11 Best Macbook External Hard Drive For 2024

Are you in need of extra storage for your Macbook? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the 11 best Macbook external hard drives for 2023, ensuring that you find the perfect option to meet your storage needs. Whether you're a photographer, a graphic designer, or simply a tech enthusiast, having a reliable external hard drive is essential for preserving your files and expanding your storage capacity. We have carefully researched and handpicked the top options available, considering factors such as storage capacity, transfer speeds, reliability, and compatibility with Macbook devices. With our expert recommendations, you can confidently make an informed decision and enhance your Macbook experience in the coming year.

WD 2TB My Passport for Mac External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport for Mac is a portable external hard drive designed specifically for Mac users. It comes with backup software and password protection, ensuring the safety of your data. With its 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your files will be secure. The drive features a SuperSpeed USB port for quick data transfer and is also compatible with USB 2.0. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. The navy blue color gives it a stylish look. The compact size makes it easy to carry and store. Overall, this external hard drive provides reliable storage and protection for your Mac.

The Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport for Mac is a reliable and stylish external hard drive designed specifically for Mac users. It offers software for easy device management, backup with password protection, and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. With its fast data transfer and compact size, it is perfect for personal use. The 3-year warranty provides peace of mind. However, the discontinuation of the WD App and the slower speed compared to SSD and flash media may be a drawback. Overall, this portable external hard drive is a great choice for Mac users who value reliability and data security.

Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External HDD

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB External Hard Drive offers a versatile storage solution for PC, Mac, and Tablet users. With its USB-C and USB 3.0 compatibility, it provides high-speed data transfer and cross-device compatibility. The sleek silver design adds a touch of elegance to your setup. This hard drive is formatted exFAT, allowing easy file sharing across devices. It comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables for added convenience. With a customer rating of 4.6/5, users appreciate its plug-and-play functionality and compatibility with Time Machine on Mac. The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB is a reliable and efficient storage solution for all your digital content.

The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable and versatile storage solution for PC, Mac, and Tablet users. Its USB-C compatibility and high-speed data transfer make it a convenient choice for fast and efficient file storage and sharing. While it may have some limitations regarding the acceptance of standard USB plugs and slower transfer speeds on certain devices, overall, it provides excellent performance and ease of use. The sleek silver design adds a touch of elegance to any setup. With its large storage capacity and compatibility with Time Machine on Mac, the Toshiba Canvio Flex is a great choice for users seeking reliable and efficient external storage for their digital content.

WD 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver Portable External Hard Drive HDD

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 7.8/10

The Western Digital 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac is a portable external hard drive designed for Mac users. It is both USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible, offering fast and reliable performance. The drive features a stylish metal cover and comes with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption for enhanced security. It is formatted for Mac and offers 2TB of storage space. With its compact size and innovative design, this external hard drive is perfect for both business and personal use. It has received positive reviews for its ease of use and compatibility with Mac systems. Overall, the Western Digital 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac is a reliable and efficient storage solution for Mac users.

The Western Digital 2TB My Passport Ultra for Mac is a solid choice for Mac users in need of portable and secure external storage. Its USB-C and USB 3.1 compatibility ensures fast data transfer speeds, while the sleek metal cover adds a touch of style. The password protection and hardware encryption options provide peace of mind for users concerned about data security. The drive is easy to set up and use, making it convenient for both business and personal purposes. However, some users reported receiving preowned products and encountering issues with the included USB-C cable. Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable and efficient external hard drive for your Mac, the Western Digital 2TB My Passport Ultra is worth considering.

Caraele Portable External HDD USB-C USB 3.1 – 500GB

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive is a versatile and high-performance storage solution for your PC, Mac, laptop, gaming consoles, and more. With its USB-C and USB 3.1 ports, this HDD offers ultra-fast transfer speeds and is built to last with its shock-resistant solid-state core. It requires no external power source and is compatible with various operating systems and devices. With a sleek and compact design, it is easy to carry around. The package includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, and it comes with a 1-year warranty and free technical support. Overall, the Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive provides reliable and efficient storage for your data needs.

The Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive offers impressive performance and reliability for users in need of extra storage space. With its USB-C and USB 3.1 connectivity, it provides fast transfer speeds and wide compatibility with different devices and operating systems. The durable and shock-resistant design ensures the safety of your data, while the plug and play setup makes it user-friendly. Although transfer speeds may not always reach the advertised rates, the overall performance and value make this hard drive a great option. Whether you need additional storage for your PC, Mac, gaming console, or other devices, the Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable choice.

