What's the best portable external hard drive with 10 terabytes of storage space?
An external hard drive is a data holding storage device that plugs into your computer. Not only is it an efficient way to hold much more space for your computer or gaming system, but it's also fantastic for physically transferring storage data to different locations. On top of that, they're an outstanding way to backup files, as well.
Each terabyte of storage is 1000 gigabytes. Therefore, each 10TB external hard drive carries 10000 gigabytes of data. In most cases, 10TB of storage is enough space to efficiently hold an adequate amount of high-quality videos, pictures, backup files, audio files, etc. Unfortunately, not all external hard drives were made equal. Some can be very slow at file transfers, break easily which can result in loss of files, compatibility with different software, and overpriced.
After extensive research, testing, and reviews; We formulated a list of the 9 best portable external hard drives with 10 terabytes of storage. Coming out of the dark..puerto rican genealogy ancestry. Each one of these is very reliable and provides the best value.
In Short, Here Are The Best External Hard Drives With 10 Terabytes Of Storage
In this case, an external hard drive is less expensive and beneficial for storage requirements. You can switch your external hard drive from a Mac to a pc which makes data transfer for two different OS easier. Furthermore, external hard disks are less likely to get corrupted and are portable in nature. Use external storage devices with Mac. External hard drives, thumb drives, USB drives, Flash memory cards, and devices like iPod are examples of storage devices that you can connect to your Mac using Thunderbolt, USB, or FireWire cables, or connect wirelessly using Bluetooth. Storage devices (such as external hard drives) can also be available on your network.
- WDBBGB0100HBK-NESN
- LaCie STHA10000800
- Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP
- Seagate Expansion STEB10000400
- G-Technology 0G05678
- WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN
- Oyen Digital
- Seagate (STEL10000400)
- G-Technology 10TB with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
This Seagate Wireless Plus 1TB hard drive is everything you could need and offers an incredible performance. On average, you can expect to receive 2MB sequential speeds using the Seagate wireless hard drive. It measures 115.50MB/s for reading and 114/42MB/s for writing, while its previous version, Seagate GoFlex, has a much worse overall performance.
1. WDBBGB0100HBK-NESN
First up, the WDBBGB0100HBK-NESN is an exceptional external hard drive with 10 terabytes of storage space. Not only can it easily hold all the data you need, but it's also very dependable. User's give it outstanding ratings across the board for its reliability. On top of that, you'll have peace of mind with its 3-year limited warranty.
This is one of the few hard drives on the market which provides hardware encryption password protection. With its compatibility with Time Machine and WD backup software coming with the purchase, you'll love its auto-backup ability. Overall, it's an amazing choice!
Users Say: 'I purchased two of these. One as a media storage drive, and another as a backup. They arrived in great shape, and are working as intended. By default, they come with EXFAT formatting (likely for compatibility with Windows, Apple, and Linux OSes including USB plugs for home routers/clouds. I reformatted to NTFS for my needs, and I used the WD tool to set the sleep timer to 90 minutes to better suit my media-playing/storing needs. I think the default is only 30 minutes to drive spin-down/sleep.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Universal connection
- Compatible with Time machine
- USB 3.0 port
- 3-year limited warranty
- 10 terabytes of storage
- Hardware encryption password protection
- Auto backup
2. LaCie STHA10000800
Next up, the LaCie STHA10000800 is an exceptional 10TB external hard drive. Coming with the purchase, it includes a 5-year limited warranty. One of its essential attributes is its quick 240MB/s transfer rate speed. You'll also appreciate the 1-month complimentary Adobe creative cloud membership.
The primary downside with this external drive is it's a bit faulty. Many people complain about it prematurely breaking or their compatible computer doesn't recognize it. However, a far greater amount of users are extremely happy with it. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Users Say: 'I have several of LaCie's products and they always prove trustworthy and this unit did not disappoint. I have a large number of photos and videos that I need to back up and store and all I need to do is plug this into my computer and drag the files onto it. Easy to organize files, view, and retrieve.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Compatible with 3 USB-C and USB 3.0
- 10 Terabytes of space
- Max Speed: 240MB/s
- 5 year limited warranty
- Compatible with PC and Mac
3. Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP
Not only is the Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP one of the faster 10TB external hard drives on the market, but it's also currently on a 7% discount. This hard drive is entirely compatible with Xbox One, Macintosh, and PC. Providing 7200 RPM, it's impressively fast which saves you precious time. It's 2.2 pounds and only 7.75 inches tall, 4.75 inches wide, and 1.4 inches deep. We primarily recommend it for anyone looking for a faster than normal 10TB external hard drive!
Users Say: 'I use this with an XBox One and had no problems installing it or using it. It's set as the default memory for installed games and I notice no lag or other issues when loading or playing when compared to the internal HDD for the Xbox. I've had no problems with a rattling noise as some complained of so it might depend on how you have it resting – I just put it down flat on top of the XBox unit (not using the stand it came with). I recommended the same unit to my brother who picked one up and has also had no complaints. Lots of memory and fast access times at a very reasonable price. I'd buy it again.'
Tech Specs & Details
- 10 terabytes of storage
- 1-year manufacturer's warranty
- Compatible with Xbox One, Macintosh, and PC
- 7200RPM
- USB 3.0
- Construction: Aluminum
- Software compatibility: Windows 7 or later and Mac OS x 10.6 or later
4. Seagate Expansion STEB10000400
Next in line, the Seagate Expansion STEB10000400 is another wildly popular 10TB external hard drive with great customer reviews. Coming with the purchase is an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable and peace of mind with a 1-year limited warranty. Upon connection to your Windows software, the hard drive is automatically recognizable. With a 6.93 length and 4.75 width, its easy for travel. Overall, it's an excellent choice for windows!
