In this buying guide, we have featured some of the best portable SSD hard drives for Mac and MacBook users that are a perfect buy in 2024. These portable SSDs offer fast transfer speeds, large storage capacities, and durable bodies that make them perfect for commute and travel.
Ready to kick your Mac or MacBook experience into high gear? Imagine you’re deep into a project, cruising through tasks, when suddenly… slow down. It’s the dreaded lag, disrupting your flow and eating up precious time. But fear not! Enter the unsung hero of modern computing: portable SSD drives.
These sleek, powerful devices offer lightning-fast storage, poised to revolutionize your workflow. Whether you’re a creative guru, a student hustling between classes, or simply someone who values efficiency, finding the perfect external portable hard drive for MacBook is a game-changer.
Looking for a perfect SSD companion? Then check out these Best External Hard Drive Sleeves for MacBook.
External SSD Drives for Mac in 2024
Join us as we delve into the top contenders in the world of portable storage, designed specifically to elevate your Apple experience.
1. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD
The Samsung SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive is your compact companion for swift, secure data storage on the move. Whether you’re juggling crucial business documents, immersive games, or your favorite movies, this pocket-sized powerhouse ensures seamless transfers and reliable storage at your fingertips.
Harnessing the lightning-fast speeds of USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology, the Portable SSD T7 accelerates file transfers with unrivaled efficiency. Experience blazing sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s1, making it twice as fast as its predecessor, the T5 model.
Unlike traditional HDDs, the T7 boasts a solid-state design free from moving parts, enhancing its durability and resilience against shocks. Its innovative thermal solution, featuring Dynamic Thermal Guard technology, ensures optimal temperature regulation during intense usage, maintaining peak performance without compromise5.
Buy SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD for $169.99 here.
2. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, or photographer, or simply need reliable, high-capacity storage, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is the ideal companion. With its robust performance, durability, and advanced features, it’s more than just a storage device – it’s a reliable partner for your digital lifestyle.
Built to withstand the rigors of your adventures, this fast SSD drive for MacBook offers up to 3-meter drop protection and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. Notably, it now exceeds previous standards, having been upgraded from a 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating to meet higher specifications, ensuring it can endure the toughest conditions.
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD features a handy carabiner loop for convenience and peace of mind. Easily secure it to your belt loop or backpack, making it effortlessly accessible while providing an extra layer of security.
Buy SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD for $155.95 here.
3. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD is your ultimate solution for lightning-fast data transfers and ample storage capacity on the go. With read speeds reaching up to 1,050MB/s, this one of the best portable SSD drives ensures that your files move swiftly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle.
Equipped with a spacious 2TB storage capacity, the Crucial X9 can accommodate a vast array of digital content. Imagine storing up to 10,000 photos, 25 hours of family videos, 5 AAA game titles, and 50GB of important documents—all with a generous 200GB of room to spare. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, gamer, or business professional, this portable SSD can meet your needs and then some.
Designed for seamless compatibility, the Crucial X9 supports plug-and-play functionality across various devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, iPads, Xbox consoles, and PlayStation systems. Simply connect using the included USB Type-C to C cable and experience optimal speeds when paired with USB 3.2 Gen2-supported devices.
Buy Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD for $124.99 here.
4. Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive combines a stylish design with user-friendly features, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free solution to enhance their storage capabilities. With its matte finish, Plug & Play functionality, versatile compatibility, and pre-formatted convenience, this external hard drive delivers a seamless and efficient experience for users looking to expand their digital horizons.
Experience the convenience of Plug & Play functionality, eliminating the need for cumbersome software installations. With the Canvio Basics, you can effortlessly expand your storage capacity on your PC and other compatible devices. The simplicity of Plug & Play ensures that you spend less time on setup and more time enjoying the benefits of increased storage space.
Equipped with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility, the Canvio Basics ensures high-speed data transfer without the hassle of an external AC power cord. This means you can quickly and easily connect the device to your system and enjoy the expanded storage capacity without unnecessary complications.
Buy Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive for $64.63 here.
5. Western Digital 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD
The Western Digital 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD is your ultimate companion for a turbocharging gaming experience. Bid farewell to sluggish loading times as this drive kicks loading into overdrive with its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, boasting speeds of up to 2,000MB/s (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second).
For those entrenched in the console gaming realm, rejoice! This drive is compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles and PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Seamlessly integrate this drive into your gaming setup, regardless of your preferred platform.
Are you tired of the endless juggle between installed games? With up to 2TB capacities, you can keep more cherished titles ready to launch immediately. So Upgrade your gaming arsenal today with the Western Digital 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD and experience gaming at the speed of light without compromising on storage or durability.
