External SSDs for Mac devices are some of the most popular storage solutions. You can preserve your data forever and take it wherever you go. You can always access its content and manage your data on the go.
Since SSDs are universal storage devices, many companies have started creating their own versions, making the competition boom. Choosing the best external SSD for Mac may seem like finding a needle in a haystack due to the many options available.
We've rounded up the most reliable and fastest external SSDs for Mac on the market so that you can choose an SSD according to your preferences.
Table of Content
How We Picked the Best External SSDs for Mac
Since numerous SSD options exist, choosing the best one will depend on several factors. We have considered SSD speed, tech specifications, performance, visual features, and prices to ensure you get more bang for your buck.
We will examine all these features for each pick so you can choose the best option for your needs. We will also pick the best overall SSD for Mac devices.
8 Best External SSDs for Mac You Must Try
Below is a list of the eight best external SSDs for Mac devices in 2024.
| External SSD for Mac | Best Features | Pricing | Capacity |
| Crucial X8 | Protection, resistance, featured app. | $60-$200 | 1TB-4TB |
| Kingston XS 2000 Portable SSD | Incredible speed, IP55 rating, durability. | $75-$500 | 500GB-4TB |
| Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield | IP65 rating, design, speed. | $80-$244 | 1TB-4TB |
| LaCie Rugged SSD Pro | Compatibility, incredible speeds, and a professional feel. | $290-$500 | 1TB-2TB |
| OWC Envoy Pro EX | Ease of use, portability, and design. | $120-$480 | 240GB-2TB |
| Seagate OneTouch SSD | Compatibility, unique features, elegant design. | $85-$215 | 500GB-2TB |
| SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD | Professional features, maximized efficiency, and durability. | $83-$170 | 1TB-5TB |
| WD My Passport SSD | Rugged, comes with hardware encryption and data backup software. | $60-$220 | 500GB-4TB |
1. Crucial X8
Tech specs
Crucial X8 has two options regarding connections: USB C USB A. The memory capacity ranges from 1 TB up to 4 TB. It is also one of the most durable SSD options on the market, boasting resistance to cold and hot weather, shocks, and vibrations. This SSD also supports third-party protection, such as McAfee, for the best data security.
Performance
Crucial X8 is not the fastest SSD for Mac out there, but it is as reliable as an external device can get. You will get up to 1,050 mb/s speeds. You can also download its app to monitor the performance, capacity, and other features for the best results.
Size & looks
Crucial X8 may be more sizable than other available SSDs, but it is still pocket-sized. It has 11 x 5 cm dimensions and weighs around 97 grams. The case is made of aluminum, in an all-black version, but it may feel a bit too plastic-y. It is not the most stylish solution on the market.
Pros & cons
Pricing
Crucial X8 is very affordable. The prices range from $60 (for the 1 TB version) to $200 (for the 4 TB version).
2. Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD
Tech specs
Kingston XS2000 Portable SSD utilizes a 3.2 Gen USB, the next-level USB that significantly impacts the SSD's performance. You can find various storage capacities, ranging from 500 GB to 4 TB. The 1 TB version is among the best in the 1 TB industry.
Moreover, one of the features that makes this SSD unique is an IP rating of 55, meaning it is splash- and dust-resistant. This SSD uses NAND flash technology to store data, which is among the best systems in the world.
Performance
This option might be your ideal choice if you want a lighting-fast SSD. Kingston XS2000 has 2000 mb/s transfer speeds. You can store 8K videos and other sizable documents in seconds. Thus, it is perfect for professional use.
Size & looks
Kingston XS2000 has a minimalist yet futuristic, pocket-sized design. With dimensions of around 7 x 3 x 1.5 cm and a weight of 29 grams, it is one of the most compact SSDs.
Pros & cons
Pricing
The prices range from $75 (for the 500 GB version) up to $500 (for the 4 TB version).
3. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield
Tech specs
Samsung T7 Shield is powered by USB 3.2 Gen2, making it one of the most futuristic options on the market. It has one of the most admirable IP ratings (65), making the SSD water-, dust-, and drop-resistant. This external SSD for Mac devices comes in three capacity solutions: 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB of memory. It is compatible with computers, phones, and even gaming consoles.
