If you’re looking for the best external SSD drive for Mac, it’s important to consider a few factors before making a purchase. First, you’ll want to make sure the drive is compatible with your specific model of Mac and has a fast enough transfer speed to meet your needs. You’ll also want to consider the amount of storage space you require and whether you prefer a portable or desktop option.
Another important factor to consider is the durability of the drive. If you plan on using it for frequent travel or outdoors, you may want to opt for a drive with a rugged exterior that can withstand bumps and drops. On the other hand, if the drive will be mostly stationary, you can prioritize other features such as sleek design or advanced security features.
Some questions to consider when choosing the best external SSD drive for Mac include: What is your budget? Do you need a high amount of storage space, or is speed your top priority? Will you be using the drive for frequent travel or mostly stationary use? By answering these questions and doing thorough research, you can confidently choose the best external SSD drive for your specific Mac needs.
10 Best External Ssd Drive For Mac
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The product is an external solid state drive with fast transfer speeds, ideal for Macs, PCs, and iPads.
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2
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Ideal for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts requiring reliable, waterproof storage with fast transfer speeds for large files.
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3
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The product is ideal for those who need high-speed transfers and large storage capacity in a portable form factor.
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4
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Ideal for high-speed data transfer between smartphones, gaming consoles, laptops, and other devices with USB-C connectivity.
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5
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Ideal for fast and rugged portable storage, compatible with PCs, laptops, Macs, Android devices and game consoles.
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6
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Ideal for fast and portable external storage solutions with large storage capacity and high-speed file transfers.
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7
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The product is ideal for fast and portable storage with a large capacity.
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8
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The product is ideal for storing and transferring large amounts of data quickly between various devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
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9
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Ideal for high-speed data transfer and storage on Mac, Windows, Android, and Linux systems with USB Type-C ports.
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10
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Ideal for fast and portable storage solutions with high transfer speeds for both PC and Mac devices.
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1. Swiftstore: Lacie Portable 1tb Ssd With Usb-C

Looking for a reliable and efficient external drive to store all your big files? Look no further than this amazing drive with read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s. This makes it comparable to NVMe, ensuring that it can handle even the largest files with ease. Please note that actual data rates may vary depending on your operating environment and other factors such as chosen interface and disk capacity.
With a whopping 2TB capacity, this external drive ensures that you can keep all your movies, photos, and other important files in one place. Its eye-catching, travel-sized and robust design make it perfect for those with an active lifestyle. You can simply throw it in your bag and go without worrying about damage.
Effortlessly transfer photos and videos with iPad USB-C compatibility, freeing up space on your device. Plus, you can work on all your files directly from your iPad, making it easy to stay productive on the go.
With USB-C, quick connections are a snap, ensuring out-of-the-box compatibility with Windows, Mac, and iPad. This means that you can start using it right away without any hassle.
Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services. This ensures that your data is safe and secure, and you can rely on this drive for years to come. So, if you're looking for a reliable external drive that can handle all your big files, this is definitely the one to choose.
2. Ultimate 4tb Rugged Ssd For Pros

Introducing the ultra-rugged and high-performing external hard drive that's perfect for professionals on-the-go. With an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, this device is built to withstand tough environments and is even tested to withstand immersion in water up to 1m for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, it can survive drops of up to 3M and 2000lb crush resistance, making it one of the most durable external hard drives on the market. (Please note that limited dust contact does not interfere with operation, but it must be clean and dry before use.)
This external hard drive boasts pro-grade transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, ensuring that you can transfer large files quickly and efficiently. (Please note that performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.) What's more, the aluminum core provides cooling for sustained performance, ensuring that the device won't overheat under heavy use.
With up to 4TB of capacity, you can store a massive amount of data in a small and mighty design. (Please note that 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = 1 trillion bytes, and actual user capacity may be less depending on the operating environment.) This external hard drive is ready to go with Mac (HFS+) and can work with Windows via reformatting.
Finally, this external hard drive comes with an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind that it's built to last. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, or anyone who needs a reliable and high-performing external hard drive, this device is the perfect choice.
3. Pny Elitex-Pro 1tb Usb 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C Portable Solid State Drive (Ssd) – (Psd0cs2260-1tb-Rb)

