The iPhone 15 Pro’s ability to record 4K 60fps ProRes video is a major feature for filmmakers, but it requires a fast external SSD. These huge video files fill internal storage in minutes. This guide reviews the best MagSafe-compatible portable SSDs that snap directly to your phone. We compare top plug-and-play drives, DIY enclosures, and adapters to help you find the perfect solution for your workflow.

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The Best MagSafe SSDs for iPhone 15 Pro (Oct 2025)

The Best MagSafe SSDs for iPhone 15 Pro

Our complete guide to external storage for ProRes video. Find the right drive for your workflow.

By Faceofit Staff | Updated: October 25, 2025

The iPhone 15 Pro’s ability to record 4K 60fps ProRes video is a big step for mobile filmmaking. However, this feature has a catch. You can only use it if you connect an external SSD. These video files are huge and fill the phone’s internal storage too quickly.

This created a new market for MagSafe-compatible SSDs. These drives snap to the back of your phone, making the setup clean and easy to handle. But not all drives are a good choice. We tested the options to help you find the best one.

The ProRes Data Problem

ProRes at 4K 60fps uses about 400MB per second, or 7.7GB per minute. A 256GB phone fills up in under 18 minutes.

The 10Gbps vs. 20Gbps Bottleneck

The iPhone 15 Pro port is 10Gbps. A 20Gbps SSD will be limited to 10Gbps, offering no extra speed *during recording*.

What’s Your Top Priority?

Tell us what you need. We’ll show you the best option.

Best for Convenience: SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

This is the most straightforward “it just works” solution. It’s a reliable drive from a major brand. Its 10Gbps speed perfectly matches the iPhone’s port, the magnet is strong, and it handles heat well. If you want to buy one thing and start shooting, this is it.

Best for Pro Features: Hagibis DIY Enclosure

This is the best path for power users. You buy this enclosure and add your own M.2 2230 SSD. It has features integrated drives lack: 100W PD Passthrough (lets you charge your phone *while* recording) and a Super Capacitor (prevents data loss if the cable is unplugged). It’s the most professional tool.

Best for Portability: TEAMGROUP PD20M (2TB Model)

If size and weight are your only concerns, the PD20M is unmatched. At 40g and 8.2mm, it’s the thinnest and lightest option. We only recommend the 2TB model; the 1TB version has a small write cache that can fail during long recordings. Get the 2TB version for safe, portable use.

Best for Lowest Cost: SmallRig Universal Holder

If you already own a portable SSD (like a Samsung T7 or Crucial X8), this is the cheapest route. The SmallRig holder is a secure, spring-loaded clamp that adds MagSafe to *any* drive. It’s designed to mount on a phone cage and is the best “Bring Your Own Drive” (BYOD) option for a tight budget.

Apple’s Rules for External Recording

To avoid dropped frames and corrupted files, Apple requires drives to meet strict standards for ProRes recording.

Sustained Speed: The drive must write at 220 MB/s without stopping. Peak speed does not matter.
Cable: You must use a USB 3 cable rated for 10Gbps. The cable in the iPhone box is too slow.
Power Draw: The drive cannot use more than 4.5W of power. High-performance SSDs can exceed this and disconnect.
Format: The drive must be formatted as exFAT.

The Practical Workflow: Using Your SSD

Getting started involves a few simple, but specific, steps. Follow this order to avoid issues.

Format Your Drive: On a Mac or PC, format your new SSD to exFAT. This is the only format Apple’s Camera app will write to.
Use the Right Cable: Connect the drive to your iPhone using a USB 3 (10Gbps) data cable. The charging cable in the iPhone box is too slow and will not work.
Connect Before Filming: Plug the drive in *before* you open the Camera app.
Check the Camera App: Once the app is open and the drive is seen, a “USB-C” icon will appear near the zoom controls. If you see this, you are ready to record.
Find Your Files: Your ProRes files will save directly to a “DCIM” folder on the SSD, not on your phone. You can find them in the Files app.

Option 1: Integrated “Plug-and-Play” SSDs

These are all-in-one drives. You buy them, plug them in, and start recording. They are the simplest option.

Product	Interface	Advertised Speed (MB/s)	IP Rating	Weight	Buy Link
SanDisk Creator	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)	1000 Read / 950 Write	IP65	54g	Check on Amazon
Lexar ES5	USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps)	2000 Read / 2000 Write	IP65	80g	Check on Amazon
TEAMGROUP PD20M	USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps)	20Gbps (Varies)	None	40g	Check on Amazon
ORICO A20PLUS	USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps)	2000 Read / 1800 Write	None	N/A	Check on Amazon

Note: The 20Gbps drives (Lexar, TEAMGROUP, ORICO) will only run at 10Gbps on the iPhone 15 Pro. The SanDisk is the only one that matches its specs to the phone’s port. The TEAMGROUP 1TB model is not recommended due to a small cache.

Option 2: DIY “Prosumer” Enclosures

This path gives you more features and value. You buy an empty enclosure and add your own M.2 NVMe SSD. This lets you pick the features you need.

