RAVPower FileHub Review: Router and Data Storage on the Move

The FileHub RP-WD009 from RAVPower is a clever gadget that combines several functions. It can be used as a mobile WLAN hard drive for tablets or smartphones, or as a backup tool to copy data from an SD card to a USB device without a computer. The FileHub also acts as a router, access point or WLAN repeater/bridge.

This makes the RP-WD009 the perfect companion for photographers and videographers who want to back up their data on the go without having to carry a laptop with them.

Design and processing

Visually, the small black data server can convince by a simple, inconspicuous design. If you don’t take a closer look, you might think you have a simple power bank in front of you. With dimensions of 113 x 77 x 23 mm (L x W x H) it is also not much bigger than such a bag and therefore fits in every pocket. The case is only made of plastic, but it feels good and in no way cheap.

On the top, next to the RAVPower logo, there are five indicators for LAN and WLAN connectivity, memory access, and operating status. Extended on the right side is the on/off switch.
On the left side are the SD card slot and two buttons. One changes the WLAN mode from 2.4 to 5 GHz and back, the other starts the backup function and copies all data from the SD card to the connected USB drive.

A USB type A, Micro-USB and an RJ45 LAN connector are located behind a cover.

Operation

Operation is simple. After switching on the RAVPower FileHub, you only have to connect to its WLAN. From now on the device can be controlled with the app (iOS / Android), or via the browser. Here you can access all data stored on the SD card or USB drive. In addition, images, videos and other files can be backed up to the FileHub via the app without much effort.

The highlight is the SD to USB backup function. Pressing the “SD>USB” button will automatically copy the entire contents of the SD card to the previously connected USB drive. That worked wonderfully in the test, although not particularly fast.

The access times over the 2.4 GHz as well as the 5 GHz WiFi network were OK, but they didn’t knock us out. The speed of the copy process and the access to files via the integrated WLAN depends of course not insignificantly on the characteristics of the connected devices. Overall, however, we are more than satisfied with the performance of the small mobile router, especially considering how small the device is.

Application possibilities and practical benefits

The RAVPower FileHub, as already mentioned, with its one-button backup function, is particularly suitable for media professionals who travel a lot. So you can quickly save your pictures, videos or audio data from the SD card on the go. Then you can later access the backed up files via the built-in WLAN in order to check them in between or process them further. This turns the device into a personal, local cloud for excursions, travel or meetings.

Of course, the RP-WD009 can also be used as an access point, router or even as a WLAN extender.
For film lovers who do not want to do without their favourite films when travelling, the FileHub also serves as a mobile DLAN media server for the smartphone or tablet.

Battery life

In order to be able to operate the hotspot over a longer period of time, the battery life is also important. The 6,700 mAh should be enough for a few hours. In any case, the battery life is very positive in the test. Even after intensive use as a hotspot for smartphones and a laptop for working, there is still a tiny bit of battery left at the end of the day. So the battery’s big enough to last you through the day.

The battery is charged via a micro-USB connector. Here a USB-C port would have been desirable, which strangely enough the predecessor of the RAVPower FileHub still has.

Result of the RAVPower FileHub Review

The RAVPower FileHub is a very useful little gadget and with 60 EUR it is not too expensive. Competitive products are located in completely different price regions.

The one-button backup function is a really practical feature. Of course you should always check if the copy process was successful before deleting your original data from the SD card.
All in all, we can recommend the RAVPower FileHub to anyone who needs an access point or media server on the move.