Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: 30-second review

The Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD is a portable hard drive designed to withstand conditions that would cause most other portable SSDs to fail. The drive's overall aesthetic reflects its robust nature, and its triple defence shield ensures that it's waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, all helping to protect Yata even in harsh environments. 

We've tested out the best portable SSDs and the best rugged hard drives, so we were keen to get our hands on the Orico Mecha to find out what it offers. Performance-wise, the SSD supports speeds up to 20Gbps, with read speeds up to 2050MB/s and write speeds up to 1800MB/s. This makes it suitable for transferring large files, such as video and image files quickly, and can be used as a working drive to both store and edit creative work. As well as the tough outer casing the internals feature advanced electronics with a high-performance SSD chip that features temperature lock technology that will prevent the drive from overheating, and sure enough through the test for short on-site edits of 4K video from the Canon EOS R5 C the drive handle the footage and edit with ease.

Compatibility is worth mentioning with the drive supporting USB 3.2 Gen2x2 protocol, which instantly makes it compatible with various devices, including laptops, desktops, and smartphones. In the box is a 2-in-1 data cable (C to C/A) maximising the options for connection. One issue to note is that if your computer is USB 3.2 Gen 1 or uses Thunderbolt 3 or 4, then the maximum transfer rates will be reduced to that of USB 3.2 Gen 1 which is around 1000MB/s. 

While the price is relatively high for a 2TB drive, the fact that it's quite so robust and, with the right connection, offers outstanding speeds, this is a great option, especially for creative professionals such as photographers and videographers. 

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Price & availability

The Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD is priced at £121/$149 and can be purchased from online retailers like eBay and Amazon.

• Score: 4/5

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Design & build

Orico's SSD features a decidedly outdoorsy and robust design, which reflects its intended use as a portable SSD that can be used in tough environments. The exterior of the drive features a high-strength alloy and silicone shell that you can feel with, providing excellent protection against being dropped, sudden shocks and being bashed around in a kit bag. What's more, with the USB Type-C cable removed, there's a silicon plug that protects the port making the drive completely water-resistant. While Orico states that the drive is waterproof, there is no IP rating for the drive, so although it is well made and seemingly sealed, it's worth taking care over water ingress. 

However, the design is robust, and with the hanging loop, the drive can easily be tethered to the inside of a backpack so it can be located when needed. To connect to a computer, a USB cable with a C to adapter is included. This can be swapped and changed, but it is of high quality and will help to maximise those transfer speeds with the right equipment. 

Overall, the materials used in the construction are all of high quality, and while it may not have any official ratings for water or dust ingress, the drive feels reassuringly durable. 

• Design & build: 4/5

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Features

This SSD is aimed at professionals working in the field, and in environments that would test most portable SSDs to the point of destruction. Taking a look at the features, it's possible to see just how robust this drive appears to be and raises a high standard for real-world tests. Firstly, the outer shell, made from alloy and silicon, is well-made and finished and feels incredibly durable. There's nothing lightweight or flimsy about the build, and unlike some other metal enclosures, this drive feels solid with no flex.

The alloy case will inevitably aid with the cooling of the drive when put under load editing video and images, but to ensure that the drive doesn't overheat and burn out it features a high-performance chip with temperature lock technology

In order to reach impressive transfer speeds, a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connection is utilised, which has wide compatibility with various devices. It's worth checking to see if your hardware has this exact configuration, which is mainstream. However, Mac users, along with some high end laptops, may find that the performance will be throttled due to the backward compatibility of thunderbolt ports to USB 3.2 Gen2x1 rather than USB 3.2 Gen2x2.

• Features 4/5

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Performance

The stated performance is impressive with the quoted speeds highlighting rates of up to 20Gbps. However, tested on a MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 (still one of the best MacBook Pro laptops for our money), those transfer rates looked more like read 989MB/s and Write 919MB/s; this is due to the downgrade in performance for the Gen2x2 connection going through the Thunderbolt 4 ports. However, switching over to one of the best mini PCs - the Intel NUC 9 Ghost Canyon with a PCIe USB 3.2 Gen2x2 card - performance rates were far more impressive. 

In continuous test, the drive was put under strain for several hours in an environment of around 20ºC. The drive continued to perform extremely well, with the transfer speeds keeping up the pace with little overall effect on the performance. 

Switching the testing from the studio to the field, the drive was first used as a backup drive for images and video during a day's shoot. Due to the Thunderbolt to USB 3.2 Gen2x2 downgrade, transfer speeds were slightly slower than expected. However, at nearly 1000MB/s, those speeds were still impressive, enabling 200GB of data to transfer from an OWC CFExpress card in 5 minutes and 37 seconds.

