Adding high-speed plug-in storage capacity to your computer is so easy it’s something every Mac user should consider. Here are some of the best consumer-oriented external SSDs that are designed for portability. Even better: many of these are on sale.
We did hands-in testing for nearly all of these — look for links to our reviews.
Best external SSDs for Mac or iPad in 2025
Apple charges an arm and a leg for additional built-in storage capacity. Configuring a MacBook Air with an additional 256GB costs a whopping $200, for instance. An external SSD it’s a lot more affordable — you can add terabytes of storage for that same amount.
True, the plug-in accessory isn’t quite as convenient, but it’s close. And it’s the better option for Time Machine backups because you can leave the drive at home where it’s not at risk.
To make a “best of” list in 2025, any portable SSD has to include USB-C. That means you can use it with multiple Macs but also your iPad and maybe even your iPhone.
Plus, think about the future. When you switch to a newer computer in a couple of years, the portable SSD you buy now is still useful. Built-in storage goes with the Mac.
Table of contents: Best external SSDs for Mac or iPad in 2025
- Samsung T9
- Kingston XS1000 or XS2000
- PNY Pro Elive V3
- Kingston DataTraveler Max
- Samsung T5 EVO
- Note on USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Samsung T9
Photo: Samsung
The best external SSD I’ve tested is the Samsung T9. The solid-state drive is small enough and tough enough to go almost anywhere. And it’s available in capacities up to 4 terabytes.
It’s 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.6 inches, and covered in a layer of rubber. That allows it to survive drops up to 9.8 feet (3 meters), and it’s much less slick than aluminum.
For Mac or iPad users, the external SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 over its USB-C port. Using this standard, it offers speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.
Don’t miss my Samsung T9 review, and also don’t miss the Amazon sale on the accessory going on now, with discounts up to 32%.
Buy it on sale:
Kingston XS1000 or XS2000
Photo: Kingston
Two more of the best SSDs on the market are the Kingston XS1000 and XS2000. Each is about the size of pack of gum.
The XS1000 holds up to 2 terabytes of data, and is 2.75 inches by 1.3 inches by 0.5 inches. It has a plastic exterior, and Kingston makes no promises about drop survivability. The Cult of Mac review goes into more detail.
Buy it on sale:
The Kingston XS2000 comes in capacities up to 4TB. It is about the same size as its sister model, but comes bundled with a removable sleeve for drop protection.
The 1TB version is $99.99, and some capacities are currently on sale.
Buy it from: Amazon
On either version, the USB-C port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, so Mac and iPad users can move data at up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write.
PNY Pro Elite V3
Photo: PNY
PNY isn’t a household name, but its Pro Elite V3 is nevertheless one of the best portable SSD options on the market. We thoroughly tested it for our review, and the rugged drive came throught with flying colors. Its built-in USB-C port lets you plug it straight into your Mac or iPad. Plus, it’s smaller than anything else on this list, and the price is amazing! It’s hard to beat small, cheap and reliable.
Buy it now — on sale:
- 256GB: $31.11 (Down from $34.99)
- 512GB: $47.99
- 1TB: $77.99 (Down from $82.99)
- 2TB: $149.99 (Down from $169.99)
Kingston DataTraveler Max
Photo: Kingston
Those who need a bit less storage capacity might appreciate the Kingston DataTraveler Max. It’s one of the physically smaller option on this “Best SSD” list, and one of a few with a built-in USB-C connector so it plugs directly into a Mac or iPad, no cable necessary.
It tops out at 1TB of capacity, and offers USB 3.2 Gen 2.
There’s a Cult of Mac review of the Kingston DataTraveler Max.
Buy it now at a discount:
Samsung T5 EVO
Photo: Samsung
Some of the best SSDs top out at 2TB of storage, but the that’s where the Samsung T5 EVO starts. It goes up to 8TB.
The chassis is 3.7 inches by 1.6 inches, and a ring is integrated into the design so the accessory can be easily clipped to a backpack.
The drive isn’t the fastest on the list, though. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 so it can transfer data at up to 5Gbps.
The Samsung T5 EVO is on sale now, with discounts up to 23%.
Buy it now:
Note on USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
The Samsung T9 and the Kingston’s XS2000 support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which means they can transfer data at up to 20 Gb/s . However, Macs and iPads do not currently support the standard. Apple’s focus is more on Thunderbolt, which is up to twice as fast.
Because Apple users get no benefits from USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, it’s not highlighted on this list. But it’s worth a mention for anyone who’ll use either of the drives with a Windows PC that does support it.
