Buying Guide
The Best External SSD for Mac
From the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB to the Rugged SSD4: five external drives ranked on capacity and rated read speed, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A USB-C SSD gives a Mac fast extra storage for projects and libraries. Every pick is a USB-C SSD, ordered by listed read speed.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Rated Read Speed
LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TBThe fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Check price for LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB2,000MB/s rated writes.
Best for: Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
WD P40 Game Drive SSD 1TBThe lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the X10 Pro the next step up.
Check price for WD P40 Game Drive SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Kingston XS2000 1TBA pocket-sized body.
Best for: Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Check price for Kingston XS2000 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TBSustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Best for: Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Read Speed1 of 5
LaCie Rugged SSD4 1TB
LaCie's Rugged SSD4 uses a 40Gbps USB connection and offers 4,000MB/s reads and 3,800MB/s writes, the fastest figures here.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the only 1TB drive in this guide, and it needs a USB4 or Thunderbolt port to reach those speeds. It reads at up to 4,000MB/s over USB 40Gbps and Thunderbolt, and it is IP54-rated with 3-metre drop and 1-ton crush resistance. It suits fieldwork with large video files.
On rated read speed it leads this guide at 4,000MB/s, ahead of the X10 Pro (2,100MB/s). It also comes with compatibility with Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 as well as 5-20Gbps USB and a three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the T9.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 4,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 compatible)
- Durability claim
- IP54, drops up to 3m, 1-ton pressure
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 4,000MB/s
- 3,800MB/s rated writes
- Compatibility with Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 as well as 5-20Gbps USB
- Three-year warranty with Rescue data recovery
Cons
- Costs more than the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 1TB
Crucial's X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s reads and 2,000MB/s writes with IP55 protection and a lanyard loop.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It suits creators with a 20Gbps port. It reads at up to 2,100MB/s and writes at 2,000MB/s, and it is rated IP55 with 7.5-foot drop resistance. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port.
Its 2,100MB/s rated read speed ranks second of 5 here, behind the Rugged SSD4 (4,000MB/s) and ahead of the T9 (2,000MB/s). It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection with the T9; the Kingston XS2000 1TB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection. It also offers Acronis True Image and Mylio Photos+ trials.
Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. Its price falls between the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 1TB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,100MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim
- IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- 2,000MB/s rated writes
- Lanyard loop and activity light
- Acronis True Image and Mylio Photos+ trials
Cons
- Costs more than the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
WD P40 Game Drive SSD 1TB
What the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB brings to the table is RGB lighting, plus a design for consoles and PCs.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the X10 Pro the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if rated read speed of 2,000MB/s, behind the Rugged SSD4 (4,000MB/s) rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 2,000MB/s rated read speed. It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection with the Kingston XS2000 1TB; the T9 goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead.
Another plus: drops up to 2m durability claim, the only one here. It makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, with the X10 Pro the next step up, since it offers the lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing. It undercut the X10 Pro and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
- Durability claim
- Drops up to 2m
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- RGB lighting
- Design for consoles and PCs
- Drops up to 2m durability claim, the only one here
Cons
- Rated read speed of 2,000MB/s, behind the Rugged SSD4 (4,000MB/s)
The catch
The main gap: rated read speed of 2,000MB/s, behind the Rugged SSD4 (4,000MB/s). If that matters, the Rugged SSD4 offers 4,000MB/s.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Kingston XS2000 1TB
The Kingston XS2000 1TB stands out for a pocket-sized body.
Best for
- Buyers who want pocket-sized body.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 2,000MB/s rated read speed. It matches the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB and the T9 on rated read speed (2,000MB/s). It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection with the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB; the T9 goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection.
Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper X10 Pro and the pricier T9, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Pocket-sized body
- SSD drive type
- 1TB capacity
Cons
- Costs more than the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
Samsung's T9 rates sustained reads and writes up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Best for
- Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the Rugged SSD4 offers 4,000MB/s.
Why we like it
It includes a thermal design for long transfers. The Magician software adds encryption and drive-health monitoring, and Samsung lists iPhone 15 Pro 4K60 video support with the included cable recommended. It matches the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 1TB on rated read speed (2,000MB/s).
