We approached the PNY RP60 1TB SSD with fairly typical expectations for a modern portable drive: fast transfers, solid durability, and good value for money. On paper, it ticks all of those boxes, offering USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speeds rated up to 2,000 MB/s read and 1,800 MB/s write, along with a ruggedised exterior and IP65 resistance. In day-to-day use, we found that it largely delivers on those promises, though not always in a way that stands out from increasingly strong competition.
In terms of design, we think the RP60 strikes a practical if slightly unrefined balance. The rubberised casing gives it a reassuring level of grip and protection, and the inclusion of water and dust resistance adds peace of mind for travel or outdoor use. It is also lightweight and easy to carry, with a loop for clipping onto bags. However, we did notice that the casing can feel a little less premium than some rivals, with slight flex in the shell and a tendency to attract dust and lint. It is functional rather than stylish, which may or may not matter depending on your priorities.
Performance is where the RP60 shows both its strengths and its limitations. For everyday tasks such as transferring photos, videos, or backups, we found it to be consistently quick, often delivering speeds close to its advertised figures in short bursts. In fact, in some benchmark scenarios it competes well with other drives in its class, particularly in sequential read and write operations. For most users, this translates into a responsive and efficient experience.
However, when we pushed the drive with longer, sustained transfers, the cracks began to show. Like many portable SSDs, the RP60 relies on a cache system to maintain high speeds, and once that cache is exhausted, performance drops noticeably. In testing, sustained write speeds can fall significantly after a short period of heavy use, eventually dropping well below peak levels. For casual use this is unlikely to be a major issue, but for professionals moving very large files regularly, it is something we would need to consider carefully.
We also found the value proposition to be somewhat mixed. On one hand, the RP60 is often priced competitively and can undercut some big-name alternatives while offering similar headline speeds. On the other hand, there are competing drives at similar prices that offer better sustained performance or more premium build quality, which makes the RP60 feel less distinctive in a crowded market.
Overall, we would describe the PNY RP60 1TB SSD as a solid, dependable mid-range portable drive. It is fast, reasonably tough, and easy to use across a wide range of devices, making it a good fit for general storage, backups, and everyday portability. At the same time, it does not quite lead the field in performance consistency or design quality, which prevents it from being an easy top recommendation. For us, it sits comfortably as a good all-rounder rather than a standout choice.
2TB version £275
Availble from amazon.co.uk



