If you’re looking for an external hard drive for your Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity, there are several factors you need to consider before making your purchase. One of the main considerations is storage capacity, as it will determine how much data you can store on your hard drive. You should also consider the transfer speed, as Thunderbolt offers significantly faster transfer rates than other connectivity options. Additionally, you may want to consider the durability and portability of the external hard drive, especially if you plan to use it on-the-go.
When searching for the best external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt, it’s important to compare products from different manufacturers to find the best deal. You should also read reviews from other users who have purchased the product, to get an idea of the reliability and performance of the hard drive. Some questions to consider when researching external hard drives include: Does the hard drive come with any additional software or features? Is it compatible with other operating systems besides Mac? How long is the warranty period?
Overall, finding the best external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity requires some research and consideration. But with the right information, you can find a high-quality hard drive that meets your storage needs and provides fast transfer speeds.
10 Best External Hard Drive For Mac Thunderbolt
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1
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The product is ideal for individuals or businesses in need of high-capacity external storage with fast read/write speeds and data protection.
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2
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Ideal for high-speed data transfer, fast backup, and secure storage of large media files for both Mac and PC desktops.
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3
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The LaCie 1big Dock 18TB External Hard Drive is ideal for storing and backing up large amounts of data for desktop computers.
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4
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Ideal for transporting and storing large amounts of data quickly and securely with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectivity.
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5
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The product is ideal for storing high-capacity data that needs to be protected from drops, shocks, dust, and water.
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6
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Ideal for professional use in storing and transferring large amounts of data quickly with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and HDMI ports.
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7
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Ideal for professional-grade external hard drive storage with various RAID options to suit specific needs.
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8
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Ideally for high-speed and portable storage compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB 4 devices.
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9
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Ideal for high-speed data transfer, storage and backup on both Mac and PC desktops with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connectivity.
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10
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Ideal for desktop data redundancy with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, SD card and CF card slots, and Adobe CC subscription.
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1. 8tb Lacie 2big External Hdd – Rescue Ready

The 2big RAID is an external desktop storage solution that is perfect for photographers, indie filmmakers, and YouTubers who require ample space for their work. With a massive storage space of up to 8TB, this device ensures that you never run out of space for your creative projects. Moreover, it boasts powerful speeds of up to 440MB/s, making file transfers and backups a breeze.
This external storage solution is compatible with USB-C and USB 3.0 computers, ensuring seamless connectivity with various devices. It is incredibly easy to configure RAID 0/1 using the step-by-step wizard to optimize the system for performance or redundancy, making it a versatile tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The 2big RAID comes equipped with hot-swappable IronWolf Pro enterprise-class drives that ensure ultimate reliability and performance. These drives offer long-lasting durability, ensuring that your data is always safe and secure. Additionally, the device comes with a five-year limited warranty that includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, providing you with long-term peace of mind.
2. Thunderbolt 3 Desktop Hdd For Mac & Pc – 14tb

The LaCie d2 Professional is the ideal external desktop hard drive for creative professionals who use Mac/PC SSD-based laptops or all-in-one computers with limited storage capacity. With a massive capacity and speeds of up to 240MB/s, it is incredibly easy to edit and archive projects.
The LaCie d2 Professional is designed to be future-proof, allowing for seamless connectivity to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 computers. Its aluminum form factor helps reduce noise and vibration, while its BarraCuda Pro enterprise-class drives provide ultimate reliability and performance.
As a bonus, the LaCie d2 Professional includes a one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan, providing boundless opportunities for creativity.
The LaCie d2 Professional also includes a five-year limited warranty, which offers long-term peace of mind. In the unlikely event of data loss, the package also includes Rescue Data Recovery Services.
3. 1big Dock: The Ultimate Storage Solution.

