Complete Guide to Thunderbolt 5 & USB4 SSDs for Mac in 2025: Which Should You Choose?
Complete Guide to Thunderbolt 5 & USB4 SSDs for Mac in 2025: Which Should You Choose?
In 2025, external storage took a huge leap forward. Thunderbolt 5 doubles the speed of Thunderbolt 4/USB4, so you can move 4K–8K projects in seconds, speed up backups, and keep workflows smooth on Mac. This guide compares the best Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 SSD options we stock at Flexx Memory—so you can pick the right balance of performance, portability, and value.
Thunderbolt 5 vs USB4 — at a glance
- Thunderbolt 5: up to 120 Gbps (theoretical), best for pro editing, multi-stream video, multi-display setups.
- USB4: typically 40 Gbps, excellent for backups, photo work, and general high-speed storage.
- Real-world TB5 SSDs are usually ~2× faster than USB4 drives on large media projects.
- Both use USB-C and are backward compatible with supported ports.
Thunderbolt 5 SSDs (Fastest Performance)
1) OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD (2 TB – 4 TB)
🏆 Best for pro editors
- Transfer speed: Up to 6,000 MB/s
- Upgradability: Sealed unit; opening voids warranty (per OWC policy)
- Compatibility: macOS / Windows / iPad Pro
The OWC Envoy Ultra delivers reliable TB5 performance for 4K/8K timelines, 3D assets, and heavy project files. Precision-machined aluminium keeps it cool and quiet during sustained workloads. If you want plug-and-play speed with zero fuss, this is the pro choice.
2) Acasis TB501 Pro Thunderbolt 5 Enclosure + Samsung 990 Pro SSD Bundle (1 TB – 4 TB)
🔧 Best for flexibility & upgrades
- Transfer speed: Up to 6,000 MB/s
- Upgradability: User-replaceable NVMe (reuse the enclosure for future SSDs)
- Compatibility: macOS / Windows / Linux
This bundle pairs a premium TB5 enclosure with Samsung’s flagship NVMe for elite speeds today—and painless capacity upgrades tomorrow. A superb balance of performance and long-term value.
3) Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 Dock with SSD Storage (1 TB – 4 TB)
🧩 Best for single-cable desk setups
- SSD bay speed: Up to 6,500 MB/s
- Power Delivery: 140 W
- Ports: 2× TB5, 3× USB-A, HDMI 2.1, SD reader, Ethernet
Add high-speed storage and serious I/O in one go. Perfect for editors and producers who want fewer cables, multiple displays, and fast ingest—all while charging a MacBook Pro at full speed.
4) LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt 5 SSD (2 TB – 4 TB)
🌦️ Best for on-location & travel
- Transfer speed: Up to 5,000 MB/s
- Durability: IP67 water & dust resistant, shockproof design
- Compatibility: TB5 / TB4 / USB4
The iconic Rugged shell with next-gen speed. Built for field work where weather, dust, and knocks are part of the job—without compromising performance.
USB4 SSDs (Affordable & Universal)
5) OWC Envoy Pro FX Portable NVMe SSD — Thunderbolt 3 & USB-C Compatible (480 GB – 4 TB)
🧭 Best for cross-device use
- Transfer speed: Up to 2,800 MB/s
- Interface: Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 / USB 3.2
- Durability: IP67, fanless aluminium
A go-anywhere workhorse that plays nicely with Macs, PCs, and iPads. Quick enough for 4K timelines and perfect for fast backups and shuttling projects.
6) OWC Express 1M2 USB4 NVMe SSD (1 TB – 8 TB)
💸 Best value & upgradable
- Transfer speed: Up to 3,000 MB/s
- Interface: USB4 (Thunderbolt-compatible)
- Upgradability: User-replaceable NVMe SSD
Great everyday performance with the freedom to expand capacity later. Ideal if you want fast storage without paying TB5 prices.
Comparison Table
| Model | Interface | Max Speed (MB/s) | Capacities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OWC Envoy Ultra (TB5) | Thunderbolt 5 | 6,000 | 2 TB, 4 TB | Pro 4K/8K editing; plug-and-play |
| Acasis TB501 Pro + 990 Pro | Thunderbolt 5 | 6,000 | 1 TB–4 TB | Max speed + upgradability |
| Sonnet Echo 13 Dock + SSD | Thunderbolt 5 | 6,500 (SSD bay) | 1 TB–4 TB | One-cable desk; power & I/O |
| LaCie Rugged TB5 | Thunderbolt 5 | 5,000 | 2 TB, 4 TB | Field work; weather & shocks |
| OWC Envoy Pro FX | USB4 / TB3 / USB-C | 2,800 | 480 GB–4 TB | Cross-device workflows |
| OWC Express 1M2 USB4 | USB4 | 3,000 | 1 TB–8 TB | Best value; upgradable NVMe |
Who Should Buy What?
- Pro video/photo (4K/8K, FCP/X, Resolve): OWC Envoy Ultra or Acasis TB501 Pro Bundle.
- Hybrid desk (storage + power + ports): Sonnet Echo 13 Dock with SSD.
- Field work / travel / outdoors: LaCie Rugged TB5.
- All-device compatibility at lower cost: OWC Envoy Pro FX.
- Everyday speed + future upgrades: OWC Express 1M2 USB4.