Sargart 640GB Portable External HDD USB3.0

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The Sargart 640GB Portable External Hard Drive is a compact and powerful storage solution for PC, Mac, and gaming consoles. With its USB 3.0 interface, it boasts super-fast transfer speeds, making it perfect for backing up massive amounts of data in seconds. Its slim and pocket-sized design allows for easy portability, while the sturdy and durable case ensures protection. This hard drive is compatible with multiple operating systems and devices, making it versatile for different users. With plug and play functionality, it's effortless to use without the need for any additional software. The package includes the portable hard drive, a USB 3.0 cable, and it comes with a 3-year warranty and free technical support service.

The Sargart 640GB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable and efficient storage solution that offers fast data transfer speeds and a compact design. Its compatibility with various systems and devices makes it a versatile choice for different users. The plug and play functionality ensures ease of use, and the sturdy case provides protection during transportation. With a 3-year warranty and technical support, it offers peace of mind to users. Whether you need additional storage for your PC, Mac, or gaming consoles, this portable hard drive is a reliable option.

Cirago 500GB Slim External Portable Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 7.5/10

The Cirago 500GB Slim External Portable Hard Drive is a sleek and durable storage solution for PC, Mac, and gaming consoles. With its three-stage shock protection system, it is resistant to drops and shocks up to 2m. The USB 3.0 Super Speed allows for ultra-fast data transmission, making big data backup a breeze. This external hard drive is plug-and-play, requiring no software installation. It comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty, providing peace of mind to users. The Cirago 500GB Slim External Portable Hard Drive is a reliable and compact option for those in need of extra storage space.

The Cirago 500GB Slim External Portable Hard Drive offers a reliable and compact storage solution for PC, Mac, and gaming consoles. Its three-stage shock protection system ensures durability, while the USB 3.0 Super Speed allows for fast data transmission. The plug-and-play feature makes it easy to set up and use. However, there are some compatibility issues with certain games, and the cord provided may be faulty. Additionally, the actual storage capacity may be lower than advertised. Despite these drawbacks, the Cirago 500GB Slim External Portable Hard Drive is a solid option for those in need of extra storage space at an affordable price.

HWAYO 1TB Portable HDD

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8.2/10

The HWAYO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive is a high-capacity storage device that offers fast data transfer rates. It is compatible with various devices such as PCs, laptops, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and Xbox One consoles. The ultra-slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry on the go. With USB 3.0 connectivity, this hard drive delivers ultra-fast data transfers. It offers plug and play functionality without requiring any software installation. The HWAYO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable storage solution for backing up files, storing movies, music, photos, and games. Its sleek design and compatibility with multiple devices make it a versatile choice for users seeking additional storage space.

The HWAYO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable and convenient storage solution for users in need of additional space. With its high storage capacity and fast transfer speeds, it allows users to save and backup various files and media. The slim and lightweight design makes it portable, and the plug and play functionality ensures easy usage without any software installation. However, there have been reports of compatibility issues and potential hardware errors. Users should also be aware of potential noise and corruption over time. Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile external hard drive, the HWAYO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive is worth considering.

MegaZ Backup Slim 500GB External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 9/10

The MegaZ Backup Slim 500GB External Hard Drive is a portable storage solution that offers high-speed data transfer and compatibility with various devices. With its sleek and compact design, it provides convenience and ease of use. This external hard drive is particularly suitable for PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, and Chromebook users. It comes with a 3-year warranty and is equipped with USB 3.0 for fast and efficient data backup. The device requires no additional power supply or software installation, making it a hassle-free solution for storing and accessing your files.

The MegaZ Backup Slim 500GB External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those in need of a portable storage solution. With its fast transfer speeds, compatibility with multiple devices, and compact design, it offers convenience and flexibility for users. The 3-year warranty provides added assurance and the device requires no additional power supply or software installation, making it easy to use. While the storage capacity may be slightly lower than advertised, it still offers ample space for most users’ needs. The only drawback is its lack of compatibility with Xbox Series X/S games. Overall, this external hard drive is a reliable and efficient option for data backup and storage.

Silicon Power 4TB USB-C Portable External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The Silicon Power 4TB USB-C USB 3.0 Rugged Portable External Hard Drive Armor A60 is a reliable and durable storage solution for easy data transfer between your USB-based PC and Type C enabled devices. With military-grade shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant protection, this external hard drive ensures your data remains safe and secure even in harsh conditions. The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface allows for fast data transfer speeds, and it is backward compatible with USB 2.0. The A60 is pre-formatted as NTFS for Windows users, but reformatting is required for Mac operating systems. Compact and easy to carry, this external hard drive is a great choice for those who need robust storage on the go.