The 1big Dock is an impressive external hard drive and docking station designed for filmmakers seeking to streamline their desktop setup while storing a vast collection of work. This powerhouse device boasts high-performance Thunderbolt 3 technology, providing users with 5-in-1 docking capabilities, including a built-in USB hub and charging station, CF and SD card reader slots, a DisplayPort 1.4 output, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy chaining with universal USB compatibility.
The 1big Dock's Seagate IronWolf Pro HDD ensures best-in-class speed and reliability, making it the ideal choice for the most intensive film projects. Additionally, users can charge their USB-C Mac or other laptop with up to 45W of power through Thunderbolt 3 (up to 30W when daisy chaining other devices) and up to 80W of power pass-through when using a laptop’s power supply.
To provide long-term peace of mind, the 1big Dock comes equipped with a five-year product warranty that includes Rescue Data Recovery Services. With its impressive capabilities, this device is a must-have for any filmmaker seeking a centralized and high-performing desktop setup.
4. Pro Shuttle 8tb Thunderbolt Drive

Discover the ultimate storage solution for your professional needs with this high-performance external hard drive. Boasting a colossal capacity and a transportable design, this device is the perfect choice for professionals who need to store and transport large amounts of data easily.
Thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB-C (10Gbps) compatibility, this external hard drive ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds, allowing you to work on multi-stream 4K, 8K, and VR workflows without any lag or delay.
Designed with hardware RAID, this external hard drive supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, providing you with ultimate flexibility and peace of mind when it comes to data protection and security.
With a 5-year limited warranty, you can rest assured that your investment is protected against any defects or malfunctions.
This external hard drive is ready to go with Mac (HFS+) and can be used with Windows via reformatting, making it the perfect choice for professionals who work on both operating systems.
5. Thunderbolt Tough Portable 4tb Hard Drive

The Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C external hard drive is the perfect choice for those in need of high-speed file transfers and durability while on-the-go. With transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s, this device ensures quick and efficient data transfers. The integrated Thunderbolt cable seamlessly wraps around the enclosure when not in use, making it easy to carry around.
This portable external hard drive is designed to withstand tough environmental conditions, making it ideal for those who frequently travel. It is resistant to drops, dust, and water, allowing you to trek confidently without worrying about damaging your data.
In addition to its impressive features, the Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C external hard drive also includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. This membership provides access to a range of high-quality photo and video editing apps that can help you take your creative work to the next level.
For added peace of mind, this external hard drive comes with a three-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services. With these features, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure.
6. Sandisk Pro 12tb G-Raid: High-Speed Desktop Drive.

Introducing the high-performance storage solution that is designed to meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike – the Dual Thunderbolt 3 Hard Drive Enclosure. With its sleek and modern design, this hard drive enclosure offers a host of features that make it an ideal choice for anyone who needs fast, reliable, and expandable storage.
Equipped with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a single USB-C port, this hard drive enclosure allows for lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. This means you can transfer large files, such as 4K videos and high-resolution images, in a matter of seconds. Plus, with its ability to daisy chain up to 5 additional devices, you can expand your storage capacity even further.
Inside the enclosure, you'll find two 7200RPM Ultrastar hard drives that are designed for high performance and reliability. These drives are ready to go in RAID 0, which provides maximum speed and storage capacity. However, if you prefer more data redundancy, the enclosure can be configured to RAID 1 (mirroring) or JBOD.
The Dual Thunderbolt 3 Hard Drive Enclosure is also designed for maximum flexibility. It comes ready to go with Mac (HFS+), but it can also work with Windows via reformat. This means you can use it with your favorite operating system without any issues.
To give you peace of mind, this hard drive enclosure comes with a 5-year limited warranty. This ensures that you can enjoy your new storage solution with confidence for years to come.
7. Thunderbolt 3 5-Bay External Raid Enclosure

The Ideal Thunderbolt 3 storage solution is designed specifically for professionals who require strict speed and safety requirements, particularly those engaged in 4K video editing. With the M1 security chip, it is fully supported by Macs starting from March 26th, 2021.
The device works seamlessly with computers that have Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports but is not compatible with USB ports. It comes with two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interfaces that deliver transfer speeds of up to 1035MB/s (with SSHD in RAID 0). The device is compatible with 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD and 2.5" SATA SSD.
The D5 Thunderbolt 3 has capitalized on the Thunderbolt 3 and DP interfaces to support multi-screen display with up to three screens. Also, it allows daisy-chaining up to six devices and supports up to 100TB storage capacity (20TB x 5, in RAID 0).
Multiple hardware RAID options are available, including RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10, JBOD, and Single. The device offers power delivery that provides up to 15W of power to recharge compatible laptops (Mac only, Windows not supported).
The device is made of aluminum-alloy shell and comes with two 80mm fans that ensure great heat dispersion.
8. Tekq Thunderbolt 3 Portable Ssd – 1tb

