10 Best Apple Mac External Hard Drives of 2026

Last updated on 04/04/2026
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Best Choice
1
9.8
Exceptional
WD 6TB My Passport for Mac, Navy, Portable External Hard Drive with Backup Software and Password Protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 Compatible - WDBK6C0060BBL-WESN
WD

WD 6TB My Passport for Mac, Navy, Portable External Hard Drive with Backup Software and Password Protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 Compatible - WDBK6C0060BBL-WESN

Why we love it
  • Massive 6TB capacity.
  • Slim portable and durable.
  • Mac-ready and USB-C.
Main Highlights
  • World’s First 6TB 2.5” Portable Hard Drive
  • Slim durable design to help take your important files with you.
  • Mac-ready and USB-C compatible for effortless connectivity and functionality.
  • Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more.
  • Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware.
9.8
Exceptional
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Best Value
2
9.6
Superb
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 - WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN
WD

WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB-C and USB 3.1 - WDBPMV0050BSL-WESN

Why we love it
  • Seamless USB-C compatibility enhances convenience.
  • Sleek metal design exudes sophistication.
  • Robust encryption ensures data security.
Main Highlights
  • USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
  • Innovative style with refined metal cover
  • Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • Formatted for Mac
9.6
Superb
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3
9.4
Superb
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
Seagate

Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black

Why we love it
  • Massive 5TB storage capacity.
  • Easy drag-and-drop backup.
  • Plug and play convenience.
Main Highlights
  • Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
9.4
Superb
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4
9.3
Superb
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD, PSSD Up to 1050MB/s Read, 1000MB/s Write, External Solid State Drive Compatible with iPhone 16/15 Series/Mac/PS5/XBOX/Laptop/PC, Silver
Lexar

Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD, PSSD Up to 1050MB/s Read, 1000MB/s Write, External Solid State Drive Compatible with iPhone 16/15 Series/Mac/PS5/XBOX/Laptop/PC, Silver

Why we love it
  • High-speed data transfer capability.
  • Wide compatibility with various devices.
  • Portable and stylish design.
Main Highlights
  • Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
  • High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
  • Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 15 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
  • On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
  • Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
9.3
Superb
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5
9.3
Superb
SANDISK 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
Sandisk

SANDISK 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25

Why we love it
  • Fast NVMe solid state performance.
  • Tough with drop and water resistance.
  • Secure password protection for privacy.
Main Highlights
  • Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
  • Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
  • Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
  • Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
  • Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5)
9.3
Superb
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6
9.1
Superb
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Xbox, & PlayStation - 1-Year Rescue Service (SRD0NF1)
Seagate

Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Xbox, & PlayStation - 1-Year Rescue Service (SRD0NF1)

Why we love it
  • Massive 4TB storage capacity.
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac.
  • Plug and play convenience.
Main Highlights
  • Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
9.1
Superb
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7
9.0
Superb
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets
SSK

SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

Why we love it
  • Blazing-fast transfer speeds.
  • Sleek and lightweight design.
  • Excellent data security features.
Main Highlights
  • Capacity Reminder: Display capacity of 1TB SSD often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS typically shows full 1TB. This display capacity reduction of 7% to 10% from SSD actual capacity is from algorithms differences in which 1GB is interpreted as 1024MB on Windows and 1000MB on SSDs
  • 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
  • Data Security: Master solid state drives health with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring. TRIM technology ensures consistent write speeds and extends the lifespan of the portable SSD
  • USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both USB-C and USB-A cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers between computers, smartphones, tablets and Phones
  • Always Fast: No slowdowns during large file transfers. When transferring files smaller than 250GB, this external ssd remains steady 10Gbps with SLC caching (25%of the current available capacity is allocated for high speed cache)
9.0
Superb
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8
8.9
Excellent
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)
Seagate

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

Why we love it
  • Easily stores 2TB of content.
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac.
  • Plug and play simplicity guaranteed.
Main Highlights
  • Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
8.9
Excellent
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9
8.8
Excellent
LaCie Rugged Mini, 2TB, 2.5", Portable External Hard Drive, for PC Mac iPad and iPhone, Data Rescue Service (LAC9000298)
Seagate

LaCie Rugged Mini, 2TB, 2.5", Portable External Hard Drive, for PC Mac iPad and iPhone, Data Rescue Service (LAC9000298)

Why we love it
  • Durable shock and water resistance.
  • Fast USB 3.0 connectivity.
  • Includes Adobe Creative Cloud access.
Main Highlights
  • Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use.Specific uses: Personal
  • For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
  • Password protection built in
  • Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
8.8
Excellent
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10
8.7
Excellent
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black
Seagate

Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black

Why we love it
  • Massive 1TB storage capacity.
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac.
  • Easy plug and play setup.
Main Highlights
  • Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
8.7
Excellent
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