| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year... | $74.98 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue... | $129.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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WD 5TB My Passport for Mac, Navy, Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password... | $139.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0, Silver for PC, Mac, & Tablet -... | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense... | $139.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.0/ 2.0 Compatible, Drop Shock Dust... | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD - USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible, Shock/Dust/Rain Resistant for Mac &... | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug... | $85.32 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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Seagate Expansion 8TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services... | $159.59 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB520XK3AA | $67.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
- The Quest for the Best External Hard Drive for Mac in 2024
- Top 10 External Hard Drives for Mac in 2024
- 1. LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
- 2. Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
- 3. WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Hard Drive
- 4. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
- 5. G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD 1TB
- 6. Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive
- 7. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB
- 8. ADATA SD600Q 480GB External SSD
- 9. Buffalo MiniStation 1TB External Hard Drive
- 10. Seagate Expansion Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive
- Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drive for Mac in 2024
The Quest for the Best External Hard Drive for Mac in 2024
In 2024, choosing the best external hard drive for Mac can seem overwhelming, given the plethora of options available on Amazon. Whether you need storage for your video projects, music, photos, or backups, finding a reliable drive is crucial. In this article, we’re going to explore the top 10 external hard drives ideal for Mac users and provide an in-depth review of each product. If you’re looking for the best external hard drive for Mac, you’ve come to the right place.
Top 10 External Hard Drives for Mac in 2024
1. LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
The LaCie Rugged Mini is an excellent pick for those seeking durability and portability. With 2TB of storage, it’s compact yet offers plenty of space for your essential files. The external drive features a shock-resistant design, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It’s compatible with Mac and PC, ensuring versatility. The USB 3.0 interface provides fast transfer speeds up to 130MB/s, which is essential for high-resolution videos and large files. Plus, it comes with backup software to protect your data.
Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini stands out for its rugged design and performance, making it one of the best external hard drives for Mac in 2024.
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use.Specific uses: Personal
- For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
- Password protection built in
- Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
- Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
2. Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
For those on a budget yet still looking for reliable performance, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is an excellent choice. This portable hard drive comes with 2TB of storage and features a sleek design. It is powered by USB 3.0 technology, ensuring quick data transfers. Moreover, the included Backup Plus software makes it simple to back up files from social media and cloud storage services.
This drive is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems without the need for reformatting, making it an exceptional multi-device solution. At such an attractive price point, it proves to be one of the best external hard drives for Mac users.
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3. WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Hard Drive
The WD My Passport offers significant storage capacity, featuring 4TB, perfect for those with extensive files and media collections. This drive is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. With its USB 3.0 connection, users can experience fast file transfers and an easy setup. One of its standout features is the WD Security software, which provides password protection and encryption, ensuring your data remains secure.
Overall, the WD My Passport is reliable, feature-rich, and provides generous storage, placing it among the best external hard drives for Mac in 2024.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Windows
- 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty
4. Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
If you’re in the market for speed, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD excels with its lightning-fast read/write speeds of up to 1050MB/s. With a 1TB storage capacity, this solid-state drive is perfect for professionals who require quick access to their files. Its sleek design and lightweight nature make it highly portable. Moreover, the Samsung T7 features password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption, ensuring your data is secure.
This drive is compatible with both macOS and Windows, promising a seamless experience for all users. Thanks to its speed and security features, the Samsung T7 is undoubtedly one of the best external hard drives for Mac users in 2024.
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
5. G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD 1TB
The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD is another phenomenal choice for Mac users. With 1TB of storage, it is engineered for high-performance tasks, such as video editing. This external drive features a USB-C interface, making it compatible with the latest Macs. Plus, it boasts transfer speeds of up to 560MB/s, enabling fast data access. Its rugged design guarantees resistance to shock, making it an excellent traveling companion.
Furthermore, the G-Drive Mobile SSD comes formatted for Mac out of the box, making setup hassle-free. If you’re looking for speed and durability, look no further than the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD.
- A durable design with IP67 water/dust resistance, 3M drop tested, and 1000lb crush resistance
- Super fast transfer rates up to 560MB/s
- Latest generation USB C connectivity (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
- Shock and vibration resistant solid state drive
- With capacities up to 2TB in a small, light package (As used for storage capacity, 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes and 1 terabyte (TB) = 1 trillion bytes; Total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment.)
6. Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive
The Toshiba Canvio Advance offers a staggering 4TB of storage in a portable form factor. It features a stylish design and comes in multiple color options. This drive uses USB 3.0 technology for transferring files quickly. The pre-installed software allows for easy backup and file management. Additionally, users appreciate its plug-and-play capability, making it compatible with Mac devices right away.
