Best Lightweight External SSD USB-C Compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro Max
One of the standout features of the new iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ability to connect an external SSD USB-C drive for capturing ProRes videos, all without the need to invest in the costly 512GB or 1TB models.
In this article, we’ve ranked the top external SSDs equipped with USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2, which boasts the market’s fastest speeds of up to 2100 MB/s.
This enables you to confidently choose the option that aligns perfectly with your preferences and budget.
What to look for when buying an external SSD for the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
When considering the purchase of an SSD for your new iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s crucial to take the following features and essential factors into account:
- Interface: Typically, the fastest SSDs are equipped with the USB 3.2 protocol, either Gen2x2 or Gen2x1. Choose Gen2x2 for faster speeds!
- Weight: Ensure your SSD is lightweight and slim, making it a practical addition to your mobile setup.
- Cable: Only use a cable with USB 3 data transfer. You won’t be able to record video from your iPhone 15 Pro Max if you do not use this cable!
- Compatibility: The new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max use a USB-C type connection.
- Write Speed: While many SSDs prominently feature their Read speed, don’t overlook the importance of Write speed. A higher Write speed can significantly impact the time it takes to record data, which is crucial for tasks like 4K or ProRes video recording.
- Warranty: Opt for an SSD with a warranty of at least three years. However, it’s also wise not to rely solely on a single SSD for your data. Always maintain backups to safeguard your important files and documents.
What is the Best External SSD for the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
1. PNY EXTREME PRO
Offering up to 4TB storage and blazing speeds reaching up to 1600MB/s, the PNY Extreme Pro is one of the fastest SSDs tailored for content creators.
Remarkably, it weighs just 3.7 ounces and can be seamlessly connected to your iPhone 15 Pro Max with the convenience of a compact USB-C cable.
- Storage space: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x2
- Read/Write Speed: 1600MB/s and 1500MB/s
- Weight: 3.7 ounces
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited Warranty
- Software included: Acronis True Image Data Protection Software
Over the past few years, PNY has consistently delivered exceptional storage solutions tailor-made for photographers, filmmakers, and content creators. The PNY Extreme Pro SSD is the ideal complement to your iPhone 15 Pro Max, seamlessly enhancing your storage needs.
2. CRUCIAL X10 PRO
Introducing another outstanding storage solution by Crucial: the cutting-edge Crucial X10 Pro SSD!
Boasting top performance, this external SSD ranks among the fastest on the market, achieving blazing speeds of up to 2100MB/s!
- Storage space: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x2
- Read/Write Speed: 2100MB/s and 2000MB/s
- Weight: 1.48 ounces
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: IP55 water and dust resistance, drop-proof durability up to 7.5 feet/2 meters, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
- Software included: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud
An SSD of such remarkable slimness and featherlight design is made for the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, ideal for capturing and storing 4K video footage and RAW images.
3. SANDISK EXTREME PRO V2
As we slowly enter 2024, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 256GB storage capacity may fall short for those who capture daily photos and videos. Thankfully, Sandisk comes to the rescue with its newest SSD Extreme Pro version 2!
- Storage space: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x2
- Read/Write Speed: 2000MB/s and 2000MB/s
- Weight: 1.76 ounces
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: IP65 water and dust resistance, up to two-meter drop protection, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
- Software included: SanDisk Memory Zone App for Easy File Management
In 2016, Western Digital acquired Sandisk, a company that has consistently delivered top-of-the-line products, including the fastest SD cards, USB flash disks, and external SSD drives for years. It remains an invaluable resource for individuals seeking additional storage for their new iPhone 15 Pro Max!
4. Samsung Portable SSD T9
Samsung has released a new external SSD that’s faster than previous models. Introducing the Samsung Portable SSD T9, boasting an impressive 4TB capacity, lightning-fast 2000MB/s Read/Write speeds, and a new feature called Dynamic Thermal Guard, designed to safeguard the device from overheating.
- Storage space: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x2
- Read/Write Speed: 2000MB/s and 2000MB/s
- Weight: 4.3 ounces
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: IP65 water and dust resistance, up to three meters drop protection, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
Every SSD storage unit lacking a cooling system can lead to a significant increase in temperature, resulting in a considerable drop in speed – transitioning from high-speed performance to much slower speeds.