Users Say: 'I'm a huge fan of these for backup drives. Small, cheap, portable. I can buy two and have redundant backups in case one fails and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. They're super quiet (no noise at all really) and don't vibrate like some drives. They also do NOT require external power, just the included USB cable (which is normal USB on one end but not the other so if you need a longer cable you need to buy a USB extension cable).'
Tech Specs & Details
- Dimensions: 6.93 x 4.75 x 1.44 inches
- 10 Terabytes of storage space
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- Transfer speed: 160 MB/s
5. G-Technology 0G05678
The G-Technology 0G05678 is another fantastic external hard drive with a massive 10TB of storage space. Uniquely, it has a modern sleek design which is much more attractive than the standard hard drive. Along with that, it's currently on a large 23% discount, as well.
For added durability, it's made with an all-aluminum enclosure. You'll also enjoy the extended 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty. It's compatible with USB-C. Overall, it's a great choice and we highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: 'Excellent device. Works great. Simple to setup. Great for storage and backup of iMac In case anything should happen to it. Highly recommend this to others.'
Tech Specs & Details
- USB C connector
- Apple Time Machine
- All-aluminum enclosure
- 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty
- 10 terabytes of storage
6. WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN
For many reasons, the WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN is the most famous 10TB hard drive on the market with near-flawless reviews. This external hard drive is compatible with USB 3.0. You'll also be very impressed with the amount of storage its compact design is able to handle. Coming in at 5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 and weighing 2 pounds, you'll have no issues fitting in a travel bag.
Another tremendous benefit is its 2-year manufacturer's limited warranty providing peace of mind. It's compatible with both Mac and Windows. Whether you're gaming or need it for PC storage, it's a fantastic bang for the buck portable external hard drive. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: 'This worked out great for my iMac. Great price value. Only a small delay in getting it formatted for the Mac. There's an insert in the package that gives a link to the WD site showing you how to do it. Once you go to their site, the instructions are very simple and the drive works great. I have 8 WD Passport drives I've been using for 6 years and they have served me well.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Formatted NTFS for Windows and Mac
- 10 Terabytes of storage
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- 2-year manufacturer's limited warranty
7. Oyen Digital
Although it hasn't quite been discovered yet, the Oyen Digital is an incredible choice. This 10TB external hard drive has a USB 3.2 Gen II interface and it's compatible with USB-C. Not only does it have a tough build quality, but it's also shockproof with its aluminum body and silicone sleeve. Overall, it's an amazing choice and it's highly dependable!
Users Say: 'This drive was easy to install and to use. Great investment to protect my photographs. 8TB of storage for a reasonable price and the product is very sturdy. Now I can free up space on my computer.'
Tech Specs & Details
- 10 terabytes of storage
- USB-C
- Dimensions: 7.00 x 5.70 x 1.40
- USB 3. 1 Gen II Interface
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3
8. Seagate (STEL10000400)
Just recently, the Seagate (STEL10000400) had a drastic reduction in price 36% off the original amount. Although we're unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it's a remarkable 10TB external hard drive. It provides two USB 3.0 ports and a 2-year limited warranty.
With the purchase, you also get a 2-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography membership. Not only is it fantastic for backing up your data, but the added USB port can charge your phone, as well. Overall, it's a great choice and we highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: 'I only have the Mediasonic 4 bay units to compare this to and I am very happy. The list of troubles I don't have any longer is long. The front plate of my old units would not stay on, copying between drives would constantly fail, no more excessive wires from the power bricks, no more loud fan noise, no more constantly running drives 24/7, no more shutting down when the USB wire was disconnected. Plus these were half the price. This 8 drive unit replaced 2 of the 4 bay units by Mediasonic. Anytime I tried to copy multiple files from multiple drives, it would never complete the job. I would come back later and it would have failed. I have never used customer with this company but with the other company, it was non-existent. There were firmware upgrades that were unobtainable. I am very happy with this unit. It works with 4 10 TB drives and 4 8 TB drives installed and everything is snap-in and auto recognized.'
Tech Specs & Details
- 2-year limited warranty
- 10-terabytes of space
- 2 Months Adobe CC Photography
- 2 USB Ports 3.0
9. G-Technology 10TB with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
Last but not least, the G-Technology 10TB is a phenomenal 10TB external hard drive with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. There are a plethora of reasons why we love it. It has a robust aluminum case build, a stylish design, it has a high-speed transfer rate and an impressive 5-year limited warranty. Overall, it's a pricey, but exceptional hard drive!
Users Say: 'One week review. Have additional GRaid drives with no problems over the years which made me go to Drives. Decided I would add non-raid drives to another system. Doing still photography about 1Tb+ per year and using LR and PS. Use for photo storage only. Purchased Thunderbolt for enterprise quality and daisy chain capability. Speed is adequate and can process from the drive with 'maybe' minimal lag – so far not enough to move a current process file to SSD internal which is an option on my system. No noise issue and does not run too hot. Noise is less than my raid drives. Purchased a cheaper USB C same size Drive for direct clone backup of TB drive. This drive is less speed-dependent and I connect to a USB port saving my other TB port. Very pleased with the system. Non-TB same width and height but length less nevertheless stacks well.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Construction: Aluminum case
- 7200 RPM
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports
- USB C port
- USB 3.1 Gen 1
- 250MB/s transfer rate
- 10 terabytes of storage
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best 10TB External Hard Drives
- WDBBGB0100HBK-NESN
- LaCie STHA10000800
- Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP
- Seagate Expansion STEB10000400
- G-Technology 0G05678
- WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN
- Oyen Digital
- Seagate (STEL10000400)
- G-Technology 10TB with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
Looking for a shock-resistant hard drive? See our top choices here.
