Best External Hard Drive For Video Editing Mac (2025 Update)

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If you're looking for a reliable and efficient way to store and edit your video files on a Mac, an external hard drive can make all the difference. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is best suited for your needs. Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider, such as storage capacity, transfer speed, compatibility with Mac operating systems, and durability.

Storage capacity is one of the most critical factors to consider when purchasing an external hard drive for video editing on a Mac. Depending on the size and quantity of video files you will be working with, it's essential to ensure the hard drive has ample storage space to support your needs. In addition to storage capacity, transfer speed is another crucial factor when selecting an external hard drive. Faster transfer speeds will allow for quicker file transfers and smoother video editing.

Compatibility with Mac operating systems is also essential when purchasing an external hard drive for video editing on a Mac. It's essential to ensure that the hard drive supports the Mac operating system you are using to avoid any compatibility issues. Lastly, the durability and longevity of the hard drive are critical factors to consider, as external hard drives are known to be prone to damage due to their portable nature.

Are you tired of constantly struggling with limited storage space for your video editing projects on your Mac? Do you want to improve your video editing workflow by investing in an external hard drive specifically designed for video editing on a Mac? If so, keep reading to discover the best external hard drive options for video editing on a Mac and find the perfect solution to fit your needs.

10 Best External Hard Drive For Video Editing Mac

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
A high-capacity and fast external hard drive with software for creative professionals, photographers, and data backup purposes.
2
The product is ideal for those who need a portable and durable external hard drive with high storage capacity.
3
The product is ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data on both PC and Mac computers.
4
Ideal for storing large amounts of data with fast transfer speeds, in a durable and sleek aluminum design.
5
The product is ideal for storing large amounts of data and is compatible with Mac/Windows/PS4/Xbox.
6
It is ideal for those who need a rugged and durable portable external hard drive with fast data transfer speeds.
7
Ideal for storing large amounts of data and protecting it from shock damage, compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS4.
8
The product is ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data quickly, making it a suitable choice for professionals.
9
The product is ideal for storing large amounts of data and accessing it quickly, especially in rugged outdoor environments.
10
This product is ideal for storing large amounts of data that can be easily transported and accessed through a USB-C port.
A high-capacity and fast external hard drive with software for creative professionals, photographers, and data backup purposes.
The product is ideal for those who need a portable and durable external hard drive with high storage capacity.
The product is ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data on both PC and Mac computers.
Ideal for storing large amounts of data with fast transfer speeds, in a durable and sleek aluminum design.
The product is ideal for storing large amounts of data and is compatible with Mac/Windows/PS4/Xbox.
It is ideal for those who need a rugged and durable portable external hard drive with fast data transfer speeds.
Ideal for storing large amounts of data and protecting it from shock damage, compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS4.
The product is ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data quickly, making it a suitable choice for professionals.
The product is ideal for storing large amounts of data and accessing it quickly, especially in rugged outdoor environments.
This product is ideal for storing large amounts of data that can be easily transported and accessed through a USB-C port.

1. Seagate Touch – 2tb Portable Storage + Mylio & Adobe

Looking for a reliable and secure way to store and manage your important files? Look no further than this external hard drive! With password activated hardware encryption, you can rest assured that your files are safe and secure.

The stylish tone-on-tone fabric design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also works seamlessly with USB-C and USB 3.0 laptops and PCs. And with plug & play compatibility, this hard drive is the perfect choice for both Windows and Mac users.

Backing up files has never been easier – simply use the single-click or schedule automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups. Note that reformatting may be required for use with Time Machine.

But that's not all – this hard drive also comes with a 1-year complimentary subscription to Mylio Create, allowing you to edit, manage, and share your photos with ease. Plus, you'll receive a 4-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (must redeem within 1 year of drive registration, not available in China).

2. Rugged Shuttle: The Ultimate Portable Storage Solution

Introducing the Rugged RAID Shuttle External Hard Drive, designed to provide unparalleled convenience, security, and performance. With a massive 8TB capacity, this rugged hard drive is built uniquely flat, making it perfect for packing and sending out content on the go.

