Angelbird SSD2GO PKT Review – The Perfect On-Camera SSD?

by Nino LeitnerFebruary 27^th, 2025

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Angelbird just dropped a pocket-sized powerhouse, the SSD2GO PKT portable SSD, which comes in 2TB and 4TB variants and promises some impressive performance for on-the-go filmmakers. Let’s dive into what makes this new generation of the SSD2GO PKT series worth your attention.

Austrian manufacturer Angelbird is known for their fast, high-quality, and reliable memory cards aimed at photographers, filmmakers, and content creators. After launching their AV PRO SE CFexpress B v4 Cards earlier this month, the company is back with the SSD2GO PKT.

Design & build quality

Right off the bat, this thing is incredibly compact – about the size of a business card and weighing less than two AA batteries. It’s ultra-slim at just 9.5mm thick, with dimensions of 70×45.5mm. The Austrian-designed CNC-worked aluminum exterior feels premium and durable in the hand.

What’s impressive is how Angelbird has packed this level of performance into such a small form factor that literally fits in your back pocket. The build quality is extremely robust – this drive is certified to be extreme temperature resistant, x-ray-proof, magnetic-proof, splash-proof, shock-proof, and dust-proof. It’s also protected against ESD and electrical overload – essentially built to withstand the rigors of field production.

Performance specs

The performance numbers are where things get interesting for filmmakers. The SSD2GO PKT boasts:

• Maximum read and write speeds of up to 1800 MB/s
• Sustained read speeds of 1700 MB/s
• Sustained write speeds of 1600 MB/s

That’s what the manufacturer claims, but when running the device through various speed test apps, including Blackmagic Speed Test, I was able to verify those claims – the sustained write speeds slightly overperformed in testing, with up to 1650 MB/s. 

This level of sustained write speed is crucial for filmmakers recording high-resolution footage externally. What Angelbird calls “Stable Stream” technology ensures consistent performance across the entire capacity of the drive, which means no dropped frames or interruptions during recording – something absolutely critical for professional work.

The drive connects via USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, delivering transfer speeds up to 20 Gb/s. While it’s physically compatible with Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, it doesn’t support Thunderbolt speeds, which is something to be aware of.

Special features

There are several thoughtful features that filmmakers will appreciate: First, the “Write-Protect-Switch” with an integrated LED indicator. This physically prevents accidental file deletion or formatting – something that can save a production when things get hectic on set.

The “Solid Connect” design features a recessed USB-C connection point within the SSD body itself. This provides a more stable connection and reduces strain on both the port and the cable – a common failure point with portable drives.

Speaking of cables, the included “Solid Flex” USB-C 4.0 cable is 32cm (12.6 inches) long, ultra-flexible, and wrapped in a durable, color-matched fabric. It’s designed specifically to withstand the repeated connecting and disconnecting that happens in production environments.

Compatibility

The SSD2GO PKT works with macOS, iPadOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. Most importantly for filmmakers, it’s compatible with any USB-C recording-capable camera or device. Angelbird also offers an optional Mounting Bracket PKT for attaching the drive to your rig.

Use cases

This drive is particularly well-suited for:

• External recording directly from cameras
• Fast offloading of footage in the field
• Editing directly from the drive
• Secure storage without the need for server access
• General storage expansion for mobile workflows

Price and warranty

Angelbird includes a 3-year limited warranty, which you’ll need to activate within 30 days of purchase through their website. The company also offers data recovery services and technical support from in-house experts.

Final thoughts

The SSD2GO PKT represents a significant upgrade in Angelbird’s portable SSD lineup, with impressive sustained write speeds that should handle even demanding external recording scenarios. The robust build quality, thoughtful features like the write-protect switch, and the secure connection design make this an appealing option for filmmakers who need reliable external storage in challenging environments.

What stands out most is how Angelbird has managed to combine this level of performance with such a compact form factor. At just 50 grams, this is truly a portable powerhouse that won’t weigh down your kit.

That’s it for our first look at the new Angelbird SSD2GO PKT. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, and if you’d like to see a more in-depth field test of this drive in various recording scenarios.

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