Need maximum space? See our most recommended 12TB hard drives here.
If you're interested in a super-wide monitor, see our top 8 here.
For those who chose a MacBook over an ordinary laptop must be short for some storage space, right? Well, upgrading storage space through apple is as costly as purchasing a new laptop. In this case, an external hard drive is less expensive and beneficial for storage requirements.
You can switch your external hard drive from a Mac to a pc which makes data transfer for two different OS easier. Furthermore, external hard disks are less likely to get corrupted and are portable in nature.
Macbooks generally have SSDs which are capable of loading a program quickly but more likely to low on storage.
Furthermore, SSDs are quite costly and upgrading an SSD on a Macbook is definitely costlier than you could even imagine. An external hard drive is best for storing data such as photos, videos, movies, rendered projects and more.
Contents
- 1 Best External Hard Drives for MacBook in 2021
- 1.3 3. Seagate Backup Plus Slim (2 TB)
- 1.4 4. Western Digital My Book (8 TB)
- 1.5 5. Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt
- 1.6 6. G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB)
- 1.7 7. Adata SD700 External SSD
- 1.8 8. LaCie Rugged USB-C
- 1.9 9. Samsung X5 (1TB)
- 1.10 10. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC external hard drive
- 2 What things to consider while buying External Hard Drive For Mac?
- 3 External Hard Drive Vs SSD: Which one is good for MacBook Pro?
Best External Hard Drives for MacBook in 2021
Although choosing an external hard drive is a complicated process but we have made a list of 10 best external hard drives for Mac that you should consider before your final decision.
1. Samsung Portable SSD T5
Starting off Samsung Portable SSD T5 which is an outstanding storage device, it can reach up to a speed of 550 MB per second for data transfer which is amazing. You can directly plug it into a USB-C port or USB-A port.
It contains no moving parts therefore chances of getting damaged due to mishandling are less. Even though SSD is costlier than a hard drive, the speed it offers is commendable. You will notice a significant boost in the overall performance while doing stuff that requires you to load large files and programs.
Overall, the SSD is fantastic but only if you can spare a few more bucks than your actual budget. You can get the SSD ranging from 250 GB to 2 TB from Amazon with some additional discounts.
2. Western Digital My Passport 4TB external hard drive
Western Digital My Passport 4TB external hard drive is the newest generation of external hard disks and is available in capacities from 1 TB to up to 4 TB. It offers cloud storage and 256-AES encryption alongside WD's software for backups.
The data transfer speeds won't disappoint you and the drive offers speed similar to what an SSD provides. If you are looking for a drive with good data transfer rate and maximum storage, consider Western Digital My Passport 4TB as a choice.
3. Seagate Backup Plus Slim (2 TB)
If you are looking for a reliable, portable, and affordable hard disk, Seagate backup plus slim is the thing you should have a look at. It supports Windows and Mac both and perfect for storing your essential data right away.
With the Seagate dashboard backup system, you can schedule backups and never lose your important files anymore. Backup automation can be set for daily, monthly, weekly or your desired time-frequency.
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Alongside, Seagate also provides a two-month membership for adobe creative cloud photography plan and a one-year subscription to Mylio create to manage your photo library.
- Affordable price
- Metal body
- Supports USB 3.0
- Comes with an automation backup software
Wireless External Hard Drive For Macbook
- Doesn't support USB 3.0 cables
4. Western Digital My Book (8 TB)
This Hard disk is probably for creators and organizations that require a lot of storage for various purposes. Faster data transmission rate will let you transfer data in the meantime, all thanks to USB 3.0 support.
It also offers 256 AES encryption for securing your data and makes sure your personal data is secured in the storage device. Even though it meets the requirements of a regular user, the only thing where Western Digital My Book (8 TB) lacks is portability.
Therefore, if you are looking for a hard disk for work purposes and if portability is not an issue, Western Digital My Book (8 TB) is definitely the right choice.
- High storage
- Data encryption
- Compatible with the time machine
- Requires power source to work
- Not portable
5. Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt
Buffalo MiniStation thunderbolt offers data transmission at a speed of twice of what USB 3.0 offers. You can enjoy this feature if your device has a thunderbolt port. Another good thing about Buffalo MiniStation thunderbolt is its price. It is affordable and portable.
- Also Check: 10 Best Cooling Pads For MacBook Pro Reviewed
However, it is a hard drive, not a solid-state, therefore, the data transmission will definitely be high but the overall performance of your pc will remain unchanged. Lastly, if you don't have a thunderbolt port in your pc, you can use the traditional USB 3.0 port.
- USB 3.0 port
- Affordable
- Formatted for Mac
- Not a Solid State drive
6. G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB)
With the new products, Apple is on its way to completely shift to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports but there are still some people who are using old hardware and for them, G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB) is going to work like a charm.
The body of the HDD is made up of metal which makes it durable and strong against accidents such as dropping off the drive on the floor or whatnot. It runs at a speed of 7200 RPM and can transfer data at a rate of 195 MB/s which is efficient for transferring music, videos and software.
