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Best External Hard Drives For Macs

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

Winner

SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SS

SanDisk

9%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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#2
SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, US

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH4T0S/AM, Black

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#3
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Har

Seagate

6%OFF

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

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#4
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 2TB

LaCie

18%OFF

LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Water Resistant, Mac and PC Computer Desktop Workstation Laptop, 1 Mo Adobe CC (STFS2000800)

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#5
SanDisk Professional 5TB G-Drive Ar

SanDisk Professional

9%OFF

SanDisk Professional 5TB G-Drive ArmorATD - Rugged, Durable Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 - SDPH81G-005T-GBA1D

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#6
LaCie Rugged Mini, 5T,B USB 3.0 Por

LaCie

LaCie Rugged Mini, 5T,B USB 3.0 Portable 2.5 inch External Hard Drive for PC and Mac, Orange/Grey, with Rescue Services (STJJ5000400)

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#7
Seagate Expansion 6TB External Hard

Seagate

16%OFF

Seagate Expansion 6TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP6000400)

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#8
SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SS

SanDisk

18%OFF

SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-1T00-G25

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#9
Toshiba Canvio Partner 4TB Portable

Toshiba

Toshiba Canvio Partner 4TB Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive, USB 3.2, Mac & Windows Compatible. Xbox, PS4, PS5 (HDTB540EK3CB)

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#10
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable

Toshiba

Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB420XK3AA

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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.