Best External Hard Drives for Mac of 2026
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External hard drives for Mac are a great way to store and backup files. They come in various sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. Many external hard drives for Mac are designed to be plug-and-play, meaning they don't require any software or drivers to be installed. This makes them very easy to use and perfect for people who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, they can be used to expand the storage capacity of your Mac, allowing you to store more files and media without having to upgrade your computer. Overall, external hard drives for Mac are a reliable and convenient way to store and backup your data.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 External Hard Drives for Mac
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive is a USB 3.0 drive designed for PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox. It provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable, and is easy to set up with automatic recognition and no software required. Customers have found it easy to install and use on their PS4, and it is compatible with Mac running Monterey. However, some customers have reported that it lags when handling large amounts of data.
WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD
The WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD is the perfect device for storing your videos, music, photos, and files. With USB 3.0 compatibility, you can transfer data at maximum speed, and it is also USB 2.0 compatible. This portable hard drive can improve your PC performance by freeing up space on your internal hard drive, which can slow down your computer when it's almost full. With a high capacity of up to 5TB, it is the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
The LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is a reliable and durable storage solution for all-terrain use. It is dust and water resistant, and can withstand drops up to 4 feet. It is USB 3.0 compatible, up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0, and includes a 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. It is perfect for storing large amounts of data, and is easy to use and set up.
WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD
The WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is a great external hard drive for PC and Mac users. It offers up to 5TB of storage capacity, making it the ideal companion for people on the go. It is USB 3.0 compatible and plug-and-play ready for Windows PC. It is also backward compatible with USB 2.0. Customers have praised its fast data transfer speeds and its ability to improve PC performance.
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver Portable External Hard Drive
The WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver Portable External Hard Drive is a versatile storage solution designed specifically for Mac users. With its USB-C and USB 3.1 compatibility, you can easily connect it to your Mac computer and enjoy fast data transfer speeds. The innovative style with a refined metal cover adds a touch of elegance to your setup. One of the standout features of this external hard drive is its password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring that your data remains secure and protected. Additionally, it comes formatted for Mac, so you can start using it right out of the box. Whether you need to back up important files, store multimedia content, or expand your Mac's storage capacity, the WD 5TB My Passport Ultra is a reliable and convenient choice.
Aiolo Innovation 1TB Ultra Slim External HDD
The Aiolo Ultra Slim HDD offers fast data transfer speeds thanks to its USB 3.0 thickened copper cable, making it ideal for quickly moving large files. Its ultra-thin and lightweight design means you can easily carry it in your pocket, while the noise-free technology ensures a quiet working environment. You can use this drive with a wide range of devices, including PS4, Xbox, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, so it’s versatile for gaming and everyday use. Plus, it's simple to use right out of the box—just plug it in with no software needed, and enjoy reliable heat dissipation that keeps your data safe.
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB External Hard Drive
The Toshiba Canvio Basics external hard drive is a sleek, easy-to-use storage solution for your PC and other compatible devices. With its plug-and-play design, there is no software to install, making it simple to quickly add more storage capacity. The matte, smudge-resistant finish gives it a modern look while also protecting it from fingerprints and scratches. The USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility means that no external AC power cord is needed, and you can transfer files quickly. The pre-formatted NTFS for Windows PC makes it ready to use right out of the box.
Seagate One Touch HDD with Password 2TB External Hard Drive
The Seagate One Touch 2TB External HDD is a versatile and stylish portable hard drive that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook laptops. With its USB 3.0 connectivity, you can easily back up your files with a single click or schedule automatic backups. The minimalist brushed metal enclosure adds a touch of elegance to your personal aesthetic. This external hard drive can hold up to 5TB of data, making it perfect for keeping all your memories in one place. Additionally, it comes with a complementary subscription to Mylio Photos, allowing you to organize your photos effortlessly. You can also enjoy automatic backups with a Dropbox Backup Plan free trial. With the included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services, you can have long-term peace of mind.
YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
The YOTUO Portable HDD is a versatile storage solution that works seamlessly with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox. Its plug-and-play feature simplifies the setup process, allowing you to start using it immediately on Windows systems. For Mac users, a quick format is all it takes to get going. The patented silicone sleeve offers excellent protection against shocks and drops, ensuring your data remains safe. With USB 3.0 SuperSpeed transfer capabilities, you can enjoy fast data transfers, making it ideal for backing up files or expanding your gaming library.
WD 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD
Looking for a portable SSD that is fast, affordable, and reliable? Look no further than the WD 2TB Elements SE. With read speeds up to 400MB/s, you can move large files quickly and easily, making it perfect for personal, gaming, or business use. Its compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters make it the perfect drive to take with you wherever you go, and its plug-and-play functionality means it's ready to use right out of the box. Compatible with PC, Mac, and other devices, the WD 2TB Elements SE is a dependable and convenient choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will any external hard drive work with Mac?
Generally, yes—for the most part, a hard drive is a hard drive, and any hard drive you buy for a Windows PC should work fine on a Mac as well.
2. Can you attach an external hard drive to a Mac?
Most hard drives connect via USB, so you'll just need to plug the USB cable into an open port on your Mac. You'll typically find at least one USB port along each side of the Mac. Some Mac-specific drives may come with a Thunderbolt or FireWire cable instead.
During our external hard drive for mac research, we found 24 external hard drive for mac products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,828,653 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external hard drives for mac list. We found that most customers choose external hard drives for mac with an average price of $123.20.
The external hard drives for mac are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external hard drives for mac, including Seagate, WD, LaCie, Western Digital, Aiolo Innovation. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 102 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.