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Best External Hard Drives for Mac in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 23rd, 2024

💾Expanding your Mac's storage is a lot easier with the right external hard drive. But with so many choices in 2024, picking one can be a bit overwhelming. You've got speedy SSDs and cost-effective, high-capacity HDDs all vying for your attention.

To help make the decision easier for you, we pored over the top recommendations from tech gurus and put several drives through their paces. Here are our top picks across various categories to help you find the right match for your storage needs.

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Overall Best: Samsung T7 Portable SSD

SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD - 2 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Titanium Grey (MU-PC2T0T/WW)

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD earns our 'Overall Best' pick for its exceptional blend of speed, portability, and security features. With transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, you can move large files quickly, making it an excellent choice for both creative professionals and everyday users. Its compact and lightweight design ensures portability, while the robust build provides durability. Available in capacities from 500GB to 2TB, the T7 offers ample storage for multiple use cases. The AES 256-bit hardware encryption adds a layer of security that gives peace of mind, and its wide compatibility with USB 3.2 Gen 2 makes it a versatile and future-proof option.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$232.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB handle heat dissipation?

From what we've gathered, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB does a pretty good job at managing heat. It's built with an aluminum case—known for being quite good at cooling things down. This material draws heat away from the internal parts, which helps keep things running smoothly, especially when you're pushing it with lots of data. The design is sleek and lightweight, so you can easily carry it around. And while it looks good, that aluminum shell is doing more than just looking pretty—it's managing heat when you're transferring data quickly. The drive doesn't have a fingerprint reader like the [Samsung T7 Touch](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB083ZDL3N3%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), but it does offer AES 256-bit encryption for security. Performance-wise, the T7 can hit read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. It holds up at these speeds without getting too hot, which is great for reliability over longer sessions. However, keep in mind it doesn't support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 if that's what you're looking for, but most folks find its speed and reliability more than enough. Based on our data, people haven’t run into major overheating troubles, even with heavy use. It uses thermal control technology to keep its temperature—and your data—safe, which is reassuring. So if you're considering getting the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB, you can feel confident about its heat management. While it's not built for extreme conditions like some ultra-rugged drives, it's solid and efficient for everyday use.

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What is the read/write speed of the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB?

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD, specifically the 2TB version, really shines with its speed. Thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, our research indicates it can reach read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s. This kind of performance is great if you’re working with big files like high-res videos or lots of photos. It's quite a bit faster than many standard external hard drives. Besides being fast, the Samsung T7 also stands out for its design and durability. It only weighs about 2.54 ounces and is quite compact, making it easy to carry around. The manufacturer mentions its sturdy aluminum casing can handle drops from up to 2 meters, but keep in mind it doesn't have a water or dust resistance rating. Regarding compatibility, the T7 is pretty versatile. The manufacturer notes it works with many devices, including PCs, Macs, Android gadgets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. It also comes with USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A cables, so you won’t need extra adapters. One thing to keep an eye on is that, like other DRAM-less SSDs, the T7 might show slower write speeds during long sessions because of the TurboWrite SLC-Cache tech. Once the cache is full, it shifts back to slower TLC NAND speeds. But this usually only happens if you're transferring loads of data continuously. For security, the T7 features 256-bit AES hardware encryption. This is pretty solid for keeping your data safe, although it doesn't have the biometric security you'd find in the [Samsung T7 Touch](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsamsung%2Bt7%2Btouch%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) model. Overall, if you’re looking for something fast, portable, and secure for storing your data, the Samsung T7 is a great pick.

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What security features does the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB offer?

Hey, so the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB doesn't have all the high-tech security bells and whistles like some other models, but it's pretty solid when it comes to keeping your data safe. Unlike the [T7 Touch](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dt7%2Btouch%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) that has a fingerprint reader, the T7 sticks with AES 256-bit hardware encryption. From what we found, this is a strong encryption method, especially if you set a good password using [Samsung's Portable SSD software](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsamsung%2Bportable%2Bssd%2Bsoftware%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which works with Windows, macOS, and Android. Just a heads up—having a strong, unique password is key for keeping your data secure. As for its speed and size, this little SSD is impressive. The manufacturer describes it as both compact and lightweight—great for on-the-go use. It uses a USB 3.2 Gen.2 interface and performs with read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s. Our research suggests that thanks to NVMe protocol and MLC flash memory, these speeds leave traditional hard drives in the dust. Plus, these features give it a reliability boost. While it doesn't have an official rating for resisting dust or water, it can handle drops from up to 6.5 feet, according to what we found. Its sturdy aluminum casing helps with that, making it pretty durable for daily use. Plus, the aluminum helps it handle heat better, so it stays cool even if you're using it a lot. In short, the T7 might miss some fancy security stuff like a biometric scanner, but it shines with speed, portability, and reliability. It's a good choice if you want a fast SSD and are fine with setting up a strong password for protection.

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Runner-up: WD My Passport 5TB

WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN

The WD My Passport 5TB is our 'Runner-up' choice, perfect for users who need substantial storage without sacrificing performance. This drive delivers excellent value with its massive 5TB capacity, making it ideal for storing large amounts of data. It comes with WD Backup software for seamless backups and is compatible with both Mac and Windows after a simple reformat. The compact and sleek design ensures it is easy to carry around, whether for work or personal use. Overall, it’s a reliable and efficient choice for anyone needing extra storage.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$113.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Seagate Expansion 2TB

Seagate Expansion 2 TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive STAY2000102

For budget-conscious users, the Seagate Expansion 2TB is a viable pick. Balancing affordability and performance, it offers decent read/write speeds necessary for everyday tasks. Its plug-and-play setup is straightforward, and it can be reformatted to work with both Mac and Windows systems. This drive provides a practical solution for those who need extra storage without a hefty price tag, making it an excellent option for students and casual users alike.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best for Professionals: SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD

SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD - Up to 2700MB/s, Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps), USB-C (10Gbps), IP68 dust/Water Resistance, External Solid State Drive - SDPS31H-002T-GBCND

The SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 SSD is specifically designed for professionals who prioritize speed and robust performance. With lightning-fast transfer speeds up to 2,700 MB/s via Thunderbolt 3, it efficiently handles large video and photo files, making it ideal for creative professionals. Additionally, its IP68 rating ensures resistance to dust and water, adding a level of durability that’s crucial for professionals on the go. The PRO-G40 is a top-tier choice for anyone requiring high-speed and reliable storage in demanding environments.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$274.99 at Amazon

Best for Backup: Seagate Ultra Touch HDD 5TB

Seagate Ultra Touch HDD 5TB External Hard Drive - 15mm, Pebble Grey, Post-Consumer Recycled Material, 6mo Dropbox and Mylio, Rescue Services (STMA5000400)

If your primary need is extensive backup, the Seagate Ultra Touch HDD 5TB stands out. Offering a whopping 5TB of storage, it caters well to users who need substantial space for backups and large data archives. Eco-friendly and performance-efficient, this drive is equipped with USB-C compatibility and is ready for Time Machine backups, providing seamless integration with Mac systems. Included backup subscriptions ensure your data is extra secure, making it an optimal choice for users seeking dependable, long-term storage.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$164.95 at Amazon

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