External Hard Drive SSD for Mac: Choosing the Best Option

Before diving into Thunderbolt drives, it's essential to address a fundamental aspect of hard drives that has always affected compatibility - the file system. The file system is the most crucial factor determining whether an external drive can be read by Macs, PCs, or both.

When selecting the best external drive for your Mac, we'll start with a breakdown of our top picks, followed by a guide on how to shop for the right one for you. In many cases, choosing an inexpensive non-Thunderbolt drive not specifically designed for Mac use makes sense. So, what are your options if you want to back up files using Time Machine or store a large video collection?

Spoiler alert: A Thunderbolt drive isn't your only option - far from it! External SSDs and multidrive RAID arrays are typically more affordable alternatives. The main difference lies in the upgraded Thunderbolt data transfer protocol used by many drives specifically designed for Macs, promising super-fast data transfers for photographers and video editors who require quick access to large files.

Most laptops now come with at least one USB-C port, which you'll want to use when connecting your external drive. Buying an external hard drive or SSD for your Mac is not significantly different from buying one for a Windows PC.

By understanding the importance of file systems and exploring alternative options beyond Thunderbolt drives, you can find the perfect external storage solution for your Mac needs.

External hard drive ssd for mac