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Choosing the best external SSD for Mac can feel overwhelming with so many fast, compact, and feature-packed options on the market. Whether you’re a creative professional handling 4K video files, a student backing up projects, or just someone who values speed and reliability, the right external SSD can dramatically improve your workflow. After extensive testing and research, we’ve narrowed down the top five external SSDs that deliver exceptional performance, Mac compatibility, and real-world durability—so you can store, transfer, and protect your data with confidence.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best External Ssd For Mac Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB for Mac with USB-C and Fast Transfer Speeds
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB is a powerhouse built for Mac users who demand speed, reliability, and sleek design. With USB-C connectivity and blazing-fast transfer rates, it’s perfect for creatives, students, and professionals alike.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe NVMe technology delivering up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Compact, lightweight design that fits in your palm—ideal for on-the-go use
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption for secure storage
- ✓ Compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, and gaming consoles via USB 3.2 Gen 2
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between performance and portability. Whether you’re editing videos on a MacBook Pro or backing up photos from a shoot, the T7 handles large files effortlessly without breaking a sweat.
Best For
Mac users who need fast, secure, and reliable external storage for creative work, backups, or everyday file transfers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for quick file transfers
- Sleek, durable aluminum casing with shock resistance
- Easy setup—no drivers needed for macOS
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
- No included carrying case
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 for Mac with Water Resistance and USB-C
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD combines rugged durability with high-speed performance, making it ideal for Mac users who work in challenging environments. Its IP65 rating means it resists water and dust—perfect for outdoor shoots or travel.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds for rapid file access
- ✓ IP65 water and dust resistance plus 3-meter drop protection
- ✓ Built-in carabiner loop for easy attachment to bags or belts
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with backward compatibility
Why We Recommend It
If you’re a photographer, videographer, or traveler who needs a tough SSD that won’t fail when conditions get rough, this is your go-to drive. It’s fast, durable, and built to last.
Best For
Outdoor professionals, travelers, and content creators who need rugged, high-speed storage that can handle the elements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent durability with military-grade drop and water resistance
- Fast NVMe performance in a compact form
- Convenient carabiner loop adds practicality
- Works seamlessly with macOS and Time Machine
Cons:
- Bland design compared to sleeker alternatives
- No hardware encryption or password protection
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this for fieldwork and it’s survived rain, drops, and constant travel. Speeds are solid and it works flawlessly with my MacBook Pro.”
Customer Review: “Great SSD for the price. Fast transfers and feels very sturdy. The blue color helps me spot it quickly in my gear bag.”
3. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD for Mac with IP65 Rating and High Speed
For Mac users who need serious storage without overspending, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme offers incredible value. With double the capacity of the 1TB model at a competitive price, it’s a smart pick for heavy file users.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity for large media libraries and backups
- ✓ Same rugged IP65 rating and drop protection as the 1TB version
- ✓ High-speed NVMe performance up to 1,050MB/s
- ✓ USB-C with cross-platform compatibility
Why We Recommend It
You get premium features like water resistance and fast transfers at a budget-friendly price per gigabyte. It’s perfect if you need lots of space without sacrificing quality.
Best For
Users who need affordable, high-capacity storage for videos, photos, games, or backups—especially on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Rugged build survives drops and splashes
- Large capacity reduces need for multiple drives
- Fast enough for 4K video editing
Cons:
- Lacks hardware encryption
- Design is functional but not flashy
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. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB for Mac with Reliable Performance and USB 3.2
The Samsung T7 2TB doubles down on capacity while maintaining the sleek design and top-tier performance the T7 series is known for. It’s a reliable workhorse for Mac users managing large projects.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity ideal for video editors, designers, and power users
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption with password protection
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 support for ultra-fast transfers
- ✓ Compact and lightweight despite larger storage
Why We Recommend It
If you loved the T7 1TB but need more space, this is the natural upgrade. It delivers the same blazing speeds and security in a higher-capacity package.