Looking for a high-performance external storage device that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle and latest technology? Look no further than this cutting-edge portable SSD!
With transfer speeds of up to 1,500MB/s read and 1,400MB/s write, this SSD is optimized to provide lightning-fast data transfer and storage capabilities. Whether you're a gamer, professional or casual user, you'll appreciate the increased performance and speed this device offers, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maximize their external storage capacity.
Compatible with USB Type-C and Type-A enabled PC and Mac computers, as well as USB Type-C and Type-A enabled tablets, this SSD comes with all the cables you need to get started right away. It's ultra-portable and designed with a sleek aluminum housing, making it easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you're on the go for work, play, or travel.
One of the best things about this SSD is its competitive 3-Year Limited Warranty or TBW, which is backed by 24/7 US-based technical support. This means you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case any issues arise, and that you can always get the help you need, when you need it.
4. Ssk Nvme Ssd: Super-Fast, Portable Storage Solution.

The SSK NVMe Solid State Drive is a powerful and efficient external storage solution. With a massive 2TB capacity, this portable SSD can transfer large files in seconds, making it ideal for photographers, videographers, and other content creators who need to move hi-res photos and videos quickly.
The SSK NVMe Solid State Drive features a high-performance controller IC that complies with UASP and Trim, which effectively improves speed and extends the lifetime of the SSD. With read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s, respectively, this SSD delivers strong performance that can handle even the most demanding tasks.
This external solid state drive is universally compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android operating systems. It comes with a USB-C to A cable and a USB-C to C cable, making it applicable to not only conventional USB-A port computer devices but also USB-C smartphones, PS5, Xbox, laptops, and MacBook, among others. The SSK NVMe Solid State Drive is also backward compatible with USB3.0/USB2.0, ensuring that it works seamlessly with a wide range of devices.
Designed with portability in mind, this SSD is made of 2mm thick aluminum alloy material, surrounded by engineering-grade ABS for good toughness. It measures 2.70" x 1.48" x 0.49" and weighs only 0.18lb, making it easy to carry around in a briefcase, backpack, or carrying bag.
With excellent shock-proof and anti-vibration properties, this portable SSD is safe and reliable for storing photos, videos, music, and files. Its lower power consumption and quick heat dissipation ensure reliable data transmission, while its waterproof and dustproof functions provide added protection for your data.
5. Titanium One – Portable Ssd With Rugged Protection

This portable SSD drive boasts rugged durability and fast file transfer speeds, making it an ideal choice for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs to store and transport large files quickly and safely. The drive is protected by an aluminum cover and a shock-absorbing silicone bumper, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use. Its MIL-STD-810 and IP66 ratings mean it is resistant to shock and water, providing added peace of mind.
With read/write speeds up to 450MB/s, this drive delivers lightning-fast file transfer capabilities. Its high-capacity design allows you to transfer large amounts of data in mere seconds, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to move large files quickly. The integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cable makes portability and storage of the drive simple and convenient, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-A adapter is included for added compatibility.
This portable SSD drive is compatible with laptops and desktops running Windows or MAC OS operating systems, as well as Android phones and current game consoles. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to transfer data between multiple devices.
For added peace of mind, this drive comes with a 3-year warranty. Customers are encouraged to register their product via the manufacturer's official website to access complete warranty services, product support, and more. Overall, this portable SSD drive is a reliable, high-performance solution for anyone in need of fast, secure data storage and transfer capabilities.
6. Sabrent 1tb External Aluminum Ssd, Rocket Nano V2, Usb 3.2 Gen 2×2 [Sb-1tb-Nav2]

The Nano V2 portable storage drive is the perfect solution for content creators and professionals who demand high-quality performance. With burst transfers over 1500 MB/s and sustained performance capable of smooth 8K video recording, this drive is designed for those who require the best. The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface ensures maximum speed and reliable data transfers.
Constructed of aluminum with an external silicone sleeve, the Nano V2 is rugged enough to withstand all conditions. It looks professional in the field while keeping your data cool and protected. The tight design keeps the drive lightweight and portable, proving that great things come in small packages.
With up to 4TB of available storage space, the Nano V2 ensures that you never run out of space. It simplifies your capture experience, even with high-bitrate content. The cutting-edge internal hardware ensures that your storage stays in the game thanks to high-endurance flash and wear management.
The Nano V2 includes both Type-C to Type-A and Type-C to Type-C cables, providing flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of devices with USB backward compatibility. The native UFD controller additionally assures minimal compatibility issues.
To ensure that you get the most out of your warranty, please register your Nano V2 with the manufacturer. If you need assistance, their technical support team is always ready to help. Trust the Nano V2 to provide reliable and high-performance storage for all your content creation needs.
7. Oyen Digital U32 Shadow 4tb External Ssd Usb-C Portable Solid State Drive