The Rugged RAID Shuttle External Hard Drive is not just about storage capacity, it also offers the flexibility of configuring RAID 0/1 using a step-by-step wizard to optimize the system for performance or redundancy. This feature allows users to choose between faster data transfer speeds or a mirrored backup of important files, ensuring data is always safe and secure.

Security is also a top priority with the Rugged RAID Shuttle External Hard Drive. The self-encrypting password system protects projects from unauthorized access, making it ideal for businesses or individuals who value privacy and confidentiality.

In addition to its impressive features, the Rugged RAID Shuttle External Hard Drive also includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. This gives users access to awesome photo and video editing apps, making it a great choice for photographers, videographers, and anyone who works with creative content.

3. Rugged 5t Usb 3.0 External Drive With Rescue Services.

If you're a student, traveler, photographer, or videographer who values data security and portability, the product in question is the perfect solution for you. With its compact form factor, this device fits easily into a backpack or pocket, making it a great option for anyone on the go.

For students, this device provides a secure way to store music, videos, and confidential school documents. With the threat of theft or loss always present, it's important to have a reliable backup system in place. This product offers just that, giving students peace of mind knowing that their data is safe and secure.

Travelers also benefit from this product's high level of security. Whether you're on a business trip or a vacation, the last thing you want is to lose valuable data due to theft or accident. This device protects against such risks, ensuring that your important files are always safe and accessible.

Photographers will appreciate the small form factor and toughness of this product, making it ideal for use in the field or to safely deliver large files to customers and partners. With encryption technology, an extra layer of protection is added against unauthorized access, giving photographers even more peace of mind.

For videographers, this product is perfect for shuttling dailies or other footage to the studio. With USB 3.0 technology, files can be transferred quickly and efficiently, saving valuable time and ensuring that deadlines are met.

4. Fantom Gforce 18tb: Ultimate Usb 3.0 Storage!

The Fantom Drives GFORCE 3 Pro 7200RPM external hard drive is the perfect blend of speed, reliability, and durability, making it an ideal solution for all your storage needs. It comes pre-formatted for Windows operating systems and can be easily reformatted for Mac, offering an unparalleled level of flexibility and compatibility.

With transfer rates of up to 250MB/s, the GFORCE 3 Pro is up to 30% faster than standard 5400RPM drives, offering lightning-fast performance and exceptional data access speeds. The package includes a USB 3.0 cable and is also compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 (cable sold separately), ensuring that you can connect it to a wide range of devices with ease.

The fanless hard-bodied aluminum construction of the GFORCE 3 Pro is both stylish and functional, providing comprehensive protection for your drives while doubling as a heat sink to keep temperatures low and operations quiet. This ensures that your data remains safe and secure at all times, while also minimizing the risk of damage due to overheating.

The GFORCE 3 Pro is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11), Mac OS X or newer (great for Time Machine backup), PlayStation (PS4) up to 8TB, Xbox One (Original, S, X), and many others. It is available in a wide range of capacities, ranging from 1TB to an impressive 20TB, ensuring that you can choose the perfect capacity to suit your needs.

When you register your GFORCE 3 Pro with Fantom Drives, you can benefit from a 2-year warranty, giving you complete peace of mind and ensuring that you can use your external hard drive with confidence. Overall, the Fantom Drives GFORCE 3 Pro 7200RPM external hard drive is an exceptional product that offers superior performance, reliability, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for anyone in need of high-quality storage solutions.

5. Fantom Drives Gforce 3: 4tb External Hd

The Fantom Drives Gforce 3 Professional external hard drive is a hassle-free storage solution that is perfect for both Windows and Mac users. This hard drive comes preformatted for Windows, but it can easily be formatted for Mac without any additional software installation required.

This external hard drive is equipped with a 7200RPM hard drive, which means that it delivers 33% faster performance than regular 5400RPM drives. With USB 3.2 Gen 1, users can enjoy transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps. It comes with a USB cable and is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0. Additionally, it features an eSATA port for specialized uses.

The hard-bodied aluminum casing provides protection for the drives and doubles as a heat sink, keeping temperatures cool and operation quiet. This feature ensures that the hard drive remains stable and reliable, even during prolonged use.

