- Best Solid State External Drive
- Portable Solid State Drive For Macro
- Portable Solid State Drive Reviews
- Portable Solid State Drive For Macbook Air
- Portable Solid State Drive For Machine
Feb 05, 2021 The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro external drive is designed for professional videographers and others who work in the field with Thunderbolt 3-equipped computers (most often Macs). Small, light, and even.
Best Overall:WD My Passport Ultra for Mac
Runner-up:Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch 2TB External Hard Drive
Also Great:Samsung (MUPA1T0B/AM) T5 Portable SSD
Runner-up:Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch 2TB External Hard Drive
Also Great:Samsung (MUPA1T0B/AM) T5 Portable SSD
- Top 5 Best Portable USB-C External Storage Drives for Mac & PC. We round up 5 of the best portable USB-C external storage drives for Mac and PC. These are either based on spindle hard drives or solid state drives. Depending on your budget or selection criteria be it size, speed or design, these drives ought to have you covered.
- Best Buy customers often prefer the following products when searching for Solid State Drives For Mac. Browse the top-ranked list of Solid State Drives For Mac below along with associated reviews and opinions. Samsung - 870 EVO 500 GB SATA Solid State Drives Model: MZ-77E500B/AM.
You can’t spend a day without your MacBook. Whether it is for business activities or playing games, the machine is your essential asset. If you are storing important files and you want to keep them safe, consider getting the best backup hard drive for Mac.
In this article, we are reviewing Mac backup hardware and how it can benefit users. Whether you have sensitive files to protect or valuable memories, an external backup drive will keep them safe. Check out our reviews to learn the pros, cons, and other details about top-rated items on the market.
Quick Summary
- WD My Passport Ultra for Mac is a backup hard drive for MacBook that excels in every category. From generous capacity to impressive transfer speeds, you will get everything you might expect from this device.
- If you are looking for bargain deals, try Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch 2TB External Hard Drive. It offers excellent value for the money, and you will get complimentary subscriptions for Adobe CC and Mylio Create.
- Samsung (MUPA1T0B/AM) T5 Portable SSD is a premium quality Mac backup hardware. The product has superfast speeds, and it will serve you for long. Additionally, the drive is tiny and light, which makes it extremely portable.
Who Should Get This?
Are you having second thoughts on whether you need the best external backup drive for Mac? If that is the case, check out the benefits brought by these products:
- Protection against failures – if your default drive fails for any reason, you will always have the backup version ready.
- Access files quickly – you might be away from your machine, but connecting the drive to another PC will secure quick access to files.
- Additional protection – if you store sensitive data on external drives, it keeps them safe from viruses, malware, and potential security breaches.
- System recovery options – if you need to install the OS again, a backup hard drive will help to restore everything the way it used to look.
It is worth noting that using the best backup hard drive for Mac is a piece of cake. You don’t need any technical knowledge since these products are easy to use.
How We Picked the Best Backup Hard Drive for Mac?
Picking the best backup hard drive for Mac requires considering its properties carefully. You want to ensure every detail meets your preferences. Our experts have years of experience, and they know where to look when it comes to backup hard drives. Here are the factors we considered in the process.
Capacity
Best Solid State External Drive
The capacity of your backup external hard drive for Mac is essential. You want to fit important files, as well as precious photos, videos, and other data on it. That is why you will require as much room as possible. The general rule is that backup hard drives vary from 1TB to 5TB capacity. You will often find the same model in different variations.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speed describes how fast a hard drive can transfer files from and to other devices. These speeds can vary on other factors, but the maximum they can reach depends on the drive. The best backup hard drive for Mac should have at least 100MB/S capability, although these devices often go to 500MB/S or above.
Size
The product’s size is crucial for its portability. If you have a tiny hard drive, it will be easy to fit it into your pocket to carry it around. The good news is that most hard drives these days are of compact size. While it might be tricky to put them into a pocket, placing them into a bag should be a problem. While considering portability, make sure to take into account the weight of the hard drive, too. A lighter product is easier to move around.
Design
The appearance of your hard drive might not be a primary consideration. However, you want the colors to complement your machine. The design can vary from classic black and white colors to shades of orange and other vivid solutions.
Price
It would be foolish not to consider the cost of your backup external hard drive for Mac. You might be able to find a reliable device for under $100. However, if you want a high-quality product with an impressive capacity, be ready for an investment that goes up to or over $200.
Best Backup Hard Drive for Mac: Our Picks in 2020
1. WD My Passport Ultra for Mac
Portable Solid State Drive For Macro
WD My Passport Ultra is a hard drive formatted for MacBook and other Mac systems. It is compatible with USB 3.0 and ready to use with USB-C. The product’s appearance is attractive, and the metal cover adds to the elegance.
