· external hard drives · 15 min read
Top 7 Best 4TB External Hard Drives for Mac in 2024
Searching for the perfect 4TB external hard drive for your Mac? Look no further! Our experts have reviewed the top options on the market to bring you this curated list of the best external hard drives, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs.
With the increasing volume of data we create and store, external hard drives have become essential for expanding storage capacity and safeguarding valuable files. For Mac users, finding a reliable and high-performing 4TB external hard drive is crucial. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have meticulously researched and compiled a list of the top 7 external hard drives specifically designed for Mac computers. These drives offer exceptional performance, durability, and compatibility, empowering you to effortlessly store and access your data whenever and wherever you need it.
Overview
PROS
- Massive 4TB storage capacity for storing your photos, videos, music, and more
- USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer speeds
- Compatible with Mac, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation
- Compact and portable design for easy storage and transportation
- 1-Year Rescue Service for peace of mind
CONS
- May require additional power source for some devices
- External power supply required
The Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive is an ideal storage solution for Mac users who demand both ample storage space and reliable performance. Its massive 4TB capacity provides ample room for storing your entire media library, important documents, and essential software. The USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds, making it easy to quickly transfer large files between your Mac and the external hard drive.
The external hard drive is compatible with not only Mac but also PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, offering versatile connectivity options. Its compact and portable design makes it a convenient companion when you're on the go, allowing you to access your files wherever you are. Additionally, the included 1-Year Rescue Service provides peace of mind, ensuring that your data is protected in case of unexpected events.
PROS
- Massive 4TB storage capacity for storing large files, backups, and multimedia collections
- Seamless plug-and-play operation with Macs via USB 3.0 for quick and easy access
- Durable design with shock resistance and cable management system for enhanced protection
- Compact and portable form factor for convenient storage and transportation
- Comes pre-formatted for Mac, eliminating the need for additional formatting
CONS
- Does not come with a carrying case or protective sleeve
- Read/write speeds may vary depending on the file size and system configuration
The WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent storage solution for Mac users seeking a high-capacity and portable drive. Its 4TB storage capacity provides ample space for storing large files, backups, and multimedia collections. The drive seamlessly connects to Macs via USB 3.0, allowing for quick and easy access to your data. Its durable design and compact form factor make it an ideal choice for individuals who frequently need to store and transport large amounts of data. While it may not come with additional features such as a carrying case or faster read/write speeds, the WD Elements Portable External Hard Drive remains a solid option for reliable and affordable external storage.
The drive is pre-formatted for Mac, eliminating the need for additional formatting, ensuring a hassle-free setup. Its compact and lightweight design allows you to easily carry it in your backpack or laptop bag, making it a convenient solution for students, professionals, or anyone who needs portable storage on the go. Whether you're looking to expand your storage capacity or create a backup of your important files, the WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is a dependable choice that offers a great balance of capacity, portability, and value.
PROS
- Offers ample storage capacity of 4TB, ideal for storing extensive media files, backups, and documents.
- Compatibility with Mac devices ensures seamless integration and hassle-free data transfer.
- Comes equipped with password protection, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive data.
- Features USB 3.1/USB 3.0 connectivity, enabling fast and efficient file transfers.
CONS
- Design may not be as sleek or compact as some other external hard drives on the market.
- Transfer speeds may vary depending on the specific computer and USB port used.
The WD 4TB My Passport for Mac is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable and spacious external hard drive specifically designed for Mac computers. Its 4TB storage capacity provides ample room for storing extensive media files, backups, and documents, making it a suitable option for creative professionals, students, and home users alike. The drive's compatibility with Mac devices ensures seamless integration and hassle-free data transfer, making it easy to expand your storage capacity without any compatibility issues.
Additionally, the WD 4TB My Passport for Mac comes equipped with password protection, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive data. This feature gives users peace of mind knowing that their personal information and files are protected from unauthorized access. The drive also features USB 3.1/USB 3.0 connectivity, enabling fast and efficient file transfers. This allows users to quickly and easily transfer large files without having to wait extended periods. While the design of the drive may not be as sleek or compact as some other external hard drives on the market, its functionality and reliability make it a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing storage capacity and data security.
