Best external SSD for Mac 2026: Top drives tested
Macworld ·
Macworld An external SSD is a straightforward way to expand your Mac’s storage, carry files between devices and keep backups close at hand. Whether you need more room for photos or a fast drive for video projects, our recommendations cover a range of capacities, connections and budgets. Compared with mechanical hard drives, SSDs generally offer faster transfers in smaller, lighter designs. Most portable models take power directly from your Mac, making them convenient companions for a MacBook. Desktop drives offer another option if your storage will mostly stay in one place. Choosing the right SSD involves more than finding the highest advertised speed. Your Mac’s ports, the drive’s connection and the supplied cable all affect performance. For everyday backups, capacity and value may matter more than maximum speed; for demanding creative work, faster transfers can justify paying extra. We compare tested performance, Mac compatibility, portability and value, alongside practical features such as rugged protection, encryption and warranty coverage. Below, you’ll find our top picks for different needs, alternatives worth considering and buying advice to help you choose. Best SSD for Mac These are our top choices of Mac SSDs we have reviewed, including a few cheaper options to suit different budgets and uses. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield – Best for backups on the go Pros Rugged, pocketable rubber casing IP65 dust and water resistance Optional software password protection Cons Standard T7 costs less Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Samsung’s T7 Shield is a rugged portable SSD for backups and everyday storage. We liked its pocketable rubber-protected design, IP65 dust and water resistance, and optional password protection. In their review, our PCWorld colleagues recorded sequential speeds of 1,064MB/s reading and 1,004MB/s writing in Windows testing. Its 10Gbps USB interface suits routine transfers, although faster drives better serve demanding video work. Choose it for extra protection while traveling; consider the cheaper standard T7 if your drive will mostly stay safely on a desk. Performance and Mac compatibility Our PCWorld colleagues measured sequential reads of 1,064MB/s and writes of 1,004MB/s using CrystalDiskMark on Windows. Those results suit everyday transfers and laptop backups, but aren’t Mac benchmarks. The drive uses a 10Gbps USB interface, so a faster Thunderbolt connection won’t increase its maximum speed. Older, slower USB ports will limit performance. Design and durability Measuring 3.46 × 2.32 × 0.51 inches (88 × 59 × 13mm) and weighing 0.22 pounds (98g), the Shield remains pocketable despite its protective rubber sleeve. IP65 protection guards against dust and water; it isn’t rated for immersion. Samsung claims protection against three-meter drops. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are included. Capacity and value Password protection through Samsung’s Portable SSD app adds useful security. The rugged casing justifies paying extra if you travel regularly, but the cheaper standard T7 may suffice for desk use. Who should buy? Choose it for travel, outdoor photography and everyday backups where protection matters more than maximum speed. Consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 from this roundup for demanding large-file work, or the standard T7 if you don’t need rugged protection. SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 SSD – Best for professionals on the go Pros Good performance for pro users Slim, lightweight design Rugged IP65 protection Cons No Thunderbolt 5 support Expensive Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 is a compact USB4 SSD for photographers and video professionals handling large files. We liked its strong performance, recording 3.5GB/s reads and 4.2GB/s writes in Blackmagic testing, alongside its lightweight design and rugged IP65 protection. Available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, it’s easy to carry when traveling with a laptop. However, its high price and lack of Thunderbolt 5 support limit its appeal. For everyday backups, a cheaper drive is likely to offer better value. Performance and Mac compatibility SanDisk’s Extreme Pro v3 delivered around 3.5GB/s read speeds and consistently reached 4.2GB/s writes in our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. That’s below SanDisk’s advertised 4GB/s reads but above its claimed 3.8GB/s writes, providing plenty of speed for large video and graphics files. Its USB4 interface suits demanding work, although there’s no Thunderbolt 5 support to exploit the faster connection available on some high-end Macs. Design and durability Measuring 4.33 × 2.28 × 0.39 inches (110 × 58 × 10mm) and weighing 0.14 pounds (65.2g), the drive slips easily into a jacket pocket or laptop bag. Its IP65 rating provides dust and water resistance, while