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Best External SSD for Mac Mini M1, M2

Need portable storage for your Mac Mini? Consider our top picks for external SSDs for Mac Mini M1, M2.

The Mac Mini is a compact and powerful desktop computer that can handle various tasks and applications. However, it may not have enough storage space for your needs, especially if you work with large files or have a lot of media and games.

That’s why you may want to consider getting an external SSD for your Mac Mini. An external SSD (solid state drive) is a storage device that connects to your Mac Mini via a cable or a wireless connection.

It offers many benefits over an internal HDD (hard disk drive), such as faster speed, lower power consumption, higher reliability, and better portability. An external SSD can also help you improve your Mac Mini’s performance, backup your data, and expand your storage capacity.

However, not all external SSDs are compatible or suitable for your Mac Mini. You need to consider factors such as size, speed, capacity, durability, compatibility, and price when choosing the best external SSD for your Mac Mini.

To help you with that, we have reviewed and ranked the top 10 best external SSDs for Mac Mini in 2023. We have also included a buyer’s guide that explains how to choose the best external SSD for your Mac Mini and answers some frequently asked questions.

So whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative, read on to find out which external SSD is right for you!

Our recommended list of the Best External SSD for Mac Mini M1, M2

  1. SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD
  2. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD
  3. G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD
  4. WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD For Mac
  5. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive
  6. Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Portable External SSD

Things You Should Know Before Buying

If you’re looking for a fast and reliable external SSD for your mac mini m1 m2, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some factors to consider when buying the best external SSD for your Mac.

  • Speed: The speed of an external SSD depends on its interface and its internal components. The fastest external SSDs use Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 ports, which can deliver speeds of up to 40Gbps. However, these drives are also more expensive and require compatible devices. USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives are more common and affordable, and can offer speeds of up to 10Gbps. The internal components of an external SSD also affect its speed, such as the type of NAND flash memory and the controller chip.
  • Capacity: The capacity of an external SSD determines how much data you can store on it. External SSDs range from 256GB to 8TB, depending on your needs and budget. Generally, the higher the capacity, the higher the price. However, you should also consider the cost per gigabyte, which is the price divided by the capacity. This can help you find the best value for your money.
  • Durability: The durability of an external SSD refers to how well it can withstand physical damage, such as drops, shocks, water, and dust. External SSDs are generally more durable than hard drives, as they have no moving parts. However, some external SSDs are more rugged than others, and have features such as rubber casings, IP ratings, shock resistance, and password protection. These features can add extra security and peace of mind for your data.
  • Design: The design of an external SSD affects its portability, aesthetics, and compatibility. External SSDs vary in size, weight, shape, and color, depending on your preferences and needs. Some external SSDs are small and light enough to fit in your pocket, while others are larger and heavier for desktop use. Some external SSDs have sleek and stylish designs that match your Mac, while others have more functional and practical designs. Some external SSDs also come with cables and adapters for different ports and devices.

These are some of the factors to consider when buying the best external SSD for your mac mini m1 m2. You can check out our reviews of some of the best external SSDs for Mac here.

1. SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD

If you’re looking for a reliable and fast external SSD for your Mac Mini, you might want to consider the 1TB SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD. This drive offers many features that make it stand out from the crowd.

The PRO-G40 SSD has blazing-fast transfer speeds of up to 2700MB/s (read) and 1900MB/s (write), which means you can move 50GB of data in less than a minute. This is ideal for working with large files or running demanding applications on your Mac Mini.

The PRO-G40 SSD also has dual-mode compatibility, with both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports. This gives you flexibility and convenience to connect to different devices and platforms. Whether you have a Thunderbolt-enabled or a USB-C-equipped Mac Mini, the PRO-G40 SSD will work seamlessly with it.

The PRO-G40 SSD is also ultra-rugged, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It can withstand drops, crushes, and harsh environments, keeping your data safe and secure. Plus, it has a cool aluminum core that dissipates heat and maintains consistent performance without throttling.

The PRO-G40 SSD has a pro-grade enclosure that exudes quality and strength. It’s designed to last and to handle the rigors of daily use. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, the PRO-G40 SSD is a storage solution that you can trust.

Pros

  • Up to 2700MB/s transfer speeds
  • IP68 dust/water resistance
  • Durable, shockproof design
  • 5-year limited warranty 

Cons

  • Only available in 1TB and 2TB capacities

Overall, the SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD is a standout choice as the best external SSD for Mac Mini. It delivers superior performance, flexibility, and durability, making it a solid investment for professionals and creative enthusiasts alike.

2. SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD

The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD is a powerful and durable external hard drive for mac mini m1 users. It offers incredible performance and versatility, making it ideal for photographers, content creators, and gamers.

The T7 Shield boasts a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface that delivers transfer speeds of up to 1050 MB/s. This means you can move large files and run demanding applications on your mac mini m1 in no time. Whether you’re working with raw images, high-resolution videos, or immersive games, the T7 Shield can handle it all.

The T7 Shield also features dual-mode compatibility, with both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports. This gives you flexibility and convenience to connect to different devices and platforms. You can use the T7 Shield with your mac mini m1 or any other Thunderbolt-enabled or USB-C-equipped device.

The T7 Shield is designed to withstand the harshest environments, with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. It can also survive drops, crushes, and shocks, thanks to its shock-resistant construction. Your data is safe and secure with the T7 Shield, even in unpredictable circumstances.

The T7 Shield has a cool aluminum core that helps dissipate heat and maintain consistent performance without throttling. This is especially important for mac mini m1 users who rely on fast and stable performance for their creative endeavors.

Pros

  • Fast performance
  • Rugged design
  • Lightweight
  • Effortless connectivity

Cons

  • No fingerprint sensor

The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD is one of the best external hard drives for mac mini m1 in 2023. It’s a storage solution that delivers excellence in speed, versatility, durability, and design.

3. G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD

The G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD is a powerful and durable external hard drive for mac mini m2 users. It offers amazing features that make it ideal for photographers, content creators, and gamers.

The G-DRIVE mobile SSD has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface that delivers transfer speeds of up to 560 MB/s. This means you can move large files and run demanding applications on your mac mini m2 in no time. Whether you’re working with raw images, high-resolution videos, or immersive games, the G-DRIVE mobile SSD can handle it all.

The G-DRIVE mobile SSD also features an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. It can also survive drops, crushes, and shocks, thanks to its solid-state drive technology. Your data is safe and secure with the G-DRIVE mobile SSD, even in harsh conditions.

The G-DRIVE mobile SSD has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around wherever you go. It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and even select smartphones. You can use the G-DRIVE mobile SSD with your mac mini m2 or any other USB-C-enabled device.

To make your life even easier, you can order this cutting-edge external SSD with your Alexa-enabled device. Simply say, “Alexa, order G-Technology External SSD,” and experience the convenience of voice-controlled purchasing.

Pros

  • 560 MB/s speed
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Crushproof up to 2 meters

Cons

  • No built-in battery

In short, the G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD is one of the best external hard drives for mac mini m2 in 2023. It’s a storage solution that combines durability, speed, and ample storage capacity. With its IP67 water and dust resistance, 560 MB/s transfer speeds, and 1TB capacity, it’s a drive that delivers excellence in performance and value.

4. WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD For Mac

The WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD is a portable external solid-state drive that delivers impressive performance and plenty of storage space for gamers. Designed with performance in mind, this drive boasts SSD speeds of up to 2000MB/s. With its lightning-fast load times, the WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD guarantees swift access to your games.

One of the remarkable factors of the P50 Game Drive is its ample storage capacity. With up to 4TB of additional storage, this drive offers plenty of space to keep your favorite games and save the latest ones. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this drive ensures that you never have to compromise on your gaming library.

Durability is another area where the BLACK P50 shines. Its shock-resistant and portable form factor allows you to carry it with you wherever you go. The drive is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use and provides fast access to your games.

In addition to its impressive performance, durability, and ample storage capacity, the BLACK P50 Game Drive features a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. This configuration makes it compatible with both PCs and consoles. This versatility ensures that you can easily connect the drive to your preferred gaming platform without any hassle.

Pros

  • 2,000 MB/s speed
  • Shock-resistant enclosure
  • Compatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port
  • Sturdy design

Cons

  • Expensive pricing

The WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD is a top-notch choice for gamers seeking fast, reliable, and versatile storage solutions. With its exceptional SSD speeds, generous storage capacity, durability, and high-speed interface, you can cater to any gaming-related need. Whether you’re a console or PC gamer, this portable external SSD is a worthy investment that delivers on its promises.

5. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive

Presenting the ideal portable external SSD for Mac Mini – the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive. Hailing from the reputable brand LaCie, this external SSD is tailored for professionals seeking power and durability.

