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Transfer speed, storage capacity, compact design… Find out everything you need to know to choose the best external hard drive for Mac.
Small selection of external hard drives for Mac among the best of the moment
Transcend StoreJet 25h3B 1TB: an external hard drive for Mac with a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface;
Cirago 500 GB: an external hard drive for Mac very resistant to shocks;
Caraele H6: an external hard drive for Mac also compatible with Windows and Linux;
Western Digital My Passport Mac 4TB: an external hard drive for Mac with USB-C and USB-A cables included;
Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB: an external hard drive for Mac with a large storage capacity;
Western Digital My Passport For Mac 2 TB: an external hard drive for Mac compatible with Apple Time Machine;
Wewoo 500 GB: an external hard drive for Mac that also works under Windows;
Seagate STGX5000400: an external hard drive for Mac with 5 TB of storage;
LaCie D2 Professional: an external hard drive for Mac design and guaranteed for 5 years with data recovery;
Verbatim Store'n'Go 4TB: an external hard drive for Mac without additional power other than USB Plug-and-Play.
Transcend StoreJet 25h3B 1TB: an external hard drive for Mac with a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface
With its latest generation USB interface, the StoreJet 25h3B 1TB from Transcend can quickly store a large number of files.
Thanks to a rubber surround, this external hard drive for Mac has a high impact resistance, which gives it great durability.
The “One Touch” button automatically saves the data on the device to which it is connected (subject to being equipped with the Transcend Elite software).
The most
:
Good storage capacity;
A latest generation USB port (3.1 Gen 1);
High impact resistance;
A small footprint.
The least
:
A slightly fragile “One Touch” touch.
Get the 25h3B 1TB model
Cirago 500 GB: an external hard drive for Mac highly resistant to shocks
This external hard drive for Mac is recommended for occasional use or to facilitate the transmission of data from one device to another.
This very light case remains very resistant thanks to an integrated anti-shock protection.
The USB 3.0 standard ensures a transfer speed at least 10 times higher than the previous standard.
Only downside: its small storage capacity, quickly reached when transferring large files (games, videos ...).
The most
:
One USB 3.0 port;
Integrated impact protection;
A small footprint;
A cable wrapped in an anti-interference layer.
The least
:
A little low storage capacity.
Get the Cirago 500 GB model
Caraele H6: an external hard drive for Mac also compatible with Windows and Linux
Thanks to its flashy color, you no longer risk losing your equipment.
The Caraele H6 external hard drive for Mac is made of metal, which guarantees high impact resistance.
Versatile, it allows you to store or transfer files on different media, all operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux).
This external hard drive comes with a small leather case that protects it during transport.
The most
:
Large storage capacity (2 TB);
A more resistant metal case;
Compatibility with Mac, Windows, Linux;
A protective leather case included.
The least
:
A color that remains a little garish.
Get the Caraele H6 model
Western Digital My Passport Mac 4TB: an external hard drive for Mac with USB-C and USB-A cables included
For greater modularity, this external hard drive for Mac designed by Western Digital supports the most recent technologies (like the oldest).
Allowing a password access lock, this external hard drive ensures better data security.
Guaranteed for 3 years by the manufacturer, this equipment can easily back up its content with Apple's Time Machine software.
The most
:
Data protection by password;
Immediate operation on Mac without installation;
A powerful USB port (USB 3.0);
A 3-year manufacturer's warranty.
The least
:
Its somewhat massive design.
Get the My Passport 4TB model
Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB: an external hard drive for Mac with a large storage capacity
For more than 50 years, the Toshiba brand has offered a variety of reliable and durable storage media.
The Canvio Basics 4 TB is very easy to transport, since it fits in the pocket.
Still, that's almost 4TB of data you can store inside.
Charging is done quickly using the USB 3.0 port, allowing you to transfer a movie in seconds.
The most
:
Compact design;
Large storage capacity (4 TB);
One USB 3.0 port;
A reputable brand.
The least
:
A matte black finish sensitive to fingerprints.