Doing the same on the Intel NUC 9 Ghost Canyon sees a leap in performance, although, in the field, the computers are connected to a Bluetti AC180 with a compact monitor to monitor the download speeds. Here again, with the Thunderbolt 3 connection for the OWC CFExpress to the ORICO Mecha Portable SSD 2TB, the transfer rate is more impressive at 2 minutes 30 seconds.

Switching the drive's use from storage to editing in Final Cut Pro X on the Mac and Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve on the Intel NUC 9, the drive is able to keep up with the demands at an impressive rate. Despite being used as a working drive, the enclosure stays impressively cool, and intermittently checking the transfer rates with AJA System Test Lite shows little, if any, drop in performance. 

With the transfer test completed, it was time to put the drive through a few additional tests, including being dropped from a height and sprayed with water. In both tests, the drive, although cosmetically affected with some slight wear and tear, continued to work well. Overall, it was an impressive all-around performance.

• Performance: 4/5

Should I buy the Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD?

The Orico Mecha SSD is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable, high-performance storage solution that can be used for storage or as a portable working drive. The rugged build quality with the strong alloy to protect the delicate electronics surrounded by the silicon provides an impressive amount of protection, and throughout the test, the high-speed capabilities impressed and proved that this is a great drive for a variety of environments and uses, from the office to the great outdoors. 

Looking at a few points about the drive that are worth considering, while the drive is impressively robust it doesn't have any official certification or rating so some care will need to be taken when using it in adverse conditions, then there's the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 issue, especially for Mac users, although you'll have a fast drive it will be about half of its overall potential. Still, although the price might be a consideration, the SSD's performance and durability do justify the investment.

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PNY RP60 portable SSD: 30-second review

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD 1TB sports a sleek, matte black rubberized finish with a subtle PNY logo, enhancing its aesthetic and functionality. This finish not only offers protection against the elements with its IP65 rating—making it essentially shower-proof and resilient against harsh dust storms—but also ensures stability. Its non-slip surface allows it to be securely placed on a car or van bonnet, or taped to a tripod or rig without slipping. The drive's size and design make it an ideal solution for expanding the video storage of iPhones and other smartphones, especially useful when filming, as it can be easily attached to the back of the phone.

A standout feature here is the flat USB cable, reminiscent of a computer data ribbon, which facilitates neat routing around any attached equipment. Additionally, the small carabiner loop at one corner allows the drive to be hooked into a bag or case, securing it conveniently and making it easily accessible within a camera bag's internal loops.

Having tested out plenty of the best portable SSDs, performance-wise, the drive holds up solidly when connected to a true USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port with speeds that just exceed those stated by PNY. However, Mac users with Thunderbolt 4 ports will find the performance downgraded, averaging closer to 1000MB/s rather than the expected 1800MB/s. Nevertheless, these speeds are sufficient for editing tasks, including handling 4K Log3 footage from devices like the Canon EOS R5 C and meeting the demands of any of the best video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Price & availability

The PNY RP60 portable SSD 1TB is widely available at most electronics and photography stores, such as Adorama and B&H Photo, for around $99. There is also a 2TB version of the drive available for $179.

• Score: 4/5

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Design & build

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD 1TB, despite its IP65 certification and drop-proof rating of 3m, isn't marketed as a tough drive. When compared to rugged drives designed to withstand intense physical abuse, the RP60 is clearly a lighter option with added protection rather than built for extreme durability.

Weighing just 55g, the drive feels lightweight. Its rubberized casing is well-enclosed, with the only opening being the USB Type-C port at the base, which is protectively sealed by an attached rubber cover. Although there's a slight flexibility at the top of the case when squeezed, the build quality seems sufficiently robust for both indoor and outdoor use.

The rubberized casing enhances the drive's durability, and being an SSD with no moving parts inherently makes it more robust than traditional mechanical HDDs. However, the rubber port cover's attachment is a weak point—it detaches easily and is tricky to reinsert, likely necessitating reinforcement with tape in field use.

The inclusion of a flat cable is advantageous, allowing for easy mounting by laying it flat against the side of the drive. The cable's connection to the port is secure, enabling the drive to be suspended by the cable without undue stress due to the drive being lightweight. An improvement could be made to reinforce the cable connection, as seen in other models.

The carabiner loop on the top edge is a practical addition, mirroring a trend in drive design. This feature allows the drive to be easily hooked onto a bag loop or securely attached to equipment, a belt, or other items, making it particularly useful in a professional field environment. This simple yet vital feature significantly enhances the drive's utility.

