Best External SSDs for Both Mac and Windows (2025)

External SSDs for Both Mac and Windows

When you’re constantly working across devices, waiting for files to transfer can drag productivity down one sluggish second at a time. When you’re editing 4K video, backing up entire design libraries, or shuttling data between your MacBook and your PC, speed isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And not just any speed, consistent, reliable, cross-platform performance.

But here’s the catch: not all external SSDs are created equal.

The Cross-Platform Challenge

You might’ve already run into some of these pain points:

  • File systems that don’t play nice between Windows and macOS
  • Drives that boast high read/write speeds but throttle under real-world workloads
  • Compatibility issues with USB standards, Thunderbolt ports, or power delivery
  • Security and encryption features that are OS-specific

So, how do you find an external SSD that delivers blazing-fast performance, seamless compatibility, and reliable durabilityregardless of your operating system?

That’s Where We Come In

In this guide, we’ve curated and evaluated the best external SSDs that work effortlessly with both Windows and macOS. So, if you’re a creative professional, business user, student, or tech-savvy traveler, you’ll find a drive that fits your workflow and ecosystem.

This article guide is for anyone who works across platforms, whether you use a Mac at the studio and a PC at home, or switch between operating systems throughout your day.

We evaluate external SSDs using five key criteria, each selected for its direct impact on your real-world experience:

  1. Performance (Read/Write Speeds & Sustained Throughput)

We prioritize drives with high sequential and random read/write speeds, especially those that maintain speed during sustained transfers. Speeds are tested over USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces to reflect mixed-platform usage.

  1. File System Compatibility & Format Flexibility

We assess how well a drive plays with exFAT, NTFS (Windows), and APFS/HFS+ (Mac). Drives that ship pre-formatted in exFAT or include robust formatting tools score higher for plug-and-play usability.

  1. Build Quality & Durability

We look at shock resistance, thermal throttling design, IP ratings for water/dust resistance, and the use of metal vs plastic enclosures. For fieldwork or travel, ruggedness matters.

  1. Port Standards & Cross-Platform Connectivity

We prioritize SSDs with USB-C, USB-A adapters, and native Thunderbolt support to ensure flexibility. Drives with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt 4 support get a higher rating for forward compatibility.

  1. Security, Software Ecosystem & Value

Features like AES 256-bit hardware encryption, backup utilities, and cross-platform apps are evaluated. Value is calculated based on price-per-gigabyte, warranty length, and real-world performance per dollar.

We’ve selected these SSDs not just because they’re fast—but because they stay fast, work across systems, and fit diverse professional workflows. You can also have a look at the best external ssds with both USB A and USB C.

Here are the top choices when it comes to the External SSDs for Both Windows and Mac:

ADATA SE880 4TB - Up to 2000 MBs- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C External Portable SSD

ADATA-SE880-4TB---Up-to-2000-MBs--SuperSpeed-USB-3Check This Price On Amazon
Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 500 megabits per second
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2
Color Grey
Casing Material PVC
Weight 3.84 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesEncryption, Good performance
Reasons to BuyLarge capacity, Good performance, Value for money

SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance

SanDisk-8TB-Extreme-Portable-SSD---Up-to-1050MBs,-USB-C,-USB-3-Gen-2,-IP65-Water-and-Dust-Resistance
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Storage Capacity 8TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Rate 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, USB-C
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight 1.76 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesIP65 Water and Dust Resistance
Reasons to BuyLarge storage, Fast Speed, Dust Resistant, Water Resistant, Portable, Hardware Encryption

Western Digital 1TB My Passport SSD Portable External Solid State Drive

Western-Digital-1TB-My-Passport-SSD-Portable-External-Solid-State-Drive
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Storage Capacity 1TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS
Data Transfer Speed 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, USB TyPE C
Color Black
Casing Material PVC
Weight 0.3 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesHardware encryption
Reasons to BuyReliable storage

 

Crucial X6 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive

Crucial-X6-1TB-Portable-SSD---Up-to-800MBs---PC-and-Mac---USB-3-USB-C-External-Solid-State-Drive
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Storage Capacity 1TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 800MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2
Color Black
Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight ‎1.48 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesShock proof, dust proof
Reasons to BuyLightweight

Corsair EX100U 4TB Portable USB Type-C Storage Drive - Blazing-Fast Storage

Corsair-EX100U-4TB-Portable-USB-Type-C-Storage-Drive---Blazing-Fast-Storage
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Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 1600MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, Type C
Color Black
Casing Material PVC
Weight 0.705 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesProtective cap, small footprint, secure data transfer
Reasons to BuyHigh spped, large storage, value for money, highly functional

Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD External Portable Solid State Drive, Grey, Up to 1,050 MBs, USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C Compatible

Western-Digital-4TB-My-Passport-SSD-External-Portable-Solid-State-Drive,-Grey,-Up-to-1,050-MBs,-USB-3.2-Gen-2-and-USB-C-Compatible
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Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS
Data Transfer Speed 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, USB TyPE C
Color Black
Casing Material PVC
Weight 0.3 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesHardware encryption
Reasons to BuyReliable, good performance

 

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance

SanDisk-1TB-Extreme-Portable-SSD-USB-C,-USB-3
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Storage Capacity 1TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Rate 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, USB-C
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight 1.76 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesIP65 Water and Dust Resistance
Reasons to BuyDust Resistant, Water Resistant, Portable, Hardware Encryption

SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB ,up to 1050MBs, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive

SAMSUNG-T7-Touch-Portable-SSD-2TB-,up-to-1050MBs,-USB-3-External-Solid-State-Drive
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Storage Capacity 2TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2
Color Black
Casing Material PVC, Metal Casing
Weight ‎2 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesFingerprint Security
Reasons to BuySecure, encryption

Crucial X6 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MBs - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 USB-C External Solid State Drive

Crucial-X6-4TB-Portable-SSD---Up-to-800MBs---PC-and-Mac---USB-3
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Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS
Data Transfer Speed 800MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2
Color Black
Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight ‎1.48 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesShock proof, dust proof
Reasons to BuyLarge storage

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MBs, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive

SanDisk-2TB-Extreme-Portable-SSD---Up-to-1050MBs,-USB-C,-USB-3.2-Gen-2
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Storage Capacity 2TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Rate 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, USB-C
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, PVC, Metal Casing
Weight 1.76 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesIP65 Water and Dust Resistance
Reasons to BuyDust Resistant, Water Resistant, Portable, Hardware Encryption

SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive SSD

SanDisk-Professional-4TB-G-Drive-SSD
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Storage Capacity 4TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 1,050 MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, Type C
Color Black
Casing Material Silicone Rubber, Metal
Weight ‎0.45 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesUltra-rugged durability with IP67 water/dust resistance, up to 3M1 drop, and 2000lb crush resistance
Reasons to BuyDurable, Fast Speeds

SK hynix Beetle X31 2TB Portable SSD

SK-hynix-Beetle-X31-2TB-Portable-SSD
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Storage Capacity 2TB
Storage Drive Type SSD
Operating System Compatibility Windows OS, Mac OS, Android
Data Transfer Speed 1050MB/s
Data Encryption Yes
Encryption AES 256 Bit
Interface USB 3.2, Type C
Color Darke Grey
Casing Material Metal
Weight 5.6 ounces
Power Source USB Port
FeaturesHigh speed, encryption
Reasons to BuyFunctionality, Size, Speed

Take a look at; the best eternal ssds for music producers and also the best 4TB external ssds.

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