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For one external SSD that you’ll use to read and write ordinary files on both Windows and Mac, format it as ExFAT. Back up the files you need first: formatting erases data on the selected volume. Use Disk Utility on a Mac or Disk Management on Windows.
Choose the right format before you erase the drive
| How you’ll use the SSD | Format to choose | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Share ordinary files between Windows and Mac | ExFAT | Apple identifies ExFAT as Windows-compatible and recommends it for disks over 32 GB. Apple’s Windows-formatting guide gives the size guidance; Apple’s file-system guide lists available formats. |
| Use the SSD only with Macs, including certain media workflows | APFS | APFS is optimized for flash and SSD storage and is Apple’s file system for macOS 10.13 or later. Apple specifically recommends APFS for external storage used with Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor. See Apple’s file-system guide and Apple’s media-app storage guidance. |
| Format a disk 32 GB or less for Windows compatibility under Apple’s guidance | MS-DOS (FAT) | Apple’s Disk Utility guide gives this size condition. It is not the usual choice for a typical large external SSD. See Apple’s Windows-formatting guide. |
| Write to an existing NTFS volume from a Mac | Do not assume Disk Utility can write to it | macOS may read NTFS, but Apple says Disk Utility does not support formatting NTFS and a Mac may not write to an NTFS volume. See Apple’s file-system guide. |
These recommendations concern compatibility and intended use, not speed: the cited guidance does not establish comparative transfer-speed results for ExFAT, APFS, or FAT.
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Before formatting: protect your files
Formatting removes files from the selected volume. Copy anything you want to keep to another drive or location before you begin. Apple warns that erasing a disk or volume erases its files; Microsoft likewise warns that formatting a partition destroys its data. See Apple Support and Microsoft Support.
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Make sure you have selected the external SSD, not your computer’s internal drive. If the SSD is used for Time Machine backups, note that it may be reserved for that purpose rather than general file storage; Apple discusses this in its external-drive troubleshooting guidance.
#1 Best Overall
Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware, External Solid State Drive, SDSSDE61-2T00-G25
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Format the SSD on a Mac
- Copy needed files from the SSD to another location.
- Open Disk Utility. From the menu bar, choose View > Show All Devices.
- In the sidebar, select the external physical disk at the top of its device hierarchy, then click Erase. Apple notes that the Scheme control may only appear when the physical device is selected. See Apple’s initialization instructions.
- For a newly initialized drive, choose GUID Partition Map for Scheme.
- Choose ExFAT for ordinary Windows/Mac file sharing on a disk over 32 GB. Choose MS-DOS (FAT) only for a disk 32 GB or less when following Apple’s Windows-compatibility guidance. For Mac-only use, choose APFS when it suits your workflow.
- Enter a name for the volume, click Erase, and then click Done. The erase operation removes data from the selected disk or volume.
Format the SSD on Windows
- Back up any files you need from the SSD. Formatting destroys data on the selected partition.
- Open Disk Management. Microsoft documents this tool for Windows 10 and Windows 11; it can initialize disks and create or format volumes. See Microsoft’s Disk Management instructions.
- If the drive is new and appears offline, bring it online if needed, then initialize it. Microsoft describes GPT as suited to modern UEFI systems, large drives, and more than four partitions; MBR is for older hardware or systems without UEFI support.
- To use unallocated space, right-click it and select New Simple Volume, then follow the wizard. To reformat an existing volume, right-click that volume and choose Format.
- When prompted for a file system, choose ExFAT for routine file sharing with a Mac. Confirm the selected drive and volume before completing the format.
Formatting is not secure erasure
A normal format prepares a file system; it should not be treated as secure sanitization of sensitive data. Microsoft explains that Quick Format creates a new file table but does not fully overwrite or erase the volume. Apple says secure erase options are unavailable in Disk Utility for SSDs. If you are beginning to use an SSD and want protection for its contents, Apple suggests considering FileVault encryption. See Apple’s initialization guidance and Microsoft’s Disk Management guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Sale
Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s Transfer Speeds-New Model
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Rank #4
Sale
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB Titan Gray, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Up to 1,050MB/s
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #3
Sandisk 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 800MB/s Read Speeds, Black (Old Model)
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Rank #2
SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Hard Drive USB C Up to 1050MB/s
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
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