Looking for the best SSD drive for MacBook Pro? Whether you’re upgrading your aging machine, expanding storage for creative projects, or replacing a failed drive, choosing the right SSD can dramatically improve performance, speed, and reliability. With so many options on the market—from internal NVMe replacements to high-speed portable drives—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve tested and reviewed the top 10 SSDs compatible with MacBook Pro models across different years and use cases. Our list includes both internal upgrades for older Macs and external portable drives for modern workflows, all selected based on real-world performance, compatibility, durability, and value. Let’s dive in and find the perfect SSD for your MacBook Pro.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 What Is The Best Ssd Drive For Macbook Pro Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is our top pick for MacBook Pro users who need fast, reliable, and rugged external storage. With blazing read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s, it handles large video files, photo libraries, and backups with ease. Its compact design and IP65 rating make it ideal for on-the-go professionals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
- ✓ IP65 water and dust resistance for outdoor use
- ✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
- ✓ Includes a handy carabiner loop for secure attachment
- ✓ Compact and lightweight at just 3.8 ounces
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and portability. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or student, it delivers consistent performance without overheating—even during long transfers. Plus, it works seamlessly with macOS and requires no setup.
Best For
Creative professionals, travelers, and MacBook Pro users needing fast, durable external storage for backups, media, or project files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast read/write speeds up to 1050/1000MB/s
- Rugged build with IP65 rating
- Plug-and-play with MacBooks
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
- No built-in hardware encryption
- Limited to 1TB in this model (higher capacities cost more)
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”
2. FM13A 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD with DIY Tools for MacBook Air A1465 A1466 , MacBook Pro Retina A1398 A…
The FM13A 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD is our Editor’s Choice for MacBook Pro users with older Retina models (2013–2015) who want a reliable internal upgrade. It comes pre-formatted with macOS and includes a bootable USB installer, making installation nearly foolproof. With read speeds up to 1850MB/s, it brings new life to aging Macs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1:1 design matching original Apple SSD interface
- ✓ Pre-installed macOS High Sierra for instant boot
- ✓ Includes high-quality boot USB and screwdriver tools
- ✓ NVMe PCIe Gen3.0 x4 technology
- ✓ Read: 1850MB/s, Write: 1450MB/s
Why We Recommend It
This SSD solves one of the biggest headaches with Mac upgrades: compatibility and setup. You don’t need to reinstall macOS or worry about firmware issues—just swap the drive and go. It’s perfect for reviving a dead MacBook Pro without spending hundreds on Apple-certified parts.
Best For
Owners of 2013–2015 MacBook Pro Retina models needing a hassle-free internal SSD replacement with macOS preloaded.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Pre-loaded macOS saves time and effort
- Includes all necessary installation tools
- Excellent compatibility with older MacBooks
- Fast NVMe performance for the price
Cons:
- Only 512GB capacity (not ideal for heavy users)
- Limited to specific older MacBook models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “It worked just as advertised fast speed, and it has the operating system installed already, which makes it easy very easy to install inside the computer”
Customer Review: “I was in a rush since the SSD in my old mid-2015 MacPro died, so I didn’t notice the third photo down in the seller’s description. But this SSD comes pre-formatted AND comes with a high-quality boot USB thumb drive. These extras saved a huge amount of time.Most importantly, the new replacement SSD w”
3. 1TB NVMe SSD for MacBook Air and Pro 2013–2015 with 3D NAND
This 1TB NVMe SSD offers incredible value for MacBook Air and Pro users from 2013–2015. With full compatibility, no adapter needed, and speeds up to 2450MB/s read, it’s a budget-friendly way to double or triple your storage. The 3D NAND technology ensures longevity and stable performance over time.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1:1 original interface design—no adapter required
- ✓ 1TB capacity at an affordable price
- ✓ Read speeds up to 2450MB/s, write up to 1850MB/s
- ✓ Uses advanced 3D NAND flash
- ✓ Compatible with A1465, A1466, A1398, and A1502 models
Why We Recommend It
If you’re on a tight budget but still want high-speed internal storage, this SSD delivers where it counts. It’s reliable, fast, and easy to install—making it ideal for students or anyone upgrading an older MacBook without breaking the bank.
Best For
Budget-conscious users with 2013–2015 MacBook Air or Pro models looking for a high-capacity, high-speed internal SSD upgrade.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Large 1TB capacity
- No adapter or extra tools needed
- Fast NVMe speeds
Cons:
- No macOS pre-installed (requires manual setup)
- Limited warranty compared to premium brands
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The GAMERKING 256GB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD delivers solid performance with stable speeds on PCIe Gen 3.0×4. Build quality feels reliable, and installation was straightforward. This size and form factor make it ideal for upgrading handheld gaming consoles, ultrabooks, or mini PCs that use the 2230 slot.Ve”
Customer Review: “Honest seller and incredibly accurate product. I bought this to replace my SSD in my 2015 MacBook Pro that abruptly died before I can backup. I came across this sellers product that advertises not only being compatible but the MacOS came already installed so I could bypass the restore from disk util”
4. 1TB NVMe SSD for MacBook – PCIe Gen3.0x4 Internal SSD, Up to 2100MB/s, Compatible with MacBook Ai…
This 1TB NVMe SSD is built for performance and reliability, offering read speeds up to 2100MB/s and write speeds up to 1700MB/s. Designed specifically for MacBook Air and Pro models from 2013–2017, it uses advanced 3D NAND and a high-performance controller for smooth operation under heavy workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen3.0 x4 NVMe interface
- ✓ Up to 2100MB/s read and 1700MB/s write
- ✓ MTBF over 1.5 million hours
- ✓ Shock-resistant and power-efficient
- ✓ Compatible with A1465, A1466, A1398, A1502
Why We Recommend It
It’s a solid mid-range option for users who want better-than-stock performance without paying premium prices. The reliability metrics and consistent speeds make it great for daily use, coding, or media editing on older MacBooks.
Best For
Users of 2013–2017 MacBook Air/Pro who need a dependable, high-speed internal SSD upgrade with strong endurance ratings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High sustained read/write speeds
- Excellent reliability and low error rate
- Good compatibility range
- Affordable for a 1TB NVMe drive
Cons:
- No macOS pre-installed
- Generic branding may concern some buyers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this OSCOO 1TB NVMe SSD because my original drive failed, and my MacBook wouldn’t boot up — it was completely dead in the water. I figured I’d give this replacement a shot and also get an upgrade in storage and speed, and I’m so glad I did.PRO TIP: READ THE USER MANUAL! I almost returned”
Customer Review: “Installed fine in my 2013 mac pro.I formatted it and installed open core legscy patcher. I have so much space now.”