External SSDs For Mac Explained: SAVE Your Mac And Your MONEY!

Kyle Erickson • June 1, 2025
Video Thumbnail

About

No channel description available.

Video Description

Sometimes, external SSDs are the best option when upgrading your Mac... ALL THE GEAR IN THIS VIDEO IS LISTED BELOW 👇 PORTABLE DRIVES & ENCLOSURES: Samsung T7: https://amzn.to/4dIASIC Crucial X9 Pro: https://amzn.to/3ZH69po UGREEN USB 3.2 Gen 2 Enclosure: https://amzn.to/3SqFMQM Hagabis iPhone SSD Enclosure: https://amzn.to/4khN0Tv UGREEN USB4 Enclosure: https://amzn.to/4jvsRbf HyperDrive USB4 Enclosure: https://amzn.to/3SYpdf6 ZikeDrive USB4 Enclosure: Acasis 80 Gbps TB5 Enclosure: https://amzn.to/3FgNnOW Alternate TB5 Enclosure (same as Acasis): https://amzn.to/43CkjJA *A note on TB4/USB4/TB5 enclosures — as seen in this video, you'll notice these higher speed enclosures can reach wattage of ~8W. Some USB ports on old Macs only have support for 7.5W, so it's best to use them through USB dock or hub with power delivery. Modern Macs with thunderbolt 4 ports are fine though! INTERNAL NVMe DRIVES I'VE USED EXTENSIVELY: Sabrent 2230 NVMe Drive: https://amzn.to/43vWrr3 WD SN770 NVMe Drive: https://amzn.to/3Z6GIxq Samsung 980 Pro NVME Drive: https://amzn.to/43CdDLs Samsung 990 Pro NVME Drive: https://amzn.to/43jyHaP I've been dealing with Apple's expensive storage upgrades for years, and external SSDs have been a game-changer for my workflow. In this video, I break down everything from budget-friendly portable drives under $150 to high-end Thunderbolt 5 solutions that actually outperform Mac internal storage. I cover the specs that matter, compatibility issues to avoid, and why file system choice can make or break your setup. Whether you're editing videos, running apps, or just need reliable backups, I'll help you find the right external storage without paying Apple's premium prices. Download My Latest Wallpaper Pack HERE: https://iokyle.gumroad.com/ MY SETUP GEAR: Mac Studio M3 Ultra | https://apple.co/4cuCxRp Apple Magic Keyboard | https://amzn.to/4agndXg MX Master 3S mouse | https://amzn.to/3mkvEfS Harber London leather desk mat | https://bit.ly/4hxQDCu ASUS PA27JCV ProArt 5K display | https://amzn.to/42noedW Kanto ORA speakers | https://amzn.to/4huX2hO Walnut Headphone Stand | https://amzn.to/3U6NQYS Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones | https://amzn.to/3HpUmm0 Samsung 990 Pro SSD | https://amzn.to/3FTFkau Acasis Thunderbolt 5 SSD Enclosure | https://amzn.to/4bVlBU4 Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone | https://amzn.to/3Y5pvni Zoom F3 audio recorder | https://amzn.to/42msmLg Desky hardwood monitor stand | https://bit.ly/desky-monitor-stand Sony a7IV camera | https://amzn.to/4j6T687 Tamron 28-75mm Full Frame Lens | https://amzn.to/3Rp5F2J Sony FX30 camera | https://amzn.to/4iIfrcd Sigma 18-50mm APS-C Lens | https://amzn.to/4j631L5 Amaran 200d | https://amzn.to/4c94M81 Amaran 100x | https://amzn.to/41RyfA1 Viltrox tube light | https://amzn.to/4hX16rj Govee Smart Ceiling Light | https://amzn.to/4bZx3hq Govee Glide Wall Lights: https://amzn.to/4iTnwuB Lamomo LED Neon Rope | https://amzn.to/4bTXZPw Apple TV | https://amzn.to/4hPzg08 IKEA Karlby Countertop (Desk) | https://bit.ly/4bPp9Hl IKEA Alex Drawer Units: https://bit.ly/4httQHW IKEA Besta cabinets | https://bit.ly/41QGkoz IKEA Alefjall Chair | https://bit.ly/3QTVNxW Raspberry Pi (for Homebridge) | https://amzn.to/4c8LVdj BambuLab A1 3D printer | https://amzn.to/3QV91dM Sound-absorbing ceiling tiles | https://amzn.to/4iuhYXA Grid Studio iPhone Classic Kit | http://shrsl.com/3nsgi LINKS TO PRODUCTS CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS By using the affiliate links, I earn a small fee from any purchase you make. It won't cost you anything to use them. By clicking them it helps support me, and create more content for you. Thank you for the support! _______________________________ 00:00 | Start 02:03 | USB 3.2 SSD Options 08:59 | Thunderbolt 4/USB4 SSDs 11:35 | Thunderbolt 5 SSDs 12:59 | Wrapping Up #apple #mac #macbook

