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Deciding whether to buy an HDD or SSD with macOS preloaded can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re investing in storage for your Mac. The truth? While traditional hard drives (HDDs) offer more space per dollar, solid-state drives (SSDs) deliver lightning-fast performance, better durability, and seamless compatibility with modern macOS features like Time Machine, FileVault, and instant wake-from-sleep. Whether you’re upgrading your MacBook, building a backup solution, or setting up a portable drive for creative work, choosing the right storage type is crucial. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared seven top-rated storage options—both SSDs and HDDs—that support macOS out of the box, so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy Hdd Or Ssd With Mac Os Preloaded Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB USB-C Fast External Storage for Mac and PC
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a powerhouse built for creators, professionals, and everyday Mac users who demand speed, reliability, and sleek design. With macOS compatibility out of the box and no need for external power, it’s perfect for backing up large photo libraries, editing 4K videos on the go, or expanding your MacBook’s storage without sacrificing performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe NVMe technology delivers blazing read speeds up to 1,050MB/s
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- ✓ Compact, lightweight design (just 57g) fits in any pocket
- ✓ Works seamlessly with macOS Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma
- ✓ Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, security, and portability. Whether you’re transferring gigabytes of footage or running apps directly from the drive, the T7 handles it all with ease. Its rugged build and shock resistance make it ideal for travel, while USB-C connectivity ensures broad compatibility across MacBooks, iMacs, and even iPads.
Best For
Creative professionals, students, and remote workers who need fast, secure, and portable storage that just works with macOS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional transfer speeds for large files
- Hardware encryption keeps data safe
- No software installation required—plug and play
- Stylish, durable aluminum casing
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than non-branded SSDs
- No included USB-C to USB-A adapter
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
2. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
SanDisk’s Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventurers and professionals alike. With IP65-rated resistance to water and dust, plus drop protection up to 3 meters, this drive laughs at rough handling. It’s macOS-ready and delivers near-flagship speeds at a more accessible price point than the Samsung T7.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ IP65 rating for water and dust resistance
- ✓ Carabiner loop for attaching to bags or belts
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 via USB-C for universal Mac compatibility
- ✓ Compact and lightweight (only 68g)
Why We Recommend It
If you’re constantly on the move—whether hiking, traveling, or working from coffee shops—this SSD offers peace of mind with its rugged design and consistent performance. It’s also one of the few drives that balances durability, speed, and affordability without cutting corners.
Best For
Outdoor photographers, videographers, and travelers who need reliable, fast storage that can survive real-world conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality and ruggedness
- High-speed transfers for 4K video and RAW photos
- Carabiner loop adds practical value
- Works instantly with macOS without formatting
Cons:
- No hardware encryption like the T7
- Bright blue color may not appeal to minimalists
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
3. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
Double the capacity, same legendary durability—the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD gives you massive storage without slowing down. Ideal for users who need to store entire video projects, photo archives, or game libraries while maintaining SSD-level speed and macOS compatibility.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same 1,050MB/s speeds as the 1TB model
- ✓ IP65 water and dust resistance
- ✓ 2TB capacity at a competitive price per GB
- ✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- ✓ USB-C with backward compatibility
Why We Recommend It
When you need serious space but don’t want to compromise on speed or build quality, this is the sweet spot. It’s rare to find a 2TB SSD with this level of ruggedness and performance under $150—making it our top budget pick for power users.
Best For
Content creators, students with large media collections, and anyone needing affordable high-capacity SSD storage for their Mac.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for 2TB of fast storage
- Rugged and travel-ready
- Consistent performance across large file transfers
- Seamless macOS integration
Cons:
- No included carrying case
- Lacks hardware encryption
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
4. LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive USB 3.0 Compatible with Mac and PC
The LaCie Rugged Mini is a classic for a reason—it’s tough, reliable, and offers massive HDD storage at a fraction of the cost of SSDs. While it uses an older USB 3.0 interface, it’s fully compatible with modern Macs and comes preformatted for macOS (though reformatting may be needed for optimal use).
