Best External Hard Drives For MacBook Pro: Expand This Storage Of Your MacBook

If you own a Mac with less storage capacity and you don’t have enough space to store your collection of photos, videos, documents, and software. Then you might be looking for an external hard disk that works best with your Mac. External hard drives are portable, so you can carry all your data with you wherever you go. To help you find the most reliable hard drive for Mac, we have curated a list of the best external hard drive for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

This list of some of the top-rated external hard drives for Mac comprises hard disks which vary in their storage capacity to meet every user’s demands. Some video editing professionals or photographers would require high storage capacity hard drives, while students would require hard drives to be kept handy with them. Some would depend on the durability of the hard drives, while some would need a portable one. Well, you will find them all on this list.

Here in the list of some of the best external hard disks for Mac, you will find some portable HDD, external SSD Drive, external USB-C drive, and Thunderbolt 3 hard drive ranging from 1TB – 10TB of storage capacity.

Don’t forget to check out our list of the best internal SSD for Mac.

Best External Hard Drives for Mac / MacBook Pro / Air

#1. Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable USB-C External Hard Drive

If you need an affordable hard drive to create a backup of your data, choose Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive. There is ample space to store as much data as you want, thus you don’t have to worry about buying another drive.

Furthermore, this is a plug-and-play drive that does not ask for a software installation, and you can quickly connect it with Windows and Mac. Toshiba has designed this drive with built-in encryption, and you can set up a password quickly.

As per several users, the drive supports automatic backup, so it quickly fetches the latest data, saving your time. There’s a built-in indicator that turns on when you plug it into your PC.

Talking about durability, the drive is resistant to regular wear and tear. Also, it has a fabric-like sheath that makes the drive look good and gets you a good grip over it. Lastly, it is USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible and works well with almost all the latest devices.

Pros

Cons

Price: $90.99
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#2. Western Digital 4TB My Passport USB-C External Hard Drive

Western Digital is an ultra-compact external HDD for Mac that comes loaded with tons of features. This best external hard drive for Mac is equipped with a refined metal cover that fortifies it from accidental bumps and drops, thus protecting the inner mechanism. Moreover, you can use 256-bit AES encryption to lock their data with password protection.

The HDD for Mac has a fusion of anodized metal for added durability. The users will get optimal performance from the hardware, and it is rugged enough to withstand minor damages. You will get a tremendous amount of storage capacity because the external hard drive can accommodate up to 4 TB of data, which is enormous.

Another exciting thing about this HDD from Western Digital is the availability of auto-backup software. Now you don’t have to worry about your data, as you can set it on auto-backup with the help of easy-to-use software.

When we talk about password encryption, then it will blow your mind! The manufacturer has used 256-bit AES encryption, which is extremely secure, and you can rest assured that no one can access your data without permission. The compact WD my passport for Mac weighs only 0.51 lb, and the buyers can carry it in their pocket or backpack effortlessly.

Pros

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Price: $119.95
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#3. Sandisk 500GB Extreme USB-C External HDD for Mac

The best SSD external hard drive for Mac from SanDisk comes in a compact design, and a loop that makes portability much more manageable. Also, the outer shell is ruggedized, which fortifies the drive from any accidental bumps and drops.

The manufacturer has tested this drive for a 2-meter drop test, and it withstood the force easily. The peripheral storage device is certified with an IP55 rating, which means that the external hard disk is resistant to dust and water.

The users don’t have to worry about any possible damages, and they can carry this hard drive in their pocket and backpack. You can attain up to 1050MB/S read speed with this Sandisk drive, and that is enough to carry out a lot of operations.

When we talk about security, then there is no such password protection. But the users can use other encryption tools for fortifying their prestigious data. Moreover, the drive is shock and vibration-resistant, which is an added benefit.

If you are looking for an SSD to use with Mac or Windows device, then SanDisk 500GB is a great option. It is the best external hard drive for video editing on Mac lets you edit your media files on the go, without any possible interruptions.

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Price: $57.99
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#4. G-Technology 10 TB USB-C External Hard Drive for Mac

If you need loads and loads of data storage, then this hard drive from G-technology is worth your attention.

The external hard drive can comfortably accommodate up to 10TB of data, which is exceptionally good. Also, the drive supports USB Power Delivery, so the users don’t need any external charger to charge your MacBook.

The solid drive supports up to 45 watts of USB Power Delivery from the USB-C port. All you need is a USB Power Delivery Profile installed on your computer, and you are good to go.

In terms of durability, you will never be disappointed with this portable hard drive for Mac. The outer shell of the hard drive is manufactured with aluminum, and you can rest assured that the storage drive can easily withstand accidental drops.

