If you are searching for best external hard drives and SSDs for MacBook, this post is for you. Adding an external hard drive or solid-state drive to your MacBook is a more cost-effective process to increase your storage. This is useful when you need terabytes of storage capacity for storing your 4K videos or some games.
In such cases, external hard drives or SSDs are the easiest way to expand your MacBook storage. Not only it’s simple just to plug in and expand your storage, but it is also a lot cheaper option to achieve. However, when it comes to increasing the storage, there are a lot of options available. You have to choose between HDDs and SSDs as well.
You will know about the top 10 external hard drives and top 10 SSDs for your MacBook in this buying guide. But, if you are in a hurry, here are our top recommendations.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -... | 124,187 Reviews | $61.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one... | 21,383 Reviews | $36.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Samsung X5 Portable SSD - 500GB - Thunderbolt 3 External SSD (MU-PB500B/AM) Gray/Red | 473 Reviews | $399.35 | Buy on Amazon |
| ADATA SD700 3D NAND 256GB Ruggedized Water/Dust/shock Proof External Solid State Drive BLACK... | 728 Reviews | $405.07 | Buy on Amazon |
Table of Contents
What is HDD?
There are two types of HDD in computers and MacBook. It includes the internal hard disk drives and the external hard disk drives. Usually, the HDDs that come built-in with your computers and MACs are the internal ones. The internal HDDs are the primary cargo space of the computers that are non-volatile.
As the name suggests, the external HDDs are the ones that don’t need to be inside your Mac or window PCs. Instead, the external HDDs are the ones that are portable Hard disk drives. The external HDDs are easy to access, and you can carry them along with you anywhere you want. An extensive range of people uses the HDDs that come in standard size. The standard size of the HDDs available in the market sizes around 1.8 inches.
Moreover, if you want a perception about the external HDDs, you can think of them as your internal HDDs removed from your MACs and connected externally via USB. It is because the working is all the same. You will also get the same efficiency as the internal HDDs. Eventually, you will also end up enhancing the storage of your Mac with the external HDDs. However, the external HDDs come with their protective cases to secure your data.
Further, the Hard Disk Drives in your MacBook are constant. You cannot expand them. But in cases of the external HDDs, you get several storage spaces. Starting from 1 TB to 20 TB, you can get the storage spaces as per your need.
The Primary Use of External HDDs
The primary reason why do you need the external HDDs is for backing up your data. There are many instances when people run out of their memory in their Macs. But the external HDDs help you increase the storage of your Mac.
What is SSD?
The SSDs are modern-day storage solutions. They replace the traditional storage needs for your Mac and all other computers. SSDs, in general, are of two types. It includes the internal SSDs and the external SSDs. The internal SSDs are those modern-day storage solutions that employ flash-based storage technology. The Traditional Hard disk didn’t use flash-based memory that makes it slower. But the SSDs are not the same. They are exceptionally faster and enhances the performance of your MAC by its minimal read access times.
The external SSDs are nothing different than the internal SSDs. They are just the same version with portability. The external SSDs are more accessible. You can carry them along with you anywhere you want.
If you make it simpler, the external SSDs are the solid-state drives that integrate into your Mac externally via USB or wireless mode. But the working is completely identical to the internal SSDs.
What makes it different from the HDDs is its working. The SSDs employ a network of electrical cells to send or obtain the data. They operate as your flash drives work on your computer.
Further, you may find some extra moving parts like spinning platters and moving hands in the traditional HDDs. But in the SSDs, there is no need for any such parts. This makes the SSDs exceptionally faster.
The Primary Use of SSDs
Like the external HDDs, the SSDs are also utilized for expanding the memory of your MAC. There are circumstances when you might run out of storage for storing your valuable images, videos, and high-end games. In such cases, the SSDs help you expand your memory and store as much data as that you can. You can find SSDs of different storage sizes. It starts from 1 TB and ranges up to 25 TB.
