7 Best External Hard Drive for Mac in 2024
Choosing the right external hard drive for your Mac can be a crucial decision, especially with the growing need for data storage, backup, and file transfers. Whether you’re a creative professional dealing with large multimedia files or just need extra space to organize your data, the right external hard drive can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll dive into the 10 best external hard drives for Mac in 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and what makes them stand out.
Whether you’re looking for speed, durability, or budget-friendly options, we’ve got something for everyone!
Disclaimer: This post is reader-supported. It has affiliate links but those come at no extra cost to you.
1. LaCie Rugged Raid Shuttle 8TB External Hard Drive
The LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle 8TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD is designed for creative professionals who need massive storage and secure file management. With 8TB of storage, it’s ideal for large-scale video projects, extensive photo libraries, and other hefty media. Its flat, rugged design fits easily into packed gear bags and shipping envelopes, making it perfect for remote projects. You can configure the RAID 0/1 system for either enhanced performance or data redundancy with the help of a user-friendly setup wizard. Plus, with its built-in self-encrypting password protection, your projects are safeguarded against unauthorized access. As an added bonus, the hard drive comes with a one-month complimentary membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan, giving you access to industry-leading editing tools.
Pros:
- Massive 8TB capacity for extensive storage
- RAID 0/1 configuration for optimized performance or redundancy
- Rugged design ideal for transport and remote work
- Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan included
Cons:
- Heavier than typical portable drives
- Premium price point
2. WD 5TB My Passport Ultra
The WD 5TB My Passport Ultra is a sleek, portable external hard drive designed to provide ample storage with modern connectivity options. It offers USB-C and USB 3.1 compatibility, ensuring fast data transfer speeds and future-proof versatility. The drive features a refined metal cover that not only enhances its style but also provides durability. For added security, it comes equipped with 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, safeguarding your data from unauthorized access. Preformatted for Windows, it’s ready to use out of the box, with an easy setup for Windows users. The drive also comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s limited warranty, giving you peace of mind for long-term reliability and support.
Pros:
- Large 5TB storage capacity
- USB-C and USB 3.1 support for fast data transfers
- Strong security with 256-bit AES encryption
- Stylish and durable metal design
- 3-year warranty included
Cons:
- Requires reformatting for Mac use
- Slightly bulky for ultra-portable needs
3. SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD delivers exceptional NVMe solid-state performance, offering read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, perfect for handling large files quickly and efficiently. Encased in a forged aluminum chassis, this portable drive acts as a heatsink for sustained high-speed performance, making it both rugged and reliable. With 3-meter drop protection, IP65 water, and dust resistance, it’s built to endure outdoor adventures and rough handling. The drive also includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added security, ensuring that your private content stays safe. The handy carabiner loop adds portability, while the SanDisk Memory Zone app makes file management and storage optimization simple.
Pros:
- Blazing-fast 2000MB/s read/write speeds
- Rugged with 3-meter drop and IP65 water/dust resistance
- Built-in 256-bit AES encryption for data protection
- Sturdy aluminum chassis for heat dissipation
- Handy carabiner loop for easy portability
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Requires app download for optimal file management
4. SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive ArmorATD
The SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive ArmorATD is a rugged, high-capacity portable drive designed for durability and fast file transfers. Featuring a USB-C interface (5Gbps) and compatibility with USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3, it offers flexible connectivity across devices. With transfer rates of up to 130MB/s, it ensures efficient file backups and access to your data. The drive is housed in a premium anodized aluminum enclosure, providing both strength and style. Additionally, it’s built tough with a pro-grade, easy-grip bumper, offering shock, rain, and dust resistance, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals needing reliable storage.
Pros:
- Rugged design with shock, rain, and dust resistance
- Fast file transfers with 130MB/s read speeds
- USB-C, USB 3.0, and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility
- Durable aluminum enclosure with an easy-grip bumper
- Large 4TB capacity
Cons:
- Slower transfer speeds compared to SSDs
- Heavier than typical portable drives
5. SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD 4TB
The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD 4TB is a high-performance storage solution designed for creators and professionals. Its PCIe NVMe technology delivers fast read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, nearly double the speed of its predecessor, the T5. With 4TB of storage, the T7 is perfect for large files such as 4K videos, high-resolution photos, or game data. Its compact and durable aluminum unibody design is shock-resistant, offering protection from falls up to 6 feet. Whether you’re working on a PC or mobile device, the T7 provides extensive compatibility and reliability from Samsung’s #1 flash memory brand.
Pros:
- Extremely fast read/write speeds (up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s)
- Large 4TB capacity in a compact design
- Shock-resistant and durable aluminum unibody
- Broad compatibility with PCs, mobile phones, and cameras
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than HDDs
- Lacks hardware encryption
6. ACASIS 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with Cooling Fan
The ACASIS 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with Cooling Fan is a high-speed, portable SSD enclosure designed for optimal performance. Featuring an upgraded fan, it provides excellent heat dissipation for safer, more reliable operation. Built with the Intel-certified JHL7440 chip, this enclosure ensures compatibility with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0 devices. It achieves lightning-fast speeds of up to 2805MB/s for reading and 2734MB/s for writing when tested with Samsung 980 EVO Plus on a MacBook Pro. Compatible with a wide range of systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux, the enclosure requires no additional drivers. Its compact, portable design makes it perfect for travel and business trips, ensuring you have high-speed data access wherever you go.
Pros:
- Ultra-fast data transfer speeds (up to 2805MB/s)
- Excellent heat dissipation with built-in cooling fan
- Wide compatibility with various devices and systems
- Compact and portable for on-the-go use
Cons:
- The fan may increase noise levels
- Speed may vary depending on available bandwidth
7. HyperDrive Next Portable 40Gbps USB4 M.2 NVMe SSD
The HyperDrive Next Portable 40Gbps USB4 M.2 NVMe SSD is designed for ultra-fast performance, offering transfer speeds up to 3,800 Mbps. Compatible with M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2230/2240/2260/2280 mm sizes, it supports PCIe Gen4/3 SSDs, providing a significant boost in speed and efficiency for professionals who need maximum productivity. The snap-in installation system allows for tool-free setup, making it simple and quick to use. With IP55 water and dust resistance, this SSD enclosure is durable and suitable for use in various environments, especially when protected by the included silicon sleeve. Eco-conscious users will appreciate the 100% recycled aluminum construction, aligning with Hyper’s commitment to sustainability without compromising performance.
Pros:
- Extremely fast transfer speeds (up to 3,800 Mbps)
- Tool-free, plug-and-play installation
- IP55-rated water and dust resistance
- Compact, eco-friendly design made with recycled materials
Cons:
- Limited protection without the silicon sleeve
- Maximum speeds depend on the host device
In conclusion, choosing the best external hard drive for your Mac in 2024 depends on your specific needs, whether it’s speed, storage capacity, or portability. The top contenders offer a range of features to enhance your workflow and ensure your data is secure. From high-performance SSDs to reliable HDDs, there’s a perfect option for every Mac user. By considering factors such as connectivity options and durability, you can find the ideal hard drive that fits seamlessly into your setup. Investing in the right external drive will not only boost your productivity but also provide peace of mind for your important files.
