Best External SSDs for Mac in 2025: Fast and Reliable Options

Evolving workflows of today require reliable system performance and processing of larger files quickly, pushing creative professionals to go for the latest MacBooks. Newer models include expensive internal SSDs; however, no upgrades can be made after purchasing due to soldered-on components on Macs. That is where external SSDs come in, providing plug-and-play convenience. They are designed to reduce load times for smooth content editing and optimize Time Machine backups.

No matter how fruitful they are, choosing one from an array of options is still a headache. Hence, the following article lists down 8 best external ssds for mac and their key points, helping you make an informed decision.

Part 1. How to Determine an SSD Good For Mac?

Before you step into the discussion of the leading external SSD for MacBook, read the following pointers. Here, you will find features of good SSD, ultimately helping you choose what's best for your device:

1. Plug-and-Play with APFS or HFS+ Formatting: To start immediately and avoid extra setup, choose an SSD that comes formatted and can be reformatted using Disk Utility. Also, understand that the older versions use HFS+, and the latest ones use APFS.
2. USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 Native Support: When you have a Mac with a standard USB-C connector, then you should check that the SSD you are purchasing supports the corresponding port. Then, confirm it has Thunderbolt 3/4, which are ideal for video editing and running macOS boot drives.
3. Optimized for Time Machine Backups: Choose a portable SSD for Mac that facilitates quicker backup and restore than an HDD, which is best for frequent Time Machine users. Besides, to avoid conflict with other files, you should use a dedicated APFS volume, especially for new models.
4. Trim Support: It basically helps the system in managing deleted files to maintain SSD performance and longevity. However, before buying, you should check their compatibility, especially when you have to use the drive as a boot volume.
5. Heat Dissipation: To prevent thermal throttling during transfers, go for an SSD with heat sinks or robust enclosures. It is because frequent overheating leads to a shorter lifespan and reduced performance of the device.
6. macOS Encryption (FileVault): For an external SSD, check if your chosen option provides full-disk encryption and FileVault. Ultimately, all your data on the drive will be protected with password and strong encryption.

Part 2. Top External SSDs For Mac in 2025: An Overview

While choosing the best SSD for Mac, reading honest user opinions, checking for warranty periods, and firmware updates is always a wise act. However, before that, you must explore detailed descriptions of the leading options mentioned ahead:

1. Crucial X9 Pro

Known for providing portability and extensive storage space, this Mac-friendly SSD comes with up to 4TB capacity. It's a top general-purpose external SSD, which is lightweight and features rugged anodized aluminum design. In terms of its performance, it has up to 1,050MB/s read and write speed through USB 3.2 Gen 2. Thus, experts find it suitable to use in Time Machine backup, file transfer, and portable macOS boot drive.

Top Points

1. While being compatible with Mac, it offers native USB-C connectivity and can be reformatted to APFS or HFS+.
2. Crucial X9 Pro provides 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption and often comes with a 5 years warranty.
3. This external SSD is built to last, meaning it can endure all-weather shoots with IP55 water and dust resistance.

2. SanDisk Desk Drive

Another best external SSD for Mac, SanDisk Desk Driver, is designed for massive and fast storage seekers. With up to 8 TB storage capacity, it serves best as a desktop backup solution rather than a portable drive. In addition, having up to 1000MB/s speed, this SSD lets you access your files 4x faster than a desktop HDD.

Top Points

1. Despite giving USB-C & A ports, it provides slots for Kensington-style cable lock and a power jack.
2. Along with the SanDisk Desk Drive, you will get free Acronis True Image for disk, file, and folder backup.
3. Compared with traditional hard drives, this SSD operates silently and is free from vibrations.

3. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro Thunderbolt 3

Engineered for professionals demanding speed and reliability altogether, this portable SSD for Mac is from the LaCie brand. It achieves up to 2,800MB/s read/write speed, making it perfect for file transfer and even 8K video editing. While coming up with a 5-year warranty, it supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, which ensures seamless use for modern MacBooks.

Top Points

1. For durability, it features a silicone-coated, crush-resistant aluminum case that resists dust and water.
2. You can take advantage of Adobe Creative Cloud membership for up to 1 month.
3. Its design decreases thermal throttling, ultimately preserving ideal performance under hefty loads.

4. Samsung Portable SSD T9

In the list of best solid-state external hard drives for Mac, it's a lightning-fast, tough, and affordable choice. Interestingly, this premium compact SSD is aimed at content producers due to the combination of fast speeds, solid construction, and software capabilities. Design-wise, it is a bit bigger than the competitors, has a textured, rubberized surface to provide a grip, but can still fit in your pocket.

Top Points

1. It comes equipped with Samsung Magician software and 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption support.
2. When connected to a compatible Mac, it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for blazing throughput and up to 2,000MB/s.
3. This T9 portable SSD comes with up-to-date firmware, extra encryption, and continual monitoring of the drive's health.

5. Adata SE880 SSD

This SSD for Mac is another option you can count on since it's smaller than a credit card and weighs slightly more than a pen. Despite portability, it supports new generation game consoles and multiple operating systems, including Windows. Although it has certain limitations for sustained heavy use, many users consider it a top performer in short bursts.

Top Points

1. Made with aluminum and plastic, its chassis is sturdy and fingerprint-resistant.
2. Though it doesn’t have hardware encryption, you will get software-based encryption.
3. It utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) and gives peak speeds up to 2,000MB/s, enabling quick transfer of large files.

6. SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD SDPS31H

This Mac-friendly SSD is the choice of photographers, with super-fast speed of up to 2700MB/s read and 1900MB/s write. At Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps), it can typically transfer 50GB in under a minute. Moreover, it has cool aluminum that draws away additional heat from the internal drive to keep super-fast transfer speed. Through password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption, it ensures the safety of sensitive files.

Top Points

1. Along with an ultra-rugged design, it shows IP68 dust or water resistance and 4000lb crush resistance, making it ideal for travelers.
2. Despite having a Pro-grade enclosure for premium strength, this SSD has 3m drop resistance, measured on a carpeted concrete floor.
3. With dual-mode compatibility, this SanDisk Professional SSD even supports USB-C (10Gbps).

7. Lexar SL660 BLAZE Game Portable SSD

For gamers or anyone needing blazing fast speed, Lexar SL660 could prove to be their ideal external SSD for MacBook. With a rugged build, a detachable stand, and vibrant colors of RGB LEDs, it's an aesthetic option. To gear up your gaming experience, this SSD gives USB 3.2 Gen2x2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1900MB/s write.

Top Points

1. For added protection and vibration resistance, this SSD features a premium aluminum enclosure with a sandblasted finish.
2. Concerning security, it has 256-bit AES software encryption, often known as Lexar DataShield.
3. Regarding accessories, Lexar SSD could provide USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.

8. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield MU-PE

Ending the list with the renowned Samsung SSD T7, which is designed with unmatched drop, water, and dust resistance. This is the best external SSD for Mac that suits well for outdoor professionals because of its rugged rubberized exterior and lightweight (~98g). With performance of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, this SSD even supports 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB storage capacities.

Top Points

1. For broad compatibility, it comes with both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.
2. Since this SSD model belongs to Samsung, you will get Magician utilities for drive management and performance optimizations.
3. Considering data security, this SSD contains hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption with optional password protection.

Part 3. Comparison of the 8 Top External SSDs for Mac

It is understandable to get confused by the abundance of technical information regarding external SSDs, making it difficult to make a choice. Hence, below is a clear tabular comparison among the 8 leading solid-state external hard drives for Mac for your help:

Part 4. Accidentally Lost Data in SSD: Recover it on Mac With Ease!

Suppose you get the best external SSD for Mac and start working with it, but one day you accidentally lose your crucial data. If that happens, instead of getting panicked, get your hands on the data recovery expert, Wondershare Recoverit, for instant restoration. Notably, it can work with Samsung, Lexar, SanDisk, and other external SSDs to restore data effortlessly.

Moreover, this software can even restore data from formatted SSDs with 99.5% success guarantee. No matter whether you have edited videos, photos, Office files, or backup data in SSD, Recoverit can retrieve all. Other than wider file format support, this tool is compatible with T2/M1/M2/M3/M4 chip Macs. Despite that, the tool supports recovery from Mac drives, drone cameras, SD cards, CF cards, USB flash drives, etc.

Key Features

1. Data & Storage Devices Support: From over 2000 storage media devices, this recovery solution can retrieve up to 1000 file types and formats.
2. Data Loss Scenarios: Whether you have lost data because of a Mac system crash, improper operation, or virus attack, it supports over 500 data loss scenarios.
3. Scanning Options: While giving you quick and advanced scanning options, Recoverit lets you scan an entire disk or a specific path.

A Quick Tutorial: How to Recover Lost Data from External SSD for Mac?

For an effortless and smooth journey to recover files from SSD Mac, follow the stepwise guide below with Recoverit:

Step 1. Set Up Recoverit and Specify External Drives

Connect your external SSD to your Mac and click the "Hard Drives and Locations" tab after launching the tool. Then, select “External Drives" from the relevant section and allow the software to begin searching.

Step 2. Witness Quick Scan or Specify Search

During scanning, apply filters and choose folders to specify the search; otherwise, observe the "Quick Scan" status below.

Step 3. Recover Data After Ensuring Their Integrity

Finally, get a preview of recovered files to confirm their integrity and click the “Recover” button to export them back to your device.

Part 5. Important Tips When Using External SSDs for Mac

To make your performance as effective as possible and prevent the most frequent mistakes, here are several tips to utilize an external SSD on Mac:

• Encryption as a Security Measure: You are recommended to encrypt your SSD, particularly when you intend to store sensitive information on them. In this context, you may create an encrypted SSD during formatting or afterwards in Finder and protect its password.
• Always Eject Safely: Before unplugging, you must eject the SSD, which prevents data corruption. To this end, open the File menu of the Finder, use the combination of keys Command + E or drag the disk image to the trash.
• Format & Setup Properly: Keep in mind that you need to format your new SSD for your Mac before being able to save data on it. To do this, open Disk Utility, access the Applications/Utilities folder, click the name of the External disk, and press the “Erase” icon in the toolbar.
• Manage Time Machine Backups: Avoid huge and unnecessary backups in Time Machine by excluding a Mac-friendly SSD from backups. Here, you can create APFS volumes on the SSD and exclude them from Time Machine.
• Check SSD Health: SSDs deteriorate with time, especially when you do not use them continuously. To counter this, connect and use SSD regularly or use Disk Utility to run First Aid and fix the drive, where necessary.

Conclusion

In summary, this guide discussed the importance of external SSDs for optimal device performance when dealing with demanding tasks. Considering this, the article highlights the 8 best external SSDs for Mac with their top points and tabular comparison, letting you decide based on your needs. Also, you've got tips to maintain the health of the SSD for Mac. Now, if you accidentally lose its data, opt for the ultimate recovery solution, Recoverit.