Difference Between HDD and SSD
Here are some basic differences between HDDs and the SSDs that mark them different from each other. However, the distinction comes based on some attributes that the professional compares for seamless use.
| Attributes for Comparison | Solid State Drives | Hard Disk Drives |
| Battery consumption | An external SSD in your MAC consumes about 2-3 wattage of battery maximum. But it also enhances the battery boost by 30 minutes | When it comes to HDDs, they consume about 6-7 wattage of battery on average. Further, it also consumes the battery power more |
| Cost | The SSDs are always expensive. But they are worth it, as they offer you performance | The HDDs are comparatively cheaper. But they lack efficiency. |
| Capacity | The largest SSD to date offers you the storage space of 30.72 TB | However, the largest HDD offers you the storage space of 4 TB only. |
| OS boot time | The average boot time with an SSD is 10-13 seconds only | In cases of HDD, you will witness a boot time of up to 40 seconds. |
| Noise | It produces no sound as it has no moving parts | The HDDs offers you spinning and clicking and sound that is audible |
| Vibration | It creates no vibration | The HDDs offers Vibration due to the spinning of the disk |
| Temperature/heat that it offers | The SSDs involve fewer moving parts, so you can find less heat | But the HDDs heats up comparatively more for their moving parts. |
| The writing pace | 200 MB/second | 50 MB/second |
| File copy | 550 MBPS | 120 MBPS |
| File opening pace | The pace of file opening is relatively faster in the case of SSD. It opens the files 30% faster than the HDD. | Slower file opening rate |
| Magnetism effect | The SSDs are usually safe from the magnetism effect | However, in the case of HDD, you can easily erase data with magnets. |
Reviews of 10 Best External Hard Drives
1. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD
The first External Hard drive that comes on the list is a portable hard drive from Seagate. This is the most advanced portable hard disk drive that comes with USB 3.0. This is what impresses the professionals most. The USB 3.0 helps you with faster data transmission. This comes compatible with your MacBook.
Besides, you can connect it to other devices like PC, PS4, and Xbox as well. If you want multipurpose backup storage, this will help you the most. Further, this HDD offers you 2TB of storage space. You can easily store all your data without any hassle.
This HDD is exceptionally designed for MacBooks only. It helps you back up all your storage from the MAC just with a snap. Just drag the items and drop them on this HDD to easily copy your data. This HDD also comes with an auto-recognition feature. That implies it doesn’t need any software to run.
- Easily to connect
- 2TB storage space
- Designed for Mac
- Auto-recognition with your Mac
- USB 3.0
- Only available in one color
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
2. Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one
The next HDD that comes on the list is a portable drive from Maxone. The most attractive feature of this hard drive is its design. The design of this portable HDD is ultra-slim. This makes this HDD portable to carry with you anywhere you want. Make presentations at your home and carry them to your office for accessibility.
Further, the outer panel of the HDD comes with sturdy metal that makes it durable and safe to use. You can keep it anywhere you want. Its remarkable strength will not the HDD get damaged. The professional also marks it as a great gaming drive. You can store your games for faster and stable performance.
Data transmission is also extremely easy. The Portable drive comes with USB 3.0; this makes it a much faster drive. The transfer speed that this HDD offers you is about 5 GB per second. The HDD is more convenient to use, as it is a plug-and-play drive. It comes ready to use.
- Ultra-slim
- Gaming drive
- Enhances PC performance
- Metal covering makes it heavier
- Ultra Slim and Sturdy Metal Design: Merely 0.4 inch thick. All-Aluminum anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength and durability, keeping this portable hard drive running cool and quiet
- A Reliable Game Drive: This PS4 external hard drive features fast and stable performance for PS4, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One, does not refuse or delete a game. Compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS(10.6.5 and above) in the meantime
3. WD 2TB My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C and USB-A Compatible
Next up on the list is a portable HDD for MacBook from Western Digital. This HDD is especially for all MacBooks. The best part about this HDD is it is a completely protected HDD. The users can protect this HDD with the password with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
However, the USB technology that you get in this HDD is USB 2.0. despite having USB 2.0, the data transmission is always faster. The drive also arrives with WD Discovery software. This helps you in getting back up all the data in the HDD.