• Design & build: 4/5

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Features

The PNY RP60 1TB SSD boasts an impressive mix of speed, durability, and compatibility, featuring high-speed data transfers with sequential read and write speeds reaching up to 2,000 MB/s and 1,800 MB/s respectively. 

Designed to withstand the rigours of active use, the RP60 incorporates durable materials and design elements that offer protection against water and dust, meet IP65 standards, and can withstand accidental drops from heights up to 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feet).

Despite its design can hardly be considered one of the best rugged hard drives out there. The RP60 remains lightweight at 55g and includes an integrated loop, making it easy to slide into a pocket or securely clip onto a backpack or camera bag.

The RP60 is engineered for compatibility with a broad range of devices, including the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, iPads, Android smartphones, tablets, as well as laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles, facilitated by its standard USB Type-C connection.

A standout feature of the RP60 is the inclusion of Acronis True Image Data Protection software, providing an additional layer of security. This backup software, intended for PC use, offers backup and data recovery services to help safeguard your data, ensuring it is easily restorable in case of data loss.

• Features 4/5

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Performance

The PNY RP60's design focuses on durability, tailored to the needs of those working in the field. Its rubberized exterior, flat cable, and loop all contribute to its robustness. In our tests, we explored the drive's potential as a storage solution for image and video files, utilizing Acronis True Image for data backup in the studio.

Initial impressions are positive; the rubberized finish ensures the drive stays securely in place whether it's on a desk, a car bonnet, or a rock. Its compact size and weight, combined with a velcro attachment, allow for easy mounting on the back of a monitor, reducing strain on the cable during movement.

A key feature is the flat cable, which is particularly useful when the drive is connected to a rig as a direct storage device for video file recording, compatible with cameras like the Blackmagic 6K Pro and iPhone 15 Pro. The drive maintains the required transfer rates and integrates neatly, allowing the cable to be taped down for a more streamlined setup.

When tested with one what's still of the best MacBook Pro laptops around - the 16-inch M1 model, the RP60 performed well with applications like Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve, handling footage playback without lag. However, after extensive use in video editing, the drive exhibited some heat-related slowdowns, with write speeds dropping to about 450MB/s in the AJA System Test Light after two hours of editing 4K video.

Benchmark tests on both Mac and PC systems revealed a difference in performance levels. The Mac maxed out with read speeds around 1100MB/s and write speeds peaking at approximately 950MB/s—fast, but not as fast as advertised.

Switching over to an Intel NUC 9 Extreme Ghost Canyon with a PCIe USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 card installed the speed accelerated, maxing out with Crystal Disk Mark at 2067.91MB/s read and 1818.60MB/s write, just exceeding the stated speeds from PNY.

Editing footage from the drive in DaVinci Resolve on the PC highlighted the potential of this drive, you just need to be aware that to make the most of the performance you need to be using a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and not a backward compatible Thunderbolt 3 or 4.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the PNY RP60 portable SSD?

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD 1TB is an excellent choice for professionals and adventurers seeking reliable, rugged storage for on-the-go use. With its high-speed data transfer capabilities, robust build quality, and broad compatibility with various devices, it meets the needs of those looking for a versatile storage solution. In real-world tests, the drive's performance for high-demand applications was excellent, making it a great choice for outdoor or challenging environments where durability is essential.

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Lexar SL500: 30-second review

The Lexar SL500 is part of a new generation of ultra-slim portable SSDs that traditionally appeal to videographers and imaging professionals needing to travel light while maintaining sufficient capacity and speed to edit images and video files on the move. Lexar, a company with a long history in the photographic sector, is known for its flash memory cards, which are popular among professionals. 

This SSD stands out as one of the slimmest and most lightweight options available, and for video editors and photographers pairing it with any of the best video editing laptops or best laptops for photo editing, the small form factor and weight are significant advantages. The key selling point is its lightweight design, and the metal casing, while stylish, is reassuringly tough. 

This makes it an excellent choice for linking to cameras that need additional storage, such as the Blackmagic 6K. In an interesting twist, it can also be linked in with the iPhone 15 Pro and Max and used to store Apple Pro Res recording at up to 4K 60FPS—this takes iPhone filmmaking to a new and interesting level. 

When used on a PC, the speeds with the write cache switched off are impressive. We've tested loads of the best portable SSDs, and and even when reformatted for macOS, the transfer speeds here settle around the 1000MB/s mark. Under sustained load, such as editing 4K video, the drive keeps up with the pace, and the transfer speeds ensure smooth editing with plenty of headroom and storage. Heat is well managed, and considering the compact size, this drive delivers impressive performance.