Boost Your Mac's Storage Now

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
SAMSUNG T7 4TB, Portable SSD, Grey, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Gaming, Students & Professionals, External Solid State Drive (MU-PC4T0T/AM), Grey [Canada Version]

SAMSUNG T7 4TB, Portable SSD, Grey, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Gaming, Students & Professionals, External Solid State Drive (MU-PC4T0T/AM), Grey [Canada Version]

(35,672)
$449.97$389.00
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
200+ bought in past month
Loading...
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB, Portable Solid State Drive, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Creators and Gaming, (MU-PE4T0S/AM), Black [Canada Version]

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB, Portable Solid State Drive, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Creators and Gaming, (MU-PE4T0S/AM), Black [Canada Version]

(14,545)
$439.97$348.93
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Western Digital 2TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5"/7mm, Up to 560 MB/s - WDS200T3B0A

Western Digital 2TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5"/7mm, Up to 560 MB/s - WDS200T3B0A

(74,910)
$169.97
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-4T00-G25

SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-4T00-G25

(77,138)
$379.99
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - ‎CT4000X10PROSSD902

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - ‎CT4000X10PROSSD902

(2,557)
$358.93
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT4000X9SSD902

Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT4000X9SSD902

(19,722)
$315.09
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC and Mac, for Professional Creators, Silver - ‎CT4000X9PROSSD902

Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC and Mac, for Professional Creators, Silver - ‎CT4000X9PROSSD902

(3,702)
$326.05$260.70
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
soundcore P31i by Anker, Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Hi-Res Sound, Translation Earbuds, 50H Playtime, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Earphones, Spatial Audio, Fast Charging, IP55 ClimatePartner certified

soundcore P31i by Anker, Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Hi-Res Sound, Translation Earbuds, 50H Playtime, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Earphones, Spatial Audio, Fast Charging, IP55 ClimatePartner certified

(105)
$39.99
FREE delivery Thu, Nov 27
Loading...
Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) with 4K HDMI Display, 5Gbps - and 2 5Gbps USB-A Data Ports and for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Lenovo Thinkpad, HP Laptops and More

Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) with 4K HDMI Display, 5Gbps - and 2 5Gbps USB-A Data Ports and for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Lenovo Thinkpad, HP Laptops and More

(11,639)
$23.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App

(61,759)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
4K+ bought in past month
Loading...
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB, Portable Solid State Drive, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Creators and Gaming, (MU-PE4T0S/AM), Black [Canada Version]

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB, Portable Solid State Drive, up-to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust Resistant, for Photographers, Creators and Gaming, (MU-PE4T0S/AM), Black [Canada Version]

(14,545)
$439.97$348.93
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - ‎CT4000X10PROSSD902

Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - ‎CT4000X10PROSSD902

(2,557)
$358.93
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT4000X9SSD902

Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac, & Android, Reliable Storage for Games, Files, & Backups, Black - CT4000X9SSD902