The Silicon Power 4TB USB-C USB 3.0 Rugged Portable External Hard Drive Armor A60 offers a reliable and secure storage solution for those in need of on-the-go data transfer and robust protection. With its military-grade shockproof and water-resistant design, this external hard drive ensures your files remain safe even in challenging environments. The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface provides fast data transfer speeds, while the compact and lightweight design enhances portability. Users appreciate its compatibility with USB-based PC and Type C devices, although Mac users need to reformat the drive. Overall, this external hard drive offers great value for money and is highly recommended for its performance and durability.

valonic USB C to USB A Adapter

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The valonic USB C to USB A Adapter is a compact and convenient solution for connecting USB-A devices to devices with USB-C ports. With a transfer speed of 5Gbps, this adapter allows for fast and efficient data transfer. Made with scratch-resistant aluminum in a stylish gray anthracite color, it is both durable and visually appealing. The attached eyelet and metal keychain make it easy to carry around as a constant companion. It is compatible with popular devices such as Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, as well as Android tablets and smartphones with OTG function. The valonic USB C to USB A Adapter is a reliable and versatile tool for all your USB connectivity needs.

The valonic USB C to USB A Adapter offers reliable and convenient connectivity between USB-A and USB-C devices. With its fast transfer speed, durable design, and compatibility with various devices, it is a practical accessory for MacBook users, as well as Android smartphone and tablet owners. The included eyelet and keychain attachment ensure that you can always have this adapter on hand when you need it. While some users have reported issues with build quality, overall, the valonic USB C to USB A Adapter provides a reliable and efficient solution for all your USB connection needs.

BIPRA S2 Portable External Hard Drive – Black (320GB)

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 7/10

The BIPRA S2 2.5 Inch USB 2.0 Mac Edition Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable and convenient storage solution for Mac users. With its sleek black design and plug-and-play functionality, this hard drive provides ample storage capacity for Mac OS Journaled formatted files. The USB 2.0 interface ensures fast data transfer rates, while the USB bus power eliminates the need for an external power source. However, some users have reported issues with mounting and durability. Overall, it is an affordable choice for Mac users in need of portable storage.

The BIPRA S2 2.5 Inch USB 2.0 Mac Edition Portable External Hard Drive is a budget-friendly option for Mac users who require additional storage. It offers a generous capacity of 320GB and is formatted In MAC OS Journaled, ensuring compatibility with Mac systems. The USB 2.0 interface facilitates fast data transfer, and the plug-and-play feature allows for hassle-free usage. However, some users have experienced difficulties with mounting and have concerns about the product’s durability. Despite these drawbacks, the BIPRA S2 portable external hard drive is an affordable and convenient solution for Mac users in need of reliable storage.

MacBook External Hard Drive Buyer's Guide

Are you a proud owner of a sleek and efficient MacBook? Congratulations! But if you find yourself running out of storage space for all your files, it might be time to consider investing in an external hard drive. A reliable external hard drive will not only expand your storage capacity but also provide a secure backup solution for your valuable data. To help you make an informed decision, here is a comprehensive buyer's guide for MacBook external hard drives:

Things to Consider:

When searching for the perfect external hard drive for your MacBook, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Storage Capacity: Determine your storage needs. Think about how much data you need to store and plan for future expansion. External hard drives typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB).
2. Connectivity Options: Consider the available ports on your MacBook. USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt are common options. Ensure the external hard drive you choose is compatible with your MacBook's ports.
3. Speed: Look for an external hard drive that offers fast data transfer speeds. Solid-state drives (SSD) are faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDD), but they tend to be pricier.
4. Portability: If you need to carry your external hard drive with you frequently, opt for a compact and lightweight one. Portable hard drives are often powered by the USB port, eliminating the need for an additional power source.
5. Reliability: Prioritize reliability and durability. Look for drives with good reviews and a solid warranty. A ruggedized or shock-resistant design can protect your data from accidental drops or impacts.
6. Backup Software: Some external hard drives come with backup software built into their firmware, making it easier to automate and manage backups.
7. Budget: Set a budget that meets your requirements. Remember that higher storage capacities and faster speeds may come at a premium.

Pros and Cons of Different External Hard Drive Types:

There are several types of external hard drives available. Here's a comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs:

• Traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD):
• + Affordable and offer larger storage capacities.
• + Suitable for storing large media files.
• – Slower data transfer speeds compared to SSDs.
• – More susceptible to data loss due to physical damage.
• Solid-State Drives (SSD):
• + Lightning-fast data transfer speeds.
• + More durable as they have no moving parts.
• – Generally more expensive per gigabyte compared to HDDs.
• – Offer limited storage capacity in higher price ranges.
• Hybrid Drives (SSHD):
• + Combine the advantages of SSDs and HDDs.
• + Good compromise between speed and storage capacity.
• – Not as fast as pure SSDs.
• – Limited availability compared to other options.
• Wireless Drives:
• + No need for cables, providing extra convenience.
• + Perfect to access data on the go or for wireless backups.
• – Slower data transfer speeds due to wireless connectivity.
• – Limited storage capacity and generally more expensive.