Security is at the top level since the manufacturer enabled password protection combined with hardware encryption. The generous capacity of 4TB should be enough for storing all your files. You can also pick 2TBand 5TB options for this Mac backup hard drive. Admirable transfer speed is important, especially when moving large files. The product is fairly portable, and you will receive a long-term warranty.
At a Glance
- Capacity: 4 TB
- Transfer speed: 480 MB/S
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 3.23 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 2.29 ounces
- 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- A lightweight product: The hard drive features a compact size, and it is lightweight. That makes it easy to carry it wherever you go.
- Impressive transfer speed: It can reach up to 480MB/S, which makes the device surprisingly fast when transferring files.
- A reputable brand: Western Digital is famous for making high-quality products, and this device is no exception.
- Formatted for Mac: The hard drive is formatted for Mac, which means it was prepared to be used on this operating system.
Cons
- WD software Is not the most reliable: The app that the manufacturer made to be used with the hard drive might be prone to errors.
- Cable connection issues: It happens rarely, but the hard drive might disconnect from your Mac for no reason. It seems that it is because of cable quality.
2. Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch 2TB External Hard Drive
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch seems like the best external backup drive for Mac for all those seeking bargain deals. The first thing you notice is the attractive design of the product. The standard white and black colors are complemented by the fabric on top of the drive. It ensures a better grip, which can be important to prevent the product from slipping from your hand.
The manufacturer made the product for both Windows and Mac. You can rely on the software to create automatic backups at scheduled intervals. If you want to manage photos and other files, you can use the subscription plans you receive with the device. The manufacturer cares about the security of your data, which is why they included password protection and hardware encryption.
At a Glance
- Capacity: 2 TB
- Transfer speed: 120 MB/S
- Dimensions: 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches
- Weight: 5.33 ounces
- 2-year limited warranty
- A 2-month membership for Adobe CC, and a 1-year subscription to Mylio Create
Pros
- Excellent value for money: The product brings plenty of bang for the buck, especially if you consider the price-capacity ration.
- Password protection: protect your files with the supported AES-256 hardware encryption.
- The fabric gives you a better grip: The fabric placed on this backup hard drive for Mac will ensure it doesn’t slip from your hands.
- Complimentary subscriptions: You receive subscriptions to Mylio Create and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Cons
- It is not shock-resistant: Be careful not to drop it on the floor since the resistance to shock is not impressive.
- It takes time to back up an entire machine: Since it doesn’t have an impressive transfer speed, you need to be patient when backing up a whole machine.
3. Samsung (MU-PA1T0B/AM) T5 Portable SSD
If you are looking for a top-quality product, this might be the best Mac backup hardware on the market. Samsung made sure to use components of exceptional quality for this portable SSD. Thanks to that, you can expect the device to serve you for years.
Apart from durability, size is an important advantage of this external backup drive for Mac. The product is among the smallest you will see on the market. That makes it highly portable and suitable for carrying around in your pocket. The only downside is that you don’t get a carrying case.
You can choose between 1TB and 2TB variants, but they are both a bit pricey. However, the impressive durability, size, and transfer speed make the product a great value for money.
At a Glance
- Capacity: 1 TB
- Transfer speed: 540 MB/S
- Dimensions: 0.41 x 2.91 x 2.26 inches
- Weight: 1.8 ounces
- 3-year warranty
Voice enhancer mac. Pros
- Compact size: The product is as small as a portable SSD could be. It can fit inside a pocket, which makes it easy to carry it around.
- Impressive speed: The device features superfast speeds and can read and write files at up to 540MB/S.
- Pick your color: You can go with a classic black option, or pick between red, blue, and gold colors to complement your machine.
- Excellent durability: Samsung includes a three-year warranty, but the quality of construction indicates this backup hard drive for Mac can last even longer.
Cons
- A pricey product: The product belongs to top-class hard drives, which is the reason why it has a high price tag.
- No carrying case included: The manufacturer didn’t include a carrying bag or case, which means you will have to purchase it separately.
4. Seagate Expansion SSD 1Tb Solid State Drive
Seagate Expansion SSD is a modern and compact solution with a lightweight design. The black color is universal and secures compatibility with all machines. The backup hard drive for Mac is light, which makes it easy to carry around in your hand.
While the capacity is not the most generous, 1TB should cover most users’ needs. The device is fast when activating, but also transferring the files. Although it is compatible with MacBook, you might need to reformat it first if you plan on using the Time Machine. Overall, this might be the best backup drive for Mac, especially if you are a fan of Seagate’s products.
