals handling sensitive client data. Its robust build makes it perfect for on-location shoots.
5. Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
Need the blistering speed of the X10 Pro series but don’t require massive amounts of storage? The Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD hits that sweet spot. It delivers the same phenomenal 2,100MB/s read speeds, making it perfect for running demanding applications directly from the drive or quickly offloading daily footage. Its compact 1TB size makes it incredibly portable, a fantastic choice for photographers, short-form video creators, or even serious gamers who want top-tier performance on a smaller budget or for a dedicated “scratch” disk.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for creators, students, and PC gamers.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop-resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres).
- 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 secure and reliable storage.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Top-tier speed in a more affordable 1TB package
– Extremely durable with IP65 rating and high drop resistance
– Perfect for dedicated high-speed tasks where capacity isn’t primary
– Highly portable without compromising performance
Cons:
– 1TB may be limiting for long-term large project storage
– Still a premium price for its capacity compared to slower drives
User Impressions: Users are consistently amazed by the speed, especially for editing video or loading large game files. They appreciate that they can get X10 Pro performance without having to spring for the largest capacity if they don’t need it. Its compact form factor is often highlighted as a practical benefit.
6. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
The Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD offers the best of both worlds: the phenomenal 2,100MB/s speeds of the X10 series combined with a generous 2TB capacity. This makes it an ideal choice for power users, content creators, and professional gamers who need both speed and ample space. It’s perfect for storing extensive project files, running multiple virtual machines, or carrying a vast library of high-resolution assets. Its rugged design ensures your valuable data is protected, no matter where your work takes you.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for creators, students, and PC gamers.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop-resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres).
- 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: Ample 2TB to store all your high-demand files and projects.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Combines high speed with a practical 2TB capacity
– Superior durability with IP65 rating
– Excellent for demanding creative workflows and large media libraries
– Future-proof performance for years to come
Cons:
– Premium pricing, though justified by performance and capacity
– May be more than necessary for casual users
User Impressions: This drive frequently receives glowing reviews from professionals who need both speed and space. Video editors, music producers, and game developers often highlight how it significantly cuts down transfer and render times. The robust build quality also instills confidence in its longevity.
7. Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read
The Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD is another excellent choice for professional creators who might not need the Mac-specific APFS optimization of the ‘for Mac’ version, but still demand robust security and reliable performance. With 1050MB/s read and write speeds, it handles large files and media editing with ease. Its IP55 resistance, drop protection, lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection make it a secure and durable option for field work or any scenario where your data needs extra safeguarding. It’s a truly versatile and professional-grade external drive.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and write speeds for professional workflows.
- Built for Pros: IP55 water and dust resistance, 7.5 ft (2 meters) drop resistance, lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers.
- High-Capacity Storage: 2TB for all your professional projects and backups.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Professional-grade features like password protection and activity light
– Excellent durability and resistance for tough environments
– Reliable 1050MB/s speeds for most creative tasks
– Strong 2TB capacity for versatile professional use
Cons:
– Not explicitly optimized for Mac APFS like the “for Mac” version
– Speeds are not as high as the X10 series
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the added security features, particularly the password protection, for keeping their sensitive files safe. Its robust construction is a consistent highlight, with many users reporting it holding up well in demanding field conditions. Performance is consistently described as fast and dependable for creative work.
Which Crucial SSD is Right for Your Mac?
Choosing the crucial best external SSD for Mac truly depends on your specific needs:
- For Everyday Users & Value: The Crucial X9 1TB or 2TB are fantastic options. They offer great speed, durability, and compatibility for general backups, photo storage, and casual use.
- For Mac-Optimized Professionals: The Crucial X9 Pro for Mac 2TB is a standout with its APFS optimization and enhanced security features, making it a perfect match for dedicated Apple users.
- For Performance Enthusiasts & Power Users: The Crucial X10 Pro series (1TB, 2TB, or 4TB) is your go-to. If you’re a video editor, serious gamer, or work with huge datasets, the 2,100MB/s speeds will dramatically improve your workflow.
No matter which Crucial SSD you pick, you’re investing in reliable, high-performance external storage that will elevate your Mac experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do Crucial external SSDs work with all Mac models?
A1: Yes, all Crucial external SSDs listed are broadly compatible with Mac models that have a USB-C or USB-A port. For optimal performance and seamless integration, the “Crucial X9 Pro for Mac” model is specifically optimized for Apple’s APFS file system, though other models will work perfectly fine after simple reformatting (which Mac will guide you through).
Q2: What’s the difference between the Crucial X9 and X10 Pro series?
A2: The main difference lies in speed and durability. The X9 series offers speeds up to 1050MB/s and IP55 water/dust resistance. The X10 Pro series doubles that speed to 2,100MB/s and boasts enhanced IP65 water/dust resistance, making it more robust and significantly faster for demanding tasks.
Q3: Do I need to format my Crucial SSD before using it with my Mac?
A3: Most Crucial SSDs come pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS). While your Mac can read NTFS drives, it can’t write to them by default. For full read/write access and optimal performance on your Mac, you should reformat the drive to APFS (Apple File System) or exFAT (for cross-platform compatibility). The “Crucial X9 Pro for Mac” is often pre-formatted for APFS, making it plug-and-play for Mac users.
Q4: What are LSI keywords and why are they important for SEO?
A4: LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are conceptually related terms that search engines use to understand the context and topic of your content. For “Crucial best external SSD for Mac,” LSI keywords could include “portable storage,” “data transfer speeds,” “USB-C compatibility,” “backup solutions,” “MacBook storage,” “creator workflow,” etc. Using them naturally helps search engines see your content as comprehensive and relevant, improving its ranking.
Q5: Can I run applications or games directly from a Crucial external SSD on my Mac?
A5: Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages of an external SSD. Their high speeds make it perfectly feasible to install and run applications, games, or even entire operating systems directly from the drive, often with performance comparable to your Mac’s internal storage. The X10 Pro series is especially good for this due to its ultra-fast speeds.
Q6: What does IP55 or IP65 water and dust resistance mean?
A6: These are Ingress Protection ratings. The first digit (5 or 6) refers to dust protection, where 5 means dust protected and 6 means dust tight. The second digit (5) refers to water protection, where 5 means protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. IP65 on the X10 Pro means it’s fully dust-tight and can withstand more powerful water jets, offering superior protection compared to the X9’s IP55.
Q7: Is Crucial a good brand for SSDs?
A7: Yes, Crucial is a very reputable brand in the storage industry. They are a brand of Micron Technology, one of the world’s largest memory and flash storage manufacturers. Their SSDs are known for their reliability, performance, and value, making them a popular choice among consumers and professionals alike.