The best external SSD drives for Mac in 2025 offer fast performance, reliable macOS compatibility, and support for Thunderbolt or USB-C.
Top picks include the OWC Envoy Pro TB5 for Thunderbolt 5 Macs, the SanDisk Pro-G40 for creative pros, and the Samsung T9 for affordable high-speed storage.
SSDs are faster, quieter, and more durable than traditional hard drives.
While most HDDs max out at around 115MB/s, SSDs can reach speeds over 1000MB/s — and even exceed 6000MB/s with the best Thunderbolt external drives.
We’ve tested and reviewed the best SSDs for all Mac models, including M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs.
Here then are our reviews of the best external SSDs for Mac of 2025 in order of ranking.
Table of Contents
- 1. OWC Envoy Pro TB5 (Fastest SSD Drive)
- 2. SanDisk Professional Pro-G40 SSD – (Best Value SSD Drive)
- 3. Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 (Best Value Thunderbolt 5 SSD)
- 4. Samsung T9 Portable SSD (Best Portable SSD Drive)
- 5. Samsung T7 Shield Portable (Most Durable SSD Drive)
- 6. WD My Passport For Mac SSD Portable (Cheapest SSD Drive)
- FAQ: External SSD Drives For Mac
1. OWC Envoy Pro TB5 (Fastest SSD Drive)
If you’ve got one of Apple’s latest M4 Macs or another device with a Thunderbolt 5 port, the OWC Envoy Pro TB5 unleashes blazing speeds that rival your Mac’s internal SSD — topping 6,000MB/s.
That’s up to twice as fast as other Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 drives.
Engineered for creative professionals, this drive is tailor-made for demanding tasks like 8K video editing, real-time 3D rendering, and lightning-fast backups.
Thanks to Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth, the Envoy Pro TB5 doesn’t just keep up — it’s as fast as your Mac’s internal SSD drive.
Wrapped in a rugged, fanless aluminum shell, the Envoy Pro is not only whisper-quiet, but also crushproof, dustproof, and water-resistant. Heat sinks inside the enclosure keep it cool without the need for noisy fans — ideal for studio and field work alike.
If you don’t yet have a Thunderbolt 5 port, it’s also backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, so you can use it across a wider range of Macs (just note that speeds will adjust accordingly).
If you’re investing in high-speed external storage that’s ready for the next generation of Macs, the Envoy Pro TB5 is an easy recommendation.
🔍 Want to understand why Thunderbolt 5 is such a game-changer? Check out our guide on internal storage vs Thunderbolt 5 SSD drives.
Buying Tip: If availability is limited on Amazon, you can also buy the OWC Envoy Pro TB5 direct from OWC.
Pros:
- Blazing Thunderbolt 5 speeds (up to 6,000MB/s+)
- Rugged, weatherproof, and crushproof design
- Fanless and silent with aluminum heat dissipation
- No external power required
- Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 & 4
- Available in sizes up to 4TB
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Permanently attached Thunderbolt 5 cable
- Full speed only achievable on Macs with Thunderbolt 5 ports
2. SanDisk Professional Pro-G40 SSD – (Best Value SSD Drive)
The SanDisk Pro-G40 SSD really impressed us in our performance tests, delivering stunning speeds via Thunderbolt 4 and combining that with rugged, ultra-portable design.
If you’re a Mac user looking for a drive that’s as fast as it is durable and portable, the G40 is one of the best options out there right now.
With full support for Thunderbolt 3 and 4, this SSD reaches read speeds up to 2747MB/s and write speeds of 2640MB/s — more than twice the speed of most USB-C-only external SSDs.
In our real-world testing on an M3 MacBook Pro, it transferred a 20GB file in just 1 minute and 39 seconds.
And despite its high-end performance, the G40 is surprisingly good value.
While Thunderbolt SSDs tend to be pricey, the G40 is only slightly more expensive than many USB-C models — making it a good value choice for pros who need serious speed.
Whether you’re a video editor moving 4K/8K footage, a designer juggling massive project files, or just need rapid backup performance, the SanDisk Pro-G40 handles it all without breaking a sweat.
It’s also built to go anywhere: the G40 features an IP68 rating, meaning it’s water-resistant, dust-resistant, and even drop-tested from up to 3 meters. This makes it one of the toughest SSDs you can throw in your gear bag.
Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB versions, it’s a fantastic alternative to the now-discontinued Samsung X5 — with modern durability and broader compatibility.
📦 Want to see just how fast it is? [Check out our full SanDisk Pro-G40 review here.]
Pros:
- Blistering Thunderbolt 3/4 transfer speeds (up to 2747MB/s)
- Extremely durable: IP68 water/dust resistant & drop tested
- Works with both Thunderbolt and USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
- Great value compared to other Thunderbolt SSDs
- Ideal for creative professionals and power users
Cons:
- Premium price compared to basic USB SSDs
3. Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 (Best Value Thunderbolt 5 SSD)
The Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 is one of the first external SSDs to harness the full potential of Thunderbolt 5, making it a cutting-edge option for Mac users with M4 or Thunderbolt 5-equipped devices.