Buy Western Digital 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD for $199.99 here.
6. HP P500 Portable SSD 1TB
Experience lightning-fast file transfers with the HP P500 Portable SSD 1TB. Utilizing the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 1, this External SSD for MacBook boasts read and write speeds of up to 420 MB/s, making loading videos, photos, and games a breeze.
With a spacious storage capacity of up to 1TB, the HP P500 ensures that all digital essentials, from extensive photo libraries to large files and movie collections, can comfortably reside in your pocket.
For added convenience and versatility, the HP P500 comes complete with cables for multi-device compatibility. Whether you’re connecting to a PC, Mac, Android device, gaming console, or more, the included USB Type C-to-A cable and Type A-to-C adaptor ensures seamless connectivity with the latest USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. So, wherever you go, your digital world can always be within reach.
Buy HP P500 Portable SSD 1TB for $69.99 here.
7. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is your ultimate companion for seamless data management in the most demanding environments. This palm-sized SSD drive for Mac is designed to thrive amidst the chaos of creative workflows and packs a punch with its formidable features.
With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, unleash the full potential of your workflow by harnessing top speeds of up to 2800MB/s. Whether editing high-resolution 6K or 8K videos or handling super so-so footage, the 2TB Seagate FireCuda NV Me SSD ensures smooth playback and recording without compromising performance.
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is built to endure. Boasting an extreme IP67 rating for water resistance, it can withstand immersion in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes. And with a three-meter drop tolerance and two-ton car crush resistance, it’s ready to tackle any terrain, from rugged outdoor shoots to bustling studio setups.
Buy LaCie Rugged SSD Pro for $420.57 here.
8. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD
The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive is your reliable companion for storing and accessing important data on the go! With a spacious 2TB capacity, this USB external hard drive offers ample room for all your files, whether you’re a student, professional, or content creator.
Designed to seamlessly integrate with Windows and Mac computers, the Seagate Portable Drive simplifies the backup process with its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. Say goodbye to complicated backup procedures – connect this fast SSD for Mac in 2024 to your computer and transfer files effortlessly.
Setting up the Seagate Portable Drive is a breeze – simply plug it into your computer, and it’s automatically recognized without the need for any additional software. No more hassle with installations or configurations; it’s ready to use right out of the box.
Buy Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD for $67.99 here.
9. LaCie Portable SSD
The LaCie Portable SSD is a powerhouse solution for easily handling those hefty files. Say goodbye to sluggish transfers and hello to lightning-fast speeds, boasting read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s. Comparable to NVMe, this external portable SSD for MacBook ensures your data moves swiftly, whether you’re transferring large files or working directly from the drive itself.
With up to 2TB capacities, the LaCie Portable SSD offers ample storage space to corral all your movies, photos, and more into one convenient location. Its compact, travel-friendly design is eye-catching and built to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle.
Effortlessly manage your media library with iPad USB-C compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly transfer photos and videos while freeing up precious space on your device. Moreover, you can dive straight into your work without skipping a beat, as the LaCie Portable SSD enables you to access and edit all your files directly from your iPad.
Buy LaCie Portable SSD 1TB for $108.23 here.
10. PNY Pro Elite
The PNY Pro Elite is a high-performance portable SSD designed to cater to the needs of modern users seeking efficient data transfer and storage solutions. With blazing-fast transfer speeds of up to 1,100MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, the Pro Elite ensures swift handling of your files, whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional on the move.
One of its standout features is its versatility in connectivity. Compatible with USB Type-C and Type-A enabled PC and Mac computers, as well as USB Type-C and Type-A enabled tablets, the Pro Elite offers seamless integration across various devices. This flexibility is further enhanced by the inclusion of compatible cables, ensuring hassle-free connectivity wherever you go.
Designed with gamers in mind, the Pro Elite is ideal for those looking to maximize their external storage capabilities while leveraging the latest Gen 2 technology. Whether you’re storing game libraries, multimedia content, or important documents, the Pro Elite delivers increased performance to meet your demands.
Buy PNY Pro Elite for $91.99 here.
Wrapping Up
As you wrap up your hunt for the perfect portable SSD drive for your Mac or MacBook, remember speed, reliability, and compatibility are your trusty companions on this digital adventure. Whether you’re a creative professional seeking lightning-fast data transfers or a student juggling assignments, these MacBook portable SSD drives have your back.
So, choose your weapon of storage prowess and dive into a world where data moves as swiftly as your imagination. With any of these best portable SSD drives for Mac by your side, your Mac experience will get a turbocharged boost, making every file transfer a breeze and every project a masterpiece.