The USB 3.0 Gen 1 interface makes things more feasible, and this external hard drive is ideal for storing videos, pictures, and other media files that require huge space. So it is also considered the best external hard drive for photographers.

All the accessories come packed with the hard drive, and the purchasers don’t need to buy anything additionally. There is a Type-C, and Type-A cable included, and you can seamlessly connect to your system. If you want to use it for Windows, then you have to format it.

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Price: $749.99
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#5. Seagate Backup Plus Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD

Seagate is a prominent name that manufactures excellent hard drives, and storage peripherals. The hard drive we are talking about here is an incredible storage option that comes loaded with added durability and some useful features.

The external hard drive for MacBook Pro is manufactured with a robust material that can bear accidental drops easily without any issues. Also, there is a brushed metal enclosure that adds more durability to the drive, while protecting it from damages.

With Seagate Backup Plus Portable External Hard Drive, the users will get two months free subscription to Adobe CC Photography. You can easily store and edit your media files using the hard drive and the monthly subscription plan.

Seagate hard drive also supports data backup within a few clicks. The buyers have the option to schedule automatic backups, and that is a handy feature.

Moreover, the Seagate NTFS Drive for Mac is compatible with Time Machine Backup, and you can connect it with your Mac device just by simple reformatting.

Managing and editing data seems more feasible, and you will feel the same while using this Seagate 4TB external drive. There is no need for any driver installation, and you can use the drive by plugging it into your PC.

Another impressive feature is hardware encryption and password protection. You will be able to fortify your data by using high-end encryption on this hard drive.

The manufacturer claims that they use the same password encryption technology used by intelligence agencies, so there is no chance of any data theft.

Pros

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Price: $70.99
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#6. LaCie Thunderbolt 3 4TB External Hard Drive for Mac

If you are not looking to splurge money on an external drive, then LaCie portable HDD is something worth your attention. The best Thunderbolt 3 external hard drive for Mac comes packed in a rugged and sturdy shell that protects it from any damage.

The external drive is exceptionally portable, and you can carry it in your pocket without any difficulties. The diamond-cut edges reveal the texture and tone of the drive while enhancing its elegance.

This HDD is manufactured using aluminium, and it is supremely durable and yet light in weight. 

You will be surprised to know that LaCie portable HDD only weighs 0.88 pounds, which makes it perfect for those who hate bulky storage devices. With this external drive, you will get access to LaCie mirroring and backup software that lets you enjoy uninterrupted automatic backups on the go.

Moreover, you also will be able to edit your media files quickly, all thanks to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan’s free availability for a month! You can use the software for a month without shelling out a single penny.

The interface available on the drive is USB, USB 3.0, and Thunderbolt, so transferring data will be much more comfortable, and quicker. So you can move loads of data on the go with lightning-fast speed while connecting to the Thunderbolt Port.

Pros

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Price: $119.99
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#7. Glyph BlackBox 1TB External USB-C Hard Drive

Glyph BlackBox looks extremely futuristic and is a sleek hard drive. The all-aluminum chassis is built to last and is professionally created to withstand shocks and vibrations. The dimension of this external hard drive is 3.66 x 0.79 x 5.71 in, and the weight is 1.1 pounds.

This external USB-C hard drive will easily glide inside your pocket due to its slim design. There are tons of features on offer that make it great at this price point.

It comes loaded with integrated health monitoring, which monitors the health of the drive automatically. The buyers can view the status of the HDD quickly on their PC. Another great thing is the optimized passive cooling.

The external HDD prevents excessive heat generation and remains cool throughout the operation. Unlike other hard drives, you will not face heating issues with Glyph BlackBox.

This external USB-C HDD is compatible with Windows and Mac devices, which makes it a versatile storage device. You can format it quickly to use with Mac, and it will only take a couple of minutes.

Lastly, every component of the hard drive is rugged, and you will feel the difference after buying this value-for-money storage peripheral.

Pros

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Price: $119.95
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#8. G-Technology 1 TB External USB C SSD Drive for Mac

The SSD from G-Technology is a marvel and is a great storage device to use with Mac and Windows devices. When we talk about design, then you will get an excellently appealing outer look that is rugged.

The hard drive is tested for durability, and it is resistant to dust and water. G-technology claims that they have examined the drive for the 3M drop test, and 1000lb crush test. It withstood everything, which is enough to determine the strength of this SSD.

It offers USB C connectivity with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface so that the data transfer speeds will be mind-boggling. The users can attain up to 560MB/s* of read/write speed, which is adequate to accomplish a lot of tasks. Moreover, the drive is resistant to shock and vibrations for added durability.