The Fantom Drives Gforce 3 Professional external hard drive is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 10 or newer), Mac OS X or newer (which makes it great for MacBook Pro/Time Machine backup), PlayStation (PS4), and Xbox One (Original, S, X).

This external hard drive has a host interface of USB 3.0/2.0, eSATA, and it comes with a large storage capacity that can hold over 680000 photos, over 800000 MP3s, over 400 digital videos, over 2400 DVDs, and over 600 HD videos.

6. Sandisk Armoratd: 4tb Rugged External Hard Drive

Introducing the USB-C (5Gbps) drive, the perfect solution for quick file backup and storage needs. This drive is not only USB 3.0 compatible but also USB Type-C compatible, providing the convenience of use for all users.

The drive boasts a premium anodised aluminium enclosure, giving it an elegant look and feel while providing strength to the device. This feature ensures that it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Built tough with an easy-grip bumper, this drive offers pro-grade durability you can trust. The bumper provides a secure grip and protects the device from accidental drops and impacts. This feature is especially useful for individuals who require their storage device to be versatile and capable of handling different environments.

For added protection, this drive comes equipped with triple-layer shock resistance. This feature ensures that the device can withstand extreme drops and shocks. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who work in rugged environments.

In addition to its durability, this drive is rain and dust-resistant (IP54) and can withstand up to 1000lb crush resistance. This feature ensures that the device is protected against environmental factors and accidental damage.

7. Armor A30 2tb: Tough, Portable Data Protection.

The A30 is a highly durable and reliable external hard drive that is designed to withstand even the toughest conditions. It boasts a military-grade shockproof design that ensures your data remains safe and secure, even in the event of accidental drops or impacts.

With its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface, the A30 is capable of lightning-fast data transfer speeds, making it perfect for transferring large files or backing up important data. It is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0, so you can use it with older computers or devices.

One of the standout features of the A30 is its cable storage design. This innovative design allows you to easily and conveniently store the cable when not in use, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

For Windows users, the A30 comes pre-formatted as NTFS, so you can use it right out of the box without any additional setup. For Mac users, reformatting will be required to ensure compatibility with Mac operating systems.

In addition to its impressive features, the A30 also comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that your investment is protected.

8. Sandisk Pro For Mac – 22tb Usb-C Drive

Introducing the USB-C (10Gbps) drive, perfect for fast backups with read and write speeds of up to 280MB/s. Please note that the performance of this drive may vary depending on the host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. Its high-capacity, enterprise-class Ultrastar 7200RPM drive inside ensures that you can store all your important files and documents with ease.

This USB-C drive is Mac ready and Apple Time Machine compatible, making it a breeze to use with your Apple devices. It can also be easily reformatted for use with Windows systems. The stackable, anodized aluminum enclosure offers premium durability, ensuring that your drive is protected from any potential damage.

With three modes of brightness, you can adjust the LED lights to your desired level of brightness. This USB-C drive is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable and fast backup solution.

9. Lacie Rugged Thunderbolt Usb 3.0 2tb External Hard Drive Portable Hdd (Stev1000400)

The Rugged Thunderbolt USB 3.0 is the perfect solution for professionals who require speedy transfer rates and extreme durability in an external hard drive. With transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s, this hard drive is lightning fast and comes with an integrated Thunderbolt cable that wraps seamlessly around the enclosure when not in use.

This portable external hard drive is designed to withstand harsh environments, making it the ideal choice for those who frequently travel. It is drop, dust, and water resistant, allowing you to trek confidently without worrying about damaging your data.

To top it off, the Rugged Thunderbolt USB 3.0 comes with a one month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. This gives you access to awesome photo and video editing apps to capture and edit content like a pro.

You can enjoy long term peace of mind with the included three year limited warranty. With this hard drive, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure.

10. G-Technology 1tb G-Drive Mobile Usb-C (Usb 3.1) Portable External Hard Drive, Space Gray – 0g10265

Introducing the highly stylish and reliable portable storage device that is sure to exceed your expectations. This top-of-the-line product boasts a sleek aluminum design that is both durable and visually appealing. With capacities of up to 4TB, you can store all your important files and data without any worries. (Please note that when it comes to storage capacity, one gigabyte (GB) equals one billion bytes, and one terabyte (TB) equals one trillion bytes. The total accessible capacity of this product may vary depending on your operating environment.)