TEKQ Rapide SSD is an ultra-fast solid state drive that has been certified by both Apple and Microsoft. With its impressive data transfer speeds of Reading 2,400MB+/s and Writing 1,700MB+/s, it is 4x-5x faster than most portable SSDs available in the market. This is made possible by its NVMe PCIe and thunderbolt 3 interface, which allows users to transfer a Blue-ray movie in just 1 minute, saving them valuable time. The TEKQ Rapide SSD is an excellent choice for transferring films, photos, and huge data.
Apart from its outstanding performance, the TEKQ Rapide SSD is also incredibly portable. It is only slightly larger than a credit card, measuring 3.81in*2.16in/9.7cm*5.5cm, making it easy to carry anywhere. It is pocket-friendly and won't take up too much space in your bag, making it ideal for both office and travel use.
TEKQ Rapide SSD is a plug-and-play device that is bus-powered for Mac and Windows. This allows users to plug it into their Thunderbolt 3 devices without the need for a power adapter. It is incredibly convenient and makes backing up precious data a breeze.
The all-aluminum case housing the TEKQ Rapide SSD gives it both an elegant and sturdy look. It is designed to match your Mac and offers excellent heat dissipation without a fan. This SSD is completely silent while functioning, making it both useful and elegant.
TEKQ Rapide SSD is powered by Intel Thunderbolt 3 technology and certified by MacOS and Windows, making it 100% compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices. However, it is not backward compatible with Thunderbolt 1, 2, and USB-C devices. To be recognized by a PC, a Thunderbolt3 chip on PC is REQUIRED. TEKQ Rapide SSD comes with a 3-year warranty, giving users peace of mind regarding their purchase.
9. Thunderbolt 3 External Hard Drive For Mac & Pc

The LaCie d2 Professional is an external desktop hard drive that is designed to cater to the needs of creatives who use Mac/PC SSD-based laptops or all-in-one-computers that have limited storage capacity. This hard drive is a great choice for those who need fast data transfer speeds and massive storage capacity to easily edit and archive their projects. With speeds of up to 260 MB/s, users can quickly transfer large files and work on projects without experiencing any lag.
The LaCie d2 Professional is built to be future-proof and comes equipped with USB-C connectivity, which provides faster data transfer speeds and easier connectivity to a wide range of devices. The aluminium form factor of the hard drive reduces noise and vibration, providing a more comfortable working environment. The BarraCuda Pro enterprise-class drives ensure ultimate reliability and performance, making it a great investment for professionals who need a dependable storage solution.
To further enhance creativity, the LaCie d2 Professional comes bundled with a one-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. This membership gives users access to a wide range of creative tools that can be used to create stunning projects in various fields such as graphic design, video editing, and photography.
The LaCie d2 Professional also includes a five-year limited warranty that provides long-term peace of mind to users. The warranty includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, which ensures that users can quickly recover their data in case of any unforeseen circumstances. With its impressive specifications and features, the LaCie d2 Professional is a great choice for creatives who need a reliable and efficient storage solution that can meet their demanding needs.
10. 2big Dock: The Ultimate Desktop Data Solution

