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 SanDisk Portable on capacity (1TB). A USB 3.0 and USB-C connection is unique to it among these picks, while the SanDisk Portable uses a USB-C 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. Buyers who need a confirmed rated read speed should compare it with the GARMESE, which offers 2,000MB/s.

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. On capacity it trails the group at 0.5TB, while the Rugged USB-C is rated for 2TB. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 1,050MB/s: the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s, and the SanDisk Portable comes in at 1,000MB/s.

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. Capacity is its weakest area, and the Rugged USB-C covers it better at 2TB.

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. There is no published rated read speed figure, whereas the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.

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 matches the YOTUO 1TB and the SanDisk Portable on capacity (1TB). On rated read speed it leads this guide at 2,000MB/s, ahead of the SSK 500GB (1,050MB/s). 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 SanDisk Portable, at the time of writing.

It is the budget model below the Extreme. On capacity it ties with the YOTUO 1TB and the GARMESE at 1TB. On rated read speed it trails the group at 1,000MB/s, while the GARMESE offers 2,000MB/s.

It is the only pick here with a USB-C connection; the YOTUO 1TB has a USB 3.0 and USB-C connection instead. A drops up to 2m durability claim is unique to it among these picks, while the GARMESE uses a shock resistant durability claim. You also get driver-free USB-C setup. Only the GARMESE came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.