Get the Canvio Basics template
Western Digital My Passport For Mac 2 TB: an external hard drive for Mac compatible with Apple Time Machine
Specially designed for Mac use, the Western Digital My Passport works with Apple Time Machine backup software.
USB-C Ready, this external hard drive remains compatible with USB-A, which allows it to be connected to recent or older machines.
With its capacity of 4 TB, this external hard drive for Mac carries an impressive amount of data, movies or music.
The most
:
Formatting designed for the Mac;
Compatibility with USB type A and C;
Data backup with Apple Time Machine;
4 TB of storage.
The least
:
A somewhat large design.
Get the My Passport 2TB model
Wewoo 500 GB: an external hard drive for Mac that also works on Windows
Compatible with Windows, this external hard drive for Mac gathers up to 500 GB of data in a very compact design.
Pocket-sized and shock-resistant, this external hard drive transfers data quickly using USB 3.0 technology.
We only regret its slightly reduced storage capacity, which may quickly find its limits in case of intensive use.
The most
:
Mac and Windows compatibility;
Compact design;
USB 3.0 technology;
A carrying case provided.
The least
:
His price.
Get the Wewoo 500 GB model
Seagate STGX5000400: an external hard drive for Mac with 5 TB of storage
Ideal if you have very large files to transfer, the Seagate STGX5000400 external hard drive E for Mac has a storage capacity of 5 TB. It can thus be used as an external hard drive for the latest generation consoles, in order to keep a backup copy for example.
Its USB 3.0 interface is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 for adaptability to most machines.
The most
:
A storage capacity of 5 TB;
One backward compatible USB 3.0 port;
A good length USB cable (46 cm);
A 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
The least
:
His price.
Get the STGX5000400 model
LaCie D2 Professional: an external hard drive for Mac design and guaranteed for 5 years with data recovery
Recommended for professional use, this external hard drive for Mac gathers up to 4 TB of data in a very modern design.
The brand guarantees its model of external hard drive for 5 years with data recovery if necessary.
In particular, it can be used for backing up professional projects or video sequences taking up a lot of space.
Only downside: its massive design, which limits its movement.
The most
:
A storage capacity of up to 4 TB;
Modern design;
A 5-year manufacturer's warranty;
Data backup throughout the warranty period.
The least
:
Unsuitable for being moved regularly.
Get the LaCie D2
Verbatim Store'n'Go 4TB: an external hard drive for Mac without additional power other than USB Plug-and-Play
Verbatim Store'n'Go 4TB External Hard Drive for Mac does not require a dedicated power supply, it works directly when plugged into a device.
Its elegant design allows it to remain discreet when in use.
Data transfer speed is up to 10 times faster than conventional USB thanks to USB 3.0.
Formatted as NTFS, this external hard drive is Windows compatible, but requires formatting to function properly on Apple devices.
The most
:
A reputable brand in computer hardware;
A storage capacity of up to 4 TB;
Modern and elegant design;
One USB 3.1 Gen 1 port.
The least
:
Formatting required for use on Mac.
Get the Store'n'Go 4TB model
What are the differences between an external hard drive for Mac and another model?
The external hard drive for Mac has a specific formatting, unlike external hard drives intended for Windows.
Apple also having its own data backup software (Apple Time Machine), the external hard drive must be compatible with this technology, at the risk of not being able to back up your data.
That being said, most external hard drives are Windows and Mac compatible, although some require formatting.
What are the criteria to take into account when choosing an external hard drive for Mac?
To choose the best external hard drive for Mac, you should first of all list your needs. If you just want to take a few movies or music with you, you don't need to have a very large storage capacity. Conversely, if you are looking for equipment to save your professional data or your video game games (PS4, Xbox One…), your external hard drive must have a storage of at least 2 TB. In addition, the compact design (or not) is a criterion to take into account in your choice, especially if you plan to move your external hard drive regularly.
Thanks to this selection of external hard drives for Mac, you will never be short of storage capacity for your photos, movies or documents. Before choosing a specific model, do not hesitate to check that the size of the proposed storage corresponds to your needs.
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The editorial staff did not participate in its realization.
The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.
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