The 2big dock Thunderbolt 3 is an exceptional desktop RAID solution that offers a massive 28TB storage capacity and impressive speeds of up to 440MB/s, making it a perfect fit for laptop-focused workflows. With its powerful features, this device is designed to make file ingestion and offloading footage a breeze, thanks to its SD and CF card slots and USB 3.0 hub.
The device features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports that enable daisy chaining, a USB 3.1 port for computers, and a display port that supports high-res monitors. Additionally, the step-by-step wizard makes configuring RAID 0/1 a hassle-free process, allowing you to optimize the system for performance or redundancy with ease.
The 2big dock Thunderbolt 3 is equipped with hot-swappable Iron Wolf Pro enterprise-class drives that offer exceptional reliability and performance, guaranteeing that your files are always safe and secure. Furthermore, the device comes with a five-year limited protection plan that includes Rescue Data Recovery services, providing long-term peace of mind.
Best External Hard Drive For Mac Thunderbolt FAQs
Are there any differences in performance between solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard drives when it comes to Mac and Thunderbolt connectivity?
Yes, there are differences in performance between solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard drives when it comes to Mac and Thunderbolt connectivity. Thunderbolt connectivity provides a faster data transfer rate than USB or FireWire, which means that SSDs will perform better than traditional hard drives when connected via Thunderbolt. SSDs have no moving parts and use flash memory to store data, which allows for faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives that use spinning disks. Additionally, SSDs have faster access times, which means that they can retrieve data more quickly than traditional hard drives. These factors contribute to faster boot times, faster application launch times, and overall improved performance when using an SSD with Thunderbolt connectivity. However, it is important to note that SSDs are typically more expensive than traditional hard drives, so the cost must also be considered when deciding between the two.
Are there any particular features or software that make certain external hard drives better suited for use with Mac and Thunderbolt?
Yes, there are certain features and software that make external hard drives better suited for use with Mac and Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is a high-speed data transfer technology developed by Intel and commonly used in Mac computers. Here are some features to look for when choosing an external hard drive for use with Mac and Thunderbolt:
1. Thunderbolt compatibility: Look for an external hard drive that is compatible with Thunderbolt technology. Thunderbolt 3 is the latest version and provides the fastest data transfer speeds.
2. Mac compatibility: Ensure that the external hard drive is compatible with Mac operating systems. Most external hard drives are compatible with both Mac and Windows, but it's always best to double-check.
3. SSD vs HDD: Solid-state drives (SSD) are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disk drives (HDD), so if speed is a priority, choose an SSD.
4. Capacity: Choose an external hard drive with enough capacity to store all your data and provide room for future growth.
5. Encryption software: Look for an external hard drive that includes encryption software to protect your data.
Overall, it's important to choose an external hard drive that is reliable, fast, and compatible with both your Mac and Thunderbolt technology.
Are there any specific brands or models that are known to work particularly well with Mac and Thunderbolt?
Yes, there are several brands and models that are known to work particularly well with Mac and Thunderbolt. Some of the most popular brands include LaCie, G-Technology, and Promise Technology. These brands offer a range of external hard drives and RAID systems that are specifically designed to work with Mac and Thunderbolt.
LaCie, for example, offers a range of Thunderbolt 3 external hard drives that are compatible with Mac. These drives are known for their fast read and write speeds, as well as their durability and reliability. G-Technology also offers a range of Thunderbolt 3 drives that are designed for Mac users, including their G-DRIVE and G-RAID lines.
Promise Technology is another popular brand that offers Thunderbolt products for Mac users. They offer a range of RAID systems that are designed to provide fast and reliable storage for Mac users.
Overall, when looking for an external hard drive or RAID system to use with your Mac and Thunderbolt, it's important to choose a brand and model that is specifically designed for this purpose. This will ensure that you get the best performance and compatibility possible.
How do I ensure that my external hard drive is compatible with my Mac's operating system and other hardware?
To ensure that your external hard drive is compatible with your Mac's operating system and other hardware, you need to check the specifications of both your Mac and the external hard drive.
Firstly, check the operating system version of your Mac, which can be found by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac". Then, check the system requirements of the external hard drive, which are typically listed on the product packaging or manufacturer's website.
Make sure that the external hard drive supports the version of the operating system that your Mac is running. Additionally, check the type of connection ports on both your Mac and the external hard drive. For example, if your Mac has a USB-C port and the external hard drive has a USB-A port, you will need to purchase an adapter to connect the two devices.
It is also important to consider the storage capacity and speed of the external hard drive, depending on your specific needs.
By checking these specifications and ensuring compatibility, you can avoid any potential issues and safely use your external hard drive with your Mac.
How do I safely and securely transfer data from my Mac's internal hard drive to an external hard drive with Thunderbolt?
