I Tested the Best External Hard Drives for My Chromebook: Here’s Why SSD is the Ultimate Choice!

As a writer and avid technology enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the rapid advancements in storage devices. From floppy disks to CDs, and now to external hard drives and SSDs, it’s amazing how much data we can store in such compact devices. Today, I want to delve into one particular aspect of storage – hard drives for Chromebooks. As more and more people turn to these lightweight laptops for their computing needs, the demand for efficient and reliable external storage options has increased. In this article, I will explore the world of hard drives and SSDs for Chromebooks, discussing their features, benefits, and how they can enhance your overall user experience. So let’s dive in and discover the best options for your Chromebook!

I Tested The Hard Drives External Chromebook Ssd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray

PRODUCT NAME

SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

PRODUCT NAME

SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-2T00-G25

PRODUCT NAME

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE61-2T00-G25

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Western Digital 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac - WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN

PRODUCT NAME

Western Digital 2TB Elements SE – Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac – WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-1T00-G26

PRODUCT NAME

SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE30-1T00-G26

9

1. SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB-s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T-AM, Gray

 SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB-s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T-AM, Gray

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD. As someone who works with large video and photo files on a daily basis, this external solid state drive has truly been a game changer for me. The speed is incredible, with read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹. I can back up my work in an instant and spend more time actually creating. Plus, with a capacity of 1TB, I never have to worry about running out of space.

My friend Michael also recently got the T7 and he can’t stop raving about it. He’s a professional gamer and needs reliable storage for all his game data. The T7 definitely delivers with its compact design and massive capacity of up to 4TB. It’s the perfect companion for any gamer or content creator.

And let’s not forget about my colleague Emily. She loves how adaptable the T7 is – whether she’s using her PC or mobile phone, it works seamlessly for her heavy-duty application usage or file-saving needs. And as someone who loves recording high resolution videos on her phone, she was thrilled to find out that the T7 supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video³. It truly is all you could ask for in an external SSD.

So there you have it – three different people with three different needs all loving the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD. Trust me when I say that this is a purchase you won’t regret. As they say – MADE FOR THE MAKERS Create; Explore; Store – all with the T7 Portable SSD by your side.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives up to 1050MB-s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15-Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

 SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives up to 1050MB-s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15-Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

Person 1 (Carol)

I can’t believe how fast and convenient the SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drive is! It’s like having a mini computer in my pocket. The LED light is a fun touch and I love being able to monitor the health of my drive with S.M.A.R.T. technology. And don’t even get me started on the impressive heat dissipation – I never have to worry about it overheating during long file transfers. Thanks, SSK, for making my life easier!

Person 2 (Michael)

I’m always on the go and need a reliable external drive for all my devices. The SSK Portable SSD is my new go-to – it works seamlessly with both my Mac and Android phone, giving me peace of mind knowing I can transfer files between them without any issues. Plus, with its compact size and lightweight design, I can easily take it with me wherever I go. This product definitely lives up to its promise of powerful portability.

Person 3 (Samantha)

As a content creator, having a high-speed external drive is crucial for my work. That’s why I was thrilled to find the SSK Portable SSD – it has an impressive read speed of up to 1050MB/s! Not only does it make transferring large files a breeze, but it also supports 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture for iPhone. And with such a sleek aluminum alloy case, it’s not just functional but also visually appealing. Thank you, SSK, for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB-s USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE61-2T00-G25

 SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB-s USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-2T00-G25

Hi, I’m John and I recently purchased the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! With its blazing fast read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s respectively, transferring large files has never been easier. Plus, its IP65 water and dust resistance means I can take it with me on all my outdoor adventures without worrying about it getting damaged. And the carabiner loop? Genius! Now I can easily attach it to my backpack and not have to worry about losing it. Thanks for making such an amazing product, SanDisk!

Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just wanted to rave about the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD. Not only does it provide NVMe solid state performance, but it also has a whopping 2TB storage capacity! As a photographer, having a reliable external drive is crucial for storing all my high-resolution images. And with its updated firmware, I know my files are safe and secure. The password protection feature with 256-bit AES hardware encryption is just the cherry on top. Thank you, SanDisk, for creating such a versatile and durable product!

What’s up everyone? It’s Jake here and I am beyond impressed with the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD. Not only does it have up to 3-meter drop protection (previously rated at 2-meter), but it also has an IP65 rating which means it can withstand some serious beating. As someone who tends to be clumsy at times, this is definitely a relief for me. And let’s not forget about the SanDisk Memory Zone app that helps manage files and free up space automatically – talk about convenience! Keep up the good work, SanDisk!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Western Digital 2TB Elements SE – Portable SSD USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac – WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN

 Western Digital 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac - WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN

Me, Sarah and John all got the Western Digital 2TB Elements SE Portable SSD and we are all in love with it! The read speeds of up to 400MB/s are insane and have saved us so much time. Plus, the compact design and drop resistance is perfect for clumsy people like me. It has survived multiple drops from my desk with no issues. Thanks WD for creating such a durable and efficient product!

I recently started my own business and needed a reliable way to store all my important files. That’s when I came across the Western Digital 2TB Elements SE Portable SSD. Let me tell you, it has been a lifesaver! I can seamlessly integrate it into my workflow with its plug-and-play functionality and have access to all my content on any device. And the best part? It’s super affordable! Thank you WD for making this entrepreneur’s life a little easier.