Lexar SL500: Price & availability

The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD is widely available from retailers and can be purchased directly through the Lexar website, Amazon.com, and many other retail sites.

• Score: 3.5/5

Lexar SL500: Design & build

At 4.8mm thick, the main body of the slim portable SSD features a solid aluminium unibody design, giving the drive a smooth, minimalist look and enhancing its durability. The drive includes only a single USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C connector, with a short cable provided in the box. Due to its size and weight, the drive may not initially sit flat on the desktop, with the cable's strength elevating one end. However, a bit of wiggling and rebending the cable can allow the drive to lay flush. 

The lightweight design means that despite some curvature in the drive's design, velcro can easily be attached, enabling the drive to be affixed to the back of, say, the best video editing monitor. This setup offers a convenient way to move around with your laptop with the drive attached without the concern of it dangling freely from the cable and becoming detached. The slight curve of the casing is also practical, making it easy to grip and remove the drive when needed. 

This SSD is one of the smallest portable SSDs available. It measures 85mm x 54mm x 7.8mm, with the thinnest part curving down to 4.8mm, and weighs 43g (excluding the cable). Impressively, the drive comes in various capacities, including 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and a large 4TB option.

• Design & build: 4/5

Lexar SL500: Performance

What really stands out about this portable SSD is its size. It can slip into a backpack or jacket's side pocket without adding weight or bulk, although the relatively short cable must still be managed. Once connected, the Type-C cable easily links the drive to a Mac or PC, and the included Lexar DataShield software enables password security, a prudent feature for a portable device that might be lost or stolen.

The drive's out-of-the-box transfer speeds are impressive, and it can be reformatted from the ultra-compatible ExFAT to a more secure format for Mac or PC. The drive's speed is notable, with excellent performance in both reading and writing. With write caching turned on (the default setting), transfer speeds reach around 1,000MB/s, below the advertised speeds, but a significant increase is observed once write caching is switched off.

For general file storage, the drive's performance is outstanding, with a 140GB file transfer completed in about three minutes on the Mac, during which the drive remained cool to the touch. For video and image editing tasks in Photoshop, no issues were encountered when handling large files from cameras like the Canon R5 C and Sony A7 IV. In more demanding video editing scenarios with Final Cut Pro X, the drive maintained impressive performance, keeping up with the application's demands even though it did not match the advertised speed. During these intensive tasks, the drive's temperature increased but not excessively.

One of the most interesting features of this drive is that it is fully compatible with Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Max. This means that you can plug it directly into the USB Type-C port to record Apple Pro Res at up to 4K 60FPS. This feature enables far greater flexibility for iPhone film makers when it comes to grading in post with higher-quality video and far greater potential for the footage. Given this compatibility with Apple devices, it may be one of the best external hard drives for Mac users.

Overall, this compact storage solution delivers outstanding performance. Its small size makes it convenient and easy to mount onto the back of a laptop screen without concern.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar SL500?

As an all-around portable SSD, its small size and variety of capacity options make this a discreet and easy choice. The minimal size and weight will appeal broadly, as it takes up very little room in the pocket of a jacket or bag, making it an ideal partner for imaging professionals.

The cable's weight influences its position on a desktop, but with a little Velcro, this drive can be perfectly attached to the back of a monitor. This feature is particularly beneficial for those on the move, working in various locations like trains, coffee shops, or hotdesking around an office, as it ensures the safety of the driver's connection during movement.

Although small pen drives with large capacity options are available, this dedicated drive offers sustained performance, making it an ideal choice for activities that require fast transfer speeds and reliable access to data. It is particularly suited for those in the video sector who demand reliable file access and need storage that is safe, secure, and lightweight enough to be easily transported in a busy environment without excessive concern about cables disconnecting.

iPhone 15 Pro and Max users will also benefit from the connection to greater storage when shooting video in the Apple ProRes format. This is a superb, slightly unique feature. There's the issue of how to attach the drive comfortably, but ultimately, it pushes the function and features of the iPhone 15 Pro even further. In real terms, the video that you can store on an iPhone with around 70GB of storage goes from 18 minutes to 1,183 minutes with the 2TB drive attached.

Overall, considering the capacity, size, and speed, this is an outstanding SSD that will suit many uses but will find particular appeal with photographers and videographers. 

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Lexar Professional SL600: 30-second review

One of the major issues with the latest cameras is the significant amount of storage required for the files they produce, including both images and videos. Thankfully, products like the Lexar Professional SL600 portable HD are designed with speed, capacity, and durability in mind. 

