6 Best External SSD for Mac under $200 in 2024

Whether you're a creative professional, photographer, videographer or just looking to back up your large files, an external solid state drive is an essential investment. SSDs offer faster speeds than traditional hard disk drives and greater reliability. This guide reviews the 6 Best external SSD for Mac under the price range of $200. Each has its own strengths, so read on to find the best portable solid-state drive for your specific needs.

1. Seagate One Touch SSD 1TB

The Seagate One Touch SSD is a great choice for basic backups and transferring files. At 1TB it provides plenty of storage, and with speeds up to 1030MB/s files transfer lightning fast. Its sleek, compact design takes up very little space and it works seamlessly with Time Machine backups. Setup is easy thanks to included backup software that allows protecting your photos and videos with a single click. The only downsides are a higher price compared to some options and lack of ruggedization.

Pros

• Fast transfer speeds up to 1030MB/s

• Sleek, compact design

• Works with Time Machine

Cons

• Lacks ruggedization

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2. Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB

If you need maximum performance, the Samsung T9 is one of the fastest out there at an incredible 2000MB/s. Creative professionals will love how quick it is to work with large files. It works across Macs, PCs, and more. An advanced thermal controller keeps things cool under pressure. At mid-range priced this is one of the best options for your Mac.

Pros

• Incredibly fast 2000MB/s speeds

• Advanced thermal cooling

• Durable design

Cons

•  Doesn't have an IP rating 

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3. Kingston XS2000 1TB Portable SSD

The pocket-sized Kingston XS2000 offers super fast 2000MB/s speeds in a tiny package, perfect for throwing in a bag. Advanced flash ensures sustained performance over long projects. A protective sleeve safeguards it when not in use. The base variant capacity of 1TB is good enough for a basic backup of your Mac. Hardware encryption would offer better security than software alone.

Pros

• Incredible 2000MB/s speeds

• High sustained performance

• Ultra-portable design

Cons

• No hardware encryption

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4. Crucial X9 Pro 1TB Portable SSD

For those wanting a rugged yet speedy drive, Crucial's X9 Pro delivers 1050MB/s transfers along with water/dust resistance and durability to survive drops. Its compatibility across Macs and PCs makes it very versatile. More expensive than standard drives but worth it for professionals who need rugged protection in the field. Large file speeds may slow slightly compared to alternatives.

Pros

• Fast 1050MB/s speeds

• Durable, rugged design

• Hardware encryption

Cons

• Performance slows with large files

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5. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB

The Samsung T7 Shield cruises at a swift 1050MB/s in a compact package certified for water and dust resistance. Its Dynamic Thermal Guard ensures optimal temperatures even during intense projects. AES encryption with password protection keeps your files secure. This rugged SSD is a great companion for photographers, filmmakers, and others who need portable speed without compromise in tough conditions. It strikes a solid balance of protection, performance, and value.

Pros

• IP65 water/dust resistance

• 1050MB/s speeds

• Shockproof up to 3m

Cons

• Expensive

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6. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB

Living up to its name, this SSD flourishes in hazardous environments with an IP67 rating for water and dust protection plus shock resistance from drops of up to 3 meters. Incredible sequential reads and writes up to 2800MB/s are made possible by utilizing the throughput of Thunderbolt 3. Professionals working in demanding industrial or outdoor scenarios can rely on the no-nonsense ruggedness and rapid file access of the LaCie. It comes at a high price though and bulkier size than some. But for professionals requiring ultimate reliability, it may be worth the cost.

Pros

• Rugged, durable design

• Thunderbolt 3 interface

• Fast speeds up to 2800MB/s

Cons

• Bulkier than some SSDs

• Very expensive

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Conclusion

All of these external SSDs offer fast speeds and reliable storage. Consider your budget, file size needs, and how you'll be using the drive when deciding which one is right for you. The Seagate and Crucial drives are more affordable all-round options, while the Samsung and LaCie are excellent if you need maximum performance. And for rugged durability. Whichever you choose, your files will have speedy access and safe backups.

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