How to Check USB Read and Write Speed on Mac - Full Guide

Learn how to check USB speed on Mac with built-in tools and third-party apps. Verify USB performance, troubleshoot slow drives, and optimize your storage.

In this guide, EaseUS will explain the read/write speed of USB 1.0/2.0/3.0/4.0 and show different methods to test USB speed on Mac. If you have similar questions or want to check the USB real speed on your Mac, continue to read.

Is there a way I can test the speeds and figure out the version of USB-C cables that I have? Is there an app I can run on a Mac?
byu/egyptianmusk_ inUsbCHardware

Why You Should Check USB Speed on Mac

Before learning how, it's necessary to understand why USB speed testing is useful. Here are the most common scenarios where you may want to run a speed test on Mac:

• Daily File Transfer: Avoid wasting time on slow copy speeds. (A real case from r/mac on Reddit)
• Video Editing & Photography: Confirm USB flash drives and external SSDs can handle large media files.
• System or Game Installation: Ensure bootable USBs or game assets load smoothly.
• Hardware Comparison: Verify if a new USB drive or SSD matches the advertised performance.
• Troubleshooting: Detect port, cable, or drive issues that cause performance drops. (A real case from r/macOS on Reddit)

Running a USB read/write speed test can indicate many potential risks. Keep reading to learn how to check USB read and write speed on a Mac. Do not forget to share this post and let more users know about these details.

How to Check USB Speed on Mac

There are several ways to check USB speed on macOS, such as professional disk speed test software, Disk Utility, System Information, etc.

Method 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master for Mac

Can I check the USB read and write speed on my Mac? Sure! macOS doesn't offer a built-in feature to check the USB read/write speed. As a professional disk speed testing tool for Mac, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac offers accurate speed test information and a user-friendly interface. With simple clicks, you can get the full speed test details.

Advantages of EaseUS Partition Master for Mac:

• ✔️Clear, real-time read/write results
• ✔️Supports USB 2.0, 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt drives
• ✔️Simple interface, no technical knowledge required

Follow the steps below and start to check the USB device speed on your Mac:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master for Mac and select "Speed Test" on the left panel.

Step 2. Click on the drop-down box to select a target drive, test data, and block size.

Step 3. Then, click on the "Start" button to begin the disk speed test.

Step 4. Wait a few seconds, and you will get the Sequential or Random read/write speed, I/O, and Delay data.

Do not miss this USB flash drive speed checking tool if you do not want complicated steps or want a full/accurate USB benchmark result.

Method 2. Check USB Speed on Mac via System Information - Estimated Result

If you want to check USB speed on a Mac without installing anything, the System Information tool is the quickest option. It lets you see whether your Mac recognizes the device as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB-C/Thunderbolt, which helps estimate how fast the USB is on your Mac. While this isn’t a full Mac USB benchmark, it gives a starting point for users who only want to confirm basic compatibility.

Step 1. Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac".

Step 2. Select System Report. In the sidebar, choose USB.

Step 3. Then, you can check the Bus Speed (e.g., 480 Mbps, 5 Gbps, 10 Gbps).

What Is a Normal Read/Write Speed of a USB Port

The read and write speed of a USB device can vary depending on the type of USB port it is connected to. So it's necessary to know the main USB standards and what they mean for performance:

1. USB 1.0 (1996 release)

• Designed mainly for low-speed peripherals such as keyboards and mice. By today’s standards, its data transfer capability is extremely limited.

2. USB 2.0

• A major upgrade at the time, offering faster speeds for external storage. However, it is still relatively slow for modern large file transfers.

3. USB 3.0 and later versions

• Introduced SuperSpeed functionality, making large file transfers, external SSD usage, and high-definition video workflows much more practical.

4. USB 4

• Combines the speed of Thunderbolt 3 with the versatility of USB. Ideal for 4K/8K video editing, professional data backup, and high-performance gaming peripherals.

How to Troubleshoot a Slow USB Speed on Mac

Some users report they got a slow USB on their Mac:

USB flash drive very very slow on MacOs!!
byu/imadydev inMacOS

If your USB drive runs slower than expected, a few simple checks can help. Check the list to troubleshoot your slow USB:

• ✅ Make sure you're using the right cable (USB 2.0 vs 3.0/USB-C).
• ✅ Plug directly into the Mac; avoid low-quality hubs.
• ✅ Keep macOS and firmware up-to-date.
• ✅ Reformat the USB drive with APFS (for Mac) or exFAT (for cross-platform).
• ✅ Test the drive on another Mac or port to rule out hardware issues.

Conclusion

Testing USB speed on a Mac is essential for both casual and professional users. It ensures your external drives deliver the performance you expect. For the easiest and most accurate way, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac provides detailed real-world results along with extra disk management tools.

FAQs About Checking USB Speed on Mac

1. How to check if a USB is 2.0 or 3.0 on a Mac?

To check whether your Mac's USB port is 2.0 or 3.0:

1. Click the Apple icon (top left) > Click About This Mac.
2. Select More Info (or System Report on newer macOS versions).
3. In the System Information window, click Hardware >Select the target USB.
4. Look at the Bus Speed; you can check if it's 2.0 or 3.0 based on the theoretical speed:

• 480 Mb/s: USB 2.0
• 5 Gb/s: USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1
• 10 Gb/s: USB 3.1 Gen 2

2. How to check external drive speed on Mac?

You can check the external drive speed on a Mac using professional disk speed software, such as EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, which offers a simple and accurate read/write benchmark.

3. Does macOS come with a built-in disk speed testing tool?

Not directly. macOS includes Disk Utility and System Information, but these only show basic drive info or bus speed. They don't provide a full Mac USB benchmark with real read/write MB/s results. If you want to measure USB transfer speed on Mac accurately, you'll need to use tools like EaseUS Partition Master for Mac or other benchmark apps (e.g., Blackmagic Disk Speed Test).

4. Should I buy a USB 2.0 or a USB 3.0 drive? 

It's highly recommended to buy a USB 3.0 (or newer) drive instead of a USB 2.0 drive. While USB 2.0 drives are usually cheaper, their transfer speeds are much slower and can be frustrating when handling large files. USB 3.0 drives offer significantly faster read/write performance, better efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 ports. If you want a future-proof option for tasks like backups, media storage, or running applications, go with USB 3.0 or higher.