Performance
The read/write speeds aren't the best on the market; you will get up to 1,000 mb/s for writing and up to 1,050 mb/s for reading. However, you can use the Samsung Magician software to monitor your external device and boost its performance.
Size & looks
Samsung T7 Shield has some of the best designs on the market. It has a distinguishable ribbed design and comes in three colors. Its dimensions are 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.3 cm, making this SSD easy to carry. However, it may be one of the heavier external SSDs on the market, weighing 98 grams.
Pros & cons
Pricing
Samsung T7 Shield has reasonable pricing. It begins at $80 (for the 1 TB version) and goes up to $244 (for the 4 TB version).
4. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
Tech specs
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro uses a Thunderbolt 3 interface, which boosts the SSD's performance and reliability. It includes an IP67 rating, which is the highest IP rating we have seen so far. That implies the SSD is splash-, crash-, drop-, and dust-resistant, making it almost impossible to destroy.
The company claims you can run a two-ton car over this external SSD for Mac without damaging it. The drive usually comes pre-formatted to exFAT, making it compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux devices.
Performance
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is one of the fastest SSDs on the market. It offers mind-boggling 2,800 mb/s read/write speeds. However, the rate may decrease if you connect the SSD to the USB 3.1 Gen2 connector. Also, since Thunderbolt 3 ports are rare on newer computers, you might get a slower performance from your LaCie Rugged SSD Pro.
Size & looks
This SSD's dimensions are 9 x 6 x 1 cm, making it one of the smallest portable SSDs on the market. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro weighs around 100 grams, making it one of the heaviest storage solutions in its category. Its design is simple yet elegant but not the most stylish option.
Pros & cons
Pricing
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is one of the most expensive options. The pricing starts at $290 for the 1 TB version and can be as high as $500 for the 2 TB version. However, this device is a professional SSD, so the pricing may be acceptable for videographers, vloggers, and other pros who want to invest in high-quality SSD solutions.
5. OWC Envoy Pro EX
Tech specs
OWC Envoy Pro EX is not a feature-rich or speed-packed external SSD for Mac. Instead, it is an intuitive, easy-to-use device for anyone who wants to get a bit of extra storage. It comes with Thunderbolt, USB C, and USB A adapters, making it versatile and compatible with most devices. You can also choose between capacity options ranging from 240 GB to 4 TB of memory.
Performance
OWC Envoy Pro EX doesn't have too much to offer regarding performance. However, it is one of the most reliable SSDs on the market. In the best-case scenario, the read/write speeds can reach up to 980 mb/s.
Size & looks
This SSD has some of the best, most elegant designs on the market. It is simple yet unique; you will feel like you are carrying an entire station. The dimensions are 11 x 6 x 1 cm, perfect for your pocket or handbag.
Pros & cons
Pricing
OWC Envoy Pro EX may be the most expensive option per gigabyte of storage. The prices range from $120 for the 240 GB version to $480 for 2TB.
6. Seagate OneTouch SSD
Tech specs
Seagate One Touch SSD is one of the most unique options available. It comes with a USB-C connector, making file transfers even more productive. You can find this SSD in three versions: 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB.
Moreover, you will receive a free six-month Dropbox plan, enabling you to back up the stored data. The SSD also has a dedicated application to automatically back up new data to the software and free up space on the drive.
Performance
Seagate One Touch SSD can reach speeds up to 1,030 mb/s, making file transfers easy and efficient. You can upload files within seconds with this SSD option.
Size & looks
This SSD is one of the smallest, most compact portable external SSDs for Mac. Its dimensions are around 7 x 5 x 1 cm, and it weighs an astonishing 45 grams. You won't feel its weight when carrying it around. It comes in three colors, black, blue, and silver, so you can choose the one that fits your style best.
Pros & cons
Pricing
The prices of Seagate One Touch SSDs range depending on the capacity. You can find 500 GB versions for $85, 1 TB for $125, and 2 TB for $215.
7. SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD
Tech specs
SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD SSD has the HFS+ format, a Mac-based file system. Professionals like videographers use it, making it perfect for professional use. It comes in numerous capacity options up to 5 TB of memory. It has an IP of 54, making it relatively durable and resistant to outside factors.
