Running out of room on your iMac does not mean replacing the computer. An external drive can hold photos, video, and backups, while an iMac hub with an SSD enclosure can add storage and ports without another box on your desk.
These 10 options cover fast portable SSDs, higher-capacity hard drives, and hubs designed for the 24-inch iMac. The best choice depends on what you store, how often you access it, and which connections your iMac has.
Best 10 Imac Storage Expansion Picks for 2026
Most Versatile iMac Dock
PULWTOP 11-in-1 Hub with NVMe Slot
- NVMe expansion up to 4TB; SSD sold separately
- 4K/60Hz HDMI and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A data ports
Best For: 24-inch iMac owners seeking storage and extensive connectivity
Streamlined Storage Hub
- NVMe slot supports up to 4TB
- 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports
- SD/TF readers and two USB-A 2.0 ports
Best For: 24-inch iMac users needing storage and basic ports
Display-Ready Storage Hub
- NVMe expansion up to 4TB; SSD sold separately
- HDMI output up to 4K/60Hz
- 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports
Best For: 24-inch iMac setups needing storage and an external display
Ready-to-Use Portable Drive
Seagate 2TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive
- 2TB drive included
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play connection
- Portable option for files and backups
Best For: Mac users wanting storage without installing an SSD
Fast Portable SSD
- 1TB external SSD
- Up to 2,100MB/s advertised reads
- IP65-rated, compact design
Best For: Fast access to files on an iMac
Compact HDD
- 500GB mechanical storage
- Slim portable design
- USB 3.0 cable included
Best For: Light-duty file storage
Mac-Ready Backup Drive
- 2TB mechanical storage
- Backup software included
- USB-C adapter included
Best For: Mac-oriented backups and file archives
Compact 500GB Pick
YOTUO 500GB Portable Hard Drive
- 500GB portable HDD
- Mac support; USB 3.0 and USB-C listed
- Silicone sleeve cushions bumps
Best For: Light everyday file storage on an iMac
Mac-Formatted High-Capacity Pick
WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac
- 5TB portable capacity
- Formatted for Mac; USB-C compatible
- Password protection and hardware encryption
Best For: Large iMac file collections with security needs
Versatile 1TB Pick
- 1TB portable HDD
- Mac support; USB 3.0 and USB-C listed
- Silicone sleeve cushions bumps
Best For: Portable iMac storage across supported devices
Most Versatile iMac Dock – PULWTOP 11-in-1 Hub with NVMe Slot
For imac storage expansion that also adds display and network connections, this 11-in-1 hub fits 24-inch iMac models from 2021, 2023, and 2024. Its built-in M.2 slot accepts an NVMe SSD up to 4TB; the drive is sold separately.
Best For: 24-inch iMac owners who want storage, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and everyday ports in one dock.
Pros:
- Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes.
- Adds up to 4K at 60Hz HDMI output and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
- Includes 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A data ports, SD/TF readers, and an audio jack.
Cons:
- SSD is not included; SATA drives and SSDs with heatsinks are unsupported.
- External display output requires connection to an iMac Thunderbolt port.
This is the broadest connectivity choice in this group if you need more than storage. Check your iMac model and plan for a separately purchased, properly formatted NVMe drive.
Streamlined Storage Hub – PULWTOP 7-in-1 iMac NVMe Hub
If imac storage expansion is your priority but you also need accessible USB and card-reader ports, this 7-in-1 hub is a focused option. It fits 24-inch iMac models from 2021, 2023, and 2024 and supports a separately purchased M.2 NVMe SSD up to 4TB.
Best For: 24-inch iMac users who want a compact NVMe enclosure with basic peripheral and SD/TF connectivity.
Pros:
- Built-in NVMe slot supports storage expansion up to 4TB.
- Provides one 10Gbps USB-C and one 10Gbps USB-A data port.
- Adds two USB-A 2.0 ports and SD/TF card readers.
Cons:
- SSD must be purchased separately; SATA SSDs are unsupported.
- Does not list HDMI or Ethernet connectivity.
Choose this model when storage and everyday ports matter more than display or wired-network expansion. A new SSD needs formatting before use.
