If you’re storing critical files, especially for work, consider getting one with more robust security features. Many external hard drives have USB 3.0 connections, but since MacBooks and Mac accessories rely on the power and data transfer speed of USB-Cs, USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connections are certainly favorable. Finding one that’s affordable and has enough storage space – a minimum of 1TB is highly recommended – for your present and future needs is ideal, even if you have more than enough money to splurge for something expensive.Īnother deciding factor, however, is the connection. When choosing the best external hard drive for your Mac, you must consider other things beyond storage capacity and price. How to choose the best external hard drives for Mac for you? You might also want to check out the best PS5 external hard drives. Read the full Western Digital My Passport Ultra review here. Since it has a plastic body, it lacks the sturdy metal design seen on the My Passport Slim. Although it's a bit larger and heavier than the My Passport Slim, it is a little smaller than the My Passport Essential. This external hard drive is small, light, and sleekly designed.

Unsurprisingly, it doesn't reach the top speeds of external solid-state drives, but this is the drive to consider for external hard drives based on traditional HDDs. It is a good performer regarding data transfer speeds but doesn't come near the top of the leaderboard. It features cloud storage and 256-AES encryption, along with WD's software suite. The latest generation of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra range of external hard drives has landed, coming in sizes from 1TB to 4TB.

We also looked at their pricing and warranty, among other things.

We've compared these external hard drives across numerous points, like their speed, type of connectivity, build, durability, and portability. So, getting an external hard drive to meet your storage needs can be cost-effective, depending on what you plan on doing with the drive. Moreover, external hard drives are typically designed to be portable and rugged, so they can go everywhere you go.Īlthough it is possible to upgrade the storage space on a Mac or MacBook before you hit the buy button, Apple computers are pricier than ever, and boosting their components inside will charge you a premium. Plus, because hard drives are cheaper than solid-state drives, you can have more storage capacity for less money. And, while a case can certainly be made for S SDs – creative professionals will appreciate their faster read and write speeds and more robust build – they're an excellent solution for budget-minded folks who don't need anything speedy. An excellent external hard drive for your Mac lets you expand your computer's storage without losing a lot of cash.

External hard disk for macbook air