(19,722)
$315.09
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC and Mac, for Professional Creators, Silver - ‎CT4000X9PROSSD902

Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read & Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC and Mac, for Professional Creators, Silver - ‎CT4000X9PROSSD902

(3,702)
$326.05$260.70
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Lenovo USA ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 135W (40AN0135US) Dual UHD 4K Display Capability, 2 HDMI, 2 DP, USB-C, USB 3.1, Black

Lenovo USA ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 135W (40AN0135US) Dual UHD 4K Display Capability, 2 HDMI, 2 DP, USB-C, USB 3.1, Black

(1,458)
$279.55$169.24
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
Loading...
135W Power Adapter Cord for Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 3 Dock/USB C Smart Dock/Thunderbolt 3 Essential Gen 1 2/ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A/Ultra/Pro/Gen 2

135W Power Adapter Cord for Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 3 Dock/USB C Smart Dock/Thunderbolt 3 Essential Gen 1 2/ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A/Ultra/Pro/Gen 2

(45)
$39.99
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
Loading...
ORICO 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe 4.0- Up to 7200MB/s, M.2 SSD 2280 PCIe 4.0X4 Internal Solid State Drive SSD, Fast Heat Dissipation, Compatible with macOS Windows for Gamers and Creators-e7000

ORICO 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe 4.0- Up to 7200MB/s, M.2 SSD 2280 PCIe 4.0X4 Internal Solid State Drive SSD, Fast Heat Dissipation, Compatible with macOS Windows for Gamers and Creators-e7000

(357)
$299.99
Only 8 left in stock.
Loading...
ORICO IG740-PRO 2TB M.2 NVMe Enterprise SSD, PCIe 4.0- Up to 7400MB/s, 2280 PCIe 4.0X4 Internal Solid State Drive, Support LDPC ECC, SE, AES, Compatible with Laptop, POS Terminal, Automotive System

ORICO IG740-PRO 2TB M.2 NVMe Enterprise SSD, PCIe 4.0- Up to 7400MB/s, 2280 PCIe 4.0X4 Internal Solid State Drive, Support LDPC ECC, SE, AES, Compatible with Laptop, POS Terminal, Automotive System

(83)
$149.99
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
ORICO 4TB SATA SSD 2.5 Inch Internal Solid State Drive with Aluminum Alloy Shell, Read Speed up to 500MB/s, SATA III 6Gbps for Desktop Laptop NAS DIY External Drive - S500PRO

ORICO 4TB SATA SSD 2.5 Inch Internal Solid State Drive with Aluminum Alloy Shell, Read Speed up to 500MB/s, SATA III 6Gbps for Desktop Laptop NAS DIY External Drive - S500PRO

(226)
$329.99
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
Loading...
ORICO 4TB SATA SSD 2.5 Inch Internal Solid State Drive, Read Speed up to 500MB/s, SATA III 6Gbps for Desktop Laptop NAS DIY External Drive - Y20

ORICO 4TB SATA SSD 2.5 Inch Internal Solid State Drive, Read Speed up to 500MB/s, SATA III 6Gbps for Desktop Laptop NAS DIY External Drive - Y20

(1,106)
$359.99
FREE delivery Tue, Jun 17
Loading...
OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge R660XS R760XS

OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge R660XS R760XS

(0)
$1,474.98
FREE delivery Aug 14 - 22
Loading...
OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge XE9680

OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge XE9680

(0)
$1,474.98
FREE delivery Aug 14 - 22
Loading...
OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge R6625 R760 R7615 R7625

OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge R6625 R760 R7615 R7625

(0)
$1,474.98
FREE delivery Aug 14 - 22
Loading...
OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge HS5610 HS5620

OWC 64GB DDR5 4800 PC5-38400 CL40 2Rx4 288-pin 1.1V ECC Registered RDIMM Memory RAM Module Upgrade Compatible with Dell PowerEdge HS5610 HS5620

(0)
$1,474.98
FREE delivery Aug 14 - 22