Best External SSDs for Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding External SSDs for Mac

When it comes to choosing an external SSD for your Mac, there are several factors to consider. This guide will help you navigate the world of external SSDs, covering everything from types of drives to speed classes and recommendations based on your specific needs.

Types of External SSDs

There are two main types of external SSDs:

1. Prebuilt Drives: These come ready to use out of the box.
2. Enclosures: Empty cases where you install your own SSD.

For most users, prebuilt drives are recommended due to their ease of use and guaranteed compatibility. Enclosures can be a good option for tech-savvy users who want more flexibility, but they come with potential issues like heat buildup and compatibility concerns.

Speed Classes

External SSDs come in various speed classes, each suited for different needs:

USB 3.0 Speed Class

• Speed: Around 950 MB/s
• Examples: Crucial X9 Pro, Samsung T7
• Best for: Day-to-day work, photo editing, light video editing
• Limitations: May slow down during intensive tasks

USB 3.2 2x2 Speed Class

• Note: Not recommended for Mac users
• Reason: Apple Silicon doesn't support the faster speeds, so they perform the same as USB 3.0 drives

USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 3/4 Speed Class

• Speed: Up to 3000-3200 MB/s
• Examples: SanDisk Professional Pro G40, Oyen U34 Bolt
• Best for: Professional work, intensive video editing
• Features: Often include cooling systems and rugged designs

Thunderbolt 5 and USB 4.0 V2 Speed Class

• Speed: Up to 6000 MB/s
• Examples: OWC Envoy Ultra, Acasis TB501 Pro enclosure
• Best for: Extremely demanding workflows
• Compatibility: Requires M4 Pro or M4 Max chip for full speed

Recommended External SSDs for Mac

USB 3.0 Speed Class

Crucial X9 Pro

The Crucial X9 Pro is an excellent choice for users who need a reliable, fast external SSD for everyday use. With speeds up to 950 MB/s, it's suitable for most tasks, including photo editing and light video work.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Compact design
• Good for everyday use

Cons:

• May slow down during intensive tasks
• Not suitable for professional video editing

Samsung T7

The Samsung T7 is another solid option in the USB 3.0 speed class. It offers similar performance to the Crucial X9 Pro and is known for its reliability and durability.

Pros:

• Durable build quality
• Consistent performance
• Available in various colors

Cons:

• Limited speed for intensive tasks
• Higher price point compared to some competitors

USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 3/4 Speed Class

SanDisk Professional Pro G40

The SanDisk Professional Pro G40 is a high-performance external SSD designed for professional use. With speeds up to 3000 MB/s, it's an excellent choice for intensive video editing and other demanding tasks.

Pros:

• Extremely fast performance
• Rugged, aluminum design
• Professional-grade reliability

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited to 4TB maximum capacity

Oyen U34 Bolt

The Oyen U34 Bolt is another top-tier option in the Thunderbolt 3/4 speed class. It offers slightly faster speeds than the Pro G40 and is available in larger capacities.

Pros:

• Fastest in its class
• Available up to 8TB
• Excellent for all-day use

Cons:

• Bulkier design compared to some competitors
• Higher price point

Thunderbolt 5 and USB 4.0 V2 Speed Class

OWC Envoy Ultra

The OWC Envoy Ultra is one of the fastest external SSDs available, offering speeds up to 6000 MB/s. It's designed for users who need the absolute best performance.

Pros:

• Incredibly fast speeds
• Compact design
• Professional-grade build quality

Cons:

• Built-in cable can't be replaced
• Requires specific Mac models for full speed
• High price point

Acasis TB501 Pro Enclosure

The Acasis TB501 Pro is an enclosure that supports Thunderbolt 5 speeds. It's a great option for users who want to build their own high-speed external SSD.

Pros:

• Supports speeds up to 6000 MB/s
• Flexibility to choose your own SSD
• Potentially more cost-effective

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge to set up
• Performance depends on the chosen SSD
• Limited compatibility for full speed

SSD Enclosures

For users who prefer to build their own external SSDs, enclosures offer flexibility and potential cost savings. Here are some recommended options:

Satechi USB4 Enclosure

The Satechi USB4 enclosure is a popular choice for its ease of use and compatibility with a wide range of NVMe SSDs.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Supports fast USB4 speeds
• Compact design

Cons:

• Performance depends on chosen SSD
• May not match pre-built drives in sustained performance

Acasis Thunderbolt 3/4 Enclosure

Acasis offers Thunderbolt 3 and 4 enclosures that provide excellent performance for custom-built external SSDs.

Pros:

• Supports Thunderbolt speeds
• Durable construction
• Flexibility to upgrade SSD later

Cons:

• Requires some technical knowledge
• May run hotter than pre-built options

Choosing the Right External SSD for Your Mac

When selecting an external SSD for your Mac, consider the following factors:

1. Capacity

Choose the right storage capacity based on your needs:

• 1TB: Good starting point for most users
• 2TB: Recommended for photo editing and moderate video work
• 4TB or more: Ideal for intensive video editing or large media libraries

2. Speed Class

Select the appropriate speed class based on your workflow:

• USB 3.0 (950 MB/s): Suitable for everyday use and light editing
• USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 3/4 (3000-3200 MB/s): Recommended for professional work and intensive editing
• Thunderbolt 5 (6000 MB/s): For the most demanding workflows (requires compatible Mac)

3. Portability

Consider the size and weight of the drive if you need to carry it frequently.

4. Durability

Look for drives with rugged designs if you plan to use them in challenging environments.

5. Compatibility

Ensure the drive is compatible with your specific Mac model, especially for the highest speed classes.

6. Budget

Balance your needs with your budget, considering that higher speeds and capacities come at a premium.

Recommendations Based on Use Case

For Everyday Use and Light Editing

• Recommended: Crucial X9 Pro or Samsung T7
• Why: Good balance of speed, capacity, and affordability

For Professional Video Editing

• Recommended: SanDisk Professional Pro G40 or Oyen U34 Bolt
• Why: Excellent sustained performance and reliability

For Maximum Speed (with compatible Macs)

• Recommended: OWC Envoy Ultra or Acasis TB501 Pro enclosure
• Why: Unmatched speed for the most demanding workflows

For Customization and Flexibility

• Recommended: Satechi USB4 or Acasis Thunderbolt 3/4 enclosure
• Why: Allows for custom builds and future upgrades

Conclusion

Choosing the right external SSD for your Mac depends on your specific needs, workflow, and budget. For most users, a USB 3.0 drive like the Crucial X9 Pro or Samsung T7 will provide excellent performance for everyday tasks and light editing work. Professional users who require sustained high performance should consider the SanDisk Professional Pro G40 or Oyen U34 Bolt. For those with compatible Macs and the most demanding workflows, Thunderbolt 5 options like the OWC Envoy Ultra offer unparalleled speed.

Remember to consider factors such as capacity, portability, and durability when making your decision. By carefully evaluating your needs and the available options, you can find the perfect external SSD to enhance your Mac's storage capabilities and streamline your workflow.

Whether you opt for a pre-built drive or decide to build your own using an enclosure, today's external SSDs offer incredible performance that can significantly improve your productivity and creative potential. With the right external SSD, you can expand your Mac's storage, speed up your workflow, and ensure your important data is always accessible and secure.

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