Are you looking to buy external SSDs for your MacBook? Due to advancing technology and many SSD brands competing to stand out, you have an overwhelming number of options. To ease your search, we’re reviewing here the best external SSDs for MacBooks in 2025.
Let’s review together:
Best External SSDs for Mac in 2025
In the following sections, we’ll review the best external SSDs for Mac with the pros and cons of each:
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 boasts ultra-fast Thunderbolt 5 read/write speeds of up to 6,700/5,300 MB/s. The IP68-rated SSD is the ultimate solution for creatives who work with real-time 6/8K video editing. What makes it stand out from the previous-generation Rugged SSD Pro is its dark blue rubber sleeve for extra protection for the drive.
The SSD uses a standard USB-C connector, and to get the full performance, you’ll need a MacBook Pro or Mac mini with M4 Pro or M4 Max processor.
In addition, LaCie claims the Pro5 can survive a drop from 3m height, immersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, and being run over by vehicles weighing up to two tonnes.
Pros:
- Supports Thunderbolt 5
- Outstanding performance
- Sturdy design with IP68
- Storage capacity: 2 TB and 4 TB
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires M4 Pro or Max
Adata SE920 USB 4 SSD
The Adata SE920 is another excellent SSD for Macs, setting new standards with its exceptional speed. It supports all USB-C standards, but a USB 4 connection is recommended for the best performance. The SSD can achieve over 3,000 MB/s for sequential reading and writing. This compact SSD combines active and passive cooling with a metal housing for passive cooling and a micro-fan for active cooling.
If your ongoing task requires a lot of drive access, you can switch on the fan. Otherwise, you can leave it turned off. Although primarily meant for Windows users due to the NTFS file system, experienced Mac users can quickly reformat the SSD in APFS using the macOS Disk Utility.
Pros:
- Rapid data transfer speeds
- Active cooling unit
- Excellent compatibility
- Compact in size
- Storage capacity: 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB / 8 TB
Cons:
- Maybe a bit slower than expectations
- The metal casing may become hot under load
Crucial X9 Pro
Competitively priced and highly portable, Crucial X9 Pro comes with storage capacities of up to 4 TB. The SSD for MacBooks supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard. The native exFAT formatting makes it compatible with Mac, Windows, iPad, PC, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Linux. Plus, 256-bit AES encryption protects the SSD from tumbles.
This SSD for Macs is suitable for videographers and other creative professionals who don’t want to use special hardware and are looking for an affordable option.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Drop-proof up to 7.5 feet
- 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
- IP55-rated for dust and water resistance
- Storage capacity: Up to 4 TB
Cons:
- Comes with a short USB-C cable
- No USB-C-to-A cable or adapter
Samsung Portable SSD T9
The Samsung Portable SSD T9 comes with an interface that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, making it blazing fast for Macs with a port supporting this standard. The SSD comes with USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-C-to-USB-A cables.
The SSD comes preformatted in the exFAT file format, making it ideal for Windows, Mac, and Android. In addition, it supports AES 256-bit encryption, which is the gold standard for civilian encryption solutions.
Pros:
- Speed over USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) connections
- Supports 256-bit AES encryption
- Includes useful Samsung Magician software
- Drop-proof
- Storage capacity: Up to 4 TB
Cons:
- Pricey
- May need an expansion card for Gen 2×2 speeds
SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD is a cost-effective portable hard drive. As a spinning (5,400rpm) platter drive, its speed is incomparable with an SSD. But it’s suitable for travelers or mobile workers who often need huge capacities. The SSD combined a rebranding of WD’s G-Technology series with some newly launched products. It comes formatted in HFS+, which is compatible with the macOS Time Machine backup system.
Measuring 0.8 by 3.4 by 5.1 inches, the device fits in one hand. Its silver-gray surface shows through on the top and bottom, with a rubber plug concealing a USB-C port with a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface. The drive can survive up to 1,000 pounds of pressure and a drop from 3.3 feet. The IP54 rating means it’s protected against sand and rain.
Pros:
- Rubberized sheath and port cover make it rugged
- Both USB-C and USB-A cables bundled
- Impressive look
- Storage capacity: Up to 5 TB
Cons:
- No software suite and hardware-based encryption
- Requires reformatting for Windows
Wrapping Up
So, you have many cost-effective options when buying an SSD for your Mac. As a piece of advice, we encourage you to first check whether your SSD is repairable (in case of damage to your SSD). A professional SSD repair service can save you a significant amount of money. However, if you’re looking for SSD upgrades, you can choose from any of the options listed above. Consider your personal storage requirements, budget, and specs to make an informed choice when buying an SSD for your Mac.