The device comes compatible with MAC, PC, Xbox, and many other devices as well. The design of the HDD is also compact, which makes it easier to carry anywhere you want. The outer covering comes with a rough surface that makes it sturdy.
- Designed especially for Mac
- Password protected
- 256-AES bit encryption
- Super speed transmission
- It comes with USB 2.0
- Designed for Mac and Time Machine ready
- USB-C and USB-A compatible
4. WD 2TB Elements movable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4 & Xbox
The next one is again from the Western Digital store. This is emerging as a great brand for HDDs. However, the most preeminent quality that makes it appear on the list is its dual USB compatibility. You can connect it with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 as per your need.
Besides, WD portable HDDs are always known for faster data transfer. You can drag and drop your files to transfer them with a snap. Using this Portable HDD also enhances the performance of your PC. You can optimize your storage by moving all the items from your Mac to HDD.
It shows even greater performance and speeds when you connect it with any MacBook. This HDD offers you 2TB of storage. That presents it more convenient for you to keep all your valuable data in one storage space. It also comes password protected. Thus, you will achieve a secure HDD.
- USB 3.0 and 2.0 compatibility
- Offers faster data transfer
- Secured with password
- You need to add a couple of configuration file for backing up
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Compatibility. Fast data transfers
- Improve PC Performance
5. Apple Certified iDiskk 1TB (1024GB) iPhone iPad External Hard Drive
Next on the list is another multipurpose device that offers you great features. It not only helps you in data storing, but it also helps you in offering power back up as well. The HDD is a power bank and an HDD that makes it the most attractive on the list.
Besides, this HDD is great for Apple devices. You can also use it for iPad, iPhone, and many other Apple devices. The HDD offers you a storage space of 1 TB. It may be a little lesser compared to others on the list.
The HDD offers you plug-play use. You can instantly plug it create a backup for your storage. Further, the HDD comes MFI certified. This makes it stable and safer for commencing any data transfer. The power bank feature of this HDD helps you the most when you are in need. Thus, it can be a great purchase.
- MFI certified
- One key backup
- Power bank support along with HDD
- Great design
- Too heavy
- 【 1TB HDD iPhone Hard Drive】- The iDiskk iPhone Hard Drive lets you easily transfer content between your iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac computer and instantly expands your storage by up to 1TB, freeing up your space to lets you enjoy vide/photo anytime anywhere.
- 【One Key Backup Photos or Videos 】-One key backup your iphone/ipad camera roll via app anytime the external hard drive is connected.Future backups only save newly added files,to avoid storage-consuming duplications.Also you can use in-app camera to take photos/videos,which will be automatically stored into the drive.
6. LaCie (LAC9000633) Rugged Mini 4TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 USB 2.0 Compatible For Mac
Next up on the list comes another great HDD from LaCie. The HDD is ultra-thin and a great portable HDD. However, What makes the professional impressed is the size of storage space that it offers you. You get 4TB of storage along with this HDD.
This is the most that you are getting by far on the list. Besides the huge storage space, it is easier to carry everywhere. This portable device is so thin that you can carry it in your pocket. The most enjoyable feature that you get is a speed transmission.
The HDD comes with a USB 3.0. this offers you great speed in transmission. Keeping your data in this HDD is about eliminating the risk of data loss. This is because; it comes with a durable build quality that makes it safer from any crash or damage.
- Durable quality
- 4 TB storage space
- Faster transmission
- USB 3.0
- The design is not much attractive
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use
- For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
7. External Hard Drive HDD USB3.1 2TB External Hard Drive for PC, Mac, Desktop (2TB, Black)
Here is another great HDD that you get from LONEA. The design of the HDD is extremely sleek, stylish, and attractive. However, what keeps it on the list is its USB technology. This HDD comes with a USB 3.1 that is the most current USB technology.
However, it is still compatible with all the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. The HDD offers you a faster transmission of data. But both the side of the USBs you get in this HDD is type C. It may not be compatible with many devices, but it supports long-term usage.
The metal design and slim outer panel make it portable and convenient to carry anywhere you want. The HDD comes readily compatible with your Mac. You don’t need any supplementary software to run it. Another great feature that you get along with is shockproof and drop-proof.
