technologyUSUpdated December 20, 2025

Top 10 external ssds for mac 2025

Discover the best external ssds for mac that enhance storage, speed, and reliability for your device. Perfect for professionals and creatives alike.

#external ssd#mac storage#ssd for mac#portable ssd#data transfer#backup solutions#mac accessories#tech gadgets

When it comes to enhancing your Mac's storage capabilities, external SSDs are the go-to solution. These devices not only provide ample space for your files but also offer incredible speed and portability. In this article, we will explore the top 10 external SSDs for Mac, highlighting their benefits and features to help you make an informed choice.

Why Choose an External SSD for Your Mac?

External SSDs are ideal for Mac users due to their high-speed performance and reliability. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs use flash memory, which means faster data access and transfer rates. This is particularly beneficial for tasks such as video editing and large file transfers. Additionally, external SSDs are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for on-the-go use.

Key Features to Look for in External SSDs for Mac

When selecting an external SSD for your Mac, consider factors such as:

  • Speed: Look for SSDs with high read and write speeds to enhance performance.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the SSD supports macOS and offers USB-C connectivity for seamless integration.
  • Durability: Opt for SSDs with rugged designs or water resistance for added protection during travel.

How to Set Up an External SSD on Your Mac

Setting up an external SSD on your Mac is a straightforward process. Simply connect the SSD via USB-C or USB 3.0, and your Mac should recognize it automatically. You may need to format the drive to ensure compatibility with macOS. This can be done through the Disk Utility application, where you can choose the appropriate file system format.

FAQ about External SSDs for Mac

Q: Can I use an external SSD with multiple devices?
A: Yes, external SSDs can be used with various devices, including Windows PCs and gaming consoles, as long as they are formatted correctly.
Q: Do external SSDs work with Time Machine?
A: Absolutely! You can use an external SSD as a backup drive for Time Machine on your Mac.
Q: How do I maintain my external SSD?
A: Regularly eject the SSD safely before unplugging, avoid physical shocks, and keep it away from extreme temperatures to ensure longevity.

Last Updated - December 20, 2025
#1
Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
Samsung
Highest rated pickAmazon's Choice8K+ bought in past month

Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray

  • 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
9.4/10
4.7 / 5(36,964)
View on Amazon
#2
Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray
Samsung
Amazon's Choice6K+ bought in past month

Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray

  • 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
9.4/10
4.7 / 5(36,964)
View on Amazon
#3
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC4T0T/AM, Gray
Samsung
3K+ bought in past month

SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC4T0T/AM, Gray

  • 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
9.4/10
4.7 / 5(36,964)
View on Amazon
#4
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged,IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, Extenal Solid State Drive (MU-PE2T0S/AM), Black
Samsung
Amazon's Choice500+ bought in past month

Samsung T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged,IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, Extenal Solid State Drive (MU-PE2T0S/AM), Black

  • GO THE DISTANCE: Withstand whatever adventure with the wildly reliable T7 Shield; It’s designed for the elements with water1, dust2 and drop3 resistance—all, of course, at lightning speeds
9.4/10
4.7 / 5(15,761)
View on Amazon
#5
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)
Seagate
Amazon's Choice10K+ bought in past month

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

  • Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(268,439)
View on Amazon
#6
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
SanDisk
Amazon's Choice10K+ bought in past month

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25

  • 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.)
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(85,682)
View on Amazon
#7
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-2T00-G25
SanDisk
Amazon's Choice10K+ bought in past month

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-2T00-G25

  • 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.)
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(85,682)
View on Amazon
#8
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-4T00-G25
SanDisk
Amazon's Choice3K+ bought in past month

SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-4T00-G25

  • 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.)
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(85,682)
View on Amazon
#9
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-1T00-G26
SanDisk
Amazon's Choice2K+ bought in past month

SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-1T00-G26

  • Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(8,688)
View on Amazon
#10
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
Samsung
4K+ bought in past month

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)

  • NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(2,446)
View on Amazon

More options

Last Updated - December 20, 2025
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
Crucial
Amazon's Choice3K+ bought in past month

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02

  • Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
9.2/10
4.6 / 5(1,172)
View on Amazon
WD 2TB My Passport for Mac, Navy, Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBA2D0020BBL-WESN
WD
1K+ bought in past month

WD 2TB My Passport for Mac, Navy, Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBA2D0020BBL-WESN

  • Designed for Mac.
9.0/10
4.5 / 5(115,160)
View on Amazon
Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT2000X9SSD902
Crucial
3K+ bought in past month

Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT2000X9SSD902

  • High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives
9.0/10
4.5 / 5(5,913)
View on Amazon
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets
Brand: SSK
Amazon's Choice1K+ bought in past month

SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

  • Capacity Reminder: Display capacity of 1TB SSD often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS typically shows full 1TB. This display capacity reduction of 7% to 10% from SSD actual capacity is from algorithms differences in which 1GB is interpreted as 1024MB on Windows and 1000MB on SSDs
9.0/10
4.5 / 5(3,711)
View on Amazon
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 - External Solid State Drive - SSD-PG1.0U3B
BUFFALO
Amazon's Choice400+ bought in past month

BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 - External Solid State Drive - SSD-PG1.0U3B

  • BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
8.8/10
4.4 / 5(3,921)
View on Amazon
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 - WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN
WD
Amazon's Choice1K+ bought in past month

WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 - WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN

  • USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
8.6/10
4.3 / 5(19,566)
View on Amazon