Pros and Cons of the Freewell PRO SSD Hub

Freewell has launched the PRO SSD Hub, a versatile smartphone video accessory. It allows recording directly to an external SSD, supports microphone connectivity, and features a built-in hand grip with an Arca compatible mount. Additionally, it includes a Bluetooth remote trigger and a USB-C 60 watt power delivery input to connect an external powerbank and keep a smartphone charged.

I tested the Hub using my own 1TB SSD with an iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Blackmagic Cam and Final Cut Camera iOS video apps. I do not own an Android smartphone, so I was not able to test the Hub with that OS. I have been told by Freewell that the Hub does work with compatible Android smartphones, but was unable to independently test or verify that claim. Also worth knowing, Freewell provided me with a free Hub to review, but have not paid me or had any editorial involvement. All opinions are my own.

Freewell PRO SSD Hub overview

The Freewell PRO SSD Hub comes with one hand grip, one M.2 SSD holder, one USB-C cable, rubber screw inserts for mounting an SSD, and a couple of extra batteries for the Bluetooth shutter remote.

The grip features an Arca-compatible plate for tripod mounting, three cold shoe mounts for attaching microphones, lights, or other accessories, and a removable, battery-powered Bluetooth shutter release. It also includes a backing plate a with rotatable mount, allowing for both horizontal and vertical smartphone orientations. A thin standard screwdriver is conveniently stored behind the SSD holder for tightening the phone mount when needed.

The M.2 SSD holder is compatible with third party M.2 SSDs up to 8TB with 2280, 2260, 2242, or 2230 interfaces. SSDs are installed or swapped without tools thanks to the holder's magnetized face and rubber drive mounts. The holder magnetically attaches to the back of the handle grip, or independently to the iPhone's MagSafe mount.

The M.2 SSD holder has three USB-C ports: one for connecting a microphone, one for connecting a smartphone (USB-C cable included), and the other for connecting a third party powerbank. The latter may be used to supplement a smartphone with power when connected to the Hub.

For convenience, the Hub can also be independently mounted to the MagSafe mount on the back of an iPhone. This allows video to be recorded to the Hub without the grip, if you don't need it for some reason. Freewell is also offering a separate cold shoe mount for additional Hub mounting options.

Recording video externally with a microphone

First things first, you'll need either Blackmagic Cam (iOS/Android), Final Cut Camera (iOS), or other video smartphone app that can capture and record video to an external drive with an external microphone. I like both of the aforementioned apps for different reasons, and because they're free, so both are worth downloading and trying out. Whichever app you choose, and if you're shooting with an iPhone, I recommend shooting using the Apple ProRes codec and Apple Log for increased dynamic range and color grading flexibility.

SSDs must be formatted using the exFAT file system before they may be used with the Hub. Android supports external SSD formatting, but (at the time of this writing) iOS does not without downloading a third party app. If using iOS, simply install an unformatted SSD in the Hub, connect the Hub to a laptop or desktop using the provided USB-C cable, then format the SSD using the macOS Disk Utility or Windows File Explorer applications. After an SSD is formatted, connect the Hub to a smartphone (if not already), and the SSD should then mount as an external drive.

Of the two aforementioned apps, Final Cut Camera is simpler and more straightforward, while Blackmagic Cam offers everything and the kitchen sink. Both apps provide settings for assigning an external drive and microphone for recording. If the Hub is connected properly and the microphone is powered on, you should see them as options in both apps.

After footage has been captured by the SSD, it may be transferred to a desktop or laptop by magnetically removing the Hub from the grip and plugging it in via USB-C. The Hub then functions as an external, SSD enclosure.

Smartphone filter compatibility

I tested mounting filters with the PRO SSD Hub using a Freewell Sherpa case and variable neutral density filter, and they worked fine with my iPhone 15 Pro Max in both vertical and horizontal orientations. From what I can tell, there should be enough room for third party case & filter systems from other brands as well (Moment, PolarPro, etc). However, filters cannot be mounted when the hub is independently attached to the iPhone’s MagSafe mount. There simply isn't enough space between the Hub and camera lenses to accommodate. If you plan to use filters, you'll need to use the grip.