- USB 3.1 and 3.0
- Slim in design
- Metal design
- Drop-proof
- Type C USB may not be compatible with many devices
8. LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant, for Mac
The next one is again from LaCie. The HDD is great for the MacBook. However, this time it is a 2TB HDD. However, what makes it appear in the list is the faster data transfer. The users can easily achieve a speed of 5GB per second with this HDD.
This works as a great backup for your image browsing needs. You can store all your 4K videos and images using this HDD. The best part again is the durability of the HDD. The professionals test this portable storage space.
The professional commenced the drop test and crash test and found it durable against damage. Thus, if you want rough and tough storage space, this can be a great recommendation. You can achieve long-term assurance by using this HDD in your Mac.
- Tough and durable
- Comes with USB-C
- Faster data transfer
- Offers only 2TB storage space
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use
- For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
See Also: Top 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $100
9. External Hard Drive HDD USB3.1 2TB External Hard Drive for PC, Mac, Desktop, Laptop, MacBook, Xbox One, Xbox 360 (2TB-Black)
Here is another great HDD that you can use along with your Mac. You get two versions of this HDD. It includes 1 TB and 2 TB. The best part that the professionals find about this HDD is its design. It is much slimmer and easier to carry.
However, the transmission speed you are getting along with the HDD is only 200 MB per second. This may be much lesser compared to any other HDD that you find on this list. But it comes with USB 3.0 that makes it a little faster.
The HDD comes ready to use. You can just plug and play to create a backup for all your data in the MacBook. Besides, the HDD is also compatible with USB 2.0 and offers faster data transmission even in the USB 2.0
- Slim and compact design
- Plug and play use
- USB 3.0
- Faster data transfer
- Data transfer speed is too low
10. Seagate Ultra Touch HDD 2TB External Hard Drive – Black USB-C USB 3.0
The last on the list of HDD is another HDD from Seagate. However, what makes this HDD on the list is the protection. The HDD comes with password protection that will keep all your images, videos, confidential file secure. The password-activated hardware encryption makes it the best.
Besides, the design will also not let you down. You get a stylish tone-on fabric design along with a spacious outer surface. You can get the best connectivity, as it comes with both USB C type and USB 3.0 compatibility. This HDD is also ready to use. You can just plug it in to start your backup.
The HDD also lets you create automatic monthly and weekly backups. However, if you want to use it with a time machine, you need reformatting. The 2TB storage space allows you to create a backup for all your valuable data and even encrypt it.
- Password protected
- Sleek design
- USB C and USB 3.0 compatible
- The outer cover is not sturdy enough
- SECURITY FIRST: Securely and easily manage photos, videos, movies, and more with password activated hardware encryption
- STYLISH & SPACIOUS: Stylish tone-on-tone fabric design works seamlessly with USB-C and USB 3.0 laptops and PCs
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best HDD for Your MacBook?
Choosing the right HDD is not tedious if you know the attributes you should compare. Some attributes enhance your purchase decision while buying an external HDD. If you outline your search with these attributes, you can find the best HDD for your Mac. So, here is the buying guide that offers you the checklist to consider before buying.
Storage Capacity
The first attribute that you should consider is the storage capacity. You are buying an HDD to expand the memory of your Mac. Thus, getting the best storage configuration should always be the priority. The storage capacity of the HDDs ranges from 1 TB to 4TB only. Therefore, you should choose the best HDD as per your storage needs.
Data Security and Backup
The following attribute that you consider is data security. Many HDDs offer you 256-bit AES encryption. This enables you to keep your data safe with password protection. Further, you should also make sure that the HDD comes back up facility to retrieve your data.
USB Speed and Data Transfer Speed
USB speed is the most vital attribute that can never ignore. Most of the HDDs come with USB 3.0 technology that enhances the speed of USB detection. Further, data transfer speed is another important factor to consider. You should expect 120 MB per second speed while transferring data.
Protective Outer Case
If the external HDD is physically strong, then there are lesser chances of data loss. You should make sure that the HDD you buy has a sturdy outer cover,
The Failure Rate Stats
the failure rate is the number of times the HDD malfunctions and the data gets recovered. This an essential attribute to consider. The failure rate tells you about the efficiency of the HDD. So, you should find out the failure rate stats before buying an HDD.