SanDisk claims protection against drops from three meters. A lanyard attachment offers extra security, although no lanyard is included. Capacity and value Available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, the Extreme Pro delivers strong performance in a compact, rugged package. However, its high price is the main drawback, particularly given the absence of Thunderbolt 5. Who should buy? Traveling photographers and video professionals handling large files should appreciate its speed and portability. For everyday storage or backups, consider an older SanDisk Extreme Pro to save money, accepting lower performance. Read our full SanDisk Extreme Pro V3 review SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD v3 – Best for high-capacity portable storage Pros Compact, rugged portable design Up to 8TB storage Password protection and encryption Cons Slower than USB4 alternatives Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD combines everyday USB storage with a rugged, pocketable design and capacities up to 8TB. We liked its balance of portability, useful protection and performance, recording 910MB/s reads and 946MB/s writes in Blackmagic testing. IP65 dust and water resistance suits outdoor use, while password protection, encryption and a five-year warranty add reassurance. It’s a practical choice for backups and photo libraries, although demanding video editors should consider the faster Extreme Pro. Avoid immersion despite its protection. Performance and Mac compatibility The Extreme Portable reached 910MB/s reads and 946MB/s writes in our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, against SanDisk’s advertised 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively. That’s sufficient for everyday transfers, photo libraries and Time Machine backups. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection sets the performance ceiling: connecting it to a faster Thunderbolt port won’t make it a Thunderbolt-speed drive. Slower USB connections will reduce performance. A USB-C cable and USB-A adapter are included. Design and durability The tested 8TB model measures 3.97 × 2.07 × 0.38 inches (100.8 × 52.5 × 9.6mm). Its protective black casing and lanyard hook suit travel. IP65 protection helps keep dust and rain out, but it isn’t waterproof against immersion. SanDisk also claims protection against three-meter drops. Capacity and value Capacities start at 1TB and extend to 8TB, providing substantial storage in a pocketable design. A five-year warranty, password protection and 256-bit encryption strengthen its appeal. Who should buy? Choose it for portable backups and storing large photo or video collections outdoors. Its main limitation is speed for demanding professional work. The SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 (above) offers a faster USB4 connection if transfer performance matters more than maximum capacity. Read our full SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (2025) review OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 – Best fast SSD Pros Exceptional large-file read speeds Rugged metal enclosure Silent, fanless cooling design Cons Real-world writes trail benchmarks Captive cable complicates packing Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The OWC Envoy Ultra is a rugged Thunderbolt 5 SSD designed for demanding creative work. We liked its exceptional read performance, reaching nearly 6GB/s when copying large video files. However, real-world writes were much slower at around 1.5GB/s, despite stronger benchmark results. Its metal enclosure and three-year warranty add appeal, but the captive cable complicates packing. You’ll need a Thunderbolt 5 Mac for maximum speed; high pricing and older-Mac compatibility restrictions make cheaper alternatives worth considering for less demanding use. Performance and Mac compatibility On an M4 Pro MacBook Pro, Blackmagic recorded approximately 5.2GB/s for both reads and writes, while ATTO reached nearly 7GB/s reads and 5.57GB/s writes. Crucially, copying around 330GB of video files delivered nearly 6GB/s reads but only 1.5GB/s writes. That makes it particularly attractive for accessing large projects, with less impressive performance when saving files to it. Full speed requires Thunderbolt 5. Design and durability Measuring approximately 5 × 2.8 × 0.75 inches (127 × 71 × 19mm) and weighing 0.66 pounds (298g), its metal enclosure is substantial. The captive cable makes packing awkward. OWC lists IP67 protection and a fanless aluminum design. Capacity and value The Envoy Ultra comes in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB capacities. A three-year warranty provides reassurance, but the premium is difficult to justify for everyday backups. Who should buy? Creative professionals reading large video projects from a Thunderbolt 5 Mac will benefit most. If maximum read speed isn’t essential look for a cheaper option. Read our full OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD review Corsair EX400U USB4 SSD – Compact storage for creators Pros Fast transfers for media Compact and lightweight design MagSafe-compatible ring for iPhone Cons Plastic housing feels basic Comparatively low write endurance Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Corsair EX400U is a compact USB4 SSD with a MagSafe-compatible ring for attaching to an iPhone. We liked its combination of portability, fast transfers and an included USB4 cable. Its small plastic enclosure becomes warm during sustained use, while a three-year warranty provides reassurance. Available in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities, it’s appealing for mobile media work. However, our PCWorld colleagues found it slower than rival USB4 drives, with a comparatively low write-endurance rating. Performance and Mac compatibility Our testing recorded 3,165MB/s reads and 2,709MB/s writes, providing useful speed for large photo and video transfers. Testing used Ajax System Test Lite; sustained performance dropped by around 300MB/s. These results fall below Corsair’s advertised maximums of 4,000MB/s reads and 3,600MB/s writes. Maximum performance requires USB4 or a compatible Thunderbolt connection; a slower USB-C port will limit transfers. Our PCWorld colleagues also found it slower than competing USB4 drives, particularly when writing. Design and durability Measuring 2.52 × 2.52 × 0.47 inches (64 × 64 × 12mm) and weighing approximately 0.11 pounds (51g), the EX400U is easy to carry. Its MagSafe-compatible ring attaches to an iPhone. The plastic housing is its main design compromise; it became warm, but not hot, during sustained testing. A robust USB4 cable is included. Capacity and value Available in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities, it carries a three-year warranty. PCWorld highlighted a comparatively low write-endurance rating, worth considering for intensive daily use. Who should buy? Choose it for portable media storage, especially if magnetic iPhone attachment appeals. Consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 from this roundup for faster tested transfers and rugged IP65 protection. Read our full Corsair EX400U USB4 SSD review Kingston Dual Portable SSD – Cable-free portable backups Pros Built-in USB-A and USB-C Tiny, lightweight metal design Five-year warranty included Cons Can obscure adjacent ports Premium price for portability Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Kingston’s Dual Portable SSD combines a thumb drive’s convenience with SSD performance. We liked its tiny, sturdy metal design, 13g weight and built-in USB-A and USB-C connectors, which eliminate cables. Testing delivered 920MB/s reads and 950MB/s writes, making it suitable for everyday transfers and Time Machine backups. A five-year warranty adds reassurance. However, its width can obscure an adjacent MacBook port, and you pay extra for portability. Consider Kingston’s XS1000 for better value or a faster drive for demanding work. Performance and Mac compatibility The Dual Portable SSD delivered 920MB/s reads and 950MB/s writes in our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. Writes matched Kingston’s advertised 950MB/s, while reads fell below its claimed 1,050MB/s. That’s sufficient for everyday transfers and routine Time Machine backups. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface needs a matching connection for full performance; older, slower USB ports will limit speed. There’s no Thunderbolt support, so demanding graphics and video work may benefit from a faster drive. Design and durability Measuring 2.83 × 0.83 × 0.34 inches (72 × 21 × 8.6mm) and weighing 0.03 pounds (13g), it’s exceptionally pocketable. The sturdy red metal casing incorporates USB-A and USB-C connectors, eliminating cables. However, its width partly obscured an adjacent MacBook Pro port. There’s no IP rating, and the removable connector caps could easily be lost. Capacity and value Available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities, it includes a five-year warranty. You pay a premium for the tiny design compared with conventional SSDs, including Kingston’s slightly larger XS1000. Who should buy? Choose it for quick backups and moving files between USB-A and USB-C devices while traveling. Consider the Kingston XS1000 if value matters more than cable-free convenience, or a faster SSD for professional workloads. Read our full Kingston Dual Portable SSD review Samsung T5 EVO – High-capacity everyday backups Pros Compact, lightweight design Sturdily built Provides up to 8TB storage Cons Modest performer Only supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Samsung T5 EVO is a compact portable SSD offering up to 8TB for backups, photos and video libraries. We liked its sturdy metal construction, protective rubber sleeve and convenient attachment ring. Our Blackmagic tests recorded 370MB/s reads and 460MB/s writes, making it a