Buying Guide
The Best External SSD for MacBook Air
Five external drives compared, from the SSK 500GB to the Lexar ES3, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A MacBook Air has limited internal storage and only USB-C ports, so a USB-C SSD is the natural add-on. Every pick is a USB-C SSD.
We sorted these picks by drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips max read speed, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
The fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Buffalo External SSD 1TB
PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing.
Best for: Buyers who want PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing.
Our take Check price for Buffalo External SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB
An IP55 rating.
Best for: Buyers who want IP55 rating.
Our take Check price for Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 42g weight.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD (opens in a new tab) |
| PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing. | Buyers who want PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing. | Check price for Buffalo External SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| An IP55 rating. | Buyers who want IP55 rating. | Check price for Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 42g weight. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
SSK Portable SSD 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SSK's 500GB SSD ships with both USB-C and USB-A cables and offers 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the GARMESE offers 1TB.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest SSD here. It reads at up to 1,050MB/s over a 10Gbps USB-C link, fast enough for moving large project folders. Expect about 465GB to show in Windows, which is normal for a 500GB drive.
SLC caching keeps large transfers fast, and S.M.A.R.T. and TRIM support help it last. Its 0.5TB capacity is the smallest in this group; the GARMESE leads at 1TB. It matches the X9 1TB and the Lexar ES3 on rated read speed (1,050MB/s).
It also comes with an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. It undercut the GARMESE and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is capacity; for more, the GARMESE is rated for 1TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 0.5TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A cables)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: None stated
Pros
- Both USB-C and USB-A cables
- Activity LED
- SLC cache for steady transfers
- Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked
Cons
- Capacity trails the GARMESE (1TB)
Fastest Rated Read Speed2 of 5
GARMESE 1TB External SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
GARMESE's SSD offers 2,000MB/s reads in a 33g body with a keychain hole.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SSK 500GB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
A USB-A adapter is included. It reads at up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which is twice a standard 10Gbps drive. Full speed needs a 20Gbps port.
On capacity it ties with the Buffalo SSD, the X9 1TB and the Lexar ES3 at 1TB. On rated read speed it leads this guide at 2,000MB/s, ahead of the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s). It also comes with 1,800MB/s rated writes.
Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. When we checked, only the SSK 500GB cost less, and the Buffalo SSD cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter)
- Durability claim: Shock resistant
- Security: None stated
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- 33g body with a keychain hole
- 1,800MB/s rated writes
- Included USB-A adapter
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Buffalo External SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Buffalo's SSD lists PS4 and PS5 compatibility alongside PC and Mac, with USB-C and USB-A support.
Best for
- Buyers who want PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing.
Skip if
- The maker gives no rated read speed, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
The warranty is three years when registered. It works with PS4 and PS5 as well as Mac and PC, and its compact shell suits backup on the go. It is a low-cost way to add console storage.
It matches the GARMESE, the X9 1TB and the Lexar ES3 on capacity (1TB). A USB-C and USB-A (USB 3.2) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Lexar ES3 uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection. Its price falls between the GARMESE and the X9 1TB, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed rated read speed should compare it with the GARMESE, which offers 2,000MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Connection: USB-C and USB-A (USB 3.2)
- Durability claim: Shock resistant
- Security: None stated
Pros
- PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing
- Three-year warranty when registered
- USB-C and USB-A support
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
Cons
- No published rated read speed
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Crucial X9 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Crucial's X9 offers 1,050MB/s, IP55 dust and water resistance and 7.5ft drop resistance.
Best for
- Buyers who want IP55 rating.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SSK 500GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Crucial pitches it for casual gamers and everyday use. It works with consoles, iPad Pro and Android. Registering it adds three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image backup software.
On capacity it ties with the GARMESE, the Buffalo SSD and the Lexar ES3 at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the SSK 500GB and the Lexar ES3 at 1,050MB/s. It is the only pick here with a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection; the Buffalo SSD has a USB-C and USB-A (USB 3.2) connection instead. It was priced above the Buffalo SSD and below the Lexar ES3 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB-C (USB 3.2)
- Durability claim: IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security: None stated
Pros
- IP55 rating
- Drop resistance up to 7.5ft
- Design aimed at casual gamers and everyday use
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lexar's ES3 weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thin, with 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.
Why we like it
DataShield software adds 256-bit AES encryption. It weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thick, and it works with iPhone 17, Android, cameras and consoles. It matches the GARMESE, the Buffalo SSD and the X9 1TB on capacity (1TB).
It matches the SSK 500GB and the X9 1TB on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You get a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection here, which sets it apart from the X9 1TB and its a USB-C (USB 3.2) connection. It also comes with a 42g weight.
It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the X9 1TB and the rest. The trade-off is rated read speed; for more, the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: 256-bit AES software encryption
Pros
- 42g weight
- 10.5mm-thin body
- DataShield encryption software
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the GARMESE (2,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Security and extras
- We checked for password protection, encryption and backup software.
- Durability
- We noted listed drop, water and dust claims.
- Drive type and speed
- We recorded whether each drive is an SSD or hard drive and its read speed.
- Connection
- We checked the USB standard and connector each maker names.
What to Look for in an External SSD for MacBook Air
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: rated read speed
Among these picks, rated read speed runs from 1,050MB/s on the Lexar ES3 to 2,000MB/s on the GARMESE. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
SSD or hard drive
A portable hard drive gives the most terabytes per dollar and suits backups. A portable SSD is several times faster, lighter and more tolerant of drops, which suits working files and games.
Size for what you store
1TB suits documents and a few games. 2TB or more suits photo libraries, video and large game libraries. Hard drives reach larger sizes for the money.
Drop and water ratings
IP ratings and drop heights are manufacturer claims. They matter for drives that travel in bags; a drive that stays on a desk needs less.
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 MacBook Air
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | SSK 500GB | Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | GARMESE | The fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s) |
| Buyers who want PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing | Buffalo SSD | PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing |
| Buyers who want IP55 rating | X9 1TB | An IP55 rating |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Lexar ES3 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 42g weight |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSK 500GB | SSD | 0.5TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C and USB-A cables) |
| GARMESE | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter) |
| Buffalo SSD | SSD | 1TB | Not listed | USB-C and USB-A (USB 3.2) |
| X9 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB-C (USB 3.2) |
| Lexar ES3 | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SSK 500GB |
| About $150 to $250 | GARMESE, Buffalo SSD, X9 1TB, Lexar ES3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on capacity?
The GARMESE leads at 1TB, ahead of the Buffalo SSD at 1TB; the SSK 500GB sits at the other end with 0.5TB.
Which pick costs the least here?
The SSK 500GB cost the least when we checked, and the Lexar ES3 sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Can I run PC games from an external SSD?
Yes. Launchers such as Steam can add a library folder on an external drive. Load times depend on the drive and port; an SSD on a 10Gbps port is far quicker than a hard drive.
Does the cable matter?
Yes. Use the included cable or one rated for the drive's speed; a charging-only or USB 2.0 cable limits transfers.
Is a portable SSD good for backups?
It works, but a hard drive gives more capacity per dollar for backups. Keep a second copy somewhere else for anything irreplaceable.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SSK 500GB, chosen for undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. Look at the GARMESE for the fastest rated read speed here (2,000MB/s), the Buffalo SSD for PS4 and PS5 compatibility in the listing and the X9 1TB for an IP55 rating if those matter more to you.
A small SSD fits in a laptop sleeve pocket.