A key feature is its Thunderbolt 3 speed capability, leveraging the 1TB Seagate FireCuda NVMe SSD to deliver playback and recording speeds of up to 2,800MB/s. This makes it adept for handling 6K, 8K, or ultra high-resolution videos with utmost fluidity.

Durability is central to the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, boasting an IP67 rating for water resistance, three-meter drop tolerance, and the capacity to withstand a two-ton car. This portable SSD, with its inbuilt protection against dust and water, ensures your data stays safeguarded even in challenging environments.

Convenient connectivity is assured by the integrated Thunderbolt 3 cable, facilitating smooth compatibility with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports on devices like iPads, Macs, and Windows computers. This versatile SSD also includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud all-apps plan, bolstering your creative workflow.

The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro comes with a five-year limited product protection plan, featuring Rescue Data Recovery services, instilling confidence in the longevity of your SSD and safety of your data.

Pros

  • 2,800 MB/s speed
  • Water-resistant
  • Long battery life
  • Compatible with Mac and PC
  • 1 month of Adobe Creative Cloud support
  • Five-year Rescue Data Recovery Services

Cons

  • Short cables

The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro offers robust performance, impressive compatibility, and unrivaled durability, making it a prime choice as a portable external SSD for Mac Mini. It also provides Adobe Creative Cloud support and five-year Rescue Data Recovery Services, underscoring its value for professionals.

6. Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Portable External SSD

The Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Portable External SSD Bolt B75 Pro is a reliable and high-performing storage solution that caters to the needs of PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS4/PS5 users. Packed with impressive features, this external SSD delivers exceptional performance and durability.

With superfast read/write speeds of up to 520MB/s and 420MB/s, the Bolt B75 Pro ensures speedy data transfer and efficient file handling. Whether you’re transferring large files, editing videos, or running demanding applications, this SSD can keep up with your needs.

The inclusion of USB Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables adds convenience and versatility to the Bolt B75 Pro. You can connect it to a wide range of devices without any compatibility issues, making it suitable for various setups and configurations.

Designed for portability and durability, this external SSD features a lightweight and robust aluminum shockproof design. It is built to withstand the rigors of travel and everyday use, ensuring that your data remains safe and secure wherever you go.

Silicon Power stands behind the reliability of the Bolt B75 Pro by offering a 3-year warranty. This warranty provides peace of mind and demonstrates the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

It is worth noting that the B75 Pro is pre-formatted as FAT32, making it compatible with both Mac and Windows systems. However, when transferring a single file larger than 4GB, it is recommended to re-format the drive to exFAT. This ensures optimal compatibility and performance in handling large files.

Pros

  • 1,050 MB/s speed 
  • Dust-proof
  • Sleek design
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No encryption

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best external SSD for Mac Mini M1 M2, the decision hinges on several factors including performance, durability, compatibility, and value for money.

The SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40 SSD stands out due to its exceptional transfer speeds and robust design, backed by dual-mode Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C compatibility. It promises both performance and durability, making it a strong contender.

The Samsung T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD is another notable choice, offering vast storage space and excellent read/write speeds. Its rugged design and AES 256-bit hardware encryption ensure data security, making it a reliable option for users concerned about data safety.

The G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD delivers impressive performance with its high-speed data transfer. It’s rugged, water and dust-resistant design offers added protection, which is ideal for users frequently on the move.

The WD_BLACK 1TB P50 Game Drive SSD is specially tailored for gamers and offers high-speed performance for demanding gaming applications. Its compatibility with Mac ensures it works seamlessly with Mac Mini M1 M2.

The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 1TB Solid State Drive is noteworthy for its extreme durability, impressive speed, and versatile connectivity. The five-year limited product protection plan and bundled Adobe Creative Cloud membership further enhance its value proposition.

Lastly, the Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Portable External SSD offers solid performance in a compact, shockproof design. It’s an affordable option without compromising on speed or durability.

In conclusion, all these options bring something unique to the table. However, your choice for the best external SSD for Mac Mini M1 M2 should align with your specific needs, whether it’s speed, storage capacity, durability, or additional features. Each of these SSDs excel in their own right, providing a range of options to suit a variety of user needs and budgets.

Author

    by
  • Paul Alcorn

    As a teenager, Paul scraped up enough money to buy a 486-powered PC with a turbo button (yes, a turbo button). Back when floppies were still popular he was already chasing after the fastest spinners for his personal computer, which led him down the long and winding storage road, covering enterprise storage. His current focus is on consumer processors, though he still keeps a close eye on the latest storage news. In his spare time, you’ll find Paul hanging out with his kids or indulging his love of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

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