practical upgrade from a portable hard drive. However, its older 5Gbps USB interface limits performance. Choose it for capacity and portability; consider the faster Samsung T7 Shield if transfer speed and outdoor protection are higher priorities. Performance and Mac compatibility Our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test recorded 370MB/s reads and 460MB/s writes. Writes matched Samsung’s advertised 460MB/s, but reads fell below the same claim. That’s adequate for routine backups and storing photo or video collections, rather than demanding editing work. Despite its USB-C connector, the T5 EVO uses USB 3.2 Gen 1, a 5Gbps interface. Connecting it to a faster USB or Thunderbolt port won’t overcome that limitation. Its appeal is a more portable, faster alternative to a conventional hard drive. Design and durability Measuring 3.74 × 1.57 × 0.67 inches (95 × 40 × 17mm) and weighing 0.22 pounds (102g), it slips easily into a laptop bag. A rubber sleeve protects the sturdy metal body, while the substantial metal ring provides an attachment point. There’s no quoted IP rating for water or dust resistance. Capacity and value Available in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB capacities, the T5 EVO prioritizes storage space over speed. Password protection, AES-256 encryption and a three-year warranty add useful reassurance. Its value depends on current pricing compared with faster alternatives. Who should buy? Choose it for substantial backups and carrying large file collections without a bulky hard drive. The Samsung T7 Shield from this roundup is a better fit if faster transfers and rated outdoor protection matter more than maximum capacity. SanDisk Desk Drive – High-capacity desktop backups Pros Up to 8TB storage Good everyday transfer performance Compact footprint for desktops Cons Requires external mains power No additional data ports Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adorama $289.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The SanDisk Desk Drive is a desktop SSD offering 4TB or 8TB of storage for backups, photos, videos and work files. We liked its combination of capacity, compact footprint and performance, recording 910MB/s reads and 925MB/s writes in our tests. It’s faster than a hard drive, although faster SSDs suit demanding professional work. Its main drawback is mains power, making it impractical for travel. There are no extra data ports to compensate for using one of your Mac’s USB-C ports. Performance and Mac compatibility Our tests recorded 910MB/s reads and 925MB/s writes, below SanDisk’s advertised 1,000MB/s read speed but sufficient for regular backups and large photo or video libraries. The USB-C connection uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps, so your Mac needs a matching connection to exploit its performance. A faster Thunderbolt port won’t increase the drive’s speed. It’s considerably faster than a conventional hard drive, although demanding professional work benefits from a faster SSD. Design and durability Measuring 3.91 × 3.91 × 1.58 inches (99.2 × 99.2 × 40.2mm) and weighing 0.59 pounds (268g), the Desk Drive occupies little desk space. However, it requires mains power: connecting it to our MacBook Pro’s USB-C port alone didn’t work. Its single data port provides no hub functionality or additional connections for peripherals. Capacity and value Available in 4TB and 8TB capacities, it offers substantial storage for a desktop setup. SanDisk includes Acronis True Image backup software for Mac. Its value rests on needing SSD speed alongside capacity. Its appeal is high-capacity desktop storage with SSD speed, although mains power makes it less convenient than portable alternatives. Who should buy? Choose it for a permanent home or office backup setup. If you regularly travel with your storage, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD from this roundup also offers up to 8TB without requiring mains power. Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD – Simple secure iPhone storage Pros Simple NFC phone unlocking Automatic locking and encryption Compact, MagSafe-compatible portable design Cons Modest read and write speeds No water-resistance IP rating Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Lexar TouchLock is a compact portable SSD that prioritizes file security over speed. We liked its straightforward NFC unlocking, automatic locking when disconnected and 128-bit encryption. Its lightweight design and MagSafe-compatible ring suit iPhone photo and video backups, while USB-C also connects to a Mac. Testing delivered around 350MB/s for reads and writes, adequate for everyday backups. However, there’s no IP rating, and you need a compatible phone to unlock it. Choose another drive for demanding editing or ruggedness. Performance and Mac compatibility Our tests delivered around 350MB/s for both reads and writes, below Lexar’s advertised 450MB/s reads and 420MB/s writes. That’s