The outer surface of the solid-state drive is aluminum, which has cooling cores. It keeps excess heat at bay, and the enclosure insulates all the heat generated inside the shell of the hard drive. Also, it has a reversible USB-C, and you will never face any difficulties while connecting the hard disk with different devices.

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Price: $299.99
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#9. Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD for Mac

The external hard drives manufactured by Samsung have top-notch quality and are exceptionally reliable. The hard drive we are talking about here is the Samsung T5, which is one of the most compact and fastest external hard drive for Mac available in the market.

If you hate carrying massive drives and need something compact, then this drive is the best option for you. The size of this drive is 2.3 x 0.4 x 3 inches, and the buyers can carry it in their purses and pockets easily.

Samsung T5 is manufactured using durable aluminum, which enhances the ruggedness of this elegant-looking storage device. There is a myriad of storage options available, and you can choose the one that suits your requirements.

Samsung offers management software with their T5 range, and it enables users to manage their data with ease. You can install the software on your Mac, Windows, or Android device to manage things like a Pro.

Also, Samsung T5 comes loaded with AES 256-bit hardware encryption that keeps your data safely protected. Setting up the encryption is an easy task, and you can set it up on the go.

The design of the solid drive protects it from shock, so you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure in this compact solid drive from Samsung.

Pros

Cons

Price: $429.99
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#10. LaCie Rugged External Thunderbolt 3 HDD for Mac

This Mac mini external hard drive from LaCie is best for the buyers who need a hard drive to withstand all the weather. The design of this storage drive is alluring and protects it from drops and bumps.

Also, there is a Thunderbolt cable connected to the drive that fits inside the enclosure when not in use. LaCie has tested the drive for dust, crush, rain, and drop tests to evaluate its durability. The shuttle drive passed all the tests and came out as a supremely durable device.

The transfer speeds offered by this Mac compatible external hard drive are around 130MB/S by using the integrated Thunderbolt cable. The speed may vary with different devices and operating systems. LaCie also offers a one-month free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan so that you can edit your videos and photos seamlessly.

Another excellent feature is self-encryption. Your data and ideas remain protected from any thefts with this ultra-secure drive from LaCie. In short, you can enjoy peace of mind when you have your data saved in this 2 TB external hard drive from LaCie.

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Price: $229.00
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Buying Guide – How to choose the best external hard drive for Mac?

Buying the best external hard drive for Mac requires you to consider a lot of features. These days external drives come at cheap as well as high prices, so it is crucial to ensure that you are choosing the right device for your needs.

Data Storage 

The foremost factor you need to look at is the storage capacity of the iMac external hard drive. These drives can accommodate data ranging from 500 GB to up to 10 TB. Ultimately, the choice is up to you! You can choose the external hard disk based on the amount of data you are looking to store.

Transfer Speeds 

Every hard drive has a different transfer speed. Also, it impacts the performance of the HDD because a hard drive with high transfer speeds will take lesser time to accomplish the task. If you need a high transfer rate, then choose any SSD because of SSDs and faster as compared to HDDs. In this list, there are some reliable SSDs that have decent transfer speeds, and you can choose the one according to your needs.

Durability 

External data storage drives are quite expensive, so they must serve for a decent lifespan. Most of the external drives are manufactured using aluminum and rubber, so the durability offered is reasonable. Check whether the portable drive you are going to buy is tested on any durability parameters because it will help you in choosing a value for money device.

Compatibility 

Checking compatibility is another essential factor when buying a hard drive. If you have a PC with Windows 7, then there is no point in buying a drive that works with Windows 10 only. Have a look at the compatibility options before making your purchase decision, for your ease we have mentioned the compatibility of every hard drive in the table.

Security 

In this modern world, securing the data is indispensable! For the sake of security, you need to purchase a drive that offers some security features while protecting your data. If you are concerned about your stuff, then go with the options that have a 256-bit AES encryption feature. 

The drives with hardware encryption are locked with a password that protects your data from any thefts. If you are looking for the best external drive with advanced security, then you can go with this Seagate external hard drive. The encryption used in it is of next-level, and your data will remain protected all the time.

Physical Dimensions

We advise you to check the dimensions of the drive before buying it. Some drives can be bulky, as they have a huge size, so carrying them inside your pocket is a task. Also, check the weight to buy something that adds zero bulk and is portable.

Budget 

The price of an external drive varies from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars, so it is essential to buy a decently priced drive. In this list, we have covered some of the most affordable and value-for-money hard drives.

Additional Features

Some manufacturers offer a lot of additional features with their hard drives. Some of these features are software access and complimentary subscription to some photo editing and data management tools.

Frequently Asked Questions: