Sabrent Rocket Nano 512GB USB 3.2 SSD; G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD; Seagate Barracuda Fast 500GB SSD #1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD. Enjoy seamless transfers with this USB C SSD that gives up to 550MB/s read speeds. This external SSD for Mac is rugged and resistant to both water and dust with an IP55 rating. As this is an SSD drive, you can get speeds of up to 550MB/500MB/s read/write. This external SSD also features USB 3.1 via USB type C. Pricing starts at $71.99 for 250GB, with varying pricing tiers up to $269.99 for 2TB. A 3 year limited warranty is included. Most Data Secure Drive – iStorage diskAshur2 256-bit 1TB.
We all love saving tons of photos, videos, and even movies on our laptops. So the default in-built storage on a MacBook can quickly run out, especially if you've been using it for a while. That's why it's handy to get an external drive too on which you can easily transfer all your big files. This will ensure your computer always has sufficient space. So without further delay, let's go ahead and find out the best external SSDs for Mac.
#1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD
Enjoy seamless transfers with this USB C SSD that gives up to 550MB/s read speeds. This external SSD for Mac is rugged and resistant to both water and dust with an IP55 rating.
Along with being compact and pocket-sized, it's also durable and shock-proof. So your data can stay safe during minor falls or drops. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can choose from varied capacities from 250 GB to 1 TB, according to your needs.
Pros
- Water and dust resistant
- Shock-proof
- 4 storage capacities available
- Good price
Cons
- Slower read/write speeds
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#2. Samsung X5 Portable SSD 2TB – Thunderbolt 3
Take your storage to the next level with this SSD. Designed with Thunderbolt 3 ports, the X5 is made for busy professionals who want to render high-resolution content quickly. Its thermal management and password protection features ensure safety and security.
Further, it offers impressive read/write speeds of 2,800/2,300 MB/s. So you can transfer a 20GB 4K UHD video from your computer to the SSD in as little as 12 seconds, depending on your system configurations. The innovative design is inspired by supercars!
Pros
- Thermal management
- Impressive read/write speeds
- 3 storage capacities available
- Sleek look
Cons
- Expensive
Price: $699.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#3. Seagate STJD1000400 1Tb Solid State Drive
This high-speed, portable solid-state drive is perfect for streaming stored videos directly to your Macbook. It's an excellent choice for backing up your data on the go.
Moreover, its a mini USB 3.0 SSD with a lightweight, minimalist design that's convenient to carry every day Finally, you can enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multiple storage capacities available
- Good price
Cons
- No USB C – you'll need a separate adaptor
Price: $144.99 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#4. LaCie Water Resistant Rugged 2TB SSD
For those who want ultimate protection on their external SSD for Mac, this rugged one can withstand the pressures of life! It can survive a 3-meter drop and a two-ton car crash. Moreover, it is IP67-rated dust water-resistant.
You can take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe creative cloud apps when you get this drive. Further, it comes with a 5-year limited protection plan so you can have long-term peace of mind about it's functionality.
Pros
- Drop protection
- Multiple storage capacities available
- 5-year protection plan for data recovery
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Price: $451.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#5. Crucial 1TB X8 Portable SSD
Incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s makes this one of the best SSDs for Mac. It has a durable design featuring an aluminum core. It offers drop protection for up to 7. 5 feet, and can also withstand extreme temperature. It's shock and vibration proof so you can carry it around in your bag with ease.
Finally, you can rest assured about quality because this SSD is backed by Micron, one of the well-known storage tech manufacturers in the world. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Withstands extreme temperatures
- High-speed
- Sleek design
Cons
- Only available in 2 capacities
Price: $164.95 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#6. WD 2TB My Passport Go SSD Cobalt
Check out this pocket-sized SSD for Mac and Windows computers. Efilm lite for mac download. It's convenient to carry and is also capable of surviving drops up to 2 meters. The protective bumper acts as a cushion and absorbs shocks and bumps.
It offers a transfer rate of 400MB/s which is pretty decent. Further, it comes with a 3-year warranty and you can get it in 2 cool color options namely cobalt blue and amber. All in all, it's an excellent everyday choice for your storage needs.
Pros
- Protective bumper
- Good price
- Color options
Cons
- Transfer rate on slower side
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#7. Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD
For the stylish and modern professional, this is one of the best SSDs for your Mac! With a USB 3.1 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s depending on your system. So transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.
Furthermore, the impressive performance comes in a compact package that's easy to carry with you. Perhaps the best part is the classy color options such as blue, gold, and red.
Pros
- Good speed
- Value for money
- Color options
Cons
- Looks a bit delicate and may not have drop protection
Price: $319.85 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#8. Sabrent Rocket Nano 512GB USB 3.2 SSD
For ultimate portability, check out this ultra-slim SSD. It's sleek and durable – an ideal travel companion whether for work or leisure. Easily transfer your media with the smooth plug-and-play technology.
Best External Hard Drives For Mac
It provides speeds of up to 1000MB/s, depending on your system configurations. Further, you can get it in 3 convenient storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB. You can also choose either black or silver color options.
Pros
#5. Crucial 1TB X8 Portable SSD
Incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s makes this one of the best SSDs for Mac. It has a durable design featuring an aluminum core. It offers drop protection for up to 7. 5 feet, and can also withstand extreme temperature. It's shock and vibration proof so you can carry it around in your bag with ease.