adequate for Time Machine and mobile photo backups, but modest for demanding editing. Its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface limits performance even on faster Mac ports. Lexar claims support for direct 4K/60fps ProRes recording. USB-C connectivity works with Macs, but unlocking requires an NFC-equipped phone running the Lexar app. Design and durability Measuring 3.35 × 2.09 × 0.28 inches (85 × 53 × 7mm) and weighing 0.09 pounds (40g), the TouchLock is pocketable. A MagSafe-compatible ring holds it against an iPhone. Lexar claims two-meter drop protection, but there’s no IP rating for water or dust resistance. A USB-A adapter is included. Capacity and value The TouchLock model we reviewed offers 512GB or 1TB of storage. Its appeal rests on convenient security: NFC unlocking, automatic locking when disconnected and 128-bit encryption. Who should buy? Choose it for straightforward, secure backups when traveling with an iPhone. Consider the Samsung T7 Shield from this roundup for faster transfers and IP65 protection. Mac-only users should weigh the inconvenience of needing a phone to unlock their storage. Read our full Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD review Also considered We recommend: LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is a portable Thunderbolt 5 SSD designed for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals. We liked its combination of excellent performance and substantial protection: our testing recorded approximately 5,250MB/s for both reading and writing on a compatible Mac. Its rubberized enclosure carries an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, while a five-year warranty adds reassurance. Available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, it provides ample room for demanding projects without becoming difficult to carry. However, its premium price makes it excessive for ordinary backups, and achieving its best speeds requires Thunderbolt 5. Reports that the model is being discontinued also make availability uncertain. It remains worth considering at a sensible clearance price, but we would prioritize more readily available alternatives. We recommend: LaCie Rugged SSD4 The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is a portable USB4 drive that combines fast transfers with LaCie’s familiar orange protective sleeve. We liked its strong Mac performance, recording approximately 2,975MB/s for reading and 3,300MB/s for writing – comfortably sufficient for large file transfers and demanding everyday work. Its IP54 rating protects against dust and splashes, while LaCie also specifies resistance to three-meter drops and one-tonne crushing pressure. A three-year warranty with Rescue Data Recovery Services strengthens its appeal for people working away from the office. Our main design complaint was the easily misplaced removable USB port cover. However, reported discontinuation and uncertain stock now undermine its position as a leading recommendation. Consider remaining stock only when the price compares favorably with current USB4 alternatives offering similar performance and protection. We recommend: LaCie Portable SSD The LaCie Portable SSD is a small USB-C drive aimed at people who want straightforward additional storage without a bulky enclosure. We liked its attractive silver design, solid construction, and exceptionally light, pocketable form. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection offers sufficient performance for everyday transfers, photo libraries, and backups, although it was an average performer within its class rather than a speed leader. Reviewed capacities ranged from 500GB to 2TB, making it suitable for carrying a working collection of documents and media. Its appeal was always the combination of portability, simplicity, and style. However, retailers now identify reviewed models as discontinued or end of life. We would choose a more readily available alternative unless remaining stock comes with a compelling discount and a trustworthy seller. We recommend: SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 The SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4 is a rugged portable SSD available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. We liked its strong performance on Macs, with our Thunderbolt 4 MacBook Pro recording approximately 3,400MB/s for both reading and writing. Its forged aluminum body and protective silicone covering give it a reassuringly sturdy feel, supported by IP65 dust and water resistance and a five-year warranty. The main drawback is size: it is noticeably larger and heavier than many portable competitors. SanDisk now offers a newer Extreme Pro V3, so this older model makes more sense as a discounted alternative than the default recommendation. Check the model number carefully: SDSSDE82 identifies this version. We recommend: Seagate One Touch SSD The Seagate One Touch SSD is a compact portable drive designed for