At a Glance
- Capacity: 1 TB
- Transfer speed: 400 MB/S
- Dimensions: 6 x 4.25 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 2.29 ounces
- 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- Decent transfer speed: Transfer speeds vary, but they are more than decent, and allow you fast file moving.
- Fast wake up from sleep: If you need to activate your backup hard drive, it will occur quickly.
- It is very light and portable: The weight of the device ensures it will be easy to carry it from one place to another.
- Shock-resistant: You don’t have to worry about dropping it on the floor accidentally because the product offers resistance to shock.
Cons
- A short cord comes with the product: If you plan on using the USB 3.0 cord, you might need to consider to keep the device close to your Mac.
- Time Machine might require reformatting: If your idea is to use the product with the Time Machine, you might need to reformat the drive first.
5. LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 5TB External Hard Drive
If you believe the best backup hard drive for Mac is the one that offers most space, this is the product for you. LaCie ensures 5TB of available space, and it secures fairly fast data transfer.
The product features a distinctive design with an orange bumper and a tethered cable. While the latter is convenient, the design is a matter of taste. The material quality is admirable, and the product will remain safe if you drop it on the floor. It is resistant to water and dust, too, and it should serve you for a long time.
This hard drive designed by LaCie might also be the best Mac backup hardware. The manufacturer offers a generous warranty, and a data recovery service includes if you have any problems with the product.
At a Glance
- Capacity: 5 TB
- Transfer speed: 130 MB/S
- Dimensions: 1.34 x 3.58 x 5.4 inches
- Weight: 1.32 pounds
- Free 1-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud
- 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- Extremely durable and resistant: The hard drive is capable of resisting waist-high drops since it features a strong construction.
- Plenty of space available: The generous capacity of 5TB should make this product enough for videos, photos, music, and other files you want to store.
- Integrated SD card slot: It is a nice addition that allows transferring photographs and other data from your smartphones quickly.
- All the accessories you need: From a convenient tethered cable to the membership for Adobe CC and rescue data recovery services, the manufacturer was generous when including accessories.
Cons
- The drive can get hot: Using the product for hours could make it hot to the touch. You can grab it by the orange bumper, but avoid packing it before it cools down.
- Not everyone might be a fan of the design: The bumper features a specific orange color that not everyone might find appealing.
Conclusion
Getting an external backup drive for Mac can be beneficial for multiple reasons. It can keep sensitive files safe, and ensure you have access to them in case of system failure. The choice depends on your requirements. You might need a hard drive with a huge capacity, or 1TB might cover all your needs. Durability, size and other details are also factors to consider when selecting the best Mac backup hardware. The experts say it is all about your preferences. No one-size-fits-all formula exists, and the best backup drive for Mac is the one that fits your needs!
What’s the best external hard drive for photos for photographers? An SSD (solid state drive) hard drive, of course. It’s an improvement version of the HDD (hard disk drive). Why do photographers should adopt this new SSD hard disk technology? The reason is simple: just like a memory stick, there are no moving parts within an SSD hard drive. So you’ve got both reliability and high performance for photo and video editing. I’ll go through some of the best portable SSD hard drives by looking into two main factors, speed and reliability. Top rated external SSD external hard drives for photographers should be:
- USB-C compatible for fast data transfer
- Shock, dust, and water resistant
- Small and lightweight
- Compatible with major operating systems like Mac, Windows, and Linux
A List of Top 10 Best Portable SSD Hard Drives for Travel Photographers (2021)
SanDisk Extreme 900 portable SSD
Top of the notch SSD hard drive from global brand SanDisk, the Extreme 900 portable SSD is unbeatable in term of speed. This is amazing. Photographers with high end DSLR camera love this kind of high-performance portable SSD hard drive. You don’t even need drivers when connecting your computer to the hard drive. The other important feature we should not overlook is temperature and impact resistant.
Pros
- Read up to 850 MB/s and write up to 850 MB/s, using USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Compatible with PC & Mac computers
Cons
- Speed not matched as mentioned
- Not for running operating system
Samsung T3 Portable SSD
Second after SanDisk, I’d recommend Samsung T3 Portable SSD. The Samsung SSD T3 works well with PC, Mac, and even Android operating system. It’s very compact and lightweight. This sleek SSD hard drive fits well in your pocket, so you can take all your photos with you anywhere you go.