With read and write speeds reaching up to 5400MB/s, the Rocket XTRM 5 is ideal for professionals working with enormous data sets — whether that’s high-resolution 8K video, 3D production assets, or massive photo libraries.
It’s nearly double the speed of Thunderbolt 4 drives, and one of the few that can truly match the bandwidth of Apple’s latest internal SSDs.
During our hands-on testing, the Rocket XTRM 5 consistently delivered write speeds over 5000MB/s and read speeds just shy of 5400MB/s when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 Mac.
For creative workflows, this means faster exports, near-instant file transfers, and smoother real-time previews.
Beyond speed, the Rocket XTRM 5 is built with a durable aluminum enclosure that acts as a passive heatsink — keeping it cool and silent even under heavy loads.
It’s also backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C, making it versatile enough for use across older Macs and other USB devices (though at slower speeds).
Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB configurations, this drive is aimed squarely at creatives and pros who need top-tier performance without compromise.
🚀 Curious why Thunderbolt drives are the best? Check out our guide to why Thunderbolt SSD drives are best for Mac users.
Pros:
- Thunderbolt 5 performance with speeds up to 5400MB/s
- Built for next-gen Macs with M4 chips
- Durable, fanless aluminum design
- Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C
- Available in up to 4TB capacities
Cons:
- Only reaches full speed with Thunderbolt 5 ports
- Premium pricing typical of early Thunderbolt 5 devices
4. Samsung T9 Portable SSD (Best Portable SSD Drive)
If you’re not ready to spend on a Thunderbolt SSD but still want fast, reliable performance, the Samsung T9 Portable SSD is the best alternative thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface and excellent value for money.
The T9 delivers read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, making it one of the fastest USB-C SSDs available — although real-world performance on Macs is typically lower (around 1000MB/s), since macOS doesn’t fully support the Gen 2×2 protocol.
Still, for most users, that’s more than fast enough for 4K video editing, backups, and everyday file transfers.
Weighing just 4.3 ounces and measuring only 3.46 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches, the T9 is incredibly compact and easy to carry, with a grippy, textured rubber casing for added protection. While not fully ruggedized, it does have shock-resistant design features, and if you’re after more durability, the Samsung T7 Shield might be a better fit.
One smart touch is the T9’s thermal control feature: if it gets too warm, it automatically slows transfers to prevent overheating and extend the drive’s lifespan — a rare find in consumer drives.
It also supports drive partitioning, letting you format sections of the drive in APFS, exFAT, or other formats to work across macOS and Windows if needed.
The only downside is the included Samsung software, which can be buggy or outdated on the latest macOS versions — but you don’t need to use it for the drive to work flawlessly.
For portability, performance, and price, the Samsung T9 remains the best all-round USB-C SSD for Mac users who don’t need Thunderbolt speeds.
Pros:
- Excellent USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance (up to 2000MB/s)
- Compact, lightweight, and durable
- Smart thermal throttling to protect the drive
- Allows partitioning and multiple formats
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Samsung software can be unstable or outdated on macOS
- Slower performance on Macs compared to full Gen 2×2 support
5. Samsung T7 Shield Portable (Most Durable SSD Drive)
If you’re often working in the field or need an SSD that can handle rougher environments, the Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD is your best bet.
It’s a tougher, more rugged version of the original T7, wrapped in a durable rubber sleeve that’s built for travel, outdoor work, and unpredictable conditions.
Despite being more rugged, the T7 Shield is actually cheaper than the standard T7, making it a great value pick for photographers, videographers, and creators who need performance and protection in one drive.
It offers read/write speeds of over 1000MB/s via USB-C — not Thunderbolt speeds, but still fast enough for smooth video editing and rapid file transfers on any modern Mac.
It’s also IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, and drop-tested up to 3 meters, which makes it one of the most durable SSDs in its class.
The drive is slightly larger than the regular T7 or T9, but it’s still compact enough to fit in your pocket or camera bag without a problem. It also includes both a USB-C cable and a USB-A adapter, which is handy if you’re working with older Macs.
You can use Samsung’s SSD software to password-protect and encrypt the drive, though as with other Samsung SSDs, the macOS software isn’t always updated quickly and may not be fully compatible with the latest macOS versions.
If ruggedness is your priority, the T7 Shield is the most portable and durable non-Thunderbolt SSD you can get for your Mac in 2025.
Pros:
- Excellent durability with IP65 water and dust resistance
- Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Works with both USB-C and USB-A Macs
- Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models
- AES 256-bit encryption and password protection supported
Cons:
- Samsung SSD software can be unreliable or outdated on macOS
6. WD My Passport For Mac SSD Portable (Cheapest SSD Drive)
The WD My Passport SSD for Mac is a dependable, Mac-friendly external SSD that’s perfect for users who want something that just works — no formatting or setup required.
As the SSD version of WD’s hugely popular My Passport HDD, it offers much faster performance in a sleek, portable package.
One of the standout features is its true plug-and-play compatibility with macOS. Just connect it, and Time Machine will recognize it immediately — no reformatting needed. That alone makes it one of the easiest external SSDs to use with a Mac.