straightforward backups and everyday file transfers. We liked its light, sturdy construction and the inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A cables, making it convenient to use across different computers. The reviewed model offered 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, with enough performance for documents, photos, and media libraries. Seagate’s Toolkit software adds folder synchronization. The absence of hardware encryption is a limitation for people carrying sensitive files. It could still be worth buying at a competitive price; be careful to distinguish the faster STKG generation from older STJE models. We recommend: WD My Passport SSD The WD My Passport SSD is a lightweight USB-C drive intended for everyday portable storage, with hardware encryption among its attractions. We liked its slim design and useful performance when connected to a suitable USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Compatibility with USB-A connections also makes it practical for people moving files between newer and older computers. However, the unusually short cable can be inconvenient. It remains worth comparing when discounted, particularly if encrypted portable storage is your priority. We recommend: LaCie Rugged Mini SSD The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD is a portable drive wrapped in the company’s distinctive orange protective sleeve. We liked its sturdy construction, pocketable design, and three-year warranty with Rescue Data Recovery Services. It provides a useful way to carry backups or project files when traveling, with reviewed capacities extending to 4TB. However, its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface is a significant consideration for Mac buyers: the Macs used in our testing could not achieve its advertised 2,000MB/s performance. We recorded approximately 900MB/s for writing and 970MB/s for reading, which remains sufficient for routine backups. It is still worth considering at a competitive price, particularly if its protective design and recovery service matter more than maximum transfer speeds. We recommend: Lexar Armor 700 The Lexar Armor 700 is a rugged portable SSD aimed at photographers, filmmakers, and anyone carrying important files outdoors. We liked its slim design, grippy protective covering, and IP66 rating for resistance to dust and powerful water jets. Its construction makes it an appealing travel companion, while encryption software provides another useful feature for sensitive files. The important limitation for Mac buyers is its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface: without support for that connection standard, a Mac cannot deliver the drive’s advertised maximum performance. It remains fast enough for ordinary backups, but USB4 alternatives are better suited to buyers prioritizing speed. A substantial discount could still make it an attractive purchase for travel. We recommend: Verbatim Turbometal Portable SSD The Verbatim TurboMetal SSD is a portable USB4 drive with a rounded metal enclosure and a temperature-controlled cooling fan. We liked its attractive construction, quiet fan, and good transfer speeds. Testing on an M3 MacBook Air produced approximately 2,664MB/s for writing and 3,123MB/s for reading, with stronger results on an M4 Max Mac Studio. Reviewed capacities ranged from 1TB to 4TB. However, sustained testing exposed temporary speed reductions as the drive warmed up, before cooling restored performance. Mac users should also reformat the drive appropriately, and the included software is Windows-only. Other USB4 options offer a clearer combination of performance and convenience. It remains a reasonable alternative when discounted, particularly for everyday transfers that do not involve continuously writing large amounts of data. We recommend: Adata SE920 The Adata SE920 is a high-performance portable USB4 SSD designed for demanding work such as photo and video editing. We liked its fast, consistent transfers and effective cooling system, which combines a metal enclosure with a small fan. Pressing the housing expands it and activates the fan, giving users additional cooling during sustained activity. Our testing recorded approximately 2,992MB/s for writing and 3,161MB/s for reading, with stable performance over longer periods. Its setup is less convenient for Mac users because it arrives formatted as NTFS and includes Windows-focused backup software, although reformatting with Disk Utility is straightforward. It remains worth considering if its price undercuts comparable USB4 models and you are comfortable handling the initial setup yourself. We recommend: Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Western Digital The SanDisk Professional Pro-Blade system is modular storage designed for creative workflows spanning location work and the studio. We liked the flexibility of its removable SSD Mag modules, which can move between a portable Transport enclosure