The Best External Hard Drive for Mac Mini 2020: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're in the market for an external hard drive to complement your Mac Mini, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the complex world of external storage solutions and find the best one for your needs.

Compatibility with macOS

Before we dive into the details, it's essential to note that all the external hard drives featured here are compatible with the latest versions of macOS, including Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. So, you can rest assured that your new drive will work seamlessly with your Mac Mini.

The Evolution of External Hard Drives

Less than a decade ago, getting 5 Terabytes (TB) of portable storage would have cost several hundred dollars. Today, you can get the same amount of space for just over $100, thanks to advancements in technology and competition among manufacturers. This shift has made external hard drives more affordable and accessible than ever before.

Types of External Hard Drives

When choosing an external hard drive for your Mac Mini, you'll come across three main types:

1. Thunderbolt Drives: These drives are essentially SSD drives with Thunderbolt transfer speeds, making them even faster but also more expensive.

2. SDD Drives: Solid State Drives have no moving parts inside, making them faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. However, they're also more costly.

3. HDD Drives: The cheapest option, HDD drives have moving parts inside (also known as mechanical drives), which we've primarily focused on in these reviews.

Top Picks for Mac Mini Users

Here are some of the best external hard drives for Mac users:

1. OWC ThunderBay 4 Raid: Best for capacity, this drive offers an impressive amount of storage space.

2. WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo: The best RAID drive on our list, perfect for those who need high-speed data transfer.

3. WD My Book Duo Desktop RAID: Excellent security features make this drive a top choice for Mac users.

4. Samsung X5 Portable SSD: The fastest Thunderbolt drive on the market, ideal for those who require lightning-fast transfer speeds.

5. Transcend StoreJet M3: A great option for photographers and videographers who need reliable storage.

6. WD My Passport For Mac: Our top pick for Time Machine users, this drive is designed specifically for macOS.

In conclusion, choosing the best external hard drive for your Mac Mini requires careful consideration of factors such as compatibility, capacity, and transfer speed. By understanding the different types of drives available and considering your specific needs, you'll be able to find the perfect solution for your storage requirements. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, or simply need more space for your files, there's an external hard drive on this list that's sure to meet your needs.

Best external hard drive for mac mini 2020