In the age of 4K video, massive photo libraries, and sprawling game installations, the humble USB flash drive just doesn't cut it anymore. What we need is speed, reliability, and a massive amount of storage that can fit in the palm of our hand. Enter the ORICO B20 1TB External SSD. Promising blistering speeds of up to 2000MB/s in an incredibly tiny package, it aims to be the perfect storage companion for everyone from the creative professional to the everyday user.
But does it live up to the hype? I’ve been using the B20 for several weeks, transferring project files, backing up my phone, and taking it on the go. Here’s my in-depth review.
First Impressions: Unbelievably Small and Well-Made
The moment you unbox the ORICO B20, its size is what strikes you first. The specs say 1.5 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches, but holding it in person is something else. It’s barely larger than a standard thumb drive, yet it houses a full 1TB of high-speed NAND flash storage. The build quality is excellent, featuring a robust metal casing that feels both premium and durable. It dissipates heat effectively, which is crucial for maintaining high speeds during sustained transfers.
The included accessories are thoughtful. You get a sturdy 2-in-1 USB-C to C/USB-C to A cable, which is an absolute lifesaver for compatibility across all your devices. The bright orange silicone strap isn't just for show; it allows you to securely latch the B20 to a backpack loop, keychain, or camera bag, ensuring you never lose this tiny, valuable drive.
Blistering Fast Performance: But There’s a Catch
Let's get to the main event: speed. The ORICO B20 boasts read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, which is in the realm of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps). This is seriously fast—fast enough to edit a video project directly from the drive or transfer a 10GB video file in a matter of seconds.
In my real-world tests, connected to a desktop PC with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, the B20 consistently delivered impressive results. Transferring a 30GB folder of mixed media files (photos, videos, documents) completed in under 20 seconds. For context, a standard USB 3.0 drive would have taken several minutes.
However, the crucial disclaimer that ORICO rightly mentions is this: to hit that 2000MB/s mark, your computer or host device must have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. Most modern laptops and motherboards still feature USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports. When connected to these, the B20 will still perform excellently, topping out around 1000MB/s, which is still incredibly fast for most tasks. The drive is backward compatible with older USB standards, but speeds will scale down accordingly.
Thinking of an alternative? If your workflow demands even higher capacities or a different form factor, you might want to check out our review of the ORICO B5Plus 1TB Portable SSD, which offers a more traditional, yet still compact, design.
The Ultimate Portable Companion: More Than Just a PC Drive
What sets the B20 apart from many other external SSDs is its versatility. Thanks to its USB-C interface and included cable, it’s a true plug-and-play solution for a wide range of devices.
- For Smartphones (Android & iPhone 15/16 Pro): This is a game-changer. With Android phones and the latest iPhones supporting external storage, the B20 becomes a massive expansion pack. I used it to offload 4K 60fps videos from my iPhone 16 Pro, freeing up precious internal storage in seconds. The process is straightforward:
- Open your Photos app, select the files, and tap the share icon.
- Choose "Save to Files."
Navigate to "ORICO B20" on the Locations list, select a folder, and hit save.
Pro Tip: If your iPhone doesn’t recognize the drive, you may need to format it to exFAT first using a computer. This ensures compatibility with both Windows and macOS.
- For Tablets and Laptops: It’s perfect for expanding the storage of tablets like the iPad Pro or ultra-portable laptops with limited SSD space. You can store your entire media library or even run applications directly from it.
Who Is the ORICO B20 1TB Perfect For?
After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the ORICO B20 to:
- Content Creators & Photographers: The speed and capacity are ideal for backing up photoshoots and video footage on location.
- Gamers: Store your game library on it and play directly from the drive without long load times (on a compatible port).
- Professionals & Students: A reliable, fast, and secure way to transport large presentations, datasets, and project files.
- Anyone with a Modern Smartphone: The easiest way to manage storage on a phone without paying for expensive cloud plans.
Verdict: A Near-Perfect Fusion of Speed, Size, and Value
The ORICO B20 1TB External SSD delivers exactly what it promises. It’s an engineering marvel—packing pro-level speed and massive storage into a package so small you’ll forget it’s in your pocket. While you need a specific port to unlock its maximum 2000MB/s potential, its performance on standard USB-C ports is still top-tier.
Its thoughtful design, including the versatile cable and handy silicone strap, makes it a joy to use daily. For anyone looking to break free from the shackles of slow transfer speeds and limited storage, the ORICO B20 is an outstanding choice that is hard to beat.
Ready to experience the speed for yourself?
You can find the ORICO B20 1TB External SSD available on Amazon.
Check the current price and availability on Amazon here.
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