Head-to-head · Best External SSD Enclosures

ASUS ROG Strix Arion vs Plugable USBC-NVME

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Plugable USBC-NVME comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about portable users seeking high-speed storage without Thunderbolt support — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best External SSD Enclosures

ASUS ROG Strix Arion

3.8

3 sourcesall derived$54.99as of Aug 1

As a PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe SSD enclosure with a 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, the ASUS ROG Strix Arion gets close to the ceiling, transferring at just over 1000 MB/s. TechPowerUp praised the rigid aluminum build and effective heat dissipation, while Reviews Inside noted the RGB lighting adds flair that won't appeal to everyone. Its tool-free design uses a SIM-pin mechanism that works but frustrates frequent SSD swaps. It costs more than competing options, so the premium materials and performance point it at gamers and content creators who value aesthetics and reliability over portability and cost savings.

Strengths

— Rigid aluminum construction with excellent thermal management via pre-installed thermal pads
— Supports PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe SSDs at maximum 10 Gbps transfer speeds
— Includes both USB-A and USB-C cables for versatile connectivity

Watch-outs

— Requires a SIM-tray pin for access, which can be lost and is less convenient for frequent SSD swaps
— Priced higher than similar 10 Gbps enclosures with comparable performance
— Bulkier form factor reduces portability compared to some competitors

$54.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best External SSD Enclosures

Plugable USBC-NVME

4.3

3 sources1 derived$22.95as of Aug 1

Tom's Hardware and StorageReview.com both praised the Plugable USBC-NVME as a compact, tool-free route to portable NVMe storage. StorageReview measured over 900MB/s with a Samsung 970 Pro and called it 'super fast for a portable solution.' The enclosure takes multiple M.2 sizes and wraps them in a sleek aluminum body with heat dissipation fins. Reviewers also noted that NVMe SSDs are a separate purchase and that heat dissipation may fall short with high-performance drives. Good for portable, high-speed storage; not for anyone who needs Thunderbolt 3 support or maximum heat management.

Strengths

— Supports multiple M.2 form factors including 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230
— Achieves real-world speeds over 900MB/s with USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface
— Tool-free installation with simple rubber standoff system

Watch-outs

— Requires separate purchase of NVMe SSD
— Heat dissipation stickers may not be sufficient for high-performance drives
— Limited to USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface (not Thunderbolt 3)

$22.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

ASUS ROG Strix Arion

Unlike the ORICO M2VG01-C3, which uses a snap-together design that can disassemble easily, the ASUS ROG Strix Arion offers a more robust aluminum build with pre-installed thermal pads for better heat dissipation. While the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 provides a compact form factor, the Arion's premium materials and RGB lighting make it stand out for gamers and content creators who value aesthetics and reliability over portability. Compared to the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure, the Arion lacks active cooling but compensates with its rigid construction and tool-free design, though it's priced higher and less portable.

Plugable USBC-NVME

The Plugable USBC-NVME is more compact and tool-free than the ASUS ROG Strix Arion, but it's limited to USB 3.1 Gen 2 and lacks the thermal management of the ACASIS TBU405 Air. While the ORICO M2VG01-C3 offers a transparent design, the Plugable model supports more M.2 sizes and provides a sleek aluminum design with heat dissipation fins. Compared to the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2, the Plugable offers better compatibility and performance but at a higher price point and without the 4TB capacity option.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS ROG Strix Arion	Plugable USBC-NVME
Interface	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)	USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10Gb/s
SSD Support	M-Key & B-Key (PCIe/NVMe)	NVME M.2 (2280, 2260, 2240, & 2230)
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Cooling	Dual 120mm fans	Passive
Dimensions	280 x 190 x 35 mm	100 x 50 x 15 mm
Weight	3.09 lb	0.09 lb
Bridge Chip	ASMedia ASM2362	JMS583
Speed	—	Over 900MB/s read/write speeds

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