If you’re using a 2013 MacBook Pro, you know you may eventually need more storage or faster backups. This guide reviews five compatible external drives and enclosure kits that pair well with Mac systems, focusing on portability, speed, and compatibility with macOS. Each option supports easy plug-and-play use and minimal setup, helping you expand capacity without sacrificing performance.
| Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD | Seagate | External HDD |
| WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive | WD | External HDD |
| WD 2TB My Passport for Mac | WD | External HDD |
| Bitsjour MacBook Pro SSD Enclosure 7+17 Pin | Bitsjour | SSD Enclosure |
| Jorkar External SSD Enclosure USB-C 3.2 | Jorkar | SSD Enclosure |
Seagate Portable 2TB External Drive
The Seagate Portable Drive provides a straightforward 2TB capacity in a compact USB external hard drive. It is designed to work with Windows or Mac computers and supports drag-and-drop backups for quick data protection. The drive requires no software for setup and is ready to use once connected to your MacBook Pro 2013. This model is suitable for expanding library media, photo archives, and documents without compromising portability or price.
WD 2TB Elements Portable External Drive
This WD Elements Portable drive pairs up to 2TB of storage in a compact, lightweight enclosure. It offers plug-and-play functionality and supports large capacities up to 6TB in some variants, making it ideal for backing up large photo libraries, video projects, and documents from a MacBook Pro 2013. The device is designed for easy transport and reliable daily use, with compatibility for both Mac and PC systems.
WD 2TB My Passport for Mac
WD My Passport for Mac provides Mac-ready portable storage with automatic backups and password protection. It is designed for Mac users seeking a compact, secure solution with USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatibility. While primarily a hard drive, it’s optimized for macOS and can be used on a MacBook Pro 2013 for extended storage, Time Machine backups, and easy file transfers with minimal setup.
Bitsjour MacBook Pro SSD Enclosure 7+17 Pin
This Bitsjour enclosure is designed for assembling a portable SSD from 7+17 pin MacBook Pro Retina SSDs (late 2012 to early 2013 models). It supports USB 3.0 with up to 5Gbps transfer speeds and plug-and-play usage. It’s a DIY-style solution aimed at refurbishing or upgrading an existing MacBook Pro SSD setup, providing a compact external option once the SSD is installed and formatted properly. Note compatibility only with the specified pin configurations.
Jorkar External SSD Enclosure USB-C 3.2
This Jorkar enclosure supports 12+16 pin MacBook Pro/MacBook Air SSDs from mid-2013 to 2017. It’s a dedicated enclosure, meaning the SSD is not included. It emphasizes high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility for up to 20Gbps transmission when used with compatible drivers and hardware. The enclosure is designed for heat management and portability, with a caution to verify SSD compatibility before purchase.
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External
SSK offers a 1TB portable SSD with USB-C connectivity and USB 3.2 Gen 2. It emphasizes fast transfer speeds up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, making it a strong option for MacBook Pro users who need quick backups or large file transfers. The device includes smart indicators and SMART monitoring for drive health and integrity, which complements macOS reliability and security expectations.
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac
WD My Passport Ultra for Mac delivers higher capacity with a sleek design and password protection. It features 256-bit AES hardware encryption and is compatible with USB-C and USB 3.1 interfaces. This model is suited for Mac users who want additional space for Time Machine backups, media libraries, and professional projects while maintaining a secure and portable option for on-the-go use.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Compatibility with macOS and MacBook Pro 2013: Look for drives labeled for Mac compatibility and Time Machine readiness if you plan macOS backups. Enclosures should match your SSD or HDD type and pin configuration (7+17 or 12+16).
- Drive Type: HDDs offer high capacity at a lower cost per gigabyte, but SSDs provide faster transfer speeds and greater durability. For video editing or large file transfers, an SSD enclosure or external SSD is often preferable.
- Transfer Speed: USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 and USB-C support impacts how quickly you can back up data. For MacBook Pro 2013, USB 3.x compatibility is common; newer USB-C/G2 enclosures offer faster performance if your Mac has compatible ports or adapters.
- Portability and Durability: If you travel with your drive, choose a compact, shock-resistant enclosure or a rugged external drive to protect data on the go.
- Security: Look for hardware encryption options (e.g., 256-bit AES) if you handle sensitive files and want built-in protection beyond macOS access controls.
- Software and Backup Features: Some drives come with bundled backup software or easy Time Machine compatibility. Consider whether you want automatic backups or manual transfers.
- Future-Proofing: If you foresee storage growth, consider higher-capacity drives (2TB–5TB+) or modular enclosures that can accommodate larger SSDs or HDDs later on.
- Installation Considerations: Enclosures require you to install an SSD or HDD and format it for macOS. Verify compatibility with 7+17/12+16 pin interfaces before purchasing a DIY kit.
Any choice should align with your MacBook Pro usage—whether you need bulk storage for media, fast SSD-based transfers for editing, or secure backups. The options above cover a range of speeds, capacities, and form factors to fit various workflows on a 2013 MacBook Pro.