- Metallic body for durability
- High data transmission rate
- USB 3.0
- Should be reformatted for Windows OS
7. Adata SD700 External SSD
Adata SD700 is an affordable External SSD which is IP68 rated which certainly makes it a water-resistant storage device. The overall performance of this SSD is commendable and as per our research, Adata SD700 External SSD is the only SSD with an IP68 rating.
You can expect faster transfer rates and better booting speed if you are planning to install an OS on the SSD. Don't worry about the storage space as it is available in 1 TB capacity also. The maximum read and write speed is up to 440 MB/S, all thanks to the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface.
- Lightweight and portable
- Shock resistant
- Supports Android, Mac, and Windows
- 3 years of Warranty
- Mac users must format it to FAT32 to use this product
8. LaCie Rugged USB-C
Lacie rugged USB-C hard disk can be distinguished easily because of its unique rubber casing that makes sure your hard drive doesn't get damaged when it drops from up to 1.3 m height. It can withstand rain, dust and can even survive 1-ton pressure. This is certainly the best choice for content creators.
Alongside hard disk, you will also get access to a one-month subscription to Adobe creative cloud all apps plan. The company also provides 3 years of warranty for the device and will also help you to restore the data if lost.
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In terms of speed, Lacie rugged USB-C hard disk is not very fast as it provides only 120 MB/s which is comparatively lesser than the HDDs mentioned in this listicle. However, there are various variants available for this hard disk on Amazon.
- Durability
- Affordable
- Resistant to water
- Lesser data transmission speed
9. Samsung X5 (1TB)
Samsung never disappoints with its amazing hardware capabilities. With Samsung X5, you can transfer data at a rate of 2,300 MB/s which is the fastest speed an SSD can provide you. The build quality is super amazing as it is made up of metal, making it stronger than storage disks that are made up of plastic bodies.
The shock-resistant capability can save up your drive from a fall of 2 meters. Alongside this, it comes with Thunderbolt 3 technology that is ideal for faster data transfer of up to 40 GB per second which is unbelievable. You can take full advantage of this SSD on your MacBook or Macbook pro without having to format anything.
- High data transmission rate
- Supports thunderbolt 3
- Shock-resistant up to 2 meters
- Heats up really quick
- Comparatively expensive than the other disks
10. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC external hard drive
In terms of flexibility, Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC external hard drive is really good as it supports both Mac and windows out of the box. The disk doesn't get damaged due to dust and water which is again a positive point.
It encrypts the user data at 256 bit AES security which additionally makes everything on the drive, secure. Overall, it is a great drive for Mac owners as well as windows owners too.
- Secure for handling user data
- Protects from water and dust
- Low-speed data transfer
What things to consider while buying External Hard Drive For Mac?
So those were some of the best external hard disk drive solutions for Mac. However, you must be confused about which external HDD to choose. But not to worry, let me just point some of the key factors that you need to consider while buying an external hard drive:
1. Storage
One of the first and the most important thing that you need to consider is the storage space of your external HDD. As you already know that Macbook does not come with a huge space. Hence, you better choose something which offers you enough space to store all your files.
For many users, 1 TB of space should be good enough. But if you need to store a huge number of files and save them for a longer period of time, then getting 2TB of HDD would be an ideal choice.
Apart from 1TB and 2TB of storage options, you can also consider getting huge storage options like 4TB. But for a day to day work, 4TB of HDD does not help much. Also, they are quite expensive.
2. Transfer speed
After the storing capacity, transfer speed is the second most important thing that you have to consider. You don't want to get an external hard disk drive for Mac, which takes too long to copy files. Instead, you need something that can get the job done as quickly as possible.
So the first thing that you must do is avoid USB 2.0 powered external HDD. As they are outdated and not fast enough. Instead, you should get an external HDD with USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.2 Gen 1. All of these are capable of offering an exceptional transfer speed. On the other hand, I would like to recoomend you to buy the best external SSD for Mac that offers good transfer speed.
3. Compatibility
The next thing you need to check its compatibility. External HDD formatted for Windows 10 may have connectivity issues with Mac OS and vise versa. So since you are using a Mac powered machine, I would recommend you to get an external HDD with Mac OS compatibility.
Although there is no need to focus on the compatibility part way too much. Since you can always format your external HDD using a Windows Computer with exFat Format. So you can easily use the HDD with your Macbook. But yes, if you get a pre compatible external hard disk drive then it saves you from extra work and headaches that you have to face.
4. Security
If you are someone who takes security really seriously, then you must look for security features. Most of the manufacturers do ship security software and backup software. So you can easily encrypt your drive or take a backup of it. Even, if you don't consider the encryption feature, the backup feature is something that you must and should consider.
Even to make sure your HDD stays safe, they use strong casing from physical damage. So you can consider getting such external hard disk drives that save you from every side.
External Hard Drive Vs SSD: Which one is good for MacBook Pro?
Whenever it comes to a primary storage solution for computers, HDD and SSD's are the only solutions we have. However, in the last couple of years, the usage of HDD has dropped drastically, and people are not moving to SSD's for better performance.
But there are quite a lot of users who are still unaware of the difference between a hard disk drive and a solid state drive or SSD.
However, not to worry, let me just draw a quick difference between both and help you to understand better.
1. Storage Capacity
HDD's are a great option if you want something for storage. HDD's are available in a wide range of storage capacities from 500GB to 12 TB. Even, for enterprise uses, you will find a large capacity of HDDs.
