Best USB-C hard drives for Mac 2024: more storage with that simple connection

With internal storage space for Macs coming at such a high cost, picking up one of the best USB-C hard drives to go with your computer is a must. 

Even if you're already using a cloud storage service like iCloud to back up all of your data, a "hard copy" back up keeps you further protected should any data breach occur. And, for the most part, physical disk space works out cheaper in the long run, given the monthly subscription fees required to keep large capacity cloud services running. Here are a few options to get you started on your search for the best USB-C hard drive for your best Mac.

Quick List

Q & A

What if you have an older hard drive with a USB-A plug?

You may already have a perfectly good hard drive, except that it has a USB-A plug. We have a list of the best USB-C hubs for you, so you can use it with your newer model Mac. The current MacBook Pro lineup has added back HDMI and SDXC slots to certain models in addition to Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, but no USB-A ports. That's OK because USB-C is fast and future-proof.

Our USB-C hard drive recommendation for your Mac

External hard drives are must-have peripherals for anyone with a computer. If you back up your Mac in multiple places, then your data is far safer, and you're prepared for anything. They give you additional storage space, which can quickly fill up laptops, and are essential to backing up your data safely and securely. All of the USB-C hard drives for Mac on this list are easy to set up and start using right away. All you have to do is plug one into your Mac. If you're getting an external hard drive, make sure it can connect to your Mac.

If you're buying a USB-C hard drive for your Mac, the LaCie Rugged is our staff's favorite portable hard drive because it's affordable and reliable. It's Mac-ready but can also be used with Windows computers. If 1TB isn't enough, there are also 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB versions available. The LaCie Rugged of yesteryear got former iMore Editor-in-Chief Lory through her entire post-secondary education, and now that there's a USB-C option, it'll help get you (and maybe even your children!) through school or work with reliability and that fast connection.

On the other hand, if you want something super portable, lightweight, with an enormous storage capacity, the ZZBBKKZZ 16TB External Hard Drive is an excellent pick. Its sleek design can easily fit in the palm of your hand, or slide in your pocket, purse, or backpack. 

Ready to upgrade your Mac? Check out our reviews on the new MacBook Pro 13-in (M2, 2022) and MacBook Air (M2, 2022) to find out which is best suited for you. 

Gerald Lynch
Editor in Chief

Gerald Lynch is the Editor-in-Chief of iMore, keeping careful watch over the site's editorial output and commercial campaigns, ensuring iMore delivers the in-depth, accurate and timely Apple content its readership deservedly expects. You'll never see him without his iPad Pro, and he loves gaming sessions with his buddies via Apple Arcade on his iPhone 15 Pro, but don't expect him to play with you at home unless your Apple TV is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. 

Living in London in the UK, Gerald was previously Editor of Gizmodo UK, and Executive Editor of TechRadar, and has covered international trade shows including Apple's WWDC, MWC, CES and IFA. If it has an acronym and an app, he's probably been there, on the front lines reporting on the latest tech innovations. Gerald is also a contributing tech pundit for BBC Radio and has written for various other publications, including T3 magazine, GamesRadar, Space.com, Real Homes, MacFormat, music bible DIY, Tech Digest, TopTenReviews, Mirror.co.uk, Brandish, Kotaku, Shiny Shiny and Lifehacker. Gerald is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press, and also holds a Guinness world record on Tetris. For real.

With contributions from