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Best External Hard Drives For Macs

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
#1

Winner

G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thun

G-Technology

G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05378-1

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#2
LaCie d2 Professional 20TB External

LaCie

LaCie d2 Professional 20TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.1 Gen 2, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1mo Adobe CC All Apps Plan, Rescue Services (STHA20000800)

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#3
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SS

SanDisk

18%OFF

SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4, Up to 3800 MB/s Read and 3700MB/s Write, USB-C, USB 3.2, Backwards Compatible, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance - SDSSDE82-4T00-G25

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#4
G-Technology 6TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB

G-Technology

G-Technology 6TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G05670-1

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#5
LaCie d2 Professional 14TB, Externa

LaCie

LaCie d2 Professional 14TB, External Hard Drive DeskTBp, for PC Mac & iPad, 1 Month Adobe CC, Data Rescue Service (STHA14000800)

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#6
SanDisk Professional 6TB G-Drive Pr

SanDisk Professional

6%OFF

SanDisk Professional 6TB G-Drive Project - External HDD, Thunderbolt 3, USB (10Gbps), 7200RPM Ultrastar Hard Drive, Up to 250MB/s Read - SDPHG1H-006T-NBAAD

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#7
SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Deskto

SanDisk

23%OFF

SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25

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#8
Seagate Expansion 24TB External Har

Seagate

7%OFF

Seagate Expansion 24TB External Hard Drive HDD (STKP24000400)

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#9
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Har

Seagate

Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000402)

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#10
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.

Samsung

45%OFF

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)

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Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drives For Macs

Choosing the right external hard drive for your Mac can significantly enhance your storage capacity, backup options, and overall performance. It's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much information you can store, including files, photos, videos, and applications. Storage capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files or have extensive media libraries, opt for higher capacities like 2TB or more. For basic use, such as document storage and occasional backups, 500GB to 1TB should suffice.
Connection TypeThe connection type determines how the external hard drive connects to your Mac. Common types include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and sometimes older USB 2.0. USB-C and Thunderbolt are faster and more efficient, making them ideal for transferring large files quickly. If your Mac has these ports, it's best to choose a drive that supports them. USB 3.0 is also widely compatible and offers good speed, but it's slightly slower than USB-C and Thunderbolt.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the external hard drive. This is important for tasks like transferring large files, running applications directly from the drive, or performing backups. Speed is often measured in RPM (for HDDs) or read/write speeds in MB/s (for SSDs). SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, offering speeds up to several hundred MB/s. If you need high performance for tasks like video editing, an SSD is preferable. For general storage and backups, an HDD with 5400 or 7200 RPM is adequate.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. This is important if you need to transport your data frequently or use the drive on the go. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and often bus-powered (meaning they don't require an external power source). If you need a drive for travel or frequent movement, look for compact and lightweight models. For stationary use, such as a home office, larger desktop drives can offer more storage and better performance.
DurabilityDurability indicates how well the external hard drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or impacts. This is crucial if you plan to carry the drive around or use it in various environments. Some drives come with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, consider these features. For home or office use, standard durability is usually sufficient.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external hard drive works seamlessly with your Mac. Most modern drives are compatible with macOS, but it's important to check for any specific requirements or pre-formatted options. Some drives come pre-formatted for Windows but can be easily reformatted for Mac. Ensure the drive supports macOS and consider drives that offer easy setup and use with Time Machine for backups.