Best External SSDs for MacBook

Transcend ESD270C is a low cost portable SSD that looks like a reference to the once popular external HDD series Transcend StoreJet. Only now we have a more modern and elegant version: the drive is slightly larger than a credit card, its thickness is 10 mm, and it easily fits into the pocket of a bag or jacket. However, unlike its older brothers, the ESD270C cannot boast of shockproof armor or moisture protection - it is still a simple workhorse without claims to extreme adventures.

The drive connects via a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, promising a theoretical throughput of up to 20 Gbps. In reality, of course, the numbers are more modest, but still decent for its price category: about 520 MB/s for linear reading and 460 MB/s for writing. The drive comes with two cables: one with a USB-C connector for modern devices, the other with USB-A for compatibility with classic interfaces. The data transfer speed is the same on both, so choose the one that is more convenient, without losing performance. According to Transcend, this is not about crazy speeds and technical records, but rather about convenience on the road.

The hardware 256-bit AES encryption is responsible for data protection, and for greater reliability, you can set a password - privacy at a level that is rarely found in low cost models. Another feature is the proprietary Transcend Elite software. This program makes working with the drive a pleasure: you can monitor the memory status, quickly copy files, or set up scheduled backups of folders and partitions. It is nice that both the SSD itself and the software are compatible with most systems - from Windows and macOS to Android and iOS.

The Kingston XS2000 SXS2000/1000G external SSD is one of the most productive data storage devices thanks to the USB C 3.2 gen2x2 connection interface and multilayer 3D NAND memory. The drive guarantees read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s, allowing you to record gigabytes of information in a matter of seconds, as well as view and edit video files in 8K resolution. The gadget can accommodate 1 TB, so it is suitable for freeing up the internal memory of a smartphone, action camera, DVR, creating a backup copy of personal and system files from a PC, laptop. The software is fully compatible with popular platforms Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS. iPadOS, as well as game consoles from Sony. The kit includes a USB-C cable. In general, the model is focused on large volumes of processed information with minimal waiting time.

The dimensions of the Kingston XS2000 SXS2000/1000G are comparable to a regular flash drive. The compact case is made of metal and has good strength, and the bright branded rubber case (black, orange or blue) guarantees increased protection against falls from a height of 1.8 meters and will not get lost in the grass, sand or dirt. The design also prevents dust and splashes of water from getting inside (IP56 standard), which will protect the chips from damage. The external SSD will easily fit in a trouser pocket and a woman's handbag, a secret compartment of a backpack or suitcase, and will withstand increased loads. The model is ideal for everyday home and office tasks, backing up important military, research data, reconnaissance and aerial photography results, rough materials for post-processing in editors. The products are covered by an official 5-year warranty.

The SanDisk Extreme Portable V2 SDSSDE61-1T00-G25 external SSD demonstrates high efficiency in non-standard operating conditions. The IP65-protected case can withstand contact with water and is not affected by dust or X-rays. The outer silicone shell neutralizes shaking and the effects of impacts when falling from a height of up to two meters. All this makes the drive a good candidate for the role of mobile storage during extreme hikes, trips to the sea, military tactical operations using drones and other reconnaissance equipment, aerial 3D shooting of objects, journalistic investigations in hot spots around the world. Stylish appearance with unusual colors (black, sky blue, Monterey) will emphasize the individuality of the user. It is worth noting the presence of a mount for a strap or carabiner for wearing on a bunch of keys or a backpack. The gadget is always at hand and ready for use, and the guaranteed service life is 5 years.

The SSD has 1 TB of 3D TLC NAND memory, access to which is provided by a USB C 3.2 gen2 connector (the corresponding cable is included). The drive performs a wide range of tasks due to compatibility with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Chrome OS. The user can create copies of personal files, free up the internal memory of mobile gadgets, and move information between devices. Performance at the level of 1050 MB/s (reading) and 1000 MB/s (writing) allows for processing and viewing high-resolution photos / videos. Data confidentiality is guaranteed by hardware 256-bit encryption and a password protection function. The company offers flexible Memory Zone software for monitoring memory status, easily copying files, creating a backup plan for partitions and folders.

The Samsung T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S external SSD complies with the IP65 standard and easily copes with thermal and mechanical loads. The drive is designed for professional use by videographers, designers, system administrators, architects, military journalists, special forces, extreme recreation and sports enthusiasts, and is also suitable for users who want to get maximum protection for their files. The model is packed in a reliable shield made of metal and rubber, is not afraid of dust, dirt, water jets, solar and X-ray exposure, falls from a height of up to 3 meters onto a hard surface. An additional layer of Dynamic Thermal Guard ensures heat dissipation and uninterrupted long-term operation without reducing speed. 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 entire progressive design.

The device uses 3D NAND memory of its own production, as well as a USB C 3.2 gen2 interface with a read speed of 1050 MB/s and a write speed of 1000 MB/s. The kit includes two cables for connecting to USB-C or USB-A ports. On the front panel there is an indicator that notifies about data exchange activity and prevents premature shutdown. Universal support for operating systems guarantees compatibility with computer equipment, mobile gadgets, game consoles, video equipment, and Apple equipment. With the help of the Samsung Magician software package, access to useful functionality is opened - monitoring the status and optimization of memory cells, simple transfer of contents, encryption or complete erasure of files, setting a password, updating the firmware.

As part of the X series, the American brand Crucial produces external SSDs that combine moderate speed, compactness and versatility. According to the manufacturer, these drives are a real find for photographers, videographers, editors and anyone who lives by creativity and needs a reliable companion for working with data. In 2023, the company updated the line, saying goodbye to the popular X6 and X8 models in the past and introducing their more modern successors - the X9 Pro and X10 Pro. Today we will talk about the youngest of the newcomers - the Crucial X9 Pro.

The X9 Pro is a portable SSD from the “golden mean” category: it delivers a stable 1050 MB/s for both linear reading and writing. Inside is the time-tested 176-layer 3D NAND flash memory from Micron, and at the helm is the Silicon Motion SM2320 controller, which ensures reliable operation of the drive. The 1 TB capacity makes it an excellent assistant for unloading the memory of a smartphone, action camera or DVR, as well as for creating backup copies of personal files or system data from PCs and laptops. At the same time, it works seamlessly with a variety of systems - Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPadOS.

The Crucial X9 Pro's rugged aluminum case is protected from external influences. IP55 water protection prevents damage from dust and splashes of water, but don't tempt its fate in pouring rain or a dust storm - it's not completely sealed. In addition, the SSD can withstand falls from a height of up to 2.3 meters, although it does not have formal MIL-STD-810 certification. In addition to physical protection, the data on the drive is protected by built-in hardware encryption - a nice bonus for tech who value privacy.