PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C Portable SSD Review: Competitively Priced Fast and Rugged SSD

PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C Portable SSD

PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C Portable SSD offers a rugged build with fast, USB-C-based delivery. SSDs are no longer just for computers. This drive is equally at home on a tablet or a phone. I have used mine to back up family gigabytes of family photos, documents and videos (film and video conversions) that I have recently digitized. The contents of dozens of boxes, scrapbooks, photo albums, video tapes and film reels now live on this drive as a reliable physical backup to their cloud counterparts. The design and IP rating makes it ideal as a fast and convenient drive for photographers or videographers who need backup on the go, sometimes under less-than-ideal conditions.

What we like

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD offers impressive data transfer speeds, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, achieving up to 2,000MB/s read and 1,800MB/s write speeds. This high performance is ideal for professionals handling large files, such as high-resolution images and 4K videos.  

Designed with durability, the RP60 features an IP65-rated enclosure, protecting dust and water jets. Its rugged build ensures resilience against drops from up to 3 meters, making it suitable for on-the-go use in various environments.  PNY stands behind that durability with a 3-year warranty.

Weighing approximately 55 grams and measuring 3.83 x 2.36 x 0.49 inches (97.3 x 59.9 x 12.4 mm), this SSD is both compact and lightweight, facilitating easy transport and storage. Its portable nature allows users to carry substantial storage capacity without added bulk.  

The inclusion of Acronis True Image Data Protection Software adds value by offering comprehensive backup and recovery solutions, enhancing data security and management for users.  However, if you already have backup software, I suggest working with your existing system. Mac users, for instance, could make the RP60 a ruggedized TimeMachine storage device.

Windows users need to think more about what and how they back up their machines. With all of my data and most of my apps in the cloud, I tend not to back up Windows devices because there isn’t much on them to back up. I can get a new Windows device up and running in about 30 minutes, less time than it takes me to restore a backup.

Priced competitively at $83.99 ($140.99 for 2TB), the PNY RP60 will appeal to professionals and mainstream users seeking reliable storage solutions. 

What could be improved

To fully utilize the RP60’s maximum data transfer rates, a device equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port is necessary. While those ports are becoming more common, devices without them will limit the SSD’s performance, resulting in lower transfer speeds.  

The absence of hardware-based encryption means users must rely on software solutions for data protection, which may not offer the same level of security as hardware encryption.  

While enhancing durability, the rubberized exterior tends to attract dust and lint depending on the use case, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its appearance (if that matters to you).  

When squeezed, there is a slight flexibility in the casing, which might affect perceptions of the device’s robustness compared to other SSDs with more rigid enclosures.  

Though designed for convenience, the provided flat USB-C cable may be less practical in specific setups, and users might prefer a standard round cable for better flexibility and ease of use.  Make sure whatever cable chosen supports the SSD’s speed capabilities.

I would like to see PNY step up its sustainability game and eliminate the non-recyclable plastic components of its packaging (blister pack and glued to the cardboard plastic hangtag, in this case). Perhaps even paper-based stickers for box closure, as many other vendors have adopted. The sustainability issues brought down my overall perspective of an otherwise outstanding product, affecting the overall rating for the drive.

Note: I could not get the registration process to work, even after typing in the Acronis code. It seems to want a serial number that I could not find on the product or its packaging.

PNY RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C Portable SSD: The bottom line

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD combines high-speed performance with a rugged, portable design, making it a compelling choice for professionals and everyday users alike. While optimal performance requires specific hardware compatibility, its competitive pricing and robust feature set offer significant value for those seeking reliable and fast external storage solutions.

PNY provided the RP60 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C Portable SSD for review. Images courtesy of PNY unless otherwise noted.

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