The review sample, at 2TB, offers ample storage for most image and video shoots. With its USB Type-C connection, transfer speeds between the drive and the computer are sufficiently quick, allowing you to use this drive as both a mass storage and working drive if desired. 

The internal specifications highlight this as a great choice for imaging professionals, but there are also design considerations that attract users on the move. 

Firstly, like any of the best portable SSDs we've tested, the lightweight and compact design makes it easy to transport without adding excessive weight or bulk to a kit bag. Then there's the full metal case that adds durability. However, what really stands out is the carabiner loop that allows you to securely attach the drive to an internal backpack pocket, preventing it from getting lost. 

With such a great design and solid, high-quality build, it's a shame that Lexar didn't go a step further and produce this drive in a brighter, easier-to-locate colour or include a writable surface for easy labelling. 

In terms of performance, the drive delivers impressive results on both Mac and PC systems, even if it performs lower than Lexar advertises.

Lexar Professional SL600: Price & availability

The Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD is widely available at most photographic and video stores, such as B&H Photo and Adorama, as well as on Amazon.com.

• Value: 4/5 

Lexar Professional SL600: Design & build

This small portable SSD immediately stands out with its distinctive all-metal casing and integrated carabiner loop at the top - if you're looking for the best external hard drives for Mac, this one certainly has the pleasing focus on design aesthetic you'll find with Apple devices. The size and weight mean it easily slips into a pocket, making it convenient to transport along with the rest of your gear. The sleek black design is nice and understated, although something a bit brighter may be more practical in the field. However, this design allows you to loop it onto a bag hook, making it a bit more difficult to misplace compared to similar-sized portable SSDs.

The simple design is complemented by a USB Type-C connector, which facilitates both data transfer and bus power to the drive. Lexar has ensured that the drive draws minimal power while still providing decent performance, so along with the drive, the only other accessory you need is the connecting cable.

Once connected, the drive is recognized quickly and comes formatted in the universally recognized ExFAT format, which can then be reformatted to the file system of your choice. Included on the drive is the Lexar DataShield software, which takes a few seconds to install but then enables you to apply password protection to the drive, ensuring the contents remain secure in the event of loss or theft.

• Design: (4/5) 

Lexar Professional SL600: Performance

Out of the box, it only takes a few seconds to connect the USB Type-C cable and plug it into your intended computer or device. Once installed, the drive is instantly recognized by most systems and comes pre-formatted in the ExFAT file system. Before reformatting into a more suitable file format for Mac or PC, there's the DataShield software on the drive that can be installed and enables you to add file encryption to the drive. This software is available for both Mac and PC and is incredibly easy to install and understand; really, it's a one-time setup unless you need to change the password again in the future.

The drive features a USB Type-C connector with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which means that under the right conditions, it has the potential to max out the transfer speed at 2,000MB/s. During testing with a MacBook Pro 16" M1 and Intel Nuc 9 Extreme Ghost Canyon, the real-world transfer speeds were closer to 1,000MB/s, which is still good but well below the speeds documented by Lexar on the packaging.

In use for file transfer, the drive's capacity of 2TB provided ample storage for image and video files, with 140GB of data taking around 3 minutes to transfer, which is quick. Used as a storage drive, the 2TB of space allows for plenty of flexibility. Likewise, used as a working drive, the aluminium case and build quality help keep things cool. When used to edit 4K video, the drive coped with an intensive workflow without issue; although it did generate some heat, it wasn't overly hot to the touch.

While the drive didn't quite live up to the quoted transfer speeds, it proved to be an exceptional drive for use in the field. The carabiner loop is a really nice touch that is both practical and adds to the drive's visual appeal.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar Professional SL600?

The portable drive's 2TB of storage is substantial, and with the USB Type-C connection, the Lexar SL600 manages to keep up with the speed required for video and imaging workflows. The transfer speed is excellent for downloading and storing image files, even if it could be better to live up to the quoted speeds.

Likewise, used as a working drive while out and about, the drive performs well, providing fast access to files required for video editing in 4K. If you're running any of the best video editing laptops. the best video editing PCs or the best video editing Macs, this is bound to be a useful addition to your set-up. 

What really stands out is the design of the drive, with the quirky carabiner hook nicely integrated into the solid and robust aluminium casing, giving the drive a great look. While the style is sleek, the dark grey matte finish can make it difficult to locate in a kit bag, even when tethered to an internal hook, and a bright fluorescent version would be handy. However, the flat surface of the drive does make it easy to label and attach Velcro, so the drive can be monitor-mounted if needed.

Considering the price and features, this drive is outstanding, even if it can't quite live up to the quoted transfer speeds.

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