We all love saving tons of photos, videos, and even movies on our laptops. So the default in-built storage on a MacBook can quickly run out, especially if you've been using it for a while. That's why it's handy to get an external drive too on which you can easily transfer all your big files. This will ensure your computer always has sufficient space. So without further delay, let's go ahead and find out the best external SSD for Mac.
- Connect an external drive to your Mac via USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt. Option-click (and continue holding down option) when launching the Photos app on your Mac. When it asks you to choose a library, click on Create New.
- The best external drives for Mac computers are undoubtably G-DRIVE ones. They're reliable, they're sturdy, and they're fast. Those are three things that are going to come in handy for our use. The G-Technology G-DRIVE mini (1TB).
#1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD
Enjoy seamless transfers with this USB C SSD that gives up to 550MB/s read speeds. This external SSD for Mac is rugged and resistant to both water and dust with an IP55 rating.
USB Flash Drives for iPhone Thumb Drive 128GB Photo Stick iOS Flash Drive 3in1 USB3.0 for iPad Memory Stick External Drive Richwell for iPhone iPad Mac Android and Computer (Black128G-YT) 4.0 out of 5 stars 150. The Seagate Barracuda external SSD is a great looking and a fast performing SSD for your M1 Mac mini with transfer speeds of up to 540 Megabytes Per Second using the USB 3.0 and USB-C connection. Mac owners have good machines, with plenty of battery life and power. Backing the hard drive up to an external HD is tricky, though, which is why we've put together this guide on how to backup a.
Along with being compact and pocket-sized, it's also durable and shock-proof. So your data can stay safe during minor falls or drops. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can choose from varied capacities from 250 GB to 1 TB, according to your needs.
Pros
- Water and dust resistant
- Shock-proof
- 4 storage capacities available
- Good price
Cons
- Slower read/write speeds
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#2. Samsung X5 Portable SSD 2TB – Thunderbolt 3
Take your storage to the next level with this SSD. Designed with Thunderbolt 3 ports, the X5 is made for busy professionals who want to render high-resolution content quickly. Its thermal management and password protection features ensure safety and security.
Further, it offers impressive read/write speeds of 2,800/2,300 MB/s. So you can transfer a 20GB 4K UHD video from your computer to the SSD in as little as 12 seconds, depending on your system configurations. The innovative design is inspired by supercars!
Pros
- Thermal management
- Impressive read/write speeds
- 3 storage capacities available
- Sleek look
Cons
- Expensive
Price: $699.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#3. Seagate STJD1000400 1Tb Solid State Drive
This high-speed, portable solid-state drive is perfect for streaming stored videos directly to your Macbook. It's an excellent choice for backing up your data on the go.
Moreover, its a mini USB 3.0 SSD with a lightweight, minimalist design that's convenient to carry every day Finally, you can enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multiple storage capacities available
- Good price
Cons
- No USB C – you'll need a separate adaptor
Price: $144.99 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#4. LaCie Water Resistant Rugged 2TB SSD
For those who want ultimate protection on their external SSD for Mac, this rugged one can withstand the pressures of life! It can survive a 3-meter drop and a two-ton car crash. Moreover, it is IP67-rated dust water-resistant.
You can take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe creative cloud apps when you get this drive. Further, it comes with a 5-year limited protection plan so you can have long-term peace of mind about it's functionality.
Pros
- Drop protection
- Multiple storage capacities available
- 5-year protection plan for data recovery
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Price: $451.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#5. Crucial 1TB X8 Portable SSD
Incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s makes this one of the best SSDs for Mac. It has a durable design featuring an aluminum core. It offers drop protection for up to 7. 5 feet, and can also withstand extreme temperature. It's shock and vibration proof so you can carry it around in your bag with ease.