The U32 Shadow is a top-tier external solid-state drive that offers unparalleled performance and convenience. With USB-C Gen2 (10Gbps) compatibility, it can seamlessly connect to all USB and Thunderbolt 3 & 4 devices, delivering lightning-fast data transfer speeds and reliable performance.
The U32 Shadow's sleek aluminum housing provides excellent protection and heat dissipation, ensuring your data stays safe and secure while you work or play. Additionally, the U32 Shadow is plug and play with Windows, Mac, Sony PS4/PS5, making it the ideal choice for users who demand flexibility and convenience.
The U32 Shadow is backed by a 3-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and added protection against any potential malfunctions or defects. It comes complete with all the accessories you need to get started, including a USB-C cable, USB 3.0 cable, and a padded carrying pouch.
Whether you're a creative professional, gamer, or anyone who demands lightning-fast data transfer speeds, the U32 Shadow is the perfect solution. With its impressive performance, reliable construction, and user-friendly design, it's an excellent investment that will serve you well for years to come.
8. Timetec Portable 2tb Ssd: Lightning-Fast Storage Anywhere!

The External SSD boasts of exceptional read and write speeds with sequential read speed of up to 560MB/s and write speed of up to 500MB/s. This state-of-the-art external solid-state drive is designed to save time on transferring and loading videos, photos, and games. The fast USB 3.2 Gen2 is used, which is backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. It is important to note that a USB 3.2 port is required to reach USB 3.2 performance.
Made with aluminum material, this external SSD is shock-resistant and pressure-resistant, ensuring the safety of your data. The external SSD has an elegant design with a built-in 2TB 3D NAND Flash SSD. It has a size of 3.94" x 1.54" x 0.34" (100mm x 39mm x 8.6mm) and weighs only 3.3oz (0.22lb), making it easy to carry in a briefcase, backpack, or carrying bag.
This external SSD is compatible with various systems such as Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android. It supports all devices with USB Type-C / Type A port, including PC, Laptop, Tablet, Android Phones, TV, and Gaming Consoles.
The package includes one portable solid-state drive, one USB Type-C to Type-A cable, and one USB Type-A to Type-C adapter. This external SSD also comes with a three-year limited warranty, along with free technical support service.
9. Joiot Portable 120gb Ssd – High-Speed Data Storage

The portable solid state drive is a reliable and sturdy option for those who need to transfer and store large volumes of data. Its rugged aluminum alloy body provides shock and vibration resistance, which ensures that your digital data is always protected, whether you're working in the office or outdoors.
With its compact size of 64.5×27.9×9.9mm/2.54×1.1×0.39inch and weighing only 25g (0.81oz), this external SSD is ultra-light and incredibly portable. It is easy to carry with you wherever you go, and it can be accessed by any device with USB slots.
The portable SSD is designed to offer outstanding performance, supported by the built-in NAND Flash & USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface. It boasts a write speed of 200MB/s and a read speed of 400MB/s, making it ideal for transferring large-sized data such as 4K videos and high-resolution photos. It is also backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
The external SSD is fully compatible with a range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and computers. It comes in four different storage capacities, 120G, 250G, 500G, and 1TB, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. It also comes with a USB A to C cable to connect to all computers with Type A port, and it's plug-and-play compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux systems. It supports laptops and smartphones with USB C port using a connector.
The package includes 1 Portable Solid State Drive, 1 Type-A to Type-C Data Cable, 1 A to C Adapter, and 1 storage bag. The product comes with a 12-month warranty in case there is any quality problem.
10. Crucial X6: 2tb Portable Ssd Powerhouse.