Experience lightning-fast transfer speeds with USB C compatibility, and enjoy the convenience of USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, making it easy to transfer data across devices. This portable storage device is also Mac ready, and can be easily reformatted for Windows, ensuring seamless integration with your existing devices.

Whether you're a professional who needs to keep important data safe, or a student who needs extra storage for projects and assignments, this portable storage device is perfect for you. With its impressive parameters and specifications, this product is sure to meet all your storage needs. So why wait? Get your hands on this amazing product today and take your storage game to the next level!

Best External Hard Drive For Video Editing Mac FAQs

Are there any external hard drives specifically designed for video editing on a Mac?

Yes, there are external hard drives specifically designed for video editing on a Mac. One of the most popular options is the LaCie d2 Professional, which offers fast transfer speeds, up to 10TB of storage, and compatibility with Mac's Time Machine backup software. Another option is the G-Technology G-DRIVE, which also offers fast transfer speeds, up to 14TB of storage, and a sleek design that complements Mac computers. Additionally, some video editing software companies, such as Blackmagic Design and Avid, offer their own external hard drives that are optimized for use with their software. When choosing an external hard drive for video editing on a Mac, it is important to consider factors such as storage capacity, transfer speeds, and compatibility with your editing software.

Are there any external hard drives with built-in software or features that are beneficial for video editing on a Mac?

Yes, there are external hard drives with built-in software or features that are beneficial for video editing on a Mac. One such example is the Western Digital My Passport for Mac, which comes with a pre-installed software called WD Discovery that allows for easy backup and file management. Additionally, the drive is formatted for Mac and is compatible with Apple Time Machine backup software. Another option is the LaCie d2 Professional, which includes a free one-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, making it a great choice for those using Adobe Premiere Pro or other video editing software. The drive also features fast read and write speeds, which are important for video editing. Other external hard drives with useful features for video editing on a Mac include the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile Pro SSD and the Seagate Backup Plus Hub. It's important to choose an external hard drive that meets your specific needs and budget, but these options are a good place to start.

Can I use multiple external hard drives for video editing on a Mac?

Yes, you can use multiple external hard drives for video editing on a Mac. In fact, it is a common practice among professional video editors to use multiple hard drives to store and edit their video footage.

Using multiple hard drives can help improve the overall performance of your editing system, as it allows you to separate data and tasks across different drives. For example, you can use one hard drive to store your raw video footage, another drive to store your project files, and a third drive to store your final edited videos. This can help prevent your system from becoming bogged down or slowed down by having too much data on a single drive.

When using multiple external hard drives for video editing on a Mac, it is important to ensure that each drive has a fast enough transfer speed and enough storage capacity to handle your video files. It is also important to properly label and organize your drives to avoid confusion and ensure that you are accessing the correct files.

How fast should the transfer speed of an external hard drive be for video editing on a Mac?

When it comes to video editing on a Mac, the transfer speed of an external hard drive plays an important role. The speed of the transfer is determined by the interface used by the external drive. You should opt for a drive with a transfer speed of at least 7200 RPM. Additionally, you should use a drive that has a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt interface. The faster the transfer speed, the better your Mac will be able to handle large video files. A hard drive with a transfer speed of 7200 RPM and a USB 3.0 interface is usually sufficient for most video editing tasks. However, if you are working with a lot of high-resolution video files, you may want to consider a faster drive or interface. Overall, it is important to choose a drive that provides a balance between speed and storage capacity to meet your video editing needs.

How much storage capacity do I need in an external hard drive for video editing on a Mac?

The amount of storage capacity you need in an external hard drive for video editing on a Mac depends on the amount and length of the videos you will be working with. Generally, video files take up a significant amount of storage space, so it's important to ensure you have enough space to store all of your footage and project files.

A good rule of thumb for video editing is to have at least 1TB of storage space. This will allow you to store a decent amount of footage and project files without worrying about running out of space. However, if you are working with high-resolution videos or creating longer projects, you may want to consider getting a hard drive with more storage capacity, such as 2TB or more.