Reviews of 10 Best Solid State Drives
1. SAMSUNG X5 Portable SSD 500GB – Up to 2800MB/s -Thunderbolt 3 NVMe External Solid State Drive
The first one on the list of SSD is a portable SSD from Samsung. The best feature that makes it stand first is its data transfer speed. The SSD comes with thunderbolt three technology. This technology enables the SSD to deliver the speed of 40 GB per second while data are transferring.
Another great feature about this SSD is its lightning-fast read and write speed. It offers you a sequential read and writes performance with 2,800 MB/sec while reading and 2100 MB of speed in writing the data. Besides, the design is also durable to keep your data secure.
The users can get password protection easily along with the SSD. This SSD offers AES 256-bit encryption. This makes your SSD more secure for data storage. If you want to keep your private data secure, this can be a great storage space.
- Thunderbolt 3 technology
- Lightning-fast read and write
- Durable design
- Secure encryption
- Sometimes do not get detected with the MacBook
- THUNDERBOLT 3 AND NVMe POWER: First ever NVMe-based portable SSD from Samsung featuring Thunderbolt 3 technology, the X5 delivers up to 40Gb/s data transfer speeds
- LIGHTNING FAST READ WRITE SPEEDS: Sequential read and write performance levels of up to 2,800 MB/sec seq. read and 2,100 MB/sec seq. write
2. ADATA SD700 3D NAND 256GB Ruggedized Water/Dust/shock Proof External Solid State Drive BLACK (ASD700-256GU3-CBK)
Next on the list is another SSD from ADATA. ADATA is known for a great performance. However, the SSD offers you digital storage of 256 GB only. Another great feature of this SSD storage is its writing and reading speed. You can achieve up to 4409 MB per second.
Further, another great thing about this SSD is the protective outer cover. The SSD comes with IP68 waterproofing and dust proofing. That implies; storing the data become safer and reliable in data storage. Further, the SSD storage also is specially designed for all MacBooks.
Apart from lighting fast reading and writing speed, you also get certification from Apple that it is safe to use. This is what attracts most apple users. This trusted SSD can be a great recommendation when it comes to external storage.
- Tough and durable
- Waterproof
- Dust-proof
- Shockproof
- Sometimes shows connection issues
- Read/write speed up to 440MB/s
- IP68 dust/water proof
3. Glyph Atom RAID SSD 1TB Silver (External USB-C, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3) AR1000SLV
Next on the list of SSDs is another exceptional SSD with a lot of features. However, what the professionals find interesting is the faster data transfer. This solid-state drive offers you an incredibly faster data transfer that reaches up to 950MB/s transfer rate.
Another great feature that you get from this SSD is the USB C support. It comes with a 2nd generation USB 3.1. That’s not the end yet! The professionals like the Thunderbolt 3 technology. This technology offers the lightning-fast transaction of data.
It is especially for the Mac. Thus, you will not find any compatibility issues. Besides, it offers you time machine compatibility as well. You can use it right away. There is no need for any sort of additional setup.
- Ultra-fast transfer speed
- Great design
- Instant connection
- Hassle-free operation
- It doesn’t offer you much speed
- Portable Bus-Powered External Drive with 2 x M.2 SSD's in RAID 0
- Lightning Fast Data Transfer Speeds Up to 950 MB/s
4. Seagate Fast SSD 500GB External Solid State Drive Portable (STCM500400)
Next up on the list is an SSD from Seagate. Seagate is a great brand when it comes to expandable storage. But what the professional likes about the SSD is the ultra-fast data and file transfer. This is portable external solid-state drive speeds up to 540 MB per second for writing and reading.
Besides, the SSD is also lightweight. You can keep it with you anywhere you want. The design is such that it makes the device shock-resistant. No matter if it falls, you will still get all your data safe. Furthermore, you are getting 500 GB of storage space along with it.