Product	SSD Size	Interface	Power Passthrough	Key Feature	Buy Link
Hagibis MC100	2230 only	10Gbps	Yes (100W)	SuperCap (data safety), Dual Magnets	Check on Amazon
Qwiizlab	2230 only	10Gbps	Yes (100W)	Sturdy aluminum build	Check on Amazon
UGREEN	All Sizes (2230-2280)	10Gbps	No	Supports cheaper, larger 2280 SSDs	Check on Amazon
MINIX MSE01	All Sizes	10Gbps	Yes (60W)	3.5mm Audio Jack for monitoring	Check on Amazon

Understanding M.2 2230 SSDs (For DIY Users)

If you choose a DIY enclosure like the Hagibis, you must buy a separate SSD. Most MagSafe enclosures use the “2230” size. This is a compact M.2 NVMe drive, the same type used in the Steam Deck and Microsoft Surface.

Why this size? It’s the only one small enough to fit in a phone-sized enclosure.
Are they fast enough? Yes. Any modern 2230 NVMe drive (like a WD SN740 or Sabrent Rocket 2230) is much faster than the 220 MB/s sustained write speed Apple requires.
Where to buy? They are less common in retail stores. You can find them online from major component sellers. Some are “OEM” drives, meaning they were intended for laptops but are sold new.

Option 3: Adapters (Bring Your Own Drive)

If you already have a portable SSD, you just need a way to attach it. This is the cheapest solution.

TOPGO Magnetic Case for T7

A form-fitting case for the popular Samsung T7 drive (not the T7 Shield). It’s a simple, low-cost way to add MagSafe to a drive you might already own.
SmallRig Universal SSD Holder

A professional, spring-loaded clamp that holds *any* SSD. It’s meant to be mounted on a phone cage and provides the most secure hold for a “built-out” video rig.

Common Problems and Considerations

Before you buy, be aware of three common issues with any external SSD setup.

1. Heat

These drives get hot during long recordings. This is normal. A very hot drive may slow down (throttle) to protect itself. This can, in rare cases, cause dropped frames. A DIY enclosure with a metal body often handles heat better than a plastic one.
2. Battery Drain

The SSD is powered by your iPhone’s battery. This will drain your battery much faster than normal. For long shoots, a DIY enclosure with Power Delivery (PD) passthrough, like the Hagibis, is a good solution.
3. The Cable is Critical

We cannot state this enough. Most connection problems are due to the cable. You need a short, high-quality cable rated for 10Gbps data and power. A simple charging cable will not work. A cheap data cable may disconnect easily.

A Deeper Look: The Cable Is Everything

The single biggest point of failure is the cable. The white cable Apple includes in the iPhone 15 Pro box is a USB 2.0 charging cable. It will not work for ProRes recording.

You must buy a cable that meets these specifications:

Rated for 10Gbps: Look for “USB 3.2 Gen 2” or “USB 3.1 Gen 2” on the package. “Thunderbolt 3” or “Thunderbolt 4” cables will also work.
E-Marker Chip: A good data cable will have this chip to manage power and data speeds correctly.
Short and Durable: For a phone rig, you do not want a 3-foot cable. Look for a short cable (0.5 ft / 15cm or 0.8 ft / 24cm) with a braided nylon jacket and reinforced connectors to prevent disconnects.

Spotlight: SanDisk Creator vs. Hagibis DIY

The choice for most users comes down to these two. One is simple, the other is flexible. Here is how they compare head-to-head.

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

User Type: The beginner or pro who wants a reliable, simple tool that works out of the box.
Setup: Buy it, format it, use it. Zero assembly.
Key Feature: Brand reliability and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance.
Downside: No power passthrough. You cannot charge your phone and record at the same time.

Hagibis DIY Enclosure

User Type: The power user or “prosumer” who wants maximum features and upgrade options.
Setup: Buy enclosure, buy 2230 SSD, install SSD. (About 5 minutes).
Key Feature: 100W PD Passthrough (charge while recording) and a Super Capacitor for data safety.
Downside: Requires assembly and has no official IP rating. You are responsible for the parts.

Cost Comparison: 1TB MagSafe Solution (India)

We analyzed prices in India (in INR) to see how the total cost compares. The DIY “Pro” route is often cheaper than the top integrated drive, and it gives you more features.

Which One Should You Buy?

Your choice depends on your needs and budget.

For Simplicity: Get the SanDisk Creator Phone SSD. It’s reliable and built for this exact job.
For Power Users: Build a Hagibis DIY setup. The PD passthrough and data-loss protection are features pros need.
For Budget Users: If you have an SSD, get the SmallRig Holder. If you are buying new, a SmallRig holder plus a Crucial X8 is the lowest-cost entry point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit videos directly from the SSD?

Yes. Apps like LumaFusion and Final Cut Pro for iPad can see the external drive. You can edit your footage directly from the SSD without copying it to the device, which saves a lot of time and space.

Will this work on the regular iPhone 15?

No. The regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models have a USB-C port that is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps). This is too slow for ProRes recording. This feature is only for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

What are the alternatives to an SSD?

You can record to internal storage, but you will fill it quickly. You can also use iCloud or AirDrop to move files, but this is very slow for large ProRes files. For serious video work, the external SSD is the only practical workflow.

Is the MagSafe magnet strong enough?

For basic use, yes. The magnets on dedicated drives and good enclosures are strong. However, a hard shake or drop could dislodge the drive. For professional, high-movement shots, we recommend using a phone cage and a secure clamp (like the SmallRig) for total security.

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