If you frequently save papers, pictures, or movies to your MacBook Pro, it will probably rapidly get full. To get the most of your Mac, you must expand your storage space because we all rely on our computers for work, school, and enjoyment. If so, adding a solid-state drive is an excellent way to increase the amount of space on your hard disc (SSD).
Similar to a USB but with substantially greater storage space, an SSD is a storage device for your computer. SSDs are faster, lighter, and don’t require any electricity from your computer. They also typically operate more quietly and quietly than conventional hard disc drives. If you’re shopping for an SSD, check for models that are reputed to function well with Macs.
We’ve studied and researched the top SSDs for MacBook Pro computers to make your life easier. There are SSDs for every price range, from leading manufacturers including Samsung, SanDisk, Seagate, and LaCie.
1. SanDisk SSD PLUS 480GB
The SanDisk SSD Plus 480GB drive can be what you need if you have an older MacBook Pro and want to increase its performance and storage capacity. This SSD supports the SATA Revision 3.0 interface and is compatible with MacBook Pro models built in 2011 or 2012. However, if your laptop was made earlier, you might still be able to upgrade it if it uses SATA 1.0 or 2.0. And let’s face it: Trying to update your MacBook Pro with this SSD rather than switching to a new device is undoubtedly more economical.
It contains 480GB of storage space, which is more than enough for all of your personal documents, images, and even films. Additionally, this SSD’s 535MB/s sequential read speed and 445MB/s sequential write speed let you save data quickly and retrieve it even more quickly—up to 20 times faster than your old hard drive. This SanDisk SSD could turn your outdated MacBook Pro into the computer of your dreams thanks to its cool, silent operation and long battery life.
Pros
- Suitable with earlier MacBooks
- fast read/write times
- cool and silent functioning
Cons
- Larger files might not fit in the available storage.
2. Samsung 860 EVO 250GB
For people on a tight budget who want to speed up the performance of their MacBook Pro devices built in 2012 or before, the Samsung 860 EVO 250GB is a good alternative. For significantly better device performance, it offers a SATA 3.0 connection interface with outstanding read and write speeds (520 MB/s and 550 MB/s).
Even if you enjoy taking high-definition images and videos, 250GB is still plenty of capacity for the average Mac user, even though it isn’t the largest SSD on our list. Does it take a while for your laptop to start up? That will change with this SSD. Are your games, applications, and other programmes opening slowly? Make a new beginning with this reasonably priced SSD.
You’ll be amazed at how responsive your MacBook Pro is even when multitasking. Additionally, this SSD is warranted to endure a very long time, with a reliability rating of 1.5 million hours. That’s a lot of computer time, time that your faster gadget will allow you to employ more efficiently.
Pros
- Affordable and dependable
- Rapid startup times
- A good time to read and write.
Cons
- Low-hanging storage
3. WD Blue 3D NAND 1TB
Check out the WD Blue 3D NAND 1TB SSD if you want to never run out of storage capacity again. Your MacBook Pro now has a whopping 1TB of additional storage capacity, which is more than enough for almost two million images of typical size. This SSD utilizes the SATA 6.0 GB/s interface and is compatible with Macs with SATA controllers. It also performs very well with a sequential read speed of up to 560 MB/s and a sequential write speed of up to 530 MB/s.
Since this SSD has an active power draw up to 25% lower than prior generations of SSDs, you might also notice more extended battery life. Additionally, the manufacturer provides free software that can be downloaded to check the health of your drive, as well as a five-year warranty for this SSD, allowing you to buy with the assurance that you are choosing a device with high reliability and long shelf life.
Pros
- Sufficient storage
- Dependable read/write rates.
- Decreased power draw
- Good software
Cons
- Not the fastest product available
4. Transcend 480GB JetDrive
Check out the Transcend 480GB JetDrive if your MacBook Pro was produced between 2013 and 2016 and could use some improvements. The MacBook Air, MacBook Pro Retina, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro are all compatible gadgets. This SSD uses the cutting-edge PCIe Gen 3 x 2 interface for quick data transfer. Check out the fantastic read/write speeds that you can obtain with this SSD—950MB/s for each—which are made possible by the 3D NAND flash technology that this SSD employs.
This JetDrive SSD truly lives up to its name. The JetDrive toolbox included with this SSD makes it very simple to keep track of things like firmware updates and the drive’s durability. You can quickly boost the storage capacity of your Mac by upgrading with a Transcend JetDrive 820, ensuring you have plenty of room for your documents, pictures, music, and videos.
Pros
- Rapid reading and writing
- Includes 3D NAND flash
- Helpful updating software
Cons
- A little bit of restricted compatibility
5. Samsung 860 EVO 500GB
The Samsung 860 EVO is a newer model of one of the world’s most popular SATA SSD series. It was created specifically to improve the performance of current computers like your MacBook Pro. This SSD can be used to upgrade many old MacBook Pro models because it is compatible with SATA 3 GB/s and SATA 1.5 GB/s ports.
This quick and dependable SSD uses the most recent V-NAND technology and is available in various form factors and compatible capacities.
With high workloads or while multitasking, it claims consistent performance. With Samsung’s Intelligent TurboWrite technology, the 860 EVO utilizes the mSATA interface to perform at sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 520 MB/s for quick file transfers and enhanced performance.