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Shock-resistant up to 4 feet
- ✓ Dust and water-resistant design
- ✓ 2TB capacity for under $100
- ✓ Password protection via included software
- ✓ Works with Time Machine backups
Why We Recommend It
If you need bulk storage for backups, archives, or media libraries and don’t require blazing speeds, this HDD is a solid choice. Its iconic orange bumper isn’t just stylish—it’s functional protection against drops and bumps.
Best For
Budget-conscious users, archivists, and those needing large-capacity backups without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte
- Excellent physical durability
- Trusted brand with long history in creative fields
- Easy setup with Mac
Cons:
- Slower than SSDs (typical HDD speeds ~120MB/s)
- Mechanical parts mean higher risk of failure over time
- Requires reformatting for full macOS optimization
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “this was recommended to me by a friend who retired from a career in computer science. It is fantastic. very easy to use, I didn’t need to go through the whole process and registration. Just plug and go; the directions for setting up various plans for back up are right on the screen and I’ve put t”
Customer Review: “This hard drive works amazing for storing all the photos and videos from your phone or computer. It is easy to setup and store. The speed to load and transfer files is quick. Worth the money for all it can hold. It doesn’t overheat if using it for some time.”
5. Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD Fast USB-C Drive for iPhone and Mac
The Lexar ES5 isn’t just another SSD—it’s designed with iPhone and Mac users in mind. Its magnetic attachment system (compatible with MagSafe) lets you snap it onto your iPhone 12 or newer for direct 4K recording, while USB-C ensures full-speed transfers with your Mac.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 2,000MB/s read/write speeds (on supported systems)
- ✓ MagSafe-compatible magnetic mounting
- ✓ Supports Apple ProRes 4K120FPS recording
- ✓ Sleek, minimalist aluminum design
- ✓ Plug-and-play with macOS and iOS
Why We Recommend It
This is the ultimate SSD for hybrid workflows between iPhone and Mac. Whether you’re filming on your phone and editing on your MacBook, or using it as a high-speed boot drive, the ES5 delivers cutting-edge performance with clever design touches.
Best For
iPhone filmmakers, mobile journalists, and creatives who work across Apple devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-fast speeds for pro video formats
- Unique magnetic attachment for iPhones
- Premium build and eco-friendly packaging
- Great for direct-to-drive recording
Cons:
- Expensive per gigabyte
- Limited real-world speed on non-USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 systems
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.When I needed an extended drive for my ps4 games, there were a few options out there. Lexar was the one I went with because of the write speed is top notch, very well built and sturdy, doesn’t overheat even after a solid game session, and is nice and compact. Plus it is”
Customer Review: “I didn’t make any formal measurements for this SSD, but it’s wicked fast. The design is one of simple elegance, and the packaging is just as elegant—no plastic, minimalist, no wasted space. The USB cable is short, and tucked in a ‘side slot’ of the packaging, easy to miss at first. The interface is “
6. Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive 7200 RPM SATA for Desktop Use
The Seagate BarraCuda is a trusted internal HDD for desktop Mac users or DIY upgraders. While not portable, it’s perfect for iMacs, Mac Pros, or external enclosures where you want high capacity at low cost. It’s quiet, reliable, and optimized for 24/7 operation.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7200 RPM speed for faster access than standard HDDs
- ✓ 2TB capacity with 64MB cache
- ✓ SATA III interface (6Gb/s)
- ✓ Free Seagate DiscWizard software for cloning and backup
- ✓ 2-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
For users building or upgrading a desktop Mac setup, this drive offers excellent value. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable—and when paired with an SSD for the OS, it makes a great secondary storage solution.
Best For
Desktop Mac users, PC builders, and anyone needing affordable internal storage for media or backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High capacity at low cost
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Includes useful backup software
- Low noise and heat output
Cons:
- Not suitable for laptops (3.5-inch form factor)
- Slower than SSDs
- Requires installation and formatting
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Seagate BarraCuda for over 3 years, and it’s still the drive with the highest storage capacity in my computer. I’ve installed heavy games like Call of Duty, FC 25, MK, and many others, and they all run very well. I haven’t had any technical issues with it, and it has definitely “
Customer Review: “Great internal hard drive-plenty of space and very reliable. I use it for all my photos and videos without any issues. Highly recommend for large storage needs.”