Best For
Professionals and creatives who need secure, high-capacity storage for large media files, backups, or project archives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a tiny footprint
- Top-notch security features
- Consistently fast performance under load
- Seamless macOS integration
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than non-branded alternatives
- No included cable in some regions
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”
5. SSK 1TB Portable SSD for Mac, iPhone 15, and Android with USB-C Connectivity
The SSK 1TB Portable SSD is a versatile, cross-platform drive that works seamlessly with Mac, iPhone 15, and Android devices. It’s an affordable option for users who need flexibility across ecosystems.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB-C connectivity supports Mac, iPhone 15, tablets, and Android
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read speeds for quick access to files
- ✓ LED indicator shows drive activity and health status
- ✓ S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM support for longevity
Why We Recommend It
If you switch between devices or back up photos directly from your iPhone to your Mac, this SSD makes multi-device workflows simple and efficient.
Best For
Multi-device users, iPhone photographers, and anyone who values cross-platform compatibility and affordability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Works with Mac, iPhone, and Android out of the box
- Good speed for the price
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes health monitoring tools
Cons:
- Not as durable as premium brands
- No water or drop resistance
- Limited customer support compared to Samsung or SanDisk
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently purchased this external portable SSD from Amazon and have been very impressed with its performance. It offers fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for backing up large files, moving media, and working with high-resolution photos or videos. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to”
Customer Review: “Overall, this is a great SSD with ample space for the price. I would definitely recommend this for someone looking for an external portable HD that has a large amount of space which is great for holding any type of file. My main use for this HD was to hold music files I am transferring from an olde”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best External Ssd For Mac
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best external SSD for Mac, we prioritize speed, compatibility, durability, and value. Look for USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity (USB 3.2 Gen 2 or higher), NVMe technology for fast transfers, macOS formatting support (APFS or exFAT), and physical durability if you’re mobile. Security features like hardware encryption matter for sensitive data, while capacity should match your needs—1TB is great for most, but 2TB+ suits heavy users.
Budget Planning
External SSDs range from under $100 for budget 1TB models to over $200 for high-capacity, rugged drives. Set a budget based on your usage: casual users can opt for affordable options like the SSK, while professionals should invest in Samsung or SanDisk for reliability. Remember, cheaper drives may lack durability or encryption—don’t sacrifice critical features for minor savings.
Final Thoughts
The right external SSD can transform your Mac experience—faster backups, smoother editing, and peace of mind knowing your data is safe. Whether you need speed, space, or toughness, our top picks cover every use case. Take time to match the drive to your workflow, and you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will any external SSD work with my Mac?
A: Most modern external SSDs with USB-C or USB 3.0+ will work with Macs, but ensure it’s formatted for macOS (APFS or exFAT) or reformat it using Disk Utility. Avoid drives preformatted only for Windows (NTFS) unless you plan to reformat.
Q: Do I need Thunderbolt for fast speeds on a Mac?
A: Not necessarily. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) delivers excellent speeds for most users. Thunderbolt is faster but costs more and is only needed for 8K video or professional workflows.
Q: Can I use an external SSD for Time Machine backups?
A: Yes! Just format the drive as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility, then select it in Time Machine settings. SSDs make backups much faster than traditional hard drives.
Q: Are external SSDs safe for long-term storage?
A: SSDs are reliable but not ideal for archival storage. For long-term backups, consider keeping copies on multiple drives or using cloud storage alongside your SSD.
Q: Should I buy a 1TB or 2TB external SSD for my Mac?
A: It depends on your needs. 1TB suits everyday users, students, and light creatives. Go for 2TB or more if you work with 4K/8K video, large photo libraries, or game collections.
Ready to upgrade your Mac’s storage? Any of the drives on our list will deliver speed, reliability, and seamless integration. Click the “Check Price” buttons above to find the best deal on the best external SSD for Mac that fits your needs—and start transferring files at lightning speed today!
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