Apple Macs It is notorious for not being user friendly in many aspects. For example, the latest Macs, incl MacBook Pro (2023) And Mac Mini (2023) It does not allow users to upgrade RAM or storage after purchase. So customers get only one chance to choose the desired configuration. After that, they are stuck with the purchased model and will not be able to upgrade it without reselling it and buying a new high end unit. So a cheaper alternative is to purchase a separate external hard drive or SSD. This way, you can store more data locally, without having to invest in a new computer.
Choosing the best external hard drive or SSD is not a complicated task. Here are some things to consider before purchasing an external drive:
- capacity: It boils down to how much storage you need to save your files. We recommend purchasing at least a 1TB drive to get the best value for your money.
- strong: You can either buy a Solid State Drive (SSD) or a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Solid State Drives (SSDs) are becoming more and more popular today mainly because of their speeds. It is much faster than traditional mechanical actuators. However, SSDs are relatively expensive and limited when it comes to maximum capacity.
- Mobility: Regardless of the type of storage, you can either buy a portable or hard desktop drive. Flash drives are smaller and some can fit in your pockets. However, desktop hard drives need more space, and they need their own power supply. These are cheaper and often have higher capacities.
Now let’s take a look at some of the best external hard drives and SSDs for Apple Mac:
SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 Portable Hard Drive is the right choice for professionals who need extra transfer speeds and extra durability. Just make sure your device can handle USB 3.2 (Gen 2×2) to maximize its capabilities.
WD Black 2TB P50 Portable Solid State Drive WD Black P50 Portable SSD
This SSD offers up to 4TB of storage, shock resistance, speeds up to 2000MB/s, and more. Although it is designed for gamers, you can use it to store almost any file type.
Source: Samsung
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD is designed for use in the field. It is durable and will make a great companion on your travels.
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40
This professional-grade SSD combines the fast speeds of an SSD and Thunderbolt solid-state drive with an extremely durable design, capable of withstanding up to 4,000 pounds of crushing force, 3-meter drops, and both water and dust.
WD My Passport Ultra WD My Passport Ultra
This hard drive is compact and portable. Suitable for those who work on the go.
WD My Passport SSD WD My Passport SSD
If you don’t need the bells and whistles of the other SSDs on this list, the WD My Passport SSD is also a solid option. It’s a regular SSD with speeds up to 1050MB/s, and it comes in a few colors to choose from.
LaCie Rugged Mini LaCie Rugged Mini HDD
Storage drives tend to be fragile, so buying a durable unit is never a bad option. The LaCie Rugged Mini is shock and drop resistant up to 1.2 meters high. It’s included with a variety of connectivity options and you can purchase it with up to 5TB of storage
Seagate Expansion hard drive Seagate Expansion hard drive
Most people would like fast storage, but sometimes, you just want a huge backup. The giant Seagate HDD comes in capacities up to 18TB, so you can store almost all of your files for a lot less than what you’d pay for the same amount of SSD storage.
Seagate Ultra Touch HDD Seagate Ultra Touch HDD
The Seagate Ultra Touch HDD is a reliable external hard drive with decent storage space. It is very easy to hold and does not look like an old technology. It comes with up to 2TB of storage and also a USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box.
You’ll find plenty of external drives for your Apple Mac, but these are our picks for the best drives on the market. We’ve included both external hard drives and SSDs, so you can choose the one that works best for you based on your budget and requirements. What external drive are you planning to get for your MacBook Pro? Let us know in the comments below.