It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection with the X10 Pro; the Kingston XS2000 1TB goes with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection. It also comes with a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Kingston XS2000 1TB and the pricier Rugged SSD4, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 2,000MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Encryption via Magician software
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution
- Magician software for firmware and health checks
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the Rugged SSD4 (4,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is capacity; for more, the Rugged SSD4 is rated for 1TB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while durability claim has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Rugged SSD4 to the T9, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Kingston XS2000 1TB and the T9 give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB ($150 to $250) to the Rugged SSD4 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an External SSD for Mac
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed
The Rugged SSD4 tops rated read speed at 4,000MB/s and the T9 sits lowest at 2,000MB/s. For less, the X10 Pro is the runner-up at 2,100MB/s ($150 to $250 tier).
Features beyond the spec table
The WD P40 Game Drive 1TB: a design for consoles and PCs. The Kingston XS2000 1TB: a pocket-sized body. The T9: a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB, the X10 Pro, the Kingston XS2000 1TB and the T9; $250 to $500 buys the Rugged SSD4 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who put rated read speed first: the Rugged SSD4. Spending as little as possible, with the X10 Pro the next step up: the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure Mac and Windows formatting
Many drives ship formatted for Windows. On a Mac, reformat to APFS for Time Machine, or exFAT to share the drive with a Windows PC.
How to Choose an External SSD for Mac
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | Rugged SSD4 | The fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s) |
| Buyers who want 2,000MB/s rated writes | X10 Pro | 2,000MB/s rated writes |
| Spending as little as possible, with the X10 Pro the next step up | WD P40 Game Drive 1TB | The lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want pocket-sized body | Kingston XS2000 1TB | A pocket-sized body |
| Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s | T9 | Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Rugged SSD4 leads on rated read speed at 4,000MB/s, ahead of the X10 Pro at 2,100MB/s.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rugged SSD4 | SSD | 1TB | 4,000MB/s | USB 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 compatible) |
| X10 Pro | SSD | 1TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
| WD P40 Game Drive 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
| Kingston XS2000 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
| T9 | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Rugged SSD4 at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | WD P40 Game Drive 1TB, X10 Pro, Kingston XS2000 1TB, T9 |
| About $250 to $500 | Rugged SSD4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest rated read speed: the Rugged SSD4 or the X10 Pro?
Between the top two, it is 4,000MB/s on the Rugged SSD4 against 2,100MB/s on the X10 Pro, a 90% difference. The spread runs down to the T9 at 2,000MB/s.
Is the Rugged SSD4 worth paying more than the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB?
The spec sheets show rated read speed (4,000MB/s against 2,000MB/s) in its favour. The WD P40 Game Drive 1TB sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Rugged SSD4 in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated read speed decides your purchase.
What makes the Rugged SSD4 the Fastest Rated Read Speed?
The label rests on the fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s). The X10 Pro is next on rated read speed at 2,100MB/s, so this pick's 4,000MB/s is 90% further out. The WD P40 Game Drive 1TB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts rated read speed first.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Rugged SSD4 and the X10 Pro apart?
The Rugged SSD4: 3,800MB/s rated writes. The X10 Pro: 2,000MB/s rated writes. The WD P40 Game Drive 1TB: RGB lighting.
Should I pick the Rugged SSD4 or the T9?
The Rugged SSD4 suits buyers who put rated read speed first; the T9 suits buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Rugged SSD4, chosen for the fastest rated read speed here (4,000MB/s). Look at the X10 Pro for 2,000MB/s rated writes, the WD P40 Game Drive 1TB for the lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing and the Kingston XS2000 1TB for a pocket-sized body if those matter more to you.
Macs support USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds on most ports; Gen 2x2 drives fall back to 10Gbps.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best External SSDs
- Related guideThe Best Portable SSD Drives
- Related guideThe Best External Storage for a Laptop: SSDs and Hard Drives
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget External SSDs
- Similar guideThe Best Portable External SSD
- ExplainerPortable SSD vs external hard drive: which one for backups, games and carrying files
- ExplainerUSB speed names decoded for external SSDs: USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB4 and Thunderbolt
- Also see: ssds and storageHow to Choose a Windows Boot Drive
- Similar guideThe Best External SSD for Gaming
- Topic hubAll external storage guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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