Buying Guide
The Best External SSD for MacBook Air
Five external drives compared, from the SSK 500GB to the Kingston XS2000 1TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
SSK Portable SSD 500GBUndercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for SSK Portable SSD 500GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GARMESE 1TB External SSDA 33g body with a keychain hole.
Best for: Buyers who want 33g body with a keychain hole.
Check price for GARMESE 1TB External SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Seagate Ultra Touch SSD 1TBA fabric-covered palm-sized design.
Best for: Buyers who want fabric-covered palm-sized design.
Check price for Seagate Ultra Touch SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TBAn aluminum unibody.
Best for: Buyers who want aluminum unibody.
Check price for Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Kingston XS2000 1TBA pocket-sized body at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SSK 500GB costs less.
Check price for Kingston XS2000 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
SSK Portable SSD 500GB
SSK's 500GB SSD ships with both USB-C and USB-A cables and offers 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
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. It reads at up to 1050MB/s and writes at up to 1000MB/s over 10Gbps USB. S.M.A.R.T. health reporting and TRIM help keep write speeds consistent over time.
Its 0.5TB capacity is the smallest in this group; the GARMESE leads at 1TB. It matches the T7 1TB 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.
Key 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)
The catch
The trade-off is capacity; for more, the GARMESE is rated for 1TB.
Also Consider2 of 5
GARMESE 1TB External SSD
GARMESE's SSD offers 2,000MB/s reads in a 33g body with a keychain hole.
Best for
- Buyers who want 33g body with a keychain hole.
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.
It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for reads up to 2000MB/s and writes up to 1800MB/s, which needs a 20Gbps port. On capacity it ties with the Ultra Touch SSD, the T7 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the Kingston XS2000 1TB at 2,000MB/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 Ultra Touch SSD cost more.
Key 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
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Seagate Ultra Touch SSD 1TB
Seagate's Ultra Touch SSD is a palm-sized fabric-covered SSD with a USB-A adapter in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who want fabric-covered palm-sized design.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its rated read speed before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
An Android app manages phone backups. Its fabric-covered shell is palm-sized, and it ships with a USB-A adapter and an Android app for phone backups. Some Macs need it reformatted first.
It includes a year of Mylio Create and two months of Adobe CC Photography. On capacity it ties with the GARMESE, the T7 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 1TB at 1TB. No other pick in this guide offers a USB-C with USB-A adapter connection; compare the T7 1TB, which has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection.
When we checked, only the GARMESE and cheaper picks cost less, and the T7 1TB cost more. If you want a confirmed rated read speed, look to the GARMESE instead: it offers 2,000MB/s, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Connection
- USB-C with USB-A adapter
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Fabric-covered palm-sized design
- Included USB-A adapter
- Android app for phone content
- 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
Worth a Look4 of 5
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
Samsung's T7 puts a PCIe NVMe SSD in an aluminum shell rated for 6ft drops, with 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Buyers who want aluminum unibody.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.
Why we like it
It is small enough for a pocket. On capacity it ties with the GARMESE, the Ultra Touch SSD and the Kingston XS2000 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the SSK 500GB at 1,050MB/s.
No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection; compare the Ultra Touch SSD, which has a USB-C with USB-A adapter connection. It also offers direct 4K60 video recording from supported cameras and phones and drop protection up to 6ft. When we checked, only the Ultra Touch SSD and cheaper picks cost less, and the Kingston XS2000 1TB cost more. Rated read speed is its weakest area, and the GARMESE covers it better at 2,000MB/s.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Max read speed
- 1,050MB/s
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim
- Drops up to 6ft
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Aluminum unibody
- Direct 4K60 video recording from supported cameras and phones
- Drop protection up to 6ft
- 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
Premium Pick5 of 5
Kingston XS2000 1TB
The Kingston XS2000 1TB stands out for a pocket-sized body.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SSK 500GB costs less.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SSK 500GB 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 GARMESE, the Ultra Touch SSD and the T7 1TB on capacity (1TB). You get a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection here, which sets it apart from the T7 1TB and its a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (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. 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 T7 1TB and the rest.