There is another feature that impresses the professionals. It is the folder syncing feature. Yes! You can take benefit of this feature to keep your files organized inside the SSD storage. The device is so durable that you will get peace of mind about its long-term use.
- Ultra-slim design
- It offers you a folder sync feature
- 500 GB storage space
- Super-fast transfer of data
- Sometimes gets dead while operating
- Expansion SSD is a mini USB 3.0 SSD featuring a lightweight, minimalist design for busy days and bustling commutes
- High-speed, portable solid state Drive is perfect for streaming stored videos directly to the laptop, scrolling seamlessly through photos, and backing up content on the go
5. LaCie 500GB Mobile SSD High-Performance External SSD USB-C USB 3.0
The next one on the list is SSD from LaCie. The SSD offers you the best performance when it comes to data storage and transfer. The digital storage that you are getting along with this SSD is 500 GB. That will keep all your images, videos, and games safe.
This hardware stick comes with USB 3.0 and USB below that. This is what makes it compatible with most devices. However, this device is designed for the MacBook. It is compatible with Mac and works great. The design is also quite sturdy.
This offers maximum sturdiness to the SSD. The outer covering of this SSD is superior and strong to keep all your data safe. It also comes with shockproof that protects your SSD from any type of damage. LaCie is also a reliable brand that offers you great performance in external storage.
- Ultra-lightweight
- Slim design
- 500 GB storage
- Sometimes demands troubleshooting unnecessarily
6. G-Technology 500GB G-DRIVE mobile SSD Durable Portable External Storage
Here comes another SSD from G-technology. This SSD comes with a very durable design. It has IP67 waterproofing that makes it safe from water and dust. The professionals also find this SSD safe. This is because; it comes after many drop tests and crash tests.
No matter what force do you apply to the SSD, you will still get a reliable storage safe. Besides the durability, The SSD is also famous for super-fast data transfer. You can transfer the data at a speed of 560 MB per second. The design of the SSD is such that it makes it resistible against shock and vibration.
The storage space that you are getting along with this SSD is 2TB. This is the maximum storage that you are getting so far on the list. Further, the brand also offers five years of warranty. You can get assurance of high-quality performance in this SSD.
- Durable design
- Faster data transfer
- 2TB data storage
- You get connectivity issues sometimes
- A durable design with IP67 water/dust resistance, 3M drop tested*, and 1000 pound crush resistance
- Super fast transfer rates up to 560MB/s
7. Sabrent Rocket XTRM-Q 2TB USB 3.2 / Thunderbolt 3 External SSD
This is another SSD that comes on the list of the best ten SSDs. Sabrent is a popular brand when it comes to SSD storage. However, the most highlighting feature that professionals like is the storage space. After the previous SSD, this SSD also offers you 2TB storage space.
Further, it is especially compatible with all the MacBooks. It has more features that will make you think about it. The SSD comes with a smart and Trim command. This offers you data transfer with minimum commands. The adapter also uses the latest chipset that comes with USB 3.0 and 3.1.
The outer covering of the SSD is of solid aluminum. This makes the SSD super strong. The SSD chipset gets protected with a 9 MM advanced aluminum covering to keep your data safe inside it. The data transfer is also quite faster in the SSD.
- The ultra-fast speed that offers 10 GB/Sec
- Durable design
- Advanced power management
- Certain models of MacBook pro doesn’t read the drive
- AUTOMATICALLY detects USB or Thunderbolt 3 connections.
- THUNDERBOLT 3 mode transfer speed up to 2700 MB/s (Actual performance varies by capacities, host device, user applications, and other factors). USB mode transfer speed up to 900 MB/s.
8. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4 & Xbox
Next is another great SSD from WD. This is a high-capacity SSD storage that offers you great efficiency. However, the feature that makes it on the list is the faster data transfer. You can transfer all your data to this SSD with a snap.
Besides, you also get USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 compatibility along with the SSD. The external panel of this SSD comes after several tests. Thus, it makes it more durable for your storage space. Using this in your MacBook will offer you the best performance.
The sleek and stylish design will match the aesthetics of your Mac. If you want the combination of a great design and enhanced performance, then this is a great SSD to use. The brand also offers you a warranty that assures you of better build quality.