Cons of the PRO SSD Hub

I tested the PRO SSD Hub during a week-long landscape photography trip to New Mexico, where I used an iPhone 15 Pro Max as my sole video camera. During that time, I ran into a couple of problems worth mentioning.

Temperamental USB-C connection

When used with my iPhone, the USB-C connection would occassionally drop. This would cause video recording to stop, and force me to unplug the USB-C cable, plug it back in again, then reassign the external SSD and microphone in my video app. Even slight movements or vibrations around the phone’s USB-C port could trigger a disconnect.

As a workaround, I got in the habit of pressing the iPhone firmly against the side of the grip. This helped stabilize the USB-C connector and reduced the number of disconnects. It was still, however, a frustrating issue to manage overall. USB-C simply isn't as tight or secure as HDMI or USB-A, so you may experience similar behavior when using the Hub.

Powerbank disconnects and battery drain

As mentioned earlier, the Hub provides a 60 watt power delivery input for connecting an external powerbank. This helps supplement the smartphone's battery with additional power while using the Hub. It works as expected, but with one small wrinkle: If a connected powerbank runs out of power while connected to the Hub, the Hub will disconnect itself from the phone. This also occurs when shooting video, so in practice, a powerbank should only be connected and used if it has sufficient charge, or the smartphone isn't recording video.

Without a powerbank, the Hub draws power from the smartphone's battery to power the SSD and external microphone. This results in faster battery drain and less record time. I tested the Hub's power drain by recording two, one hour Apple ProRes HQ videos. One was recorded internally without anything connected to the phone, the other with the Hub and a Rode Wireless Pro receiver powered on. The former drained a 100% charged iPhone battery to 86%. The Hub recorded video drained a 100% battery to 57%. In other words, a smartphone's battery drains twice as fast when using the Hub without a powerbank.

Pros of the PRO SSD Hub

First and foremost, the ability to record video externally and capture audio from a microphone, at the same time, is fantastic. Without a product like this, smartphone video shooters would have to choose between connecting an external drive or a microphone, but not both at the same time. The Hub helps offload video from the phone's internal drive, with unlimited drive space, thanks to its interchangeable SSD enclosure.

Speaking of, I also like that the Hub does not come with an SSD or any kind of fixed storage. Smartphone videographers can choose whichever capacity and brand of drive they prefer, and swap SSDs by hand without tools when used in the field.

I also like that I can quickly unplug and remove my phone from the Hub whenever I need to use it for something other than recording video (checking GAIA GPS when hiking, responding to a text message, etc). Notably easier than cumbersome smartphone cages.

Offloading video footage from the Hub's SSD to a laptop or desktop is also super easy. Simply remove the Hub from the grip, plug it into a computer using USB-C, and it then functions as a normal, external SSD drive.

Last but certainly not least, the Hub is lightweight and adds very little weight to my camera bag. Notably lighter overall than carrying a second mirrorless camera and lens, which is important when hiking long distances like I tend to do.

Room for improvement

To improve the USC-C smartphone connection, I’d love to see a cable tightener—similar to those used with professional camera rigs—to help prevent movement, vibrations, and unwanted disconnects.

It would also be helpful if the Hub provided some kind of tally light to let you know when video is being recorded to the SSD. For as currently designed, you can't tell when standing on the other side of the smartphone when video is recording (or not recording, most importantly).

Finally, I wish the grip provided MagSafe charging on its own without connecting an external powerbank, similar to products like the ShiftCam ProGrip. This would make the experience of using the Hub much smoother and simpler, for then I wouldn't have to mount on an external powerbank. Some users may prefer the current design, for it allows powerbanks to be swapped as needed, but I would prefer a simpler, more integrated power system.