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
- Capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the SSK 500GB at the time of writing
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out rated read speed.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SSK 500GB to the Kingston XS2000 1TB, state drive type, capacity and connection and share None stated security.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ultra Touch SSD gives no rated read speed; the SSK 500GB, the Ultra Touch SSD and the Kingston XS2000 1TB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SSK 500GB ($50 to $100) to the Kingston XS2000 1TB ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in an External SSD for MacBook Air
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity
The GARMESE tops capacity at 1TB and the SSK 500GB sits lowest at 0.5TB; 4 picks share the top figure. The GARMESE is the pick for capacity.
How much rated read speed you need
Across these 4 picks rated read speed spans 1,050MB/s (the T7 1TB) to 2,000MB/s (the GARMESE). If rated read speed is your first filter, the GARMESE sets the ceiling at 2,000MB/s. The Ultra Touch SSD gives no rated read speed figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure Features beyond the spec table
The Ultra Touch SSD: an included USB-A adapter. The T7 1TB: direct 4K60 video recording from supported cameras and phones. The Kingston XS2000 1TB: a pocket-sized body.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the SSK 500GB; $150 to $250 buys the GARMESE, the Ultra Touch SSD, the T7 1TB and the Kingston XS2000 1TB at our last check.
An M.2 2280 SSD held in a hand Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the cost under $100: the SSK 500GB. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SSK 500GB costs less: the Kingston XS2000 1TB.
How to Choose an External SSD for MacBook Air
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $100 | SSK 500GB | Undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 33g body with a keychain hole | GARMESE | A 33g body with a keychain hole |
| Buyers who want fabric-covered palm-sized design | Ultra Touch SSD | A fabric-covered palm-sized design |
| Buyers who want aluminum unibody | T7 1TB | An aluminum unibody |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SSK 500GB costs less | Kingston XS2000 1TB | A pocket-sized body at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The GARMESE leads on capacity at 1TB, ahead of the Ultra Touch SSD at 1TB. "Not listed" marks rated read speed where the Ultra Touch SSD leaves the figure out.
| 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) |
| Ultra Touch SSD | SSD | 1TB | Not listed | USB-C with USB-A adapter |
| T7 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
| Kingston XS2000 1TB | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the SSK 500GB, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Kingston XS2000 1TB at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SSK 500GB |
| About $150 to $250 | GARMESE, Ultra Touch SSD, T7 1TB, Kingston XS2000 1TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kingston XS2000 1TB worth paying more than the SSK 500GB?
On paper it adds capacity (1TB against 0.5TB) and rated read speed (2,000MB/s against 1,050MB/s). The SSK 500GB sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Kingston XS2000 1TB in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if capacity and rated read speed decide your purchase.
What makes the SSK 500GB the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. It is aimed at keeping the cost under $100.
Do the GARMESE and the T7 1TB differ on durability claim?
The GARMESE uses shock resistant; the T7 1TB uses drops up to 6ft. The makers of the SSK 500GB, the Ultra Touch SSD and the Kingston XS2000 1TB don't state durability claim, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SSK 500GB and the GARMESE apart?
The SSK 500GB: both USB-C and USB-A cables. The GARMESE: a 33g body with a keychain hole. The Ultra Touch SSD: a fabric-covered palm-sized design.
Who should choose the Kingston XS2000 1TB?
The Kingston XS2000 1TB carries our Premium Pick label for a pocket-sized body at the highest price in the group. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SSK 500GB costs less.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SSK 500GB, chosen for undercutting the GARMESE on price when we checked. Look at the GARMESE for a 33g body with a keychain hole, the Ultra Touch SSD for a fabric-covered palm-sized design and the T7 1TB for an aluminum unibody if those matter more to you.
A small SSD fits in a laptop sleeve pocket.
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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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