What external storage options are available for the Mac Studio? Which is best?

All Mac Studio models are equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C shaped connector), so Thunderbolt 3 / Thunderbolt 4 external storage is the best and fastest option (up to 40 Gb/s).

Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a variety of good external storage selections for the Mac Studio and one likely will be among the best choices for you.

Attractive Mac Studio-Specific External Storage

For many users, because the Mac mini and Mac Studio both have a 7.7 inch by 7.7 inch footprint, the size-compatible OWC miniStack STX will be ideal.

Photo Credit: OWC miniStack STX - Front (Underneath Mac mini)

The affordable OWC miniStack STX stacks neatly with the Mac Studio (and recent Mac mini models) and supports two storage drives -- one universal SATA HDD/SSD and an NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD. It includes an integrated three port Thunderbolt 4 hub, too.

The OWC miniStack STX provides up to 770 MB/s transfer speed, supports much as 18 TB of internal storage and its external ports support "a mix of up to five Thunderbolt devices, three USB devices, and two displays".

High-Performance Desktop Storage Options

For those interested in faster and/or higher capacity storage -- but who do not mind taking up a bit more desk space next to your Mac Studio -- you might prefer the 4-slot M.2 NVMe SSD-based OWC Express 4M2.

Photo Credit: OWC Express 4M2

The OWC Express 4M2 provides up to 2800 MB/s transfer speed and supports as many as four industry-standard M.2 NVMe SSDs for up to 32 TB of storage. Because the OWC Express 4M2 itself is easy to upgrade, it is straightforward to start with one SSD and add more high speed capacity as your needs dictate and your budget allows.

Installation Videos

You might find these videos that explain how to install storage in the miniStack STX and Express 4M2 useful, too:

miniStack STX Installation Instructions

Express 4M2 Installation Instructions

Whether you prefer a sleek, inexpensive, and size-specific storage solution or one that maximizes speed and capacity, the OWC miniStack STX or OWC Express 4M2 are ideal options to consider.