The TurboWrite buffer size for this EVO SSD has been increased from 12 GB to 78 GB. You can tell that the manufacturers are confident in the durability of each SSD because each one comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros
- Suitable with earlier MacBooks
- A vital read/write
- Five-year guarantee
Cons
- Not as quick as the more expensive competition
6. G-Technology 0G06054 2TB G-Drive Mobile SSD
Even though G-Technology is not the most well-known manufacturer in the industry, if you want to upgrade your MacBook Pro, this SSD is a worthwhile investment. You get an enormous 2TB of storage, which is plenty for millions of high-definition pictures. This SSD is one of the hardest on the market, so it’s a terrific option if you’re worried about wear and tear. Due to its IP67 certification, the G-Drive Mobile may be immersed in water up to one meter deep without suffering damage.
The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile is drop-tested to three meters. It can withstand 1,000 pounds of pressure without breaking, giving it more significant impact and tensile strength than many comparable SSDs. With the accompanying Short USB-C and USB-A (full-size USB) connections, you may connect the G-Drive Mobile to any MacBook or iMac. Additionally, the drive is pre-formatted specifically for macOS, which makes it simpler to transfer files from your old hard drive to your new one.
Pros
- Massive 2TB storage
- Certified IP67 for protection from dust and water
- Checked for drops and tough
- Ready to use formatted
Cons
- Expensive
7. LaCie Rugged SSD (1 TB)
Look no further than the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro if you need a tough SSD that can handle working with video or lots of photographs. It is worth the increased price because it comes in two sizes, 1TB or 2TB, and has a quick data processing speed of up to 2800 MB/s. The rugged silicone outside shell is crucial for protecting your data and preventing your SSD from becoming overheated if you frequently work outside or on location.
With an IP67 rating, it is resistant to dust, water, and falls of over 10 feet. Additionally, it is difficult to miss due to its vivid orange color. It is easily compatible with Macs and operates over Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1. The LaCie Rugged Pro consistently provides quick service. The five-year warranty covers data recovery services, which is a nice perk for peace of mind.
Pros
- The sturdy casing keeps it safe no matter what you put it through.
- Quick speeds are ideal for using video.
- 1 or 2 TBs are choices.
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- It must be kept close to your computer because of the short wires.
Final Verdict
There are many possibilities for an update if your old MacBook’s hard disc needs replacing or your SSD is too full. The SanDisk SSD Plus 480GB is one of the best for older MacBook owners. It’s one of the most affordable ways to speed up your laptop and has worked with nearly every MacBook model from 2011 and after. If the money is tight, we recommend the Samsung 860 Evo. It is a workhorse drive with reliable read/write speeds, top-notch software, and broad compatibility with most MacBooks.
About Our Trusted Experts
Writer and journalist Katie Dundas have a love for technology, especially as it relates to cameras, drones, fitness, and travel. She has contributed articles to Matador Network, Much Better Adventures, Business Insider, and Travel Trend.
Ajay Kumar is Lifewire’s Tech Editor and has been in the business for more than seven years. He has reviewed everything from gaming PCs and laptops to HDDs and SSDs. In the setup he built himself, he utilizes a Samsung 860 Evo as the operating system drive and a WD Blue 3D NAND as a storage/game drive.
With more than ten years of experience in the field, Alan Bradley is the tech editor at Lifewire. He has previously written product reviews for Rolling Stone, Polygon, and The Escapist. His reviews have covered everything from PC components to gaming devices and peripherals. For his gaming machine, he utilizes a Samsung SATA SSD.
What to Look for When Buying
Storage Size:
Storage is a vital component to look for in a decent SSD. Although storage capacity varies depending on price, you should aim for an SSD with at least 250GB of storage if you intend to use it as your operating system drive.
That implies that it should be capable of running your operating system, essential applications, and a few extra files and games. More extensive storage options start at 480GB and go up to 960GB. The price for 1TB and 2TB increased in proportion. You’ll likely need at least 1TB if you have a lot of images, videos, and games.
Read/Write Speed:
Sequential read/write speed gauges an SSD’s efficiency. While a write speed gauges how quickly something is saved to an SSD, a read speed gauges how long it takes to open a file. Higher numbers are preferable.
Although inexpensive SSDs typically have slower read/write rates, they are fast enough for the ordinary user to startup and multitask. A quicker, more expensive SSD can be worthwhile if your process is more demanding and calls for video and photo editing and rendering.
Software:
Getting all your files over to a new SSD isn’t always a simple process. Many SSDs will come pre-partitioned, so a portion of the storage has already been allocated as a backup. They may also come with software (as in the case of Samsung) allowing you to easily copy and transfer files from an old drive to a new one and manage firmware updates.
FAQs
Can you replace the MacBook Pro’s internal SSD yourself?
The newest MacBooks aren’t serviceable by most users, at least not officially. Doing so may void your warranty. That said, if you know what you’re doing and you have the right tools, it’s possible to swap out the SSD yourself. Take a look at our instructions for how to upgrade your Mac’s drive.
Can I install 2 SSDs in a MacBook Pro?
The MacBook Pro only have a single drive slot, so you can’t add a second SSD. Your only option is to replace the existing SSD with a bigger one. Another alternative is to use an external storage device. It’s also worth taking advantage of cloud storage options if you’re hard up for space.
What SSDs are compatible with the MacBook Pro?
All of the SSDs on this roundup are compatible with the MacBook Pro. We’re particularly partial to the SanDisk SSD Plus as one of our top choices. It works well with older MacBooks and offers fast read/write speeds. Other options come from reputable brands like Samsung, WD, Seagate, and others.