SSDs are also available with large capacities. However, when it comes to the costs of an SSD and an HDD, SSDs are quite expensive. Hence, if your main goal is to store a huge amount of data, HDD is an ideal choice.
2. Speed
Wireless Backup External Hard Drive Mac
Whenever it comes to speed, SSDs are a better option. Since a hard disk drive uses a round plate with a layer of magnetic material. And the data is stored on this magnetic layer only. So the disk spins and the magnetic head is used for reading and writing data.
Users Say: 'I purchased two of these. One as a media storage drive, and another as a backup. They arrived in great shape, and are working as intended. By default, they come with EXFAT formatting (likely for compatibility with Windows, Apple, and Linux OSes including USB plugs for home routers/clouds. I reformatted to NTFS for my needs, and I used the WD tool to set the sleep timer to 90 minutes to better suit my media-playing/storing needs. I think the default is only 30 minutes to drive spin-down/sleep.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Universal connection
- Compatible with Time machine
- USB 3.0 port
- 3-year limited warranty
- 10 terabytes of storage
- Hardware encryption password protection
- Auto backup
2. LaCie STHA10000800
Next up, the LaCie STHA10000800 is an exceptional 10TB external hard drive. Coming with the purchase, it includes a 5-year limited warranty. One of its essential attributes is its quick 240MB/s transfer rate speed. You'll also appreciate the 1-month complimentary Adobe creative cloud membership.
The primary downside with this external drive is it's a bit faulty. Many people complain about it prematurely breaking or their compatible computer doesn't recognize it. However, a far greater amount of users are extremely happy with it. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Users Say: 'I have several of LaCie's products and they always prove trustworthy and this unit did not disappoint. I have a large number of photos and videos that I need to back up and store and all I need to do is plug this into my computer and drag the files onto it. Easy to organize files, view, and retrieve.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Compatible with 3 USB-C and USB 3.0
- 10 Terabytes of space
- Max Speed: 240MB/s
- 5 year limited warranty
- Compatible with PC and Mac
3. Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP
Not only is the Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP one of the faster 10TB external hard drives on the market, but it's also currently on a 7% discount. This hard drive is entirely compatible with Xbox One, Macintosh, and PC. Providing 7200 RPM, it's impressively fast which saves you precious time. It's 2.2 pounds and only 7.75 inches tall, 4.75 inches wide, and 1.4 inches deep. We primarily recommend it for anyone looking for a faster than normal 10TB external hard drive!
Users Say: 'I use this with an XBox One and had no problems installing it or using it. It's set as the default memory for installed games and I notice no lag or other issues when loading or playing when compared to the internal HDD for the Xbox. I've had no problems with a rattling noise as some complained of so it might depend on how you have it resting – I just put it down flat on top of the XBox unit (not using the stand it came with). I recommended the same unit to my brother who picked one up and has also had no complaints. Lots of memory and fast access times at a very reasonable price. I'd buy it again.'
Tech Specs & Details
- 10 terabytes of storage
- 1-year manufacturer's warranty
- Compatible with Xbox One, Macintosh, and PC
- 7200RPM
- USB 3.0
- Construction: Aluminum
- Software compatibility: Windows 7 or later and Mac OS x 10.6 or later
4. Seagate Expansion STEB10000400
Next in line, the Seagate Expansion STEB10000400 is another wildly popular 10TB external hard drive with great customer reviews. Coming with the purchase is an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable and peace of mind with a 1-year limited warranty. Upon connection to your Windows software, the hard drive is automatically recognizable. With a 6.93 length and 4.75 width, its easy for travel. Overall, it's an excellent choice for windows!
Users Say: 'I'm a huge fan of these for backup drives. Small, cheap, portable. I can buy two and have redundant backups in case one fails and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. They're super quiet (no noise at all really) and don't vibrate like some drives. They also do NOT require external power, just the included USB cable (which is normal USB on one end but not the other so if you need a longer cable you need to buy a USB extension cable).'
Tech Specs & Details
- Dimensions: 6.93 x 4.75 x 1.44 inches
- 10 Terabytes of storage space
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- Transfer speed: 160 MB/s
5. G-Technology 0G05678
The G-Technology 0G05678 is another fantastic external hard drive with a massive 10TB of storage space. Uniquely, it has a modern sleek design which is much more attractive than the standard hard drive. Along with that, it's currently on a large 23% discount, as well.
For added durability, it's made with an all-aluminum enclosure. You'll also enjoy the extended 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty. It's compatible with USB-C. Overall, it's a great choice and we highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: 'Excellent device. Works great. Simple to setup. Great for storage and backup of iMac In case anything should happen to it. Highly recommend this to others.'
Tech Specs & Details
- USB C connector
- Apple Time Machine
- All-aluminum enclosure
- 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty
- 10 terabytes of storage
6. WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN
For many reasons, the WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN is the most famous 10TB hard drive on the market with near-flawless reviews. This external hard drive is compatible with USB 3.0. You'll also be very impressed with the amount of storage its compact design is able to handle. Coming in at 5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 and weighing 2 pounds, you'll have no issues fitting in a travel bag.