and the desktop Station. The modules are designed to withstand rough handling, and the Station accommodates four of them for a larger storage setup. This makes the system useful for teams exchanging footage or maintaining separate project drives. However, a Mag cannot connect directly to your Mac, so the required enclosure adds cost and complexity. The Transport’s USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection also limits performance on Macs without that interface. Most readers will find a conventional portable SSD simpler and more economical. We recommend: Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 SSD Dock The Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 SSD Dock combines desktop expansion with built-in solid-state storage. We liked the convenience of adding fast storage alongside an extensive selection of connections, including Thunderbolt 5, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and memory card readers. It can also provide up to 140W of charging power to a compatible laptop, making it an appealing foundation for a MacBook workstation. The SSD impressed in our testing, delivering approximately 5,331MB/s for writing and 5,822MB/s for reading in AJA’s 4K test. However, this is a premium docking station rather than a straightforward portable drive, and its cost makes most sense when you need the extra connections. It serves a different purpose to the other SSDs in this roundup, although it remains attractive for an equipped desktop workspace. We recommend: Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Best Prices Today: $79.99 at B & H Photo The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD combines the convenience of a USB thumb drive with the performance of a portable SSD. We liked its small size, sturdy housing, and cable-free connection, making it easy to carry files without packing additional accessories. Our Mac testing recorded approximately 943MB/s for writing and 930MB/s for reading, comfortably sufficient for everyday transfers and suitable video recording tasks. Its IP54 rating provides protection against dust and splashes, while Seagate specifies resistance to three-meter drops. However, the short USB-C connector may not reach an iPhone’s port through some protective cases. It remains an appealing alternative for buyers who want compact USB-C storage and value its protective construction. How we test Mac SSDs Our reviews combine benchmark results with hands-on use to assess transfer performance, portability, construction and everyday convenience. We identify the test platform where relevant, including results from our colleagues at PCWorld. Performance varies with the computer, connection and workload, so we distinguish measured results from manufacturers’ advertised speeds. We also assess practical details such as cables, power requirements, security features and warranty coverage. Why you should trust Macworld Macworld has been testing Mac hardware for decades. Our recommendations draw on hands-on reviews from our team and colleagues across Foundry, with particular attention to Mac compatibility, useful performance and value. How to choose an SSD: Buying advice You’ve read our recommendations of the best SSDs for Mac owners on the market right now. But how did we reach these decisions, and what general advice should you follow when selecting the best SSD for your needs? SSDs vs hard drives Hard drives generally offer more storage for your money, making them a good choice for large backups where capacity matters more than speed. SSDs typically cost more per gigabyte, but provide faster transfers and are usually smaller and lighter. They also have no moving parts, making them better suited to carrying alongside a MacBook. If you decide in favor of hard drives, see our roundup of the best Mac hard drives . Which SSD connection should you choose? For an external SSD, prioritize the connection supported by both the drive and your Mac. A fast SSD can’t deliver its full performance through a slower port or cable. Everyday backups rarely need the fastest connection, while large video projects and frequent transfers can justify paying for USB4 or Thunderbolt. USB-C doesn’t tell you the speed USB-C describes the connector’s shape, rather than its transfer speed. Drives with identical-looking USB-C connectors can use different USB or Thunderbolt standards and offer very different performance. The table below compares connection bandwidth, rather than guaranteed file-transfer speeds. Connection Maximum connection bandwidth Best suited to USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Routine backups and everyday storage USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps General transfers, backups and photo libraries USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Compatible computers; limited performance on many Macs USB4 at 40Gbps / Thunderbolt 3 or 4 40Gbps Large transfers and demanding photo or video