- Super-fast data transfer
- Ultra-slim design
- 2TB storage space
- Sometimes fails to read
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Compatibility. Fast data transfers
- Improve PC Performance
9. Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one – Charcoal Grey
Next on the list is another great SSD from Maxone. The storage that this SSD offers you is 500 GB. However, what the professionals love about this SSD is its All aluminum anti-scratch model. This offers you maximum durability against drop, vibration, and scratch.
The next feature that makes it a great SSD for MacBook is its performance. This is one of the most dependable drives for your Mac. Further, you can also connect it with your play station and Xbox as it is a great drive to store your games.
The External hard drive offers you instant connectivity and easy data transfer. The speed of the data transfer is also lightning fast. You can get the speed up to 5 GB per second while transferring your data. It is an ideal SSD storage that is great for the MacBook.
- Superfast data transfer
- Durable design
- Instant connectivity
- The data storage space is a little low
- Ultra Slim and Sturdy Metal Design: Merely 0.4 inch thick. All-Aluminum anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength and durability, keeping this portable hard drive running cool and quiet
- A Reliable Game Drive: This PS4 external hard drive features fast and stable performance for PS4, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One, does not refuse or delete a game. Compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS(10.6.5 and above) in the meantime
10. Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0, Silver for PC, Mac, & Tablet – HDTX120XSCAA
The Last SSD that comes on the list is from Toshiba. Toshiba is one of the most emerging brands when it comes to SSDs. Further, this SSD offers you a storage space of 2TB. That is the most that you are getting in an SSD. The SSD also offers USB-C compatibility.
This is a great SSD for all MacBooks. You can easily achieve a great data transfer speed; the data transfers at a speed of 500 MB per second. Further, the reading and writing speed is also exceptional. Thus, it is also a great external.
That’s not the end yet! The SSD is ultra-small and compact. You can carry it anywhere you want. The elegant design and white color of this SSD match with the MacBook. Thus, if you want style and performance, you can buy this SSD from Toshiba.
- USB C ready
- Designed for Mac
- Durable design
- You may lose data automatically
- Designed for PC, Mac, and Tablet (check compatibility at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website).
- Formatted exFAT for cross-device compatibility (2).
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best SDD for Your MacBook?
Buying an SSD also requires many attributes to be compared. Here are some vital attributes that you need to consider while making an SSD purchase.
The Battery Consumption
The first attribute that comes in the checklist is the battery. An ideal SSD will only consume 2-3 watts of battery in your MacBook. Thus, if you are buying an SSD, make sure the SSD is consuming a minimum battery.
The Storage Capacity
The following attribute that you need to consider is the storage capacity. The largest storage spaces that you are getting in an SSD range up to 30TB. Thus, it would be best if you make your decision as per your storage needs. But it is always better to buy an SSD with bigger memory space.
The Writing Speed
The next thing that you need to integrate into your checklist is writing speed. A good SSD will always offer you a speed of 200 MB per second while writing any data.
Data Transfer Speed
Data transfer rate is another important attribute. You can expect a good performance in your Mac if your SSD offers you a data transfer speed of 550 MB per second.
Failure Rate Stats
In the SSDs, also you need to compare the failure stats. Make sure that you are getting minimal stats in the SSD that you are buying. These are the buying tips that will help you buy the best SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SSD is best for a MacBook?
Samsung and ADATA are the best for the MacBook.
Can I use an external SSD for my MacBook?
Yes, you can use an external SSD for your MacBook
Is Seagate or WD better for Mac?
Seagate and WD are both efficient. But Seagate is more reliable when it comes to data storage.
Will an external SSD speed up my Mac?
Yes! The external SSD can improve the performance of your Mac.
Final Words
Keeping this review brief, these are the best HDDs and SSDs you can use with your MacBook. Now that you know the best, you can choose the best one for your Mac. But you should always ensure about the factors mentioned in the Buying guide. It will help you make the best buying decision.
We hope this article about the best HDDs and SSDs for MacBook is helpful for you. Do share this article on social media if you found it useful for you in any manner. Please stay connected with us for future updates