For anyone needing significant storage at an affordable price, the Toshiba Canvio Advance deserves consideration as one of the best external hard drives for Mac in 2024.
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7. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a rugged and compact option designed for users who need durability along with speed. Bigger projects, such as high-resolution video editing, can be easily managed, as it boasts read speeds of up to 1050MB/s. With 2TB of storage, it is ideal for Mac users who are always on the go. Its IP55 rating ensures water and dust resistance, making it perfect for outdoor work.
The SanDisk Extreme also includes a USB-C interface, ensuring compatibility with the latest Mac models. Its reliability and impressive speed make it a top contender for anyone seeking the best external hard drive for Mac.
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
8. ADATA SD600Q 480GB External SSD
For users who need a compact and budget-friendly option, the ADATA SD600Q is a portable SSD that doesn’t compromise on speed. Although it only provides 480GB, the transfer speeds of up to 440MB/s will appeal to users who prioritize efficiency. The drive has a durable design, making it resistant to shocks and wear, adding to its reliability. Plus, it is compatible with multiple devices, including Mac.
The ADATA SD600Q is an excellent choice for students or professionals looking for a lightweight external drive without hefty storage needs.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
- Performance up to 2000MB/c with USB Gen 2x2 supported devices. For other type of ports, speed will be limited by host systems.
- Super compact. Smaller than a credit card and weight slightly more than a pen
- Supports new generation game consoles
- Supports multiple operating systems including Windows and Mac. Drive default at exFAT format for cross-platforms compatibility
9. Buffalo MiniStation 1TB External Hard Drive
The Buffalo MiniStation is a stylish and compact option featuring 1TB of storage capacity. This drive employs both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connections, ensuring flexibility with your devices. The inclusion of backup software allows for easy file management, making data backup a smooth process. Additionally, it is pre-formatted for both Mac and PC, ensuring compatibility right out of the box.
For users who want a simple yet effective external hard drive, the Buffalo MiniStation is indeed a commendable choice in 2024.
- USB PC Compatible plug-and-play. Compatible w/ Mac after formatting.
- Ruggedized (mil-spec)
- Hardware Encryption
- NFC technology
- Water and Dust Resistant
10. Seagate Expansion Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive
If massive storage is what you seek, look no further than the Seagate Expansion Desktop. With a whopping 8TB of capacity, this drive is perfect for users who work with large files, such as graphic designers or filmmakers. It works with a simple USB 3.0 connection and is compatible with Mac after a simple reformatting. Moreover, it provides a seamless plug-and-play experience, making it easy to start your data transfer right away.
In terms of price to performance, the Seagate Expansion Desktop holds a great value. For extensive storage needs, it’s among the best external hard drives for Mac to consider in 2024.
- Easy-to-use desktop hard drive—simply plug in the power adapter and USB cable
- Fast file transfers with USB 3.0
- Drag-and-drop file saving right out of the box
- Automatic recognition of Windows and Mac computers for simple setup (Reformatting required for use with Time Machine)
- Enjoy peace of mind with the included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services
Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drive for Mac in 2024
When hunting for the best external hard drive for Mac, consider several factors to ensure you select a product that meets your needs. Here’s a concise buying guide to help steer your decision:
1. Storage Capacity
The first consideration is how much storage you need. External hard drives come in various capacities ranging from 250GB to several TB. If you’re storing large files like videos, opt for a larger drive, such as 4TB or even 8TB.
2. Speed
Transfer speed is another essential factor. Look for drives utilizing USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connections, as these will provide faster transfer rates compared to older USB 2.0 technologies.
3. Portability
If you plan to carry the drive frequently, choose a lightweight and compact option. Many portable hard drives fit into your bag easily without adding much weight.
4. Durability
Consider rugged designs that can withstand drops and shocks, especially if you often use your drive outdoors or while traveling.
5. Compatibility
Ensure the drive is either formatted for Mac or can be easily reformatted if necessary. The best external hard drives for Mac should integrate seamlessly with macOS.
6. Security Features
If data security is a concern, look for drives that offer built-in encryption and password protection features to safeguard your files.
7. Warranty and Support
Finally, consider the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support.
A company that stands behind its product offers peace of mind in case of issues.
The importance of selecting the right external hard drive for Mac cannot be understated. Whichever drive you choose, assessing storage, speed, durability, compatibility, security features, and warranty can significantly enhance your user experience. In 2024, these top 10 products showcased will guide you toward the best external hard drive for your needs, ensuring reliable and efficient data storage and backup.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.