Pros
- Read-write up to 450 MB/s
- Achieve the best performance with USB-C cable (make sure you have a USB-C cable support at least 5Gb/s transfer speed)
![Portable solid state drive for mac Portable solid state drive for mac](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5d9fc97e7fa7e00007cb3b67/960x0.jpg?fit=scale)
Cons
- Not friendly with Apple devices
VectoTech Rapid 2TB External SSD USB 3.0 Portable Solid State Drive
This portable SSD hard drive is a great addition to your storage needs. It’s easy to use; it’s plug and play. The SSD drive offers fast transfer speeds. Slick and lightweight is usually preferable by travel photographers. In addition, VectoTech Rapid Portable SSD is shock and vibration resistance, so it’s a plus when you move around a lot.
Pros
- Super fast Read/Write speeds up to 450Mb/s
- Shock and vibration resistant
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Need driver installation with Mac OS powered devices
PNY Elite Portable SSD
This external Solid State Drive is ideal for photographers, videographers, graphic designers who needs to back-up or transfer large files. It was built with performance and reliability in mind. It’s also probably one of the most compact SSD hard drives in portable SSD class. It works on MAC and Windows out of box. Plug and play. The down size is storage capacity available, unlike the above reviewed portable SSD hard drives, which offer more capacity.
- Read up to 430 MB/s and write up to 400 MB/s
- Great look, feel and quality of materials
WD 2TB My Passport SSD Portable Storage – USB 3.1
What I really love about this WD My Passport SSD hard disk is its shock-resistance, compact storage in a durable design. The automatic backup feature is useful for most photographers. Overall, it’s the best SSD portable hard drive for Macs.
- Read speeds up to 540 MB/s
- USB Type-C and USB 3.1
![Drive Drive](https://www.hitechreview.com/uploads/2016/08/Hynix-Logo-932x587.jpg)
U32 Shadow External 2TB USB-C (3.1 Gen 2) Portable Solid State Drive SSD
The Thunderbolt 3 compatibility makes the U32 Shadow External SSD drive outstanding for its speed and performance. On the other hand, this SSD hard disk is quite portable, which makes it easy to pack and travel.
- Compatible with USB 3.1/3.0 and Thunderbolt 3
- Durable build and design with aluminum housing
LaCie Rugged 1TB Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 SSD Portable Hard Drive
If you travel a lot for photography purpose, LaCie Rugged Portable Hard Drive will survive extreme data security in most circumstances.
- Shock, dust, and water resistant for all-terrain use
- Speeds of up to 387 MB/s
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive USB 3.0
Seagate has been popular for years as a hard drive maker. This external SSD hard drive is quite affordable for most photographers. What’s more? You won’t sacrifice the reliability with this Seagate brand. Overall, it’s the best cheap external SSD hard drive everyone can buy.
- Lightweight and compact design
- Plastic top cover
- Mac compatibility
Samsung T5 Portable SSD
With read and write speeds up to 540 MB/s, it’s a great travel hard drive for photographers. It’s compact and lightweight.
Portable Solid State Drive Reviews
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Android devices
- Metal design
- Read-Write speeds of up to 540 MB/s
- Comes with USB Type C to C and USB Type C to A cables
SanDisk Extreme 500GB Portable SSD: The Best Waterproof
If your ultimate choice is the best water-resistant external SSD hard disk, you should not look further. The SanDisk Extreme 500GB is my favorite.
- Up to 550MB/s read speeds
- IP55 for water and dust resistance
- Shock-resistant (Shock-resistant (up to 1500G)
- Vibration-resistant (5g RMS, 10-2000 HZ)
- Non-operating temperature
- For PC and Mac users
Toshiba Canvio Advance 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0
Compatible with Mac and Windows, the Toshiba Canvio is a USB 3 portable hard disk made for storing photographs. It’s quite easy to use with a MacBook laptop to backup photos. Overall, it’s very reliable.
Portable Solid State Drive For Macbook Air
For those photographers with a massive collection of photographs, I’d recommend that you should either buy a few of the Toshiba Canvio external hard drives or get the 4TB capacity.
Portable Solid State Drive For Machine
- Slim design
- Toshiba Storage Backup Software (downloadable)
- Automatic backup and password protection
Good to Know
Of all the digital storage, the SSD technology is a good investment. For most travel photographers, what we need most is digital storage to keep all their photographs. Having the best SSD hard drive is essential for most of us. I chose the to best portable SSD hard drives over normal external hard drives because of these two factors: reliability and speed.
These features are what we need to pay attention to before buying an external hard drive to store and backup our photos. The top rated external hard drives will make photographers and videographers easier for use in the home studio or travel, especially for backup large photo files. There are times we our normal external hard disks are having issues due to its old technology. With the best portable SSD hard drives you’ll feel more comfortable storing your valuable photos.
What’s else? If you’re looking for a gift idea for your friend who’s a passion photographer, giving the best external SSD hard disk is a great choice. The list above gives you a variety of options for either Windows or Mac users.