PROS
- 4TB of ample storage capacity to accommodate your expanding digital library
- Dual USB connectivity (USB-C and USB 3.0) for versatile compatibility with various devices
CONS
- May require additional formatting for Mac compatibility
- Slightly larger in size compared to some other portable hard drives
The Toshiba Canvio Flex 4TB External Hard Drive offers a colossal storage space of 4 terabytes, making it an ideal solution for individuals seeking to safeguard their ever-growing digital collections. Its generous capacity allows you to store a vast repository of photos, videos, music, documents, and more, ensuring that your precious memories and essential files are always within reach.
In terms of connectivity, the Canvio Flex excels with its dual USB interface. It features both USB-C and USB 3.0 ports, enabling seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Macs, PCs, and tablets. This versatility makes it a highly practical option whether you're looking to expand the storage of your laptop, desktop computer, or mobile device.
PROS
- Ultra-slim design for easy storage and portability
- USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer speeds
- Compatible with Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox 360
- Large 4TB storage capacity for all your files and backups
CONS
- Does not come with a carrying case
- Some users have reported issues with the drive disconnecting unexpectedly
This 4TB external hard drive is the perfect solution for storing all your important files, photos, and videos. It's ultra-slim design makes it easy to store and carry around, and the USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds. The drive is also compatible with Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox 360, making it a great choice for storing your gaming files as well.
With a storage capacity of 4TB, this drive has plenty of space for all your files and backups. It's also great for storing large media files, such as movies and TV shows. The drive is formatted in NTFS format, which is compatible with both Mac and PC. However, if you want to use the drive with a Mac, you will need to reformat it to HFS+ format.
PROS
- USB-C compatibility for fast data transfer speeds
- Rugged design that can withstand drops, shocks, and dust, making it ideal for photographers and videographers on the go.
- 4TB of storage capacity for storing a large collection of photos, videos, and other files.
- Compatible with both Mac and PC, making it a versatile storage solution.
CONS
- Can be expensive compared to other external hard drives with similar features.
- The included USB-C cable is relatively short, which can be a limitation if you need to connect it to a device that is far away.
The LaCie Rugged USB-C 4TB External Hard Drive is a great choice for photographers and videographers who need a durable and reliable storage solution for their large files. It's USB-C compatible for fast data transfer speeds, and its rugged design can withstand accidental drops, shocks, and dust. The 4TB of storage capacity provides ample space for storing a large collection of photos, videos, and other files, and the included USB-C cable makes it easy to connect to both Mac and PC computers.
However, it's worth noting that the LaCie Rugged USB-C 4TB External Hard Drive is not the most affordable option on the market. Additionally, the included USB-C cable is relatively short, which can be a limitation if you need to connect it to a device that is far away. Overall, the LaCie Rugged USB-C 4TB External Hard Drive is a great choice for photographers and videographers who need a durable and reliable storage solution for their large files.
PROS
- Spacious 4TB storage capacity for extensive data storage
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatibility for effortless connectivity with Mac devices
- Password protection feature ensures data privacy
- Compact and portable design for convenient carrying
- Stylish Silver finish complements Apple desktops and laptops
CONS
- May not be compatible with all non-Mac devices
- Transfer speeds may vary depending on system configuration
Western Digital's My Passport Ultra for Mac is the perfect external hard drive for Mac users seeking ample storage space and seamless connectivity. With its generous 4TB capacity, you'll have ample room for photos, music, videos, and documents. The USB-C and USB 3.1 interfaces ensure fast and effortless data transfer, making it a breeze to back up your important files. Additionally, the password protection feature provides peace of mind, keeping your data secure. The compact and portable design makes it easy to carry the drive wherever you go, while the stylish Silver finish complements the aesthetics of your Mac devices.
While the My Passport Ultra is optimized for Mac, it may not be compatible with all non-Mac devices. Additionally, transfer speeds may vary depending on your system configuration. Nevertheless, these minor drawbacks do not overshadow the overall functionality and reliability of this exceptional external hard drive.