The drive delivers solid USB-C performance with speeds up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, although in real-world use on a Mac, you’ll typically see slightly lower speeds. It’s not Thunderbolt-fast, but it’s more than enough for backups, file storage, and light creative work.
The rugged design adds peace of mind, with drop resistance up to 6.5 feet (1.98 meters). It also supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, and comes with both a USB-C to USB Micro-B and USB-A to USB Micro-B cable, giving you flexibility across older and newer Macs.
For security-conscious users, it includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption and optional password protection using WD software. That said, the software can be clunky or slow to update for newer versions of macOS, but it’s not required for normal use.
With up to 4TB of storage and a 3-year warranty, the WD My Passport SSD is a solid all-around performer — especially if you want something simple and Mac-ready straight out of the box.
Pros:
- Works with macOS out of the box — no formatting needed
- Fast USB-C speeds (up to 1050MB/s read)
- Compact and durable (drop-tested up to 6.5ft)
- Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
- AES-256 encryption + 3-year warranty
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
Cons:
- WD backup software can be buggy or slow to update on Mac
FAQ: External SSD Drives For Mac
Thunderbolt vs USB-C: What’s the Difference?
If speed is your top priority, we strongly recommend choosing an SSD that supports Thunderbolt, especially the newest Thunderbolt 5 standard.
- Thunderbolt 3 & 4 SSDs can reach speeds up to 3000 MB/s, far outperforming most USB-C SSDs.
- Thunderbolt 5 SSDs push this even further, with transfer speeds of up to 5400 MB/s, making them ideal for 4K/8K video editing, large file transfers, and running apps or macOS directly from the drive.
In contrast, most USB-C SSDs only support USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Gen 2×2:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives top out around 1000 MB/s.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives (like the Samsung T9) are theoretically capable of 2000 MB/s, but due to limited support in macOS, actual speeds are often closer to 1250 MB/s.
Most Macs, including M-series models, do not fully support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, so even if a drive advertises 2000 MB/s, you may only get around half that.
While Thunderbolt drives are more expensive, they are the only way to get the fastest possible transfer speeds on a Mac.
➡️ For more details, check out our guide to the best Thunderbolt drives for Mac.
Formatting SSDs for Macs
Some external SSDs are ready for macOS out of the box, but others may be formatted for Windows. If you want optimal performance and compatibility with Apple devices:
- APFS (Apple File System): Best for Macs running macOS High Sierra or later. Ideal for Time Machine and general Mac use.
- HFS+ (Mac OS Extended): Still supported, but older than APFS.
- exFAT: Best for sharing a drive between Macs and Windows PCs. Not as secure or optimized for macOS, but compatible across platforms.
If you’re unsure how to reformat a drive, check our full guide on how to format external drives for Mac.
Downsides of External SSDs
While SSDs are faster and more portable than HDDs, there are a few trade-offs:
💰 Price
SSDs are more expensive than HDDs. For example:
- 5TB WD My Passport HDD: ~$100
- 2TB WD My Passport SSD: ~$300
Thunderbolt SSDs cost even more, but offer unmatched speed.
📦 Capacity
Most external SSDs max out around 4TB, though some models like the VectoTech Rapid offer up to 8TB. In comparison, HDDs can go as high as 18TB+.
⏳ Lifespan
Although SSDs are more durable than HDDs, they have a finite number of write cycles. Most SSDs are rated for 65–150 TBW (terabytes written), which should still provide 5+ years of typical use.
Other Questions
Why choose an SSD over an HDD for a Mac?
SSDs are significantly faster, quieter, and more durable. They’re ideal for backups, running apps, and especially for tasks like video editing or using macOS externally.
Which external SSD is the fastest for Macs?
The Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5 is one of the fastest available, with Thunderbolt 5 speeds up to 5400 MB/s. For Thunderbolt 4, the SanDisk Pro-G40 offers speeds around 3000 MB/s.
Are all SSDs Mac-compatible?
Most are, but some may need to be reformatted to APFS or Mac OS Extended. Drives like the WD My Passport for Mac SSD come pre-formatted for macOS.
What’s the best SSD for video editing on Mac?
Drives with Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 are best. Top choices include the SanDisk Pro-G40 and Sabrent Rocket XTRM 5.
Which SSD is the most durable?
The Samsung T7 Shield and SanDisk Pro-G40 are both IP-rated for dust/water resistance and offer drop protection, making them ideal for rugged use.
What’s the highest capacity SSD for Mac?
The VectoTech Rapid offers up to 8TB, making it ideal for creatives handling large media libraries.
Do these SSDs work with Apple M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs?
Yes — all the SSDs listed work with Apple Silicon Macs. Thunderbolt drives will deliver the best speeds on newer M-series models.
Can I use an external SSD as a boot drive?
Yes — all reviewed drives can be used to boot macOS, which can greatly improve performance on older Intel Macs. Read our guide on how to set up an external boot drive.
Do these SSDs work with iPads and iPhones?
Yes. As long as they’re formatted in APFS, they’ll work with iOS and iPadOS devices that support external storage.