It's also important to consider the speed of the hard drive. For video editing, it's best to use a hard drive with a fast transfer rate, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or a Thunderbolt-enabled hard drive. This will ensure that your footage and project files load quickly and that your editing process runs smoothly.

What are the top recommended external hard drives for video editing on a Mac?

When it comes to video editing on a Mac, having a reliable and fast external hard drive is crucial. Here are some top recommended external hard drives for video editing on a Mac:

1. G-Technology G-Drive Thunderbolt 3 – This external hard drive has a durable design and fast transfer speeds, making it perfect for video editing. It also has a Thunderbolt 3 port for lightning-fast data transfer.

2. LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C – This external hard drive is designed to withstand tough conditions, making it perfect for on-the-go video editors. It also has Thunderbolt and USB-C ports for fast transfer speeds.

3. Samsung T5 Portable SSD – This external hard drive is compact and lightweight, making it great for travel. It also has fast transfer speeds and a USB-C port for quick data transfer.

4. Seagate Backup Plus Hub – This external hard drive has a massive storage capacity and multiple USB ports for added convenience. It also has fast transfer speeds and is easy to set up.

Overall, it's important to look for an external hard drive with fast transfer speeds, durable design, and ample storage capacity for video editing on a Mac.

What is the best brand of external hard drives for video editing on a Mac?

When it comes to selecting the best brand of external hard drives for video editing on a Mac, there are a few factors to consider such as storage capacity, speed, reliability, and compatibility. Some of the most popular and reliable brands for external hard drives for video editing on a Mac include Western Digital, Seagate, and LaCie.

Western Digital's My Passport series is a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable external hard drive with a large storage capacity. They offer high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity and come with backup software for easy data management.

Seagate Backup Plus series is another great option for those looking for a reliable and fast external hard drive for video editing on a Mac. They offer up to 5TB of storage capacity and come with a two-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.

LaCie is a premium brand that offers high-end external hard drives specifically designed for video editing on a Mac. Their Rugged series is a popular choice among professionals as they offer fast transfer speeds, rugged durability, and high storage capacity.

Ultimately, the best brand of external hard drives for video editing on a Mac will depend on your personal needs and budget. It is always recommended to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.

What is the best connectivity option for an external hard drive used for video editing on a Mac?

When it comes to video editing on a Mac, it is essential to have a fast and reliable connection for your external hard drive. The best connectivity option for an external hard drive used for video editing on a Mac is Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 is a high-speed connector that provides a data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than USB 3.1. This means that you can transfer large video files quickly and efficiently.

Another advantage of Thunderbolt 3 is that it can provide power to the external hard drive, so you don't need to connect it to a separate power source. This makes it convenient for users who need to work on-the-go.

In conclusion, if you are looking for the best connectivity option for your external hard drive used for video editing on a Mac, Thunderbolt 3 is the way to go. It provides fast data transfer speeds and can power your external hard drive, making it a reliable and convenient option for video editors.

What is the price range for a high-quality external hard drive for video editing on a Mac?

The price range for a high-quality external hard drive for video editing on a Mac can vary depending on the storage capacity and the specific features of the hard drive. Generally, a high-quality external hard drive with a storage capacity of 2TB to 4TB can range from $100 to $300. If you require a higher storage capacity, the price range can go up to $500 or more. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a hard drive with faster transfer speeds, such as Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1, which can increase the price. It is important to invest in a high-quality external hard drive that can handle the demands of video editing, as a slower or lower-quality hard drive can lead to data loss or slow performance. Overall, it is recommended to research different options and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

What type of hard drive (SSD or HDD) is best for video editing on a Mac?

When it comes to video editing on a Mac, using an SSD (Solid State Drive) is generally considered to be the best option. This is because SSDs are much faster than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), allowing for quicker file transfers and faster access to data. This is particularly important when working with large video files, as it can help to reduce lag and improve overall performance.

In addition to speed, SSDs are also more reliable than HDDs, as they have no moving parts that can wear out over time. This means that they are less likely to experience data loss or corruption, which is crucial when working on important video projects.

That being said, SSDs are typically more expensive than HDDs, so you may need to weigh the benefits of improved performance and reliability against the higher cost. Ultimately, the type of hard drive you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget.

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