Orico O20 portable SSD: 30-second review
Specs
Material: Aluminum Alloy+Rubber
Colour: Black
Size: 141.5 x 55 x 16mm
Transfer Rate: 20Gbps
Capacity: 512GB/1TB/2TB
Interface: Type-C
Cable: 0.3M C TO C/A
Supported System: Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android
The Orico O20 is designed as an ultra-portable, fast, and rugged storage drive that can be used either in the office or out in the field. The fast transfer rates are made possible by the Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which, on the latest PCs, enables transfer rates of up to 2,000 MB per second—more than enough to handle most 4K and 8K video editing and other high-demand tasks. The speed is impressive, with capacity options ranging from 512 GB to 2 TB; I’ll be looking at the 1 TB version in this review.
Along with the drive and to help maximise compatibility, a two-in-one USB Type-C to Type-C cable is included in the box, and this features a USB Type-A adapter, making it compatible with the latest Macs and PCs as well as older machines. However, one important point to note is that as this SSD utilises a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, any machine used with it must also be equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port if you want to experience maximum performance. While this is widely available on many of the latest PCs, it’s not found on Mac laptops or desktop machines, which instead use Thunderbolt 4 or equivalent ports. This means that while the drive is compatible with Macs, the transfer rates are throttled down to 10 Gb/s (1,000 MB per second). Likewise, this drop in performance is also true for any PC equipped with Thunderbolt rather than the exact USB interface.
Even so, considering the price, the performance used with either a PC or Mac system is impressive, and the drive performed well as a working drive, handling Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve to edit a range of 4K video captured on a Sony A7 Mark IV.
Equally impressive is the durability of the drive, with the mix of the tough aluminium body surrounded by a protective rubber buffer. This helps that drive meet the IP54 rating, which means that it’s waterproof against showers and exposure to moisture, but it’s also worth noting this doesn’t mean that it’s completely waterproof, so it can’t be submerged underwater. Still, that water protection is far more than most portable SSDs, which will certainly have appeal if you work outdoors.
Ultimately, I’m impressed with the performance of the Orico O20, one of the best portable SSDs around at this price point. It’s proved to be durable in the field and delivered the performance needed to edit both videos and images. If you’re a PC user, then you’ll find that this drive can achieve maximum transfer rates as long as you have the right USB interface.
Orico O20 portable SSD: Price & availability
The Orico O20 is widely available for around $100 for the 1 TB version I’m reviewing here. It can be found on offer at most of the usual online retail stores, including Amazon as well as direct from Orico when you click here.
Orico O20 portable SSD: Design & build
The first thing that strikes you about the Orico O20 20 Gb/s Portable SSD is its rugged design. While it is based on the new ultra-slim SSDs, it’s slightly larger and bulkier than many other 1 or 2 TB portable drives on the market. It’s also a little heavier due to the solid aluminium casing and rubberised edging, which provides shockproof, dustproof, and water-resistant IP54 certification.
When it comes to size, it’s slim and easily pocketable, measuring 141.5 mm x 55 mm x 16 mm and weighing just 121 g or 139 g if you include the weight of the short cable. A quick look at the drive instantly highlights a design that is capable of withstanding far more abuse than a standard portable hard drive. The main body of the drive is made from aluminium and secured tightly with four hex screws, then around the edge is a thick rubber buffer to protect it from impact if dropped. Alongside these rugged design features is the IP54 water resistance certification, which essentially means that as long as the port is covered with the built-in rubber bung, the drive will withstand splashes of water. However, this certification doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. In addition to the certification, the drive is shockproof and dustproof, making it a solid choice for most environments.
When it comes to other design features, there is a small carabiner loop designed into the rubber outer, which will enable you to attach the drive easily to the inside of your backpack or other equipment. The surface is also flat, which makes it convenient to attach labels for identification if needed.
In terms of power, the drive is bus-powered through a single USB Type-C port located at one end. This port is covered by a rubber flap, which helps prevent dust and water from entering when the drive is not in use or exposed to rain. As previously mentioned, the drive is supplied with a short USB Type-C cable, along with a USB Type-A adapter on one end, enabling wide compatibility across a range of devices including laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Orico O20 portable SSD: Features
At the top of the feature list for the Orico O20, 20 Gb/s Portable SSD is the rugged design and water resistance. Although it claims waterproofing on the Orico website, it is actually only water-resistant with an IP54 rating. It is, however, shockproof and dustproof, reinforcing the fact that this drive is designed to withstand more than most.
When it comes to the interface, it uses a standard USB Type-C connection, making it compatible with Thunderbolt 3 / 4 and above, as well as all USB Type-C ports. Included in the box, alongside the USB Type-C cable, is a connector adapter that enables the drive to be used with older machines that have a Type-A connector. While there is plenty of compatibility, the maximum performance for the drive can only be achieved if the drive and PC feature the same USB Type-C interface. That interface is a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which offers transfer rates of up to 2,000 MB per second. Unfortunately, if you are using a standard USB or Thunderbolt 3/4/USB4 port, the transfer rate will be downgraded to 10 Gb/s or 1,000 MB per second.
The quoted performance figures are impressive with the correct interface, with a maximum read speed of 2,000 MB per second and an equally strong write speed of 1,800 MB per second, placing this drive at the top end of its category.
To maximise compatibility, the SSD can be reformatted to work with Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS systems using their native file systems. Thanks to its USB Type-C connection, it also offers wide compatibility across devices, including laptops, iPads, smartphones, and even gaming consoles if required. As well as most computing devices, the drive’s slimline design and interface also enable it to work with many cameras that support external recording, meaning this drive will integrate perfectly into your production setup if needed.
Orico O20 portable SSD: Performance
Benchmarks
CrystalDiskMark: Read: 1909.70 MB/s Write: 1816.00 MB/s
AS SSD: Read: 1863.55 MB/s Write: 1677.48 MB/s
AJA: Read: 1777 MB/s Write: 1580 MB/s
ATTO: Read: 1930 MB/s Write: 1740 MB/s
Straight out of the box, the Orico O20 comes pre-formatted in the widely compatible exFAT file format. This file system works with both Mac and PC systems without the need for reformatting or setup. Unlike some other portable SSDs, there is no integrated software solution, so this is just the portable SSD, no backup software and drive management, just the drive. If you require backup or security, you’ll need to look elsewhere. However, this simplicity makes it easy to use, and you can utilise your computer’s own Disk Utility to reformat it to whichever system you require. For Windows, reformatting to NTFS or for macOS, reformatting to APFS ensures maximum compatibility and speed. If its platform compatibility is a priority, sticking with the exFAT format is probably best.
During testing, I initially left the drive in its exFAT format and ran all tests using this file system, which produced results close to, if not exceeding, some of the stated transfer rates from Orico. The fastest read transfer rate was measured with CrystalDiskMark, achieving 1929.69 MB/s—just short of the quoted 2,000 MB/s maximum. Equally impressive was the write speed, with Orico quoting a maximum of 1,800 MB/s. Our tests, however, peaked at 1860.85 MB/s, slightly exceeding the stated speed. Even during sustained read/write operations over 30 minutes, these transfer rates hardly dropped.
In use on a PC, transfer rates were exceptional, and editing in Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve was smooth and fluid, enabling the drive to be used as a working drive for 4K video editing. While the drive does get warm during heavy use, the aluminium casing helps dissipate heat effectively.
Switching to a Mac, the exFAT file format was instantly recognised, and transfer rates remained good, though they were half of those achievable on a PC due to the difference in interface technology. Essentially, to access maximum transfer rates, you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C interface. Without this, the transfer rate drops from 20 Gb/s to 10 Gb/s. This is worth considering before investing in this drive, as there are cheaper alternatives available for systems without the necessary port, which could save you some money.
Even so, the speeds achievable on a Mac are more than sufficient for editing in Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve at 4K, handling footage shot on cameras like the Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV and the Canon EOS R5 C. In both cases, the Orico 020 drive provided both the storage capacity and the data transfer speeds required for a working drive.
One of the standout features of this drive is its rugged and tough design, boasting an IP54 water-resistant rating. While it is labelled as waterproof on the website, it is, in fact, only water resistant, essentially meaning that it’s resistant to splashes or rain showers rather than being submersible under water – so not quite on par with the best rugged hard drives I’ve seen, but acceptable for everyday use. Despite this, the rubberised surround and fully enclosed design offer excellent protection against knocks and bashes. The port is protected by a tightly fitting rubber cover, which helps shield it from splashes and dust, but whilst this does create a decent seal, it isn’t intended for more severe conditions.
To test its durability, the drive was placed in the outer pocket of a camera backpack and carried around on location without the care a drive of this type would usually afford. During a heavy rain shower, the outer pocket containing the drive was soaked. With nothing more than a quick wipe to remove the worst of the moisture, the drive was plugged into a MacBook Air via a USB hub and connected to the computer—and it worked flawlessly. Rated as IP54, the drive comfortably performed to the certification specification during these tests.
As a rugged and tough drive designed for use in the field by photographers, videographers, and anyone needing storage that can withstand tough conditions, the Orico O20 is an excellent choice. It offers high speed (provided you have the right interface) and robust build quality to keep your data safe wherever you are.
Should you buy the Orico O20 portable SSD?
There’s a lot going for the O20, with the standout feature being its rugged design and build quality, which help it withstand more than most. This makes it ideal for any professional working in the field, where a standard portable hard drive might be a liability and prone to breaking. The IP54 water-resistant certification adds reassurance that if you get caught in the rain, you don’t have to worry too much about the drive—though submerging it in water is beyond its limits.
In terms of speed, this drives performance highlights that it isn’t just for storage. With large capacity options and transfer rates of up to 2,000 MB/s—closely matched in our tests—it provides an excellent solution as a working drive for video and image editing or any other application that requires fast transfer speeds. The main caveat for these speeds is that a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface is required. Even when downgraded to USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gb/s, the transfer rate remains exceptionally fast and will meet most users’ needs.
Considering the build quality and capacity options, this type of drive sits at the higher end of the pricing scale. However, the build quality is exceptional, so if you need a high-quality portable SSD, this is a great option—provided you have the correct port to make full use of its capabilities.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 | Row 0 – Cell 3 |
| Value | Exceptional value for money, considering the speed and capacity | 5 / 5 | Row 1 – Cell 3 |
| Design | The design looks great, and the tough aluminium and rubber outer make it more durable than most | 4.5 / 5 | Row 2 – Cell 3 |
| Features | The storage technology enables fast transfer rates, but you need the correct interface to utilise them | 4 / 5 | Row 3 – Cell 3 |
| Performance | If you have the right system, this is one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market and extremely reliable | 4.5 / 5 | Row 4 – Cell 3 |
| Total | For PC users with the right interface, this is one of the best portable SSDs on the market. If you’re using a Mac, there are better options | 4.5 | Row 5 – Cell 3 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
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