Display-Ready Storage Hub – GKEAPZA 8-in-1 iMac Hub
This 8-in-1 hub combines imac storage expansion with an HDMI connection for a second screen. Designed for 24-inch M1, M3, and M4 iMac models, it accommodates a separately purchased M.2 NVMe SSD up to 4TB.
Best For: 24-inch iMac users who want NVMe storage, 4K HDMI output, and fast USB data ports in one hub.
Pros:
- Supports 2242, 2260, and 2280 NVMe SSDs up to 4TB.
- HDMI output supports up to 4K at 60Hz.
- USB-C and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports support up to 10Gbps.
Cons:
- SSD is not included.
- The listed SSD sizes do not include 2230.
It is a practical pick for adding project storage and an external display without choosing a larger port-heavy dock. Confirm your SSD size before buying.
Ready-to-Use Portable Drive – Seagate 2TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive
For straightforward imac storage expansion without buying and installing a separate SSD, this Seagate portable hard drive provides 2TB of USB storage. It is designed for Mac and Windows computers and includes an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable.
Best For: Mac users who want a portable, ready-to-connect drive for files and drag-and-drop backups.
Pros:
- Includes a 2TB drive rather than an empty SSD enclosure.
- Supports plug-and-play setup without additional software.
- Compact portable design includes a USB 3.0 cable.
Cons:
- Uses a mechanical hard drive rather than an NVMe SSD.
- Does not add USB, display, or card-reader ports.
Pick this if you need an actual drive instead of a multifunction hub. It suits simple file storage, while the NVMe hub options offer faster listed interfaces and additional connectivity.
Fast Portable SSD – Crucial X10 1TB
For iMac storage expansion when quick access to large files matters, the Crucial X10 offers 1TB of external SSD space and advertised read speeds up to 2,100MB/s. Its compact design also makes it easy to take files between devices.
Best For: iMac users who move photos, videos, or other large files and want a small, travel-ready drive.
Pros:
- Advertised read speeds up to 2,100MB/s.
- IP65 dust and water resistance and drop resistance up to 9.8 feet.
- Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and supports Mac.
Cons:
- 1TB capacity may be limiting for extensive archives.
- Its advertised top speed is not guaranteed on every iMac connection.
The X10 is the speed-focused pick here: a good fit for frequently accessed files, with a more rugged build than a typical desk-bound drive.
The UnionSine is a compact 500GB mechanical drive for modest iMac storage expansion, such as keeping an extra copy of documents or clearing smaller files from internal storage. It connects over USB and comes with a USB 3.0 cable.
Best For: Users who need a small amount of portable storage and do not require SSD speeds.
Pros:
- Slim, pocket-friendly design.
- Plug-and-play operation with no software installation stated.
- Includes a USB 3.0 cable and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons:
- 500GB provides less room than the other drives in this roundup.
- Advertised reads up to 125MB/s are much slower than the Crucial SSD’s advertised speed.
- Users with USB-C-only iMac ports may need an adapter.
Choose this for light-duty storage rather than frequent large transfers. Check your iMac’s available ports before buying, since the included cable is USB 3.0.
For iMac storage expansion centered on backups and file archives, the WD My Passport for Mac supplies 2TB in a portable mechanical drive. It is designed for Mac and includes device-management and backup software with password protection.
Best For: iMac owners who want more space for backups, photos, and documents with Mac-oriented setup.
Pros:
- 2TB capacity for larger file collections.
- Mac-ready design with included backup and device-management software.
- Includes a USB-A cable and USB-A-to-USB-C adapter.
Cons:
- As a mechanical hard drive, it is not the pick for SSD-level transfer speeds.
- Password protection and backup features rely on the included software.
This is the archive-and-backup choice of the three. The included adapter makes its USB-A cable more convenient for an iMac with USB-C ports.
Compact 500GB Pick – YOTUO 500GB Portable Hard Drive
For modest iMac storage expansion, this 500GB YOTUO portable hard drive offers space for documents, photos, and other everyday files. It supports Mac computers and lists both USB 3.0 and USB-C connectivity.
Best For: iMac users who need a small, portable drive for everyday files.
Pros:
- 500GB of external storage in a compact 2.5-inch design.
- Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux computers.
- Built-in silicone sleeve cushions the drive against bumps.