Finally, you can rest assured about quality because this SSD is backed by Micron, one of the well-known storage tech manufacturers in the world. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Withstands extreme temperatures
- High-speed
- Sleek design
Cons
- Only available in 2 capacities
Price: $164.95 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#6. WD 2TB My Passport Go SSD Cobalt
Check out this pocket-sized SSD for Mac and Windows computers. It's convenient to carry and is also capable of surviving drops up to 2 meters. The protective bumper acts as a cushion and absorbs shocks and bumps.
It offers a transfer rate of 400MB/s which is pretty decent. Further, it comes with a 3-year warranty and you can get it in 2 cool color options namely cobalt blue and amber. All in all, it's an excellent everyday choice for your storage needs.
Pros
- Protective bumper
- Good price
- Color options
External Memory For Macbook Pro
Cons
- Transfer rate on slower side
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#7. Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD
For the stylish and modern professional, this is one of the best SSDs for your Mac! With a USB 3.1 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s depending on your system. So transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.
Furthermore, the impressive performance comes in a compact package that's easy to carry with you. Perhaps the best part is the classy color options such as blue, gold, and red.
Pros
- Good speed
- Value for money
- Color options
Cons
- Looks a bit delicate and may not have drop protection
Price: $319.85 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#8. Sabrent Rocket Nano 512GB USB 3.2 SSD
For ultimate portability, check out this ultra-slim SSD. It's sleek and durable – an ideal travel companion whether for work or leisure. Easily transfer your media with the smooth plug-and-play technology.
It provides speeds of up to 1000MB/s, depending on your system configurations. Further, you can get it in 3 convenient storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB. You can also choose either black or silver color options.
Pros
- Slim and compact
- Good price
- Color options
Cons
- No drop protection
Price: $299.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#9. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD
Carry your data worry-free on this shock and vibration resistant SSD for Mac. The durable design comes with iP67 dust and water resistance.
The USB C connectivity offers transfer rates of up to 560MB/s. Further, you can buy with confidence given the industry-leading 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
Pros
- Dust and water-resistant
- Shock-proof
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Bulky
Price: $329.95 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#10. Seagate Barracuda Fast 500GB SSD
With reliable performance and a speed of up to 540MB/s, you can enjoy smooth data transfer on this external SSD for Mac. It features a minimalist design and green LED accent light.
It's a perfect solution for carrying media on the go or even for external Xbox or PlayStation storage. It offers seamless installation and loading. Moreover, you get a limited product protection plan too.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- LED light indicator
- Reliable performance
Cons
- No drop protection
Price: $109.99 for 500 GB capacity
Check out on Amazon
Summing Up!
Well, as you can see, there's a wide variety of external SSDs for Mac. Most come with warranties so are a valuable accessory to get. Let us know in the comments below which one you prefer and why.
I have been writing about tech for over 10 years now. I am passionate about helping people solve their tech problems with easy and practical solutions. At iGeeksBlog, I write and edit how-to guides and accessory reviews for all things Apple. My work has previously appeared in Live IT and Woman's Era magazines. When not working, I love reading and traveling.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/Using 'Rebuild' Feature of Database Utility in Mac Entourage
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
Intel Mac mini Q&A - Revised November 4, 2009
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
If you find this page useful, please Bookmark & Share it. Thank you.
What external storage is available for the Intel Mac mini?
Although you can connect effectively any USB or USB 2.0 hard drive (or a Firewire '400' or '800' drive to a compatible Mac mini), there are a variety of drives designed for use specifically with the Mac mini systems. These hard drives mirror the appearance of the Mac mini and sit underneath the computer. Some also provide additional ports as well as additional storage.
Photo Credit: MicroNet Technology
Three such hard drives with integrated Firewire/USB hubs have been offered from MicroNet, LaCie, and NewerTech, among others. MicroNet and LaCie no longer sell their products -- but some no doubt are floating around on the resale market -- and NewerTech continues to sell and improve its offering.
The MicroNet miniMate includes a variety of hard drive options, three USB 2.0 ports (and one USB 2.0 uplink port), three Firewire '400' ports, and a security slot.
