The Best External Storage for Mac

It weighs 0.16kg. It stores and plays PS4 and Xbox One games directly, and a silicone sleeve cushions drops. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux.

It matches the GARMESE and the PNY RP60 1TB on capacity (1TB). A USB 3.0 and USB-C connection is unique to it among these picks, while the PNY RP60 1TB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) connection. It is the only pick here with a silicone sleeve durability claim; the GARMESE has a shock resistant durability claim instead.

As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the SSK 500GB was the next step up.

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.

On capacity it trails the group at 0.5TB, while the Rugged USB-C is rated for 2TB. It also offers an activity LED and an SLC cache for steady transfers. When we checked, only the YOTUO 1TB cost less, and the Rugged USB-C cost more.

It suits a MacBook without adapters. The LaCie Rugged shell is built to survive drops, dust and rain, which suits carrying footage between sites. It connects over USB-C and works with USB 3.0 ports on older machines.

On capacity it leads this guide at 2TB, ahead of the YOTUO 1TB (1TB). It is the only pick here with a USB-C (USB 3.0 compatible) connection; the YOTUO 1TB has a USB 3.0 and USB-C connection instead. It also offers Mac and PC compatibility.

As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. It was priced above the SSK 500GB and below the GARMESE at the time of writing.

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. It matches the YOTUO 1TB and the PNY RP60 1TB on capacity (1TB). No other pick in this guide offers a shock resistant durability claim; compare the YOTUO 1TB, which has a silicone sleeve durability claim.

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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Rugged USB-C and the pricier PNY RP60 1TB, at the time of writing.

It also is rated for 1TB. It matches the YOTUO 1TB and the GARMESE on capacity (1TB). It is the only pick here with an IP65 durability claim; the YOTUO 1TB has a silicone sleeve durability claim instead.

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: capacity of 1TB, ahead of the SSK 500GB. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the GARMESE. Buyers who need a confirmed rated read speed should compare it with the GARMESE, which offers 2,000MB/s.