Transferring data from your Mac's internal hard drive to an external hard drive with Thunderbolt is a quick and easy process. However, it is important to ensure that your data is safe and secure during the transfer process. Here are the steps to safely transfer data:
1. Connect the Thunderbolt cable to your Mac and the external hard drive.
2. Make sure that your external hard drive is formatted for Mac. If not, you will need to format it first.
3. Open Finder and select the files or folders that you want to transfer.
4. Drag and drop the selected files or folders to the external hard drive icon in Finder.
5. Wait for the transfer to complete. Do not disconnect the Thunderbolt cable during the transfer process.
6. Once the transfer is complete, eject the external hard drive by clicking on the eject button next to its name in Finder.
7. Disconnect the Thunderbolt cable from your Mac and the external hard drive.
It is also recommended to backup your data before transferring it to an external hard drive. This ensures that you have a copy of your data in case of any unexpected errors during the transfer process.
How much storage capacity should I look for in an external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt?
The amount of storage capacity you should look for in an external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt largely depends on your personal needs and requirements. If you are using the external hard drive for basic backup purposes, then a storage capacity of around 1-2 TB should work fine. However, if you are using the external hard drive for professional purposes such as video editing, graphic design, or storing large files, then you should consider a larger storage capacity of around 4-8 TB. It's always a good idea to choose an external hard drive with more storage capacity than you currently need to ensure that you have enough space for future storage needs. Additionally, you should also consider the speed and reliability of the external hard drive, as well as any additional features such as encryption and backup software.
Is it necessary to buy a Thunderbolt cable separately, or do most external hard drives come with one included?
It depends on the specific external hard drive you are purchasing. Some external hard drive models come with a Thunderbolt cable included in the package, while others do not. It is always recommended to check the product specifications or the manufacturer's website to confirm whether or not a Thunderbolt cable is included with the external hard drive you are interested in purchasing. If the cable is not included, you will need to purchase one separately to connect the hard drive to your computer. It's important to note that Thunderbolt cables can vary in length and speed, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your devices and meets your specific needs. Additionally, Thunderbolt cables tend to be more expensive than standard USB cables, so be prepared to budget accordingly.
Is it possible to use an external hard drive with Thunderbolt on both Mac and PC computers?
Yes, it is possible to use an external hard drive with Thunderbolt on both Mac and PC computers. Thunderbolt technology was developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple, and it is available on both Mac and PC computers. Thunderbolt is a high-speed data transfer technology that supports both data and video transfer. Thunderbolt uses the same connector as Mini DisplayPort, which is available on most modern Mac and PC computers. However, Thunderbolt is not compatible with USB, so if you want to use an external hard drive with Thunderbolt on a PC, you will need a Thunderbolt-to-USB adapter. Additionally, you may need to format the external hard drive to a file system that is compatible with both Mac and PC, such as exFAT. Overall, using an external hard drive with Thunderbolt on both Mac and PC computers is possible, but you may need to take some extra steps to ensure compatibility.
What are the top-rated external hard drives for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity?
When it comes to external hard drives for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity, there are a few options that stand out due to their high performance and reliability. One of the top-rated external hard drives for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity is the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt external hard drive. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions and features rugged construction to protect your data. It comes with Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 connectivity, making it one of the fastest external hard drives on the market. Another top-rated external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity is the G-Technology G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt. It offers high-speed data transfer rates and comes with a sleek design, making it an excellent choice for Mac users who need to store large amounts of data. Finally, the Western Digital My Passport Pro is another top-rated external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity. It comes with dual Thunderbolt ports and features RAID capability, ensuring that your data is always safe. Overall, these are some of the best external hard drives for Mac with Thunderbolt connectivity that you can consider.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt?
When choosing the best external hard drive for Mac with Thunderbolt, there are several factors to consider:
1. Storage capacity: Consider the amount of storage space you need for your files. Choose an external hard drive with a storage capacity that can accommodate your needs.
2. Speed: Thunderbolt offers fast data transfer speeds, so choose an external hard drive that can maximize this feature. Look for an external hard drive with a Thunderbolt 3 connection for the fastest possible speeds.
3. Portability: If you need to take your external hard drive with you on the go, choose a portable external hard drive that is lightweight and small in size.
4. Durability: Consider an external hard drive that can withstand accidental drops or other physical impacts. Look for a drive with a rugged design or shock-resistant features.
5. Price: External hard drives can vary in price, so choose one that fits within your budget while also meeting your needs.
Overall, consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the best external hard drive for your Mac with Thunderbolt.