PROS
- Massive 4TB capacity, ample storage for multimedia files, backups, and applications
- Rugged design with military-grade protection, ensuring durability against drops and shocks
- USB-C and USB 3.0 connectivity, providing fast data transfer speeds and compatibility with various devices
- Water-resistant construction, safeguarding data from accidental spills and moisture
- Sleek and compact design, offering portability and ease of use
CONS
- May require additional formatting for Mac compatibility
- Slightly larger size compared to some other external hard drives
The Silicon Power 4TB USB-C USB 3.0 Rugged Portable External Hard Drive Armor A60 offers a compelling solution for individuals seeking a reliable and durable data storage device. With its massive 4TB capacity, you can effortlessly store vast collections of photos, videos, music, and documents without running out of space. The military-grade shockproof and water-resistant construction ensures that your valuable data remains protected, even in challenging environments.
The Armor A60 boasts versatile connectivity options, including USB-C and USB 3.0 ports, enabling seamless data transfer between different devices. Its sleek and compact design makes it highly portable, allowing you to take your data with you wherever you go. While it may require additional formatting for optimal compatibility with Mac devices, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the exceptional storage capacity, durability, and ease of use the Armor A60 provides.
PROS
- 4TB of storage capacity for ample storage
- Rugged and durable design withstands harsh conditions
CONS
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface limits transfer speeds
The SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive ArmorATD is a reliable and resilient external hard drive, well-suited for creatives and professionals who require both durability and ample storage space. Its robust design effectively shields against accidental drops, dust, and moisture, providing peace of mind when storing大切なデータを移動させる際にも安心です。
With a generous storage capacity of 4TB, the G-Drive ArmorATD offers ample space to store large media files, design projects, backups, and more. This makes it an ideal solution for photographers, videographers, musicians, and other creative professionals who frequently work with extensive data. Moreover, the USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 1 interfaces ensure compatibility with various devices, including Macs and Windows PCs.
PROS
- 4TB storage capacity offers ample space for vast media libraries, backups, or any demanding storage needs.
- USB 3.0 connectivity ensures fast and reliable data transfer speeds.
- Sleek and compact design makes it portable and easy to carry around.
- Plug-and-play functionality allows for effortless setup on Mac computers.
- Durable construction withstands everyday wear and tear, safeguarding your valuable data.
CONS
- Does not come with a protective case, requiring separate purchase for added protection.
- May require additional formatting for optimal performance on Mac.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB Portable External Hard Drive for Mac offers a substantial storage solution for your extensive digital library. With a massive 4TB capacity, it effortlessly accommodates vast collections of photos, videos, music, and documents. Its USB 3.0 interface delivers impressive data transfer speeds, ensuring seamless file transfers and backups.
Its sleek and compact design makes it a convenient companion for storing and transporting your data. Simply plug it into any Mac computer and enjoy instant access to your files. The durable construction ensures longevity and protection against everyday wear and tear, giving you peace of mind knowing that your valuable data is safe. Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and spacious storage solution for their Mac devices.
Our comprehensive guide provides in-depth reviews of each product, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons. We have carefully evaluated aspects such as storage capacity, speed, durability, portability, and compatibility to help you identify the external hard drive that aligns perfectly with your specific requirements. Whether you're a professional photographer, videographer, music producer, or simply someone who needs ample storage space, this guide will lead you to the best 4TB external hard drive for your Mac in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 4TB external hard drive for Mac?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, the Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD emerges as the top choice for Mac users in 2024. It offers a perfect blend of performance, reliability, and portability, making it an ideal companion for storing and accessing your valuable data.
What factors should I consider when choosing a 4TB external hard drive for Mac?
When selecting a 4TB external hard drive for Mac, crucial factors to consider include storage capacity, speed, durability, portability, and compatibility. Additionally, consider your specific needs and usage patterns to find the drive that best aligns with your requirements.
Are 4TB external hard drives compatible with both Mac and Windows?
Yes, many 4TB external hard drives are designed to be compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. They often come with exFAT or NTFS file systems, allowing seamless data transfer and access between different platforms.
Can I use a 4TB external hard drive to store Time Machine backups?
Yes, you can use a 4TB external hard drive to store Time Machine backups. It provides ample storage space to safeguard your Mac's operating system, applications, and files, ensuring you have a reliable backup solution in place.
What are the benefits of using an external hard drive for Mac?
External hard drives offer several benefits for Mac users. They provide additional storage space, allowing you to store large files, media collections, and backups without cluttering your Mac's internal drive. They also enhance data protection by providing a secure and portable way to store critical files, reducing the risk of data loss in case of internal drive failure or accidental deletion.
