Fast, Secure & Mac-Ready Picks for Creators and Power Users
Running out of space on your MacBook or iMac? Whether you’re editing 8K video, backing up your photo library, or simply expanding your storage, a reliable external hard drive is essential—and in 2025, there are more high-performance options than ever.
Below are the top 5 external hard drives for Mac, selected for speed, durability, and seamless macOS compatibility.
Top 5 Best External Hard Drives for Mac in 2025
1. SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD
Best Overall for Speed & Durability
The SanDisk PRO-G40 is built for pros who need extreme performance and rugged durability. With Thunderbolt 3 speeds up to 2700MB/s read and 1900MB/s write, this drive is ideal for video editors, photographers, and creatives working with massive files.
- IP68-rated: Dustproof and water-resistant
- Crush- and drop-resistant: Withstands up to 4,000 lbs and 3-meter drops
- Aluminum heat-sink core: Controls temps during heavy use
- Up to 4TB storage, bus-powered
- 5-year warranty
Downside: Maxes out at ~1,000MB/s over regular USB-C
Best for: Professionals who need ultra-fast, rugged performance in the field.
2. Samsung Portable SSD T9
Best Design & Portability
The Samsung T9 brings sleek speed to your setup, offering USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support with speeds up to 2,000MB/s (Mac users typically see up to ~1,000MB/s due to system limitations).
- Drop-resistant up to 9.8 feet
- Dynamic Thermal Guard for stable temps
- AES 256-bit encryption for file protection
- Compact, rubberized design
- 1TB to 4TB capacity, with a 5-year warranty
Downside: No IP rating; Mac software support is limited
Best for: Creatives who prioritize portability and modern design.
3. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
Best for On-Location Creators
LaCie’s Rugged SSD Pro is built for high-stakes, high-speed workflows. With Thunderbolt 3/4 and up to 6,700MB/s read speeds, it’s made for professionals editing 8K RAW footage or massive media libraries.
- IP67-rated: Water-resistant, dustproof
- 3-meter drop and 2-ton crush resistance
- Time Machine compatible & bus-powered
- Includes 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud trial
- 5-year warranty with data recovery
Downside: Premium price and limited compatibility with older Macs
Best for: Video editors and production pros working in extreme environments.
4. Crucial X9 Pro
Best Budget-Friendly Performer
If you want great performance without going all-in on Thunderbolt, the Crucial X9 Pro is a standout. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it handles most everyday creative workloads with ease.
- IP55-rated: Splash and dust resistant
- 7.5 ft drop-tested
- Anodized aluminum body for passive cooling
- AES 256-bit encryption + APFS pre-formatting
- 1TB–4TB capacity, 5-year warranty
Downside: Slower than Thunderbolt drives
Best for: Students, freelancers, or casual creators who want fast, reliable storage at a great price.
5. OWC Envoy Pro TB5
Best Future-Proof Thunderbolt Drive
The OWC Envoy Pro TB5 is one of the fastest portable drives on the market, using Thunderbolt 5 to deliver 6,000MB/s+ transfer speeds. Perfect for pro-level tasks like editing 8K video, 3D rendering, and huge data projects.
- Fully bus-powered with integrated Thunderbolt cable
- IP67-rated: Dustproof and waterproof
- Fanless aluminum chassis for silent operation
- Backwards compatible with TB3, TB4, and USB4
- 2TB capacity, 3-year warranty
Downside: Requires modern Mac with Thunderbolt 4/5 to reach full potential
Best for: Power users and professionals who want cutting-edge speed and long-term reliability.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a video editor, photographer, or just need more room on your Mac, there’s an external drive on this list that fits your workflow.
Quick Recap:
- Fastest Overall: SanDisk PRO-G40
- Best Rugged Option: LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
- Most Portable: Samsung T9
- Best Value: Crucial X9 Pro
- Future-Proof Power: OWC Envoy Pro TB5
Need help choosing? Drop your Mac model and workload in the comments, and I’ll recommend the best match.
