Best External SSDs for MacBook

The external SSD Kingston XS2000 SXS2000/1000G belongs to the category of the most high-performance data storage devices thanks to the USB C 3.2 gen2x2 connection interface and 3D NAND multilayer memory. The drive guarantees read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s, allowing gigabytes of data to be recorded in seconds, as well as view and edit video files in 8K resolution. The gadget can hold 1 TB, making it suitable for freeing up internal memory of a smartphone, action camera, dash cam, creating a backup of personal and system files from a PC, or laptop. The software is fully compatible with popular platforms such as Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, as well as game consoles from Sony. A USB-C cable is provided in the set. Overall, the model is geared towards large volumes of data processing with minimal waiting time.

The dimensions of the Kingston XS2000 SXS2000/1000G are comparable to a regular flash drive. The compact body is made of metal and has good strength, and the bright branded rubber sleeve (black, orange, or blue) guarantees enhanced protection against falls from a height of 1.8 meters and won't get lost in grass, sand, or dirt. The design also prevents dust and water droplets from entering inside (IP56 standard), protecting the chips from damage. The external SSD easily fits into a pocket of pants, a woman's handbag, a backpack's secret compartment, or a suitcase, and withstands increased loads. The model is optimally suited for daily home and office tasks, backing up important military, research data, intelligence and aerial photography results, rough materials for post-processing in editors. The product comes with an official warranty period of 5 years.

The external SSD SanDisk Extreme Portable V2 SDSSDE61-1T00-G25 shows high efficiency in non-standard operating conditions. Protected by IP65 standard body, it can withstand water contact, is unaffected by dust, X-ray rays. The external silicone shell levels out shaking and the impact of falls from heights of up to two meters. All this makes the drive a good candidate for the role of mobile storage during extreme hikes, sea trips, military-tactical operations with the use of drones and other reconnaissance equipment, aerial 3D surveying of objects, journalistic investigations in hotspots around the world. The stylish appearance with unusual colors (black, sky blue, Monterey) will emphasize the user's individuality. It is worth noting the presence of an attachment for a strap or carabiner to wear on a keychain or backpack. The gadget is always at hand and ready for use, with a guaranteed service life of 5 years.

The SSD has 1 TB of 3D TLC NAND type memory, access to which is provided through a USB C 3.2 gen2 connector (corresponding cable included). The drive performs a wide range of tasks thanks to compatibility with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. The user can create backups of personal files, free up internal memory of mobile gadgets, transfer data between devices. The speed of 1050 MB/s (reading) and 1000 MB/s (writing) suggests processing and viewing high-resolution photos/videos. Confidentiality is guaranteed by 256-bit hardware encryption and a password protection function. The company offers the flexible Memory Zone software for monitoring memory condition, easy file copying, creating a backup schedule of sections and folders.

The external SSD Samsung T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S meets the IP65 standard and easily copes with thermal and mechanical loads. The drive is targeted for professional use by videographers, designers, system administrators, architects, military journalists, special forces squads, extreme rest and sports enthusiasts, and also suitable for users who want to get maximum protection for their files. The model is packed in a reliable metal and rubber shield, not afraid of dust, dirt, water jets, sunlight, and X-ray radiation, falls from heights of up to 3 meters on a hard surface. The additional Dynamic Thermal Guard layer ensures heat dissipation and uninterrupted long work without speed reduction. The SSD is an effective external storage for direct recording and processing of high-resolution video materials (up to 12K) both indoors and outdoors. But it is necessary to take into account the increased weight (about 100 g) of this progressive construction.

The device uses 3D NAND memory of its own production and a USB C 3.2 gen2 interface with a reading speed of 1050 MB/s and a writing speed of 1000 MB/s. The set includes two cables for connection to USB-C or USB-A ports. There is an indicator on the front panel that notifies about data exchange activity and prevents premature disconnection. Universal support for operating systems ensures compatibility with computer equipment, mobile gadgets, gaming consoles, video equipment, Apple technology. Using the Samsung Magician software package provides access to useful functionality - monitoring the state and optimization of memory cells, easy content transfer, encryption or complete file deletion, password installation, firmware update.

As part of the X series the American brand Crucial releases external SSDs that combine moderate speed, compactness and versatility. According to the manufacturer's idea, these drives are a real find for photographers, videographers, editors, and everyone who lives by creativity and needs a reliable companion for working with data. In 2023, the company updated the lineup, saying goodbye to the X6 and X8 models that were popular in the past and presenting their more modern successors — X9 Pro and X10 Pro. Today, we’ll talk about the junior of the newcomers — the Crucial X9 Pro.

The X9 Pro is a portable SSD from the "golden mean" category: it delivers stable 1050 MB/s for both linear reading and writing. Inside is the time-tested 176-layer 3D NAND flash memory from Micron, and behind the helm is the Silicon Motion SM2320 controller, ensuring the drive's confident operation. The 1 TB capacity makes it an excellent assistant for offloading smartphone memory, action cameras, or dash cams, as well as for creating backups of personal files or system data from PCs and laptops. It also works effortlessly with various systems - Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iPadOS.

The robust aluminum body of the Crucial X9 Pro is protected against external influences. IP55 water-resistant prevents damage from dust and water splashes, but beware of putting it to the test in heavy rain or a dust storm - full hermetic sealing is not present. In addition, the SSD withstands drops from heights of up to 2.3 meters, although it is not formally certified by MIL-STD-810. Aside from physical protection, the data on the drive is safeguarded by built-in hardware encryption - a nice bonus for those who value confidentiality.

The external SSD market offers incredible variety: from budget universal models to miniature drives the size of a flash drive and rugged shockproof solutions. However, if you need a truly fast external drive that can compete with fourth and fifth-generation stationary NVMe drives, the choice narrows considerably, and the price increases. One of the few representatives of this class is the Corsair EX400U.

It is equipped with a USB C interface with 40 Gbit/s bandwidth, providing impressive data transfer speed: up to 4000 MB/s during reading and 3600 MB/s during writing. It is one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market. Such a level of performance is achieved thanks to using USB4 with built-in Thunderbolt 4 support. At the same time, the drive is compatible with older devices — laptops, PCs, or gadgets with early USB C versions. However, in such cases, the speed will depend on your port capabilities, so don't expect miracles from outdated hardware.

The highlight of the Corsair EX400U is not only its speed potential but also its thoughtful design. The compact body, just 64 mm wide, easily fits in your pocket, and the MagSafe magnetic connector adds practicality — the SSD can be magnetically attached to an iPhone or iPad. The manufacturer clearly devised it as a rescue for those who shoot video in ProRes format and face a shortage of space on the device. With the EX400U, you can record heavy files directly onto the drive, bypassing internal memory, which sounds like a dream for mobile shooting enthusiasts.