7. 1TB Portable External SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Fast Storage for Mac and PC
This no-frills portable SSD delivers impressive speeds and rugged protection at an entry-level price. With a durable aluminum shell and support for 4K recording from phones and cameras, it’s a solid choice for casual users and creators on a budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds (on compatible systems)
- ✓ Water- and drop-proof aluminum casing
- ✓ Direct 4K120fps HDR recording from USB-C devices
- ✓ Plug-and-play with macOS
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
Why We Recommend It
It may not have the brand recognition of Samsung or SanDisk, but this SSD punches above its weight. Great for students, travelers, or anyone needing reliable fast storage without overspending.
Best For
Budget-minded Mac users, students, and casual creators who want SSD speed without premium pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable for an SSD
- Rugged build quality
- High-speed potential
- Good for mobile recording
Cons:
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Poor driver support on some Windows systems
- Limited customer service reputation
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “No instructions. When I plugged this into my iPhone hoping to download pictures to it, it doesn’t give any indication that a new device is picked up. So I went to my laptop and plugged this device in and tried transferred my photos to this device and it is sooooooo slow! There is no way I can downlo”
Customer Review: “Works ok on a home built Windows 10 desktop via USB-A. Causes a brand new Dell XPS 14 with Windows 11 to crash whenever device is unplugged via USB-C. In addition, only got drive to be recognized once on the Windows 11/XPS and it disconnected in the middle of copying files to it as a test. As suc”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy Hdd Or Ssd With Mac Os Preloaded
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing between an HDD and SSD for macOS, consider speed, durability, capacity needs, and budget. SSDs are faster, silent, and more durable—ideal for OS drives, active projects, and portability. HDDs offer more storage per dollar but are slower and prone to mechanical failure. Always ensure the drive is macOS-compatible (APFS or HFS+ formatted) and supports your Mac’s connection type (USB-C preferred).
Budget Planning
SSDs typically cost $80–$200 for 1TB, while 2TB HDDs can be found under $60. If you need speed and reliability, invest in an SSD. For archival storage or backups where speed isn’t critical, an HDD makes sense. Many users opt for a hybrid setup: SSD for the system and active files, HDD for long-term storage.
Final Thoughts
For most Mac users, an SSD is the smarter long-term investment—especially with macOS features like Instant Wake and Time Machine benefiting from faster access times. However, if you’re on a tight budget or need terabytes of space, a quality HDD like the LaCie Rugged Mini still has its place. Choose based on your workflow, not just price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an HDD as my main boot drive for macOS?
A: Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. macOS runs significantly slower on HDDs, leading to longer boot times, sluggish app launches, and reduced overall responsiveness. An SSD provides a noticeably smoother experience.
Q: Do I need to format a new SSD before using it with my Mac?
A: Most modern SSDs come preformatted for cross-platform use (exFAT), but for best performance and macOS features like Time Machine, reformat to APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility.
Q: Are external SSDs safe for daily travel?
A: Yes—especially models like the Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme with shock-resistant designs. Avoid exposing any drive to extreme temperatures or moisture unless it’s rated for it (e.g., IP65).
Q: Can I run macOS directly from an external SSD?
A: Absolutely! You can install macOS on an external SSD and boot from it. This is great for testing new OS versions or using your Mac like a portable workstation.
Q: Is a 1TB SSD enough for a Mac?
A: It depends on your usage. For light tasks (web, docs, photos), 1TB is plenty. For video editing, gaming, or large software suites, consider 2TB or more.
Still unsure whether to buy an HDD or SSD with macOS preloaded? Our top pick—the Samsung T7—offers the best blend of speed, security, and reliability for most users. But if budget is tight, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme gives you massive SSD space without compromise. Whichever you choose, make sure it matches your workflow and device needs. Ready to upgrade? Click any “Check Price” button above to grab your ideal storage solution today!
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