The LaCie mini 'Hard Drive and Hub', as the name implies, includes a hard drive, four USB 2.0 ports (and one USB 2.0 uplink port), three Firewire '400' ports, and a security slot. Configurations with a 300 GB or larger hard drive installed include a temperature controlled fan.
There are two versions of the Newer Technology miniStack. Version 2.5 includes a hard drive (a 'bare bones' no drive option also is available), three USB 2.0 ports (and one USB 2.0 uplink port), three Firewire '400' ports, a security slot, and a 'smart' power switch that can be turned on and off manually or set to power up and down in sync with the computer. Version 3 includes two Firewire '800' ports, one Firewire '400' port, three USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA port.
Each commands a modest premium compared to an off the shelf external hard drive and separate hubs, but for many users, the sleek design profile and convenience is well worth the cost.
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells the Newer miniStack as well as other Mac mini upgrades.
Cons
- Slower read/write speeds
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#2. Samsung X5 Portable SSD 2TB – Thunderbolt 3
Take your storage to the next level with this SSD. Designed with Thunderbolt 3 ports, the X5 is made for busy professionals who want to render high-resolution content quickly. Its thermal management and password protection features ensure safety and security.
Further, it offers impressive read/write speeds of 2,800/2,300 MB/s. So you can transfer a 20GB 4K UHD video from your computer to the SSD in as little as 12 seconds, depending on your system configurations. The innovative design is inspired by supercars!
Pros
- Thermal management
- Impressive read/write speeds
- 3 storage capacities available
- Sleek look
Cons
- Expensive
Price: $699.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#3. Seagate STJD1000400 1Tb Solid State Drive
This high-speed, portable solid-state drive is perfect for streaming stored videos directly to your Macbook. It's an excellent choice for backing up your data on the go.
Moreover, its a mini USB 3.0 SSD with a lightweight, minimalist design that's convenient to carry every day Finally, you can enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multiple storage capacities available
- Good price
Cons
- No USB C – you'll need a separate adaptor
Price: $144.99 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#4. LaCie Water Resistant Rugged 2TB SSD
For those who want ultimate protection on their external SSD for Mac, this rugged one can withstand the pressures of life! It can survive a 3-meter drop and a two-ton car crash. Moreover, it is IP67-rated dust water-resistant.
You can take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe creative cloud apps when you get this drive. Further, it comes with a 5-year limited protection plan so you can have long-term peace of mind about it's functionality.
Pros
- Drop protection
- Multiple storage capacities available
- 5-year protection plan for data recovery
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Price: $451.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#5. Crucial 1TB X8 Portable SSD
Incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s makes this one of the best SSDs for Mac. It has a durable design featuring an aluminum core. It offers drop protection for up to 7. 5 feet, and can also withstand extreme temperature. It's shock and vibration proof so you can carry it around in your bag with ease.
Finally, you can rest assured about quality because this SSD is backed by Micron, one of the well-known storage tech manufacturers in the world. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Withstands extreme temperatures
- High-speed
- Sleek design
Cons
- Only available in 2 capacities
Price: $164.95 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#6. WD 2TB My Passport Go SSD Cobalt
Check out this pocket-sized SSD for Mac and Windows computers. It's convenient to carry and is also capable of surviving drops up to 2 meters. The protective bumper acts as a cushion and absorbs shocks and bumps.
It offers a transfer rate of 400MB/s which is pretty decent. Further, it comes with a 3-year warranty and you can get it in 2 cool color options namely cobalt blue and amber. All in all, it's an excellent everyday choice for your storage needs.
Pros
- Protective bumper
- Good price
- Color options
External Memory For Macbook Pro
Cons
- Transfer rate on slower side
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#7. Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD
For the stylish and modern professional, this is one of the best SSDs for your Mac! With a USB 3.1 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s depending on your system. So transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.
Furthermore, the impressive performance comes in a compact package that's easy to carry with you. Perhaps the best part is the classy color options such as blue, gold, and red.