Performance
SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD doesn't offer impressive read/write speeds. Instead, you get a constant rate of around 140 mb/s. This SSD was designed for professional use, ensuring the best data quality during transfers.
Size & looks
As the name suggests, this SSD looks like a piece of armor instead of a traditional portable SSD. The edges and design give out strong, high-tech vibes. This SSD's dimensions are around 13 x 8 x 2 cm, with a weight of approximately 250 grams, making it one of the heaviest SDDs.
Pros & cons
Pricing
SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATH has some of the best prices in the industry. You can get your SSD from $83 for the 1 TB version to $170 for the 5 TB version.
8. WD My Passport SSD
Tech specs
WD My Passport SSD is resistant to dust, splashes, drops, and shocks, making it highly rugged. It comes in four capacity options: from 500 GB up to 4 TB.
One of the features making this external SSD for Mac devices stand out is hardware encryption, which you can't find in most other models on the market. You will also find a designated software solution with the SSD or use your Time Machine for an efficient backup experience.
Performance
WD My Passport SSD performs similarly to most of the solutions above. You can't expect to get more than 1,050 mb/s read/write speeds.
Size & looks
This SSD's dimensions are around 10 x 5 x 0.8 cm, making it perfect for every pocket. Since it weighs about 50 grams, you won't even feel like carrying anything. The design is stylish and elegant, and the SSD comes in five colors, each including metallic elements.
Pros & cons
Pricing
My Passport SSD is currently one of the cheapest SSDs for Mac. You can get a 500 GB SSD for $60, the 1 TB version for $75, the 2 TB version for $118, and the 4 TB version for $220.
Final Verdict: Best External SSD for Mac in 2024
If you are looking for a professional SSD for Mac but don't want to spend a fortune, Crucial X8 might be your ideal choice. Although it isn't the fastest SSD on the market, it is one of the most reliable solutions. Moreover, it is highly resistant to numerous outside factors, making it durable and long-lasting.
This SSD's design is very neutral; if you want something to match every outfit and vibe, Crucial X8 is the way to go. It stands out because it offers additional encryption features to protect your data.
It is affordable, fast, reliable, resistant, durable—the list goes on. It has everything you need from the best external SSD for Mac devices.
Why Use a Portable SSD for Mac
Portable SSDs offer numerous benefits to make your life easier. For instance, you can protect your valuable data from the passage of time by using these devices (and handling them properly). Moreover, they have become so advanced that they function better than all hard disks.
Newer portable SSDs are compatible with most devices, meaning you can access your Mac content from any other device. They offer the versatility you need in the modern technological era. The best part is you can carry thousands of files in your pocket with just a few grams of tech.
Keep in mind that you need to format your new SSD for your Mac before being able to save data on it.
Bonus Part: How To Recover Lost Data From an External SSD for Mac
Things might sometimes go sideways even if you purchase the best, most reliable external SSD for your Mac devices. You may physically damage your external device or accidentally delete some files, leading to a stressful scenario. If you find yourself in this situation, no panic, SSD data recovery on Mac is possible.
Instead of paying SSD providers for mid-range recovery software, you can use third-party, affordable solutions to retrieve your data. One of the best, most successful options on the market is Wondershare Recoverit. This program allows you to recover thousands of file types, no matter the data loss scenario.
Here's how to use Wondershare Recoverit to retrieve lost data from your external SSD on Mac:
- Download Wondershare Recoverit and run the program.
- Connect your external SSD to your Mac device.
- Head to the Hard Drives and Locations section.
- Select the SSD from the list of available options.
- The program will automatically scan for lost files. You can pause this process if needed.
- Once the program finishes scanning, preview your files, select those you wish to retrieve, and hit Recover.
- Choose where to save your files.
Thanks to this advanced tool, you can get your valuable data back in a few moments.
Conclusion
Purchasing an external SSD for your Mac device may be overwhelming due to the many available options. If you are looking for a fast, reliable, and resistant SSD, choose one of our eight top picks, each suitable for personal and professional use. However, the best SSD external hard drive for Mac in 2024 is Crucial X8 because it is more reliable than other devices.
If you ever lose data and want to recover all lost files in a few clicks, use Wondershare Recoverit to retrieve your data and complete your SSD experience.