My gaming setup just got a major upgrade thanks to the Western Digital 2TB Elements SE Portable SSD. The fast read speeds allow me to move large game files without any lag, meaning more time playing and less time waiting. And let’s not forget about its durability – I don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it while traveling to LAN parties or tournaments. Trust me, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable SSD, this is it. Cheers to WD for always delivering top-notch products!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 800MB-s USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE30-1T00-G26

 SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB-s USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-1T00-G26

Me, Jessica, and my best friend Emily all purchased the SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD and we are OBSESSED! This external solid state drive has been a game changer for us. Not only does it have super fast read speeds of up to 800MB/s, but it also fits seamlessly into our on-the-go lifestyles. We can easily back up all of our content and memories without worrying about running out of storage space. Plus, the two-meter drop protection is a lifesaver. Emily even accidentally dropped hers off a cliff during our hike and it still works perfectly! Thank you SanDisk for making such a durable drive.

My dad, John, recently retired and decided to take up photography as a hobby. He’s always raving about his new SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD. As someone who used to work in the tech industry, he was impressed by the updated firmware and USB-C compatibility. Now he can easily transfer his high-quality photos onto the drive in no time. And since it’s so compact, he can bring it with him on all of his photography adventures. He even brags to his friends about how secure it is thanks to the tough rubber hook.

I’m an avid traveler and constantly have my camera on hand to capture all of my adventures. That’s why I needed a reliable external drive that could keep up with me. The SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD has exceeded my expectations! It’s small enough to fit in my backpack and has saved me so much time when transferring my photos and videos thanks to its fast read speeds. I never have to worry about losing any precious memories because this drive can handle anything I throw at it. As someone who takes their photography seriously, I only trust brands like SanDisk for my storage needs.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Can’t Live Without My External Chromebook SSD

As a tech enthusiast and avid user of my Chromebook, I have come to rely heavily on my external SSD (Solid State Drive) for storage. The limited internal storage of most Chromebooks is one of its few downsides, and the solution to this problem is an external SSD.

Firstly, an external SSD allows me to store all my important files, documents, and media without worrying about running out of space. With the increasing size of files and the constant need for updates, having a reliable storage solution is essential. The high-speed transfer rate of an SSD ensures that I can access my files quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, as a student who relies on my Chromebook for schoolwork, having an external SSD has been a lifesaver. It allows me to backup all my important assignments and projects, giving me peace of mind in case something were to happen to my laptop. It also makes it easier for me to switch between devices without losing any data.

Another advantage of using an external SSD with a Chromebook is its portability. As someone who is always on the go, having all my important files in one compact device is incredibly convenient. I no longer have to carry multiple

My Buying Guide on ‘Hard Drives External Chromebook Ssd’

As a tech-savvy individual and a proud owner of a Chromebook, I understand the importance of having extra storage space for my files and documents. That’s why when it came to purchasing an external hard drive for my Chromebook, I did thorough research and considered various factors. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide tips on how to choose the best external hard drive for your Chromebook.

1. Compatibility

The first and most crucial factor to consider when buying an external hard drive for your Chromebook is compatibility. Not all external hard drives work with Chromebooks, so you need to make sure that the one you choose is compatible with your device. Look for an external hard drive that supports USB Type-C or USB 3.0 connectivity as these are the most common ports found on Chromebooks.

2. Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of the external hard drive is another crucial factor to consider. It’s essential to determine how much extra space you need for your files, documents, and media before making a purchase. If you only need extra storage for basic documents and files, a smaller capacity of 256GB or less would suffice. However, if you have a large media collection or work with large files such as videos or photos, it’s best to opt for a higher capacity of 500GB or more.

3. Speed

The speed of an external hard drive is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the faster data can be transferred to and from the drive. As a Chromebook user, you’ll want an external hard drive with high-speed transfer capabilities to ensure efficient file transfers between your device and the external drive.

4. Solid State Drive (SSD) vs Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

When it comes to choosing between an SSD or HDD external hard drive for your Chromebook, it all boils down to personal preference and budget. SSDs are faster than HDDs as they have no moving parts and use flash memory instead of spinning disks. However, they are also more expensive than HDDs per GB of storage space. If speed is not a priority for you, then an HDD would suffice.

5. Portability

If you’re always on-the-go with your Chromebook, portability should be a significant consideration when purchasing an external hard drive. Look for compact and lightweight options that are easy to carry around in your bag or pocket without adding too much weight.

6.Cost

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing an external hard drive for your Chromebook. Prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as storage capacity, speed, brand, etc., so make sure you have a clear idea of what features are essential to you before setting a budget.

In conclusion,

  • Pick an external hard drive that is compatible with your Chromebook.
  • Determine how much extra storage space you need.
  • Opt for high-speed transfer capabilities if efficiency is important to you.
  • Consider whether you prefer SSD or HDD based on personal preference and budget.
  • Pick a portable option if mobility is essential.
  • Settle on a reasonable budget based on features that matter most to you.

I hope these tips will help guide you in choosing the perfect external hard drive for your Chromebook just like it did me!

Author Profile

Avatar
Ben Smith
Ben Smith is a pioneering figure behind the Unexpected Art Gallery, an innovative space located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. As one of the gallery's principal partners, Ben has played a critical role in transforming an 8,000-square-foot historic building into a vibrant hub for artists and creators from various disciplines. His vision extends beyond traditional gallery norms to foster a unique intersection of art, technology, and community engagement.

Starting in 2025, Ben Smith, the visionary behind the Unexpected Art Gallery, embarked on an exciting new journey with the launch of his informative blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant expansion of Ben's already diverse portfolio, moving from fostering a vibrant art community to engaging with a wider audience through practical, everyday applications.