The new Samsung Portable T9 introduces an innovative technology designed to maintain lower temperatures in the flash storage chips, ensuring that the read/write speeds remain consistently high.
5. PNY PRO ELITE V2
Another notable addition to PNY’s external SSD lineup is the Pro Elite V2. This model features a USB 3.2 Gen2x1 interface, offering impressive speeds of up to 1100MB/s.
Available in storage capacities of 500GB and 1TB, it provides enough space for your data storage needs. The Pro Elite V2 combines high-speed data transfer with a choice of storage options, making it a versatile and efficient solution for various applications.
- Storage space: 500GB, 1TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x1
- Read/Write Speed: 1100MB/s and 1000MB/s
- Weight: 3.7 ounces
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 3 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: Durable aluminum housing for less heat anticipation
Even with USB 3.2 Gen2x1, this external SSD maintains impressive speed, making it an excellent choice for storing videos and photos on your iPhone 15 Pro Max. Its unique design facilitates seamless transfer and effortless connectivity with your iPhone.
6. CRUCIAL X9 PRO
Video editing becomes a breeze with the Crucial X9 Pro external SSD. With a generous 4 TB capacity, it can effortlessly handle 4K 60p log footage from an iPhone 15 Pro (256 GB model).
The convenience doesn’t stop there – you can edit your video directly on this SSD using iMovie, thanks to the USB-C connection.
- Storage space: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x1
- Read/Write Speed: 1050MB/s and 1050MB/s
- Weight: 1.34 ounces
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: IP55 water and dust resistance, drop-proof durability up to 7.5 feet/2 meters, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
- Software included: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud
What’s remarkable is that, during editing, there’s no need to worry about dropped frames. This SSD’s speed ensures smooth editing, even for a 10-minute video! This combination of storage and performance makes the Crucial X9 Pro the ideal choice for seamless and efficient video editing.
7. SANDISK EXTREME PRO
For the past few years, the Sandisk Extreme Pro Version 1 has become a preferred option among creators. It has consistently delivered exceptional performance.
In particular, its compatibility with Adobe applications stands out, as it enables seamless and rapid handling of various tasks. Adobe apps can open, read, write, save, and, notably, browse catalogs in Bridge and Lightroom almost instantaneously, with minimal to no lag.
This efficiency level is why this drive is in a top-tier category and is highly prized and indispensable for professionals who rely on swift and dependable storage solutions.
- Storage space: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x1
- Read/Write Speed: 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s
- Weight: 1.76 ounces
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: IP55 water and dust resistance, up to two-meter drop protection, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
- Software included: Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app
The standout feature of this portable SSD is its incredible speed, living up to its ‘Extreme’ name. With transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s, it quickly handles large data transfers, which can be a huge time-saver, especially when working on tasks like transferring large projects or editing 4K videos.
8. SAMSUNG PORTABLE T7 SHIELD
The Samsung Portable T7 Shield external SSD has been recognized with prestigious awards in 2022, including the Twice VIP Award, the Laptop Ultimate Home Office Awards, and the Windows Central Recommended.
It’s the ideal choice for content creators on the go and outdoor photographers, thanks to its exceptional durability and rapid data transfer speeds. This SSD is the perfect companion for adventurous professionals seeking reliability and performance in their portable storage solutions.
- Storage space: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type: USB C 3.2 Gen2x1
- Read/Write Speed: 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s
- Weight: 4.3 ounces
- Color: Black, Blue, Beige
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Other features: IP65 water and dust resistance, up to three meters drop protection, 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
Ultimately, the Samsung Portable T7 Shield external SSD is more than just a storage device; it’s a pivotal component in your video editing toolkit.
It enables the creation of professional-quality videos, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned editor, and it does so with an unparalleled combination of storage capacity and speed just from your iPhone 15 Pro Max!
How to Record Video via USB-C
Here’s a close-up on recording video externally via USB-C on the iPhone 15 Pro/Max, using both the native camera app and the Blackmagic camera app.
I’ve got the T7 Shield 4TB – the best value for my buck when I snagged it, but connecting it to my phone can feel like solving a puzzle without adding bulk!
Haha, that’s a good one! The T7 Shield 4TB truly offers outstanding value for your money. It may not have the slim profile of other SSDs, but what you get in return is top-notch protection – and, in the end, that’s often more important than sleek design and style. Your feedback is much appreciated!