Pros
- Good speed
- Value for money
- Color options
Cons
- Looks a bit delicate and may not have drop protection
Price: $319.85 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#8. Sabrent Rocket Nano 512GB USB 3.2 SSD
For ultimate portability, check out this ultra-slim SSD. It's sleek and durable – an ideal travel companion whether for work or leisure. Easily transfer your media with the smooth plug-and-play technology.
It provides speeds of up to 1000MB/s, depending on your system configurations. Further, you can get it in 3 convenient storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB. You can also choose either black or silver color options.
Pros
- Slim and compact
- Good price
- Color options
Cons
- No drop protection
Price: $299.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#9. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD
Carry your data worry-free on this shock and vibration resistant SSD for Mac. The durable design comes with iP67 dust and water resistance.
The USB C connectivity offers transfer rates of up to 560MB/s. Further, you can buy with confidence given the industry-leading 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
Pros
- Dust and water-resistant
- Shock-proof
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Bulky
Price: $329.95 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#10. Seagate Barracuda Fast 500GB SSD
With reliable performance and a speed of up to 540MB/s, you can enjoy smooth data transfer on this external SSD for Mac. It features a minimalist design and green LED accent light.
It's a perfect solution for carrying media on the go or even for external Xbox or PlayStation storage. It offers seamless installation and loading. Moreover, you get a limited product protection plan too.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- LED light indicator
- Reliable performance
Cons
- No drop protection
Price: $109.99 for 500 GB capacity
Check out on Amazon
Summing Up!
Well, as you can see, there's a wide variety of external SSDs for Mac. Most come with warranties so are a valuable accessory to get. Let us know in the comments below which one you prefer and why.
I have been writing about tech for over 10 years now. I am passionate about helping people solve their tech problems with easy and practical solutions. At iGeeksBlog, I write and edit how-to guides and accessory reviews for all things Apple. My work has previously appeared in Live IT and Woman's Era magazines. When not working, I love reading and traveling.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/Using 'Rebuild' Feature of Database Utility in Mac Entourage
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/
Intel Mac mini Q&A - Revised November 4, 2009
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
If you find this page useful, please Bookmark & Share it. Thank you.
What external storage is available for the Intel Mac mini?
Although you can connect effectively any USB or USB 2.0 hard drive (or a Firewire '400' or '800' drive to a compatible Mac mini), there are a variety of drives designed for use specifically with the Mac mini systems. These hard drives mirror the appearance of the Mac mini and sit underneath the computer. Some also provide additional ports as well as additional storage.
Photo Credit: MicroNet Technology
Three such hard drives with integrated Firewire/USB hubs have been offered from MicroNet, LaCie, and NewerTech, among others. MicroNet and LaCie no longer sell their products -- but some no doubt are floating around on the resale market -- and NewerTech continues to sell and improve its offering.
The MicroNet miniMate includes a variety of hard drive options, three USB 2.0 ports (and one USB 2.0 uplink port), three Firewire '400' ports, and a security slot.
The LaCie mini 'Hard Drive and Hub', as the name implies, includes a hard drive, four USB 2.0 ports (and one USB 2.0 uplink port), three Firewire '400' ports, and a security slot. Configurations with a 300 GB or larger hard drive installed include a temperature controlled fan.
There are two versions of the Newer Technology miniStack. Version 2.5 includes a hard drive (a 'bare bones' no drive option also is available), three USB 2.0 ports (and one USB 2.0 uplink port), three Firewire '400' ports, a security slot, and a 'smart' power switch that can be turned on and off manually or set to power up and down in sync with the computer. Version 3 includes two Firewire '800' ports, one Firewire '400' port, three USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA port.
Each commands a modest premium compared to an off the shelf external hard drive and separate hubs, but for many users, the sleek design profile and convenience is well worth the cost.
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells the Newer miniStack as well as other Mac mini upgrades.
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