Cons:
- 500GB may be limiting for large photo or video libraries.
- As an HDD, it is not the choice for buyers specifically seeking an SSD.
This is the smaller-capacity option in the roundup, suited to lighter file storage rather than a large archive.
Mac-Formatted High-Capacity Pick – WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac
For substantial iMac storage expansion, the WD My Passport Ultra for Mac provides 5TB in a portable, Mac-formatted hard drive. It supports USB-C and USB 3.1 and includes password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
Best For: iMac users who want ample portable storage with built-in security features.
Pros:
- 5TB capacity provides room for large file collections.
- Formatted for Mac, with USB-C and USB 3.1 compatibility.
- Password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- Includes a three-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- Its 2.5-inch hard-disk design is not an SSD.
- Mac formatting may require changes before use with other operating systems.
Choose this one when capacity and Mac-ready formatting matter more than having the smallest-capacity drive.
Versatile 1TB Pick – YOTUO 1TB Portable Hard Drive
If you want iMac storage expansion without stepping up to a multi-terabyte drive, this YOTUO model offers 1TB for everyday files and media. Its listed connections include USB 3.0 and USB-C, and the product notes specify Mac compatibility.
Best For: iMac users who want a portable 1TB drive they can also use with other supported devices.
Pros:
- 1TB capacity doubles the space of the 500GB YOTUO option.
- Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux computers.
- Built-in silicone sleeve helps cushion bumps.
- Compact 2.5-inch form factor is easy to carry.
Cons:
- 1TB offers less room than the 5TB WD option for extensive archives.
- It is a hard drive rather than an SSD.
This is a practical middle-capacity choice if you value portability and cross-device support over maximum storage space.
How We Picked These Imac Storage Expansion Options
We focused on three practical ways to add space: iMac-mounted hubs with M.2 SSD enclosures, ready-to-use portable SSDs, and portable hard drives. The selection spans fast storage for active projects, affordable capacity for large files, and compact options for everyday use. A hub enclosure is not itself extra storage: check whether an M.2 NVMe SSD is included before comparing its total cost with a complete external drive.
Quick Comparison: Which Type Fits Your Workflow?
Hub with M.2 enclosure: A tidy choice if you want accessible ports alongside storage. Confirm the hub fits your iMac model, supports your chosen SSD, and offers the ports you actually need.
Portable SSD: Better for frequently opened photo libraries, video projects, and files you move between devices. It is generally faster and more resilient to bumps than a portable hard drive, though you typically pay more per gigabyte.
Portable HDD: Better value when capacity matters most. It suits backups, archives, and media you do not edit directly as often. Expect slower transfers and keep it on a stable surface while running.
Key Buying Factors for Imac Storage Expansion
Check the Connection and Realistic Speed
Match the drive or hub to your iMac’s available USB-C or USB-A ports. An adapter can solve a connector mismatch, but it cannot make a slower port faster. Quoted maximum speeds are not guaranteed on every iMac: the computer’s port, cable, enclosure, and installed SSD must all support the relevant connection standard. In particular, verify compatibility before buying a high-speed USB SSD solely for its headline transfer rate.
Choose Capacity for the Job
A 500GB drive can handle selected documents or a modest photo collection; 1TB to 2TB gives more room for everyday files and active projects. A 5TB hard drive makes more sense for a growing archive or extensive backups. Leave spare capacity rather than planning to fill a drive immediately, and remember that advertised and displayed capacities can differ.
Plan for Formatting and Backups
Check the supplied format before moving important files. APFS is a sensible choice for a Mac-only SSD; a cross-platform format may be more convenient when sharing with Windows devices. Reformatting erases existing contents. Extra storage is not automatically a backup, so keep a separate copy of anything you cannot replace. If using Time Machine, confirm the drive has enough space for the backup history you want.
Who Should Buy Which Imac Storage Expansion?
Choose an iMac-specific hub if clean desk setup and extra ports matter as much as storage, and you are comfortable selecting an SSD if required. Choose the portable SSD for responsive access to active files or frequent travel. Pick a 2TB hard drive for budget-conscious general storage, or a 5TB model for a larger backup or media archive. Smaller 500GB hard drives work best when low upfront cost matters more than speed or long-term headroom.