The Crucial X6 Portable SSD offers an impressive storage capacity of up to 2TB or 1TB, providing ample space to store up to 10,000 photos, 50 hours of video, 3,000 songs, or 200GB of documents, with room to spare. It is an excellent option for those who need to store and access large amounts of data on the go.
With read speeds of up to 800MB/s, the Crucial X6 Portable SSD is 3.8×2 faster than most hard drives, allowing users to access their files quickly and efficiently. This feature makes it an ideal choice for individuals who need to transfer large files, such as videos or high-resolution images, quickly.
The Crucial X6 Portable SSD comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, enabling you to connect the drive to legacy USB-A host devices like older PCs, Macs, PS4s, or XBOX Ones. This feature offers added convenience and versatility to users, allowing them to use the drive with a wide range of devices.
In situations where you need to add additional storage to a device that only has a USB-A port, the Crucial USB-C to USB-A Adapter provides the necessary connection. This adapter is an excellent accessory for users who need to connect their Crucial X6 drive to a device that only has a USB-A port.
Best External Ssd Drive For Mac FAQs
Are there any external SSD drives for Mac that are compatible with Thunderbolt 3?
Yes, there are several external SSD drives available in the market that are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 on Mac. Thunderbolt 3 is a high-speed data transfer technology that offers faster data transfer than USB 3.0. It allows you to transfer large files quickly and easily, making it an ideal choice for professionals who work with large amounts of data.
Some of the popular external SSD drives that are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 on Mac include the Samsung Portable SSD X5, LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt 3 External SSD, G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD, and SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD.
These external SSD drives offer lightning-fast data transfer speeds, up to 2800 MB/s read speeds and 2300 MB/s write speeds, which makes them perfect for handling large files such as video, audio, and image files. They are also designed to be durable and rugged, with shock-resistant casings that protect your data from damage due to drops or other impacts.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-speed, reliable external SSD drive for your Mac that is compatible with Thunderbolt 3, there are several great options available on the market.
Are there any external SSD drives for Mac that offer built-in encryption?
Yes, there are external SSD drives available for Mac that offer built-in encryption. One such option is the Samsung T5 Portable SSD. It comes with hardware-based encryption and supports AES 256-bit encryption, which is a strong and secure encryption standard. The encryption is built into the drive and doesn't require any additional software or drivers to be installed on your Mac.
Another option is the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD. This drive also offers built-in hardware encryption and is compatible with Macs. It supports 128-bit AES encryption and comes with password protection.
Both of these external SSD drives for Mac offer fast transfer speeds and are compact and portable. They are great options for anyone who wants to keep their data secure and protected while on the go.
Can I use an external SSD drive for Mac as a bootable drive?
Yes, you can use an external SSD drive for Mac as a bootable drive. In fact, using an external SSD drive as your bootable drive can significantly improve the performance of your Mac, especially if you have an older Mac with a slower internal drive.
To make an external SSD drive bootable on a Mac, you'll need to format the drive using the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) file system and then use the Disk Utility to create a bootable installer on the drive. You can do this by downloading the macOS installer from the App Store and then running the createinstallmedia command in Terminal.
Once you've created a bootable drive, you can use it to start up your Mac, install macOS, or perform disk repairs. Just make sure that your Mac is compatible with the version of macOS that you're using on the external drive, and that the drive is connected to your Mac when you start up or restart your computer.
How does the price of external SSD drives for Mac compare to traditional hard drives?
External SSD drives for Mac are generally more expensive than traditional hard drives. This is because SSDs use flash memory technology, which is faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. SSDs also have no moving parts, making them less prone to mechanical failure and able to withstand shocks and drops.
On average, the price of a 1TB external SSD for Mac can range from $100 to $200, while a 1TB traditional external hard drive for Mac can range from $50 to $100. However, the price gap between the two types of drives is gradually decreasing as SSD technology becomes more widespread and manufacturing costs decrease.
In terms of performance, SSDs have faster read and write speeds, which means faster file transfers and quicker boot-up times. Traditional hard drives, on the other hand, have larger storage capacities at a lower cost per gigabyte.
Ultimately, the choice between an SSD or a traditional hard drive for a Mac will depend on the user's specific needs, budget, and preferences.
How much storage space do I need in an external SSD drive for Mac?
The amount of storage space you need in an external SSD drive for your Mac depends on your specific needs. If you're just using the drive to store a few files or documents, then a smaller capacity drive such as 256GB or 500GB may be sufficient. However, if you're working with large files like videos or photos, or you need to store a lot of data, then you'll need a larger capacity drive.