Another tremendous benefit is its 2-year manufacturer's limited warranty providing peace of mind. It's compatible with both Mac and Windows. Whether you're gaming or need it for PC storage, it's a fantastic bang for the buck portable external hard drive. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: 'This worked out great for my iMac. Great price value. Only a small delay in getting it formatted for the Mac. There's an insert in the package that gives a link to the WD site showing you how to do it. Once you go to their site, the instructions are very simple and the drive works great. I have 8 WD Passport drives I've been using for 6 years and they have served me well.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Formatted NTFS for Windows and Mac
- 10 Terabytes of storage
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- 2-year manufacturer's limited warranty
7. Oyen Digital
Although it hasn't quite been discovered yet, the Oyen Digital is an incredible choice. This 10TB external hard drive has a USB 3.2 Gen II interface and it's compatible with USB-C. Not only does it have a tough build quality, but it's also shockproof with its aluminum body and silicone sleeve. Overall, it's an amazing choice and it's highly dependable!
Users Say: 'This drive was easy to install and to use. Great investment to protect my photographs. 8TB of storage for a reasonable price and the product is very sturdy. Now I can free up space on my computer.'
Tech Specs & Details
- 10 terabytes of storage
- USB-C
- Dimensions: 7.00 x 5.70 x 1.40
- USB 3. 1 Gen II Interface
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3
8. Seagate (STEL10000400)
Just recently, the Seagate (STEL10000400) had a drastic reduction in price 36% off the original amount. Although we're unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it's a remarkable 10TB external hard drive. It provides two USB 3.0 ports and a 2-year limited warranty.
With the purchase, you also get a 2-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography membership. Not only is it fantastic for backing up your data, but the added USB port can charge your phone, as well. Overall, it's a great choice and we highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: 'I only have the Mediasonic 4 bay units to compare this to and I am very happy. The list of troubles I don't have any longer is long. The front plate of my old units would not stay on, copying between drives would constantly fail, no more excessive wires from the power bricks, no more loud fan noise, no more constantly running drives 24/7, no more shutting down when the USB wire was disconnected. Plus these were half the price. This 8 drive unit replaced 2 of the 4 bay units by Mediasonic. Anytime I tried to copy multiple files from multiple drives, it would never complete the job. I would come back later and it would have failed. I have never used customer with this company but with the other company, it was non-existent. There were firmware upgrades that were unobtainable. I am very happy with this unit. It works with 4 10 TB drives and 4 8 TB drives installed and everything is snap-in and auto recognized.'
Tech Specs & Details
- 2-year limited warranty
- 10-terabytes of space
- 2 Months Adobe CC Photography
- 2 USB Ports 3.0
9. G-Technology 10TB with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
Last but not least, the G-Technology 10TB is a phenomenal 10TB external hard drive with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. There are a plethora of reasons why we love it. It has a robust aluminum case build, a stylish design, it has a high-speed transfer rate and an impressive 5-year limited warranty. Overall, it's a pricey, but exceptional hard drive!
Users Say: 'One week review. Have additional GRaid drives with no problems over the years which made me go to Drives. Decided I would add non-raid drives to another system. Doing still photography about 1Tb+ per year and using LR and PS. Use for photo storage only. Purchased Thunderbolt for enterprise quality and daisy chain capability. Speed is adequate and can process from the drive with 'maybe' minimal lag – so far not enough to move a current process file to SSD internal which is an option on my system. No noise issue and does not run too hot. Noise is less than my raid drives. Purchased a cheaper USB C same size Drive for direct clone backup of TB drive. This drive is less speed-dependent and I connect to a USB port saving my other TB port. Very pleased with the system. Non-TB same width and height but length less nevertheless stacks well.'
Tech Specs & Details
- Construction: Aluminum case
- 7200 RPM
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports
- USB C port
- USB 3.1 Gen 1
- 250MB/s transfer rate
- 10 terabytes of storage
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best 10TB External Hard Drives
- WDBBGB0100HBK-NESN
- LaCie STHA10000800
- Fantom Drives GF3B10000UP
- Seagate Expansion STEB10000400
- G-Technology 0G05678
- WDBWLG0100HBK-NESN
- Oyen Digital
- Seagate (STEL10000400)
- G-Technology 10TB with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
Looking for a shock-resistant hard drive? See our top choices here.
Need maximum space? See our most recommended 12TB hard drives here.
If you're interested in a super-wide monitor, see our top 8 here.
For those who chose a MacBook over an ordinary laptop must be short for some storage space, right? Well, upgrading storage space through apple is as costly as purchasing a new laptop. In this case, an external hard drive is less expensive and beneficial for storage requirements.
You can switch your external hard drive from a Mac to a pc which makes data transfer for two different OS easier. Furthermore, external hard disks are less likely to get corrupted and are portable in nature.
Macbooks generally have SSDs which are capable of loading a program quickly but more likely to low on storage.
Furthermore, SSDs are quite costly and upgrading an SSD on a Macbook is definitely costlier than you could even imagine. An external hard drive is best for storing data such as photos, videos, movies, rendered projects and more.
Contents
- 1 Best External Hard Drives for MacBook in 2021
- 1.3 3. Seagate Backup Plus Slim (2 TB)
- 1.4 4. Western Digital My Book (8 TB)
- 1.5 5. Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt
- 1.6 6. G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB)
- 1.7 7. Adata SD700 External SSD
- 1.8 8. LaCie Rugged USB-C
- 1.9 9. Samsung X5 (1TB)
- 1.10 10. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC external hard drive
- 2 What things to consider while buying External Hard Drive For Mac?
- 3 External Hard Drive Vs SSD: Which one is good for MacBook Pro?
Best External Hard Drives for MacBook in 2021
Although choosing an external hard drive is a complicated process but we have made a list of 10 best external hard drives for Mac that you should consider before your final decision.
