Speed matters! Speed is an important factor when you work on your MacBook or Mac Studio, Editing videos or photos. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 SSDs are expensive, so selecting the fastest external SSD is difficult.
Are Portable SSDs Good for Video Editing? That is also under budget and suitable for video and photo editing purposes.
Video projects require faster data transfer rates, and traditional external SSDs are not meant to do that. Also read, Best 4K Display Monitors for Macbook Air, Pro and Mac mini
High-speed SSDs are essential for 4K video editing if you use Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere-like video editing software on your Mac.
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Fastest External Thunderbolt SSDs for Mac
Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, and Mac Studio support faster data transfer above 2000 MB/s Read and Write speed under the $500 budget range. Don’t worry; I will suggest some of the Best and Portable Fastest SSDs under the $300 price range here.
Let me answer some common questions asked by new buyers first.
How many Mbps Do I need for Video Editing?
When choosing an SSD for video editing, the required speed can vary depending on the resolution and format of the video you’re working with. How fast does an external SSD need to be for video editing? Let’s look at the standard calculation.
- HD Video (1080p): A minimum of 150 Mbps is usually sufficient.
- 4K Video: For 4K video editing, aim for SSDs with speeds of 500 Mbps or higher.
- 6K and 8K Video: For higher resolutions like 6K or 8K, you’ll need SSDs with speeds of 500 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps or more.
Fastest SSDs with read and write speeds higher than 1000 MBps are recommended for smooth editing, particularly with large files and high-resolution footage.
For professional-level editing, particularly in 4K or above, look for SSDs that deliver 2,000 MBps to ensure efficient performance and minimal lag.
Fantom Extreme SSD Drives 2TB – 2800 MB/s
Fantom SSDs are quite popular among video editors and are also among the best-picked. You can blindly go with Fantom Drives for video and photo editing. Connect them with your MacBook as an external drive, and start working on your projects.
1TB Fantom SSD Drive costs $159.95 under offer pricing.
The 2TB Fantom Extreme SSD drive costs only $249.95. Amazon has a $100 Discount and Deals, which will let you save more on your Fastest SSD purchase.
Rugged aluminum enclosure with a durable build and fanless design. No external power is required, which makes it perfect for travel and on-the-go work.
This Fantom Extreme Thunderbolt 3 SSD Drive is backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen Type C. It supports 2800 MB/s Data transfer rate. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 supported.
Available SSD Storage options are 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 4TB TLC options.
OWC Envoy Pro SSD 2TB – 2800 MB/s
Another popular brand is preferred by professionals when it comes to storage chipsets. OWC has some of the Best SSD storage options for Mac. It is an ultra-fast, versatile storage solution that offers Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility.
With read/write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s, it’s perfect for demanding tasks like video editing. The SSD is housed in a durable, heat-dissipating aluminum casing, making it rugged and sleek.
It’s also IP67 rated, meaning it’s dustproof and water-resistant, ideal for working in various environments.
Crucial X10 Pro 2TB SSD – 2100 MB/s
Crucial X10 Pro is a compact yet powerful storage device for professionals needing high-speed data transfer. It offers USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connectivity with transfer speeds of up to 2,100 MB/s, making it ideal for handling large files like 4K videos and high-resolution images.
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The SSD is lightweight, durable, and compatible with various devices, including MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac Studio.
It does not have the same SSD speed as listed above, but it offers 2100 MBs of Read and Write speed, which is good for the price as well.
Crucial X10 Pro is also perfect for handling large files like 4K videos and high-resolution images. This SSD is powerful, compact, and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
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Its wide compatibility makes it a great option for MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac Studio users.
SanDisk Professional PRO SSD – 2700 MB/s
SanDisk Professional 2TB PRO-G40 is a powerhouse SSD designed for those who demand speed and durability.
Featuring dual-mode compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2, it delivers transfer speeds up to 2,700 MB/s with Thunderbolt and 1,050 MB/s with USB.
Suitable for Macbook Air, Pro and Mac Studio computers.
- Dual-mode compatibility: Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- High-speed transfer rates: Up to 2,700 MB/s with Thunderbolt and 1,050 MB/s with USB.
- IP68 rated: Dust and water resistance for enhanced durability.
- Rugged design: Built to withstand drops and crushes.
- Multi-device compatibility: Ideal for MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac Studio.
Sandisk Professional GDrive SSD – 2800MB/s
SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE is an Ultra Rugged and Portable SSD designed to meet the needs of professionals who require speed and durability. Featuring USB-C connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility, it offers transfer speeds up to 2800 MB/s
Transfer files quickly between your SSD and Mac computer.
The SSD is also IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, and it boasts a crushproof and shockproof design, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.
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Its compact, lightweight form makes it perfect for on-the-go use. Thunderbolt 3 compatible makes it particularly useful with MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac Studio.
Pick your Fastest SSD today under the $500 price range. Start working on your 4K video and photo editing with Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Davinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro.
Rugged, Powerful, and Fastest SSDs for your Productivity tasks are compatible with USB C, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4.
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