Boost Your Mac's Storage with an External SSD: A Buyer's Guide

Running low on Mac storage or need to archive files? An external solid-state drive (SSD) is a fast, simple solution. SSDs offer superior performance and increasingly affordable prices.

Why Choose an External SSD?

SSDs provide numerous advantages:

• Blazing Speed: Significantly faster than traditional hard drives.
• Effortless Setup: Most come pre-formatted; simply plug and play.
• Cost-Effective: A more budget-friendly alternative to upgrading your Mac's internal storage.
• Lightweight Design: Primarily plastic construction makes them incredibly portable.
• Compact Size: Their smaller footprint saves space.
• Silent Operation: No moving parts mean no noise.

Choosing the Right SSD can be challenging given the market's diverse offerings. To help, we've compiled a list of top contenders:

Samsung SSD T7

Compact and durable, the Samsung SSD T7 boasts shock resistance and thermal control. About the size of a credit card, it weighs only 58g. Includes embedded software for Windows and macOS, allowing password setup and firmware updates. Prices start at $69.99 (500GB).

Lacie Rugged SSD

This rugged drive withstands drops up to 3 meters and two tons of pressure. Its IP67 rating ensures water and dust resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use. Features onboard encryption and password protection. Transfer speeds reach 1050MB/s (up to 2800MB/s with the Pro version). Prices range from $179.99 (500GB) to $839.99 (4TB).

SanDisk Professional G-Drive

The SanDisk Professional G-Drive offers a similar rugged design and IP67 rating as the Lacie Rugged SSD, including 3m drop and two-ton crush resistance. Downloadable software enables drive encryption. Read/write speeds max out at 1050MB/s. Prices are more competitive, starting at $139.99 (500GB) and reaching $679.99 (4TB).

Crucial X6

Despite its small size, the Crucial X6 delivers excellent performance. USB 3.2 (USB-C) connectivity provides read speeds up to 540MB/s (500GB) and 800MB/s (1TB, 2TB, 4TB). While write speeds are slightly lower, it still offers a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives. Affordably priced, starting at $69.95 (500GB).

Seagate One Touch SSD

The Seagate One Touch SSD offers a great balance of capacity and price. It's compact and easily pocketable. Data encryption is available through Seagate's One Touch Hub software. Prices range from $94.99 (500GB) to $309.99 (2TB).

Glyph Atom RAID Rugged SSD

The Glyph Atom RAID Rugged SSD uses RAID 0 technology for speeds up to 950MB/s. However, be aware that RAID 0's data vulnerability should be considered. While compact, its ruggedness details are less clear than other options.

Essential Considerations Before Purchasing:

• Connectivity: Modern SSDs typically use USB, with newer generations offering faster speeds.
• Internal Technology: Different SSD technologies offer varying speeds and reliability.
• Manufacturer Reputation: Choose reputable brands and check reviews.
• Warranty: Check the warranty offered.
• Speed: Quoted speeds are maximums; real-world speeds may be slightly lower.
• Price: Balance your budget with desired storage and speed.

Maximize Your SSD's Potential

This guide covers some of the best Mac SSDs. Remember to optimize your SSD's performance with regular health checks and memory management tools.

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