Finally, you can rest assured about quality because this SSD is backed by Micron, one of the well-known storage tech manufacturers in the world. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Withstands extreme temperatures
- High-speed
- Sleek design
Cons
- Only available in 2 capacities
Price: $164.95 for 1TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#6. WD 2TB My Passport Go SSD Cobalt
Check out this pocket-sized SSD for Mac and Windows computers. Efilm lite for mac download. It's convenient to carry and is also capable of surviving drops up to 2 meters. The protective bumper acts as a cushion and absorbs shocks and bumps.
It offers a transfer rate of 400MB/s which is pretty decent. Further, it comes with a 3-year warranty and you can get it in 2 cool color options namely cobalt blue and amber. All in all, it's an excellent everyday choice for your storage needs.
Pros
- Protective bumper
- Good price
- Color options
Cons
- Transfer rate on slower side
Price: $329.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#7. Samsung T5 2TB Portable SSD
For the stylish and modern professional, this is one of the best SSDs for your Mac! With a USB 3.1 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s depending on your system. So transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.
Furthermore, the impressive performance comes in a compact package that's easy to carry with you. Perhaps the best part is the classy color options such as blue, gold, and red.
Pros
- Good speed
- Value for money
- Color options
Cons
- Looks a bit delicate and may not have drop protection
Price: $319.85 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#8. Sabrent Rocket Nano 512GB USB 3.2 SSD
For ultimate portability, check out this ultra-slim SSD. It's sleek and durable – an ideal travel companion whether for work or leisure. Easily transfer your media with the smooth plug-and-play technology.
Best External Hard Drives For Mac
It provides speeds of up to 1000MB/s, depending on your system configurations. Further, you can get it in 3 convenient storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB. You can also choose either black or silver color options.
Pros
- Slim and compact
- Good price
- Color options
Cons
- No drop protection
Price: $299.99 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#9. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD
Carry your data worry-free on this shock and vibration resistant SSD for Mac. The durable design comes with iP67 dust and water resistance.
The USB C connectivity offers transfer rates of up to 560MB/s. Further, you can buy with confidence given the industry-leading 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
Pros
- Dust and water-resistant
- Shock-proof
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Bulky
Price: $329.95 for 2TB capacity
Check out on Amazon
#10. Seagate Barracuda Fast 500GB SSD
With reliable performance and a speed of up to 540MB/s, you can enjoy smooth data transfer on this external SSD for Mac. It features a minimalist design and green LED accent light.
It's a perfect solution for carrying media on the go or even for external Xbox or PlayStation storage. It offers seamless installation and loading. Moreover, you get a limited product protection plan too.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- LED light indicator
- Reliable performance
Cons
- No drop protection
Price: $109.99 for 500 GB capacity
Check out on Amazon
Summing Up
Well, as you can see, there's a wide variety of external SSDs for Mac. Most come with warranties so are a valuable accessory to get. Let us know in the comments below which one you prefer and why.
I have been writing about tech for over 10 years now. I am passionate about helping people solve their tech problems with easy and practical solutions. At iGeeksBlog, I write and edit how-to guides and accessory reviews for all things Apple. My work has previously appeared in Live IT and Woman's Era magazines. When not working, I love reading and traveling.
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/mehak/Using 'Rebuild' Feature of Database Utility in Mac Entourage
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Prepare your drive
You can store your library on an external storage device, such as a USB or Thunderbolt drive formatted as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). However, you can't move your library to a disk that's used for Time Machine backups. Find out how to check the format of your external storage device.
To prevent data loss, Apple doesn't recommend storing photo libraries on external storage devices like SD cards and USB flash drives, or drives that are shared on a network.
Move your Photos library to an external storage device
- Quit Photos.
- In the Finder, go to the external drive where you want to store your library.
- In another Finder window, find your library. The default location is Users > [username] > Pictures, and it's named Photos Library.
- Drag your library to its new location on the external drive. If you see an error, select your external drive's icon in the Finder, then choose File > Get Info. If the information under Sharing & Permissions isn't visible, click the triangle button , then make sure the 'Ignore ownership on this volume' checkbox is selected. If it's not selected, click the lock button to unlock it, enter an administrator name and password, then select the checkbox.*
- After the move is finished, double-click Photos Library in its new location to open it.
- If you use iCloud Photo Library, designate this library as the System Photo Library.
Delete original library to save space
After you open your library from its new location and make sure that it works as expected, you can delete the library from its original location.
In a Finder window, go back to your Pictures folder (or whichever folder you copied your library from) and move Photos Library to the trash. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash to delete the library and reclaim disk space.
Open another Photos library
If you have multiple libraries, here's how to open a different one:
- Quit Photos.
- Press and hold the Option key while you open Photos.
- Select the library that you want to open, then click Choose Library.
Photos uses this library until you open a different one.
Learn more
External Ssd Drive For Mac
If you have a permissions issue with your library, you might be able to resolve the issue by using the Photos library repair tool.
Thunderbolt External Ssd Drive For Mac
* If the volume isn't formatted APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), or has been used for Time Machine backups but hasn't been erased, this checkbox will either not be present, or won't be selectable after unlocking. Erase and reformat the drive for this option to be available.
