Mac users in 2025 can choose between fast SSDs and large HDDs, depending on their budget and needs.
The best choices include the Crucial X9 Pro, LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, and SanDisk G-Drive.
Format drives properly (APFS, HFS+, exFAT) for smooth macOS use.
Every Mac needs more space. Files keep getting bigger. Photos, 4K videos, music, games, and backups all demand fast and safe storage. In 2025, the best external hard drives for Mac offer speed, durability, large capacity, and smooth macOS compatibility.
Finding the Best External Hard Drives For Mac ensures your files are secure, fast, and easily accessible. The options include both SSDs for speed and HDDs for affordable bulk storage. Prices range from budget-friendly picks to premium drives built for creative professionals.
This article reviews the top external hard drives and SSDs for Mac in 2025, including prices, making it easy to choose the right one for everyday needs, professional workflows, or long-term backups.
Price: around Rs. 12,000–Rs. 18,000 (1TB–4TB)
This SSD is compact, lightweight, and highly durable. It weighs only 38g yet offers up to 4TB of space. With speeds up to 1,050 MB/s through USB 3.2 Gen 2, it handles fast transfers with ease. Ideal for MacBook users seeking a compact, portable, and affordable option.
Price: around Rs. 18,000–Rs. 20,000 (2TB)
If you’re upgrading, the Best External Hard Drive 2025 models promise more speed and larger storage capacities. A compact SSD built for speed and long use. Thermal control prevents overheating, making it perfect for editing large video files. Sleek design and high reliability come at a slightly higher price. Best for creators who need fast and stable performance.
Price: Rs. 16,999 (2TB), Rs. 29,999 (4TB)
External Hard Drives are still a reliable choice for professionals who need extra storage beyond the cloud. This drive combines value and durability. It offers speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, resists water and dust, and connects easily via USB-C. With options from 500 GB to 4 TB, it suits everyday Mac users who want speed without spending too much.
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Price: Rs. 40,000+ (1TB–2TB)
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is built for outdoor use and harsh conditions. It features IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand drops. Thunderbolt 5 compatibility allows blazing speeds of up to 6,700 MB/s. Popular among field professionals, photographers, and filmmakers who need both speed and durability.
Price: around Rs. 15,000–Rs. 25,000 (1TB–2TB)
Seagate Hard Drives offer durable and high-performance options for those managing large creative projects. Designed with an aluminum casing for improved cooling and quiet operation. Real-world speeds reach 3,000 MB/s with USB-C 40 Gb/s support. Perfect for video editors and creative professionals who work with large RAW or 8K files.
Price: Rs. 61,711–Rs. 86,395 (up to 22TB)
A massive desktop hard drive built for long-term storage. With a capacity of up to 22 TB, this drive is well-suited for office setups and enterprise users. It supports USB-C, delivers speeds around 250 MB/s, and comes pre-formatted for macOS and Time Machine.
Price: around Rs. 12,500–Rs. 13,500 (5TB)
Portable, stylish, and reliable. This HDD offers up to 5 TB capacity, 256-bit encryption, and a plug-and-play setup for Mac. It strikes a balance between storage size and mobility, making it a suitable choice for students and home office users.
Price: starts from Rs. 35,000+ (varies by capacity)
This rugged aluminium desktop drive supports both HDD and SSD options. Capacities range from 18 TB HDD to 7.68 TB SSD. It runs on USB-C 10 Gb/s, supports Time Machine, and is ideal for professionals who need secure, fast, and long-lasting storage.
Price: around Rs. 10,000–Rs. 12,000 (4TB)
This portable HDD offers 4 TB of capacity, supports both USB-C and USB-A, features AES-256 encryption, and is Time Machine compatible. Light, compact, and secure, it fits students or users who want a reliable backup option without high costs.
Price: around Rs. 8,500–Rs. 9,500 (2TB)
WD Hard Drives remain a trusted name, offering a balance between storage capacity and affordability. Simple, effective, and budget-friendly. With USB 3.0 for quick transfers, this HDD is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems. Great for storing large files or backups at a very accessible price.
For SSDs, format in APFS (Apple File System) for best performance. For HDDs, use HFS+ if you will only be using a Mac, or exFAT if you plan to share files with Windows. Open Disk Utility, erase and format the drive, then set it up with Time Machine for automatic backups. Always eject drives safely to protect files.
Also Read: Best External Hard Drives and SSD Deals
For fast editing and large projects, consider Thunderbolt SSDs like the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 or the OWC Express 1M2.
For portable daily use, the Crucial X9 Pro, Samsung T9, or SanDisk Extreme SSDs are excellent options.
For ample storage, SanDisk Professional G-Drive Desktop or Rocstor Rocpro D90 provides enterprise-level capacity.
For budget backups, WD My Passport for Mac and Seagate Expansion HDDs deliver great value.
External storage is no longer just about space. It is about speed, safety, and reliability. Mac users in 2025 can choose from ultra-fast SSDs, rugged portable drives, and massive HDDs. Whether for travel, creative work, or simple backup, there is a drive built for every need and budget. Choosing the right one ensures smooth performance and safe files.
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Q.1) What is the best external hard drive for Mac in 2025?
Ans. The best external hard drive for Mac in 2025 depends on storage, speed, and budget. Top picks include Seagate Ultra Touch, WD My Passport, Samsung T7 SSD, and LaCie Rugged, offering reliability, fast transfer, and macOS compatibility.
Q.2) Which is better for Mac, HDD or SSD?
Ans. For Mac, SSDs like Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme are faster and more durable, perfect for everyday use. HDDs such as WD Elements are cheaper, ideal for larger storage. The best choice depends on speed versus affordability.
Q.3) How much storage do I need for a Mac external drive?
Ans. Storage needs vary. A 1TB drive works for basic files, while 2TB–4TB suits photos, music, and documents. Professionals using videos or creative apps may prefer 5TB HDDs or 2TB SSDs for faster editing and secure backups.
Q.4) Which external hard drive is fastest for Mac?
Ans. SSD drives such as Samsung T9, SanDisk Extreme, and Crucial X9 Pro are the fastest for Mac users. They use USB-C and NVMe technology, giving lightning-fast speeds for file transfers, editing, and seamless macOS performance.
Q.5) Do external hard drives need power for Mac use?
Ans. Most portable SSDs and HDDs connect via USB-C and don’t need extra power. However, desktop external drives with larger storage may need an adapter. Portable drives like WD My Passport are convenient for MacBook users.