work Thunderbolt 5 80Gbps for storage Maximum performance on compatible Macs USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 deserves particular attention. Macs that support USB transfers at only 10Gbps won’t deliver a Gen 2×2 drive’s advertised 20Gbps performance. A Thunderbolt port doesn’t automatically remove that limitation. To get the most from a Thunderbolt 5 SSD, you need a Thunderbolt 5-equipped Mac. Its higher storage bandwidth can support much faster transfers, but connecting a slower USB drive to that port won’t increase the drive’s own maximum speed. What about SATA and NVMe? SATA and NVMe describe the storage technology inside a drive, rather than the external connection to your Mac. SATA SSDs typically top out at around 550MB/s, while NVMe SSDs use PCIe and can achieve substantially higher speeds. However, an external enclosure’s connection can become the bottleneck. An NVMe SSD capable of several gigabytes per second internally won’t achieve those speeds through a 10Gbps USB connection. For a ready-made external SSD, our measured performance is more useful than its internal PCIe generation alone. If you’re assembling your own external drive, choose an enclosure that supports your SSD’s type and a connection your Mac can exploit. Match the drive, port and cable Use a cable rated for the drive’s connection standard. If you connect through a hub or dock, its supported speeds and shared bandwidth also matter. Actual transfers depend on file sizes, sustained-write performance and the storage at the other end. Choose a drive based on its tested performance in the kind of work you do, rather than connection bandwidth alone. How much SSD storage do you need? Choosing the right external SSD capacity depends on what you plan to store. Capacities vary by model, with several recommendations here extending to 8TB. Allow enough space for your existing files and room for your collection to grow, especially if you work with photos or video. These starting points can help: 500GB–1TB: Everyday documents, smaller photo collections and transferring files between devices. 1TB–2TB: Larger photo libraries, individual video projects and more substantial everyday storage. 4TB–8TB: Extensive photo and video collections, multiple large projects or substantial backup archives. For backups, consider how much data you need to protect and allow additional space for older versions you may want to recover. For a working drive, consider the size of your projects and how many you need to keep available at once. A smaller SSD may suffice if you regularly move completed projects to separate storage. Avoid buying a drive that your files will fill immediately. Leaving free space provides room to grow and can help maintain performance, although the effect of filling a drive varies by model and workload. Compare the price per terabyte across capacities. Larger models sometimes offer better value, but the highest capacity isn’t automatically the best deal. Balance the price with the space you’ll realistically use. How portable does your SSD need to be? Most external SSDs are small enough to carry in a laptop bag, but size, weight and cable design affect convenience. A compact, lightweight drive suits frequent travel, while built-in connectors eliminate a separate cable but may obstruct an adjacent port. For outdoor use, look for a sturdy enclosure and a stated IP rating for dust and water resistance. Water resistance doesn’t necessarily mean a drive can withstand immersion. Also consider power requirements. Most portable SSDs draw power from your Mac, but the SanDisk Desk Drive requires mains power, making it better suited to a permanent desk setup. Shock-proof and rugged? Other features to look out for include IP-ratings for weather protection and password protection for your important files. SSDs are more durable than hard drives. They have no moving parts, and are less vulnerable to knocks and movement than mechanical hard drives while writing data. While modern hard drives have some level of shock protection, it’s still a big issue. However, SSDs can still suffer physical damage or fail, so handle them carefully and keep another copy of important files. Some portable SSDs even offer water resistance. You can also get ruggedization in a specialized drive enclosure, if you choose to go down the 2.5in drive route. This is a huge portability benefit. But if they are sat still all day, are SSDs more reliable than HDDs? Hard drives tend to fail mechanically. For example, the motor that spins the platters might burn out. SSDs’ memory cells age, which can lead to failure. Both kinds require specialist recovery. As ever, back up important data. However, for our purposes, as people who occasionally have to fling drives in rucksacks and plug them in while sat in an airplane seat, SSDs are the clear winner. Software Just remember to check that any apps provided by the manufacturer work with Macs as well as Windows PCs.