For professional video editing or graphic design work, a 1TB or 2TB external SSD drive would be more appropriate. It's also important to consider future storage needs and whether you'll need to expand your storage capacity further down the line.
Ultimately, the best approach is to assess your current storage needs and then choose a drive with a capacity that will accommodate those needs with room to grow.
How reliable are external SSD drives for Mac compared to traditional hard drives?
External SSD drives are generally considered more reliable than traditional hard drives, especially for Mac users. This is because SSDs have no moving parts, which makes them less prone to mechanical failure. Additionally, SSDs use flash memory to store data, which is more resistant to physical shock and damage, and less susceptible to data corruption from power failures or other disruptions.
In contrast, traditional hard drives have spinning disks and moving read/write heads that can wear out over time, leading to mechanical failure. They are also more sensitive to physical shock and damage, and more prone to data corruption from power failures or other disruptions.
Overall, external SSD drives are a great choice for Mac users who value reliability, speed, and durability. They may be slightly more expensive than traditional hard drives, but the increased reliability is well worth the investment.
What are the top-rated external SSD drives for Mac?
There are several external SSD drives available in the market that are compatible with Mac and offer excellent performance. Here are some of the top-rated external SSD drives for Mac:
1. Samsung T5: Samsung T5 is a popular choice among Mac users due to its fast transfer speeds and compact design. It offers up to 2TB of storage capacity and comes with USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables.
2. SanDisk Extreme Pro: SanDisk Extreme Pro is another excellent external SSD drive for Mac. It offers up to 2TB of storage capacity and comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables. It also features a rugged design that can withstand drops and shocks.
3. G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD: G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD is a high-performance external SSD drive that offers up to 2TB of storage capacity. It features a sleek aluminum design and comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.
4. LaCie Mobile SSD: LaCie Mobile SSD is a durable and compact external SSD drive that offers up to 2TB of storage capacity. It comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables and features a sleek design.
5. WD My Passport SSD: WD My Passport SSD is a reliable and affordable external SSD drive that offers up to 2TB of storage capacity. It comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables and features a compact and stylish design.
What is the best brand of external SSD drive for Mac?
When it comes to choosing the best brand of external SSD drive for Mac, there are several options available in the market. However, one brand that stands out is Samsung. Samsung has been consistently producing high-quality external SSD drives that are compatible with Macs and offer fast transfer speeds and reliable performance.
One of the most popular Samsung external SSD drives for Mac is the Samsung T5. This drive offers a sleek design, fast transfer speeds of up to 540MB/s, and comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables for easy connectivity with Macs and other devices. It is also available in various storage capacities, ranging from 250GB to 2TB, to suit different needs.
Another great option from Samsung is the Samsung X5. This external SSD drive is designed specifically for Thunderbolt 3 ports and offers incredibly fast transfer speeds of up to 2,800MB/s. It is also built with a durable casing and offers hardware encryption for added security.
Overall, Samsung is a reliable and reputable brand that offers high-quality external SSD drives for Macs.
What is the fastest external SSD drive for Mac?
The fastest external SSD drive for Mac depends on several factors such as the interface, the read and write speeds, and the capacity. Currently, the Thunderbolt 3 interface provides the fastest transfer speeds for Macs, with speeds up to 40Gbps. Some of the fastest Thunderbolt 3 external SSD drives for Mac include the Samsung X5, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, and the G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD.
The Samsung X5 offers read and write speeds of up to 2,800MB/s and 2,300MB/s respectively, making it one of the fastest external SSD drives available. The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro has a read speed of up to 2,800MB/s and a write speed of up to 2,400MB/s, while the G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD offers read and write speeds of up to 2,800MB/s and 2,200MB/s respectively.
It is important to note that the capacity of these drives may vary, so it is recommended to choose the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, these external SSD drives may come with a premium price tag, so it is important to consider your budget as well.
What is the maximum transfer rate of an external SSD drive for Mac?
The maximum transfer rate of an external SSD drive for Mac depends on the type of interface it uses. If the external SSD drive uses a USB 3.0 interface, the maximum transfer rate can reach up to 5 Gbps. On the other hand, if it uses a Thunderbolt 3 interface, the maximum transfer rate can go up to 40 Gbps, which is significantly faster. It's important to note that the actual transfer rate may vary depending on other factors such as the size and type of files being transferred, the speed of the computer's processor, and the quality of the cable being used to connect the external SSD drive to the computer. Overall, an external SSD drive with Thunderbolt 3 interface is the best option for those who need faster transfer rates and want to optimize their workflow on a Mac.