1. Samsung Portable SSD T5
Starting off Samsung Portable SSD T5 which is an outstanding storage device, it can reach up to a speed of 550 MB per second for data transfer which is amazing. You can directly plug it into a USB-C port or USB-A port.
It contains no moving parts therefore chances of getting damaged due to mishandling are less. Even though SSD is costlier than a hard drive, the speed it offers is commendable. You will notice a significant boost in the overall performance while doing stuff that requires you to load large files and programs.
Overall, the SSD is fantastic but only if you can spare a few more bucks than your actual budget. You can get the SSD ranging from 250 GB to 2 TB from Amazon with some additional discounts.
2. Western Digital My Passport 4TB external hard drive
Western Digital My Passport 4TB external hard drive is the newest generation of external hard disks and is available in capacities from 1 TB to up to 4 TB. It offers cloud storage and 256-AES encryption alongside WD's software for backups.
The data transfer speeds won't disappoint you and the drive offers speed similar to what an SSD provides. If you are looking for a drive with good data transfer rate and maximum storage, consider Western Digital My Passport 4TB as a choice.
3. Seagate Backup Plus Slim (2 TB)
If you are looking for a reliable, portable, and affordable hard disk, Seagate backup plus slim is the thing you should have a look at. It supports Windows and Mac both and perfect for storing your essential data right away.
With the Seagate dashboard backup system, you can schedule backups and never lose your important files anymore. Backup automation can be set for daily, monthly, weekly or your desired time-frequency.
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Alongside, Seagate also provides a two-month membership for adobe creative cloud photography plan and a one-year subscription to Mylio create to manage your photo library.
- Affordable price
- Metal body
- Supports USB 3.0
- Comes with an automation backup software
Wireless External Hard Drive For Macbook
- Doesn't support USB 3.0 cables
4. Western Digital My Book (8 TB)
This Hard disk is probably for creators and organizations that require a lot of storage for various purposes. Faster data transmission rate will let you transfer data in the meantime, all thanks to USB 3.0 support.
It also offers 256 AES encryption for securing your data and makes sure your personal data is secured in the storage device. Even though it meets the requirements of a regular user, the only thing where Western Digital My Book (8 TB) lacks is portability.
Therefore, if you are looking for a hard disk for work purposes and if portability is not an issue, Western Digital My Book (8 TB) is definitely the right choice.
- High storage
- Data encryption
- Compatible with the time machine
- Requires power source to work
- Not portable
5. Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt
Buffalo MiniStation thunderbolt offers data transmission at a speed of twice of what USB 3.0 offers. You can enjoy this feature if your device has a thunderbolt port. Another good thing about Buffalo MiniStation thunderbolt is its price. It is affordable and portable.
- Also Check: 10 Best Cooling Pads For MacBook Pro Reviewed
However, it is a hard drive, not a solid-state, therefore, the data transmission will definitely be high but the overall performance of your pc will remain unchanged. Lastly, if you don't have a thunderbolt port in your pc, you can use the traditional USB 3.0 port.
- USB 3.0 port
- Affordable
- Formatted for Mac
- Not a Solid State drive
6. G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB)
With the new products, Apple is on its way to completely shift to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports but there are still some people who are using old hardware and for them, G-Technology G-DRIVE USB 3.0 (4TB) is going to work like a charm.
The body of the HDD is made up of metal which makes it durable and strong against accidents such as dropping off the drive on the floor or whatnot. It runs at a speed of 7200 RPM and can transfer data at a rate of 195 MB/s which is efficient for transferring music, videos and software.
- Metallic body for durability
- High data transmission rate
- USB 3.0
- Should be reformatted for Windows OS
7. Adata SD700 External SSD
Adata SD700 is an affordable External SSD which is IP68 rated which certainly makes it a water-resistant storage device. The overall performance of this SSD is commendable and as per our research, Adata SD700 External SSD is the only SSD with an IP68 rating.
You can expect faster transfer rates and better booting speed if you are planning to install an OS on the SSD. Don't worry about the storage space as it is available in 1 TB capacity also. The maximum read and write speed is up to 440 MB/S, all thanks to the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface.
- Lightweight and portable
- Shock resistant
- Supports Android, Mac, and Windows
- 3 years of Warranty
- Mac users must format it to FAT32 to use this product
8. LaCie Rugged USB-C
Lacie rugged USB-C hard disk can be distinguished easily because of its unique rubber casing that makes sure your hard drive doesn't get damaged when it drops from up to 1.3 m height. It can withstand rain, dust and can even survive 1-ton pressure. This is certainly the best choice for content creators.
Alongside hard disk, you will also get access to a one-month subscription to Adobe creative cloud all apps plan. The company also provides 3 years of warranty for the device and will also help you to restore the data if lost.
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In terms of speed, Lacie rugged USB-C hard disk is not very fast as it provides only 120 MB/s which is comparatively lesser than the HDDs mentioned in this listicle. However, there are various variants available for this hard disk on Amazon.
- Durability
- Affordable
- Resistant to water
- Lesser data transmission speed
9. Samsung X5 (1TB)
Samsung never disappoints with its amazing hardware capabilities. With Samsung X5, you can transfer data at a rate of 2,300 MB/s which is the fastest speed an SSD can provide you. The build quality is super amazing as it is made up of metal, making it stronger than storage disks that are made up of plastic bodies.
The shock-resistant capability can save up your drive from a fall of 2 meters. Alongside this, it comes with Thunderbolt 3 technology that is ideal for faster data transfer of up to 40 GB per second which is unbelievable. You can take full advantage of this SSD on your MacBook or Macbook pro without having to format anything.
