## Expand Your Mac’s Storage with an External SSD
Are you running out of space on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air? You’re not alone. Many Mac users quickly find the storage they initially chose to be insufficient. Fortunately, there’s an efficient and affordable solution: external SSDs. In this article, we’ll discuss how external SSDs can increase your storage, boost system performance, and provide a portable solution for varied needs.
### Why Additional Storage for Your Mac is Necessary
#### Limitations of Built-In Storage
Mac users frequently encounter storage issues due to the high cost of Apple upgrades and the natural growth of data over time. Unlike some other devices, you can’t physically upgrade the storage on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, making alternatives like cloud storage or external drives necessary. However, cloud storage may not offer the same convenience and speed as local storage.
#### Benefits of External SSDs
External SSDs strike a great balance between cost and performance. They are often cheaper than Apple’s built-in storage upgrades and offer the flexibility of multiple drives based on your needs. For creative professionals, external SSDs are invaluable for quick project handoffs and keeping the internal boot drive freed up for system performance.
### Types of External SSDs
#### Speed and Durability
Although you might save money by opting for an external hard drive, an external SSD offers better speed and durability. For those interested in hard drives, check out our top pick for the best external hard drive for Mac.
### Top External SSDs for Your Mac
#### Best All-Round External SSD: Samsung T9 SSD
Samsung is a leader in SSD technology, and the [Samsung T9 SSD](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/wireless-earbuds-extended-battery-life/) is a versatile option. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry. With data transfer speeds up to 2,000MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, this drive is both fast and reliable. It features Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard for overheating protection and can withstand drops from up to 3 meters.
#### Best External SSD for Outdoor Use: Lacie Rugged SSD
The [Lacie Rugged SSD](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/the-best-bluetooth-speakers-for-2024/) is designed for extreme conditions with its IP67-rated water and dust resistance, three-meter drop resistance, and two-ton crush resistance. Using Seagate FireCuda NVMes, it offers data transfer speeds up to 1,050MB/s. It also comes with five years of coverage for data recovery services.
#### Best External SSD for Creators: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2
The [SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/apple-headphones-timeline/) is a favorite among creative professionals. It’s slim, lightweight, and offers read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000MB/s. It also features an IP65 dust and water resistance rating and can withstand drops of up to 9.8 feet.
#### Best External SSD for Travelers: Crucial X9
The [Crucial X9](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/wireless-earbuds-extended-battery-life/) is a compact and highly portable option. Measuring just 2.56 inches by 1.9 inches, it offers read speeds up to 1,050MB/s over USB-C 3.2 Gen 2. Its aluminum exterior helps manage temperature fluctuations, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
#### Best External Flash Drive for Security: Kingston IronKey Keypad 200
For those who prioritize security, the [Kingston IronKey Keypad 200](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/the-best-bluetooth-speakers-for-2024/) is an excellent choice. It features FIPS 140-3 Level 3 military-grade hardware encryption using XTS-AES 256-bit encryption. The drive can be unlocked with a PIN, and if the PIN is entered incorrectly ten times, it will crypto-erase all content.
#### Best Budget Flash Drive: PNY Elite-X Type-C
If you’re looking for an affordable option, the [PNY Elite-X Type-C](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/apple-headphones-timeline/) is ideal. It’s extremely portable and offers read speeds up to 200MB/s and write speeds up to 100MB/s. Available in capacities from 64GB to 256GB, it’s perfect for quick file transfers or emergency storage.
#### Best External SSD for Hands-On Users: Orico ClearLink M.2 DIY
For those who prefer a DIY approach, the [Orico ClearLink M.2](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/wireless-earbuds-extended-battery-life/) is an excellent choice. This SSD allows you to insert your own drive into a tool-free case, offering read speeds up to 3,100MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s. The clear section of the enclosure lets you see what’s inside, adding a unique touch.
### Conclusion
If you’re running out of storage on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, external SSDs provide an efficient solution. Whether you need speed, durability, security, or are on a budget, there’s an external SSD to meet your requirements. By investing in an external SSD, you can expand your storage capacity and boost your Mac’s overall performance.
### Q&A Session
#### Q1: Can I use an external SSD with my iPad?
Yes, many external SSDs like the Samsung T9 and Lacie Rugged SSD are compatible with iPad models that have USB-C connections.
#### Q2: How do I choose between an external hard drive and an external SSD?
While external hard drives offer more storage at a lower cost, external SSDs provide faster data transfer speeds and greater durability.
#### Q3: Are all external SSDs compatible with Time Machine?
Most external SSDs that connect via USB-C or Thunderbolt are compatible with Time Machine for backups on macOS devices like the Crucial X9.
#### Q4: How do I ensure my data is secure on an external SSD?
For maximum security, consider options like the Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 which features hardware encryption and PIN protection.
#### Q5: Can I use the same external SSD for both my MacBook and Windows PC?
Yes, but you may need to format the drive to a file system that both macOS and Windows can read and write to, such as exFAT.
For more information on external storage solutions for your Apple devices, visit [Lonelybrand](https://lonelybrand.com/blog/apple-headphones-timeline/).