- High data transmission rate
- Supports thunderbolt 3
- Shock-resistant up to 2 meters
- Heats up really quick
- Comparatively expensive than the other disks
10. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC external hard drive
In terms of flexibility, Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC external hard drive is really good as it supports both Mac and windows out of the box. The disk doesn't get damaged due to dust and water which is again a positive point.
It encrypts the user data at 256 bit AES security which additionally makes everything on the drive, secure. Overall, it is a great drive for Mac owners as well as windows owners too.
- Secure for handling user data
- Protects from water and dust
- Low-speed data transfer
What things to consider while buying External Hard Drive For Mac?
So those were some of the best external hard disk drive solutions for Mac. However, you must be confused about which external HDD to choose. But not to worry, let me just point some of the key factors that you need to consider while buying an external hard drive:
1. Storage
One of the first and the most important thing that you need to consider is the storage space of your external HDD. As you already know that Macbook does not come with a huge space. Hence, you better choose something which offers you enough space to store all your files.
For many users, 1 TB of space should be good enough. But if you need to store a huge number of files and save them for a longer period of time, then getting 2TB of HDD would be an ideal choice.
Apart from 1TB and 2TB of storage options, you can also consider getting huge storage options like 4TB. But for a day to day work, 4TB of HDD does not help much. Also, they are quite expensive.
2. Transfer speed
After the storing capacity, transfer speed is the second most important thing that you have to consider. You don't want to get an external hard disk drive for Mac, which takes too long to copy files. Instead, you need something that can get the job done as quickly as possible.
So the first thing that you must do is avoid USB 2.0 powered external HDD. As they are outdated and not fast enough. Instead, you should get an external HDD with USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.2 Gen 1. All of these are capable of offering an exceptional transfer speed. On the other hand, I would like to recoomend you to buy the best external SSD for Mac that offers good transfer speed.
3. Compatibility
The next thing you need to check its compatibility. External HDD formatted for Windows 10 may have connectivity issues with Mac OS and vise versa. So since you are using a Mac powered machine, I would recommend you to get an external HDD with Mac OS compatibility.
Although there is no need to focus on the compatibility part way too much. Since you can always format your external HDD using a Windows Computer with exFat Format. So you can easily use the HDD with your Macbook. But yes, if you get a pre compatible external hard disk drive then it saves you from extra work and headaches that you have to face.
4. Security
If you are someone who takes security really seriously, then you must look for security features. Most of the manufacturers do ship security software and backup software. So you can easily encrypt your drive or take a backup of it. Even, if you don't consider the encryption feature, the backup feature is something that you must and should consider.
Even to make sure your HDD stays safe, they use strong casing from physical damage. So you can consider getting such external hard disk drives that save you from every side.
External Hard Drive Vs SSD: Which one is good for MacBook Pro?
Whenever it comes to a primary storage solution for computers, HDD and SSD's are the only solutions we have. However, in the last couple of years, the usage of HDD has dropped drastically, and people are not moving to SSD's for better performance.
But there are quite a lot of users who are still unaware of the difference between a hard disk drive and a solid state drive or SSD.
However, not to worry, let me just draw a quick difference between both and help you to understand better.
1. Storage Capacity
HDD's are a great option if you want something for storage. HDD's are available in a wide range of storage capacities from 500GB to 12 TB. Even, for enterprise uses, you will find a large capacity of HDDs.
SSDs are also available with large capacities. However, when it comes to the costs of an SSD and an HDD, SSDs are quite expensive. Hence, if your main goal is to store a huge amount of data, HDD is an ideal choice.
2. Speed
Wireless Backup External Hard Drive Mac
Whenever it comes to speed, SSDs are a better option. Since a hard disk drive uses a round plate with a layer of magnetic material. And the data is stored on this magnetic layer only. So the disk spins and the magnetic head is used for reading and writing data.
Also, the speed that the disk spins is measured in RPM. And on average, an HDD has about 5,400 RPM, and it will have a read/write speeds of around 100 MB/s.
However, when it comes to SSD's, there are no moving parts. As a result, it offers you a much faster data transfer rate. On average, it offers you around 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s of data transfer rate.
3. Reliability & Durability
There are quite a lot of factors that determine the lifespan of drivers. However, you should know that an SSD can sustain a limited number of write cycles compared to HDD which has no read/write limits.
Wireless External Hard Drive For Mac
But you should know that SSD has a write cycle limit between 3000 and 10,000 which is a high number. So it would not be a problem for you.
Also, SSD's are lesser affected by any sort of damages compared to HDD. Since there are no moving parts in SSD, they tend to survive more. While HDD's might stop working if it encounters any physical damage.
3. Cost
Finally, let's talk about pricing. Well, if you look at the cost of both HDD and SSD, you would happily pick up an HDD. Why? Because SSD's are expensive. When you choose an HDD, you will get a large amount of capacity for a lesser price. But on the other hand, if you choose an SSD, it would cost you 3-5x of an HDD price.
In the end, the conclusion is HDD's are a better option when it comes to storing data. Of course, SSD's are faster and more reliable. But they do come with a high price. But on the other hand, if you take care of your HDD in a good manner, it will offer you great performance for years.
Wrapping it up:
So, these were the 10 best external hard drives for Macbook Air and Pro. Every disk mentioned in this article has its own pros and cons, we have tried our best to list out the good and bad in every product. For Mac users, external SSD can be really helpful for storing content and transferring it to a different place.