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Head-to-head · Best External SSD Enclosures

ORICO M2VG01-C3 vs OWC Express 1M2

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

OWC Express 1M2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about power users who need high-speed external storage and don't mind the bulk — read the strengths below before deciding.

ORICO M2VG01-C3
Ranked #5 in Best External SSD Enclosures
ORICO M2VG01-C3
1 source$40as of Jul 1

USB 4.0 NVMe speed on a budget is the ORICO M2VG01-C3's angle, wrapped in a transparent shell that shows off the drive inside. PCWorld praised the easy installation and the speed while warning that the snap-together construction can come apart by accident. The heatsink runs hot under heavy use, which matters for long workloads. As a cheap way to add external NVMe storage it works; power users who want durability should look at alternatives like the Fledging Shell. Casual users who value portability and cost-effectiveness over long-term reliability are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Fast performance with USB 4.0 interface delivering up to 40Gbps transfer speeds
  • — Transparent design allows visibility of internal NVMe SSD for tech enthusiasts
  • — Simple plug-and-play installation with no driver required
Watch-outs
  • — Snap-together design may accidentally disassemble when mixed with other items
  • — Heatsink becomes uncomfortably hot during sustained heavy usage
  • — Not as premium or durable as higher-end competitors like Fledging Shell
$40 · Buy at newegg.comFull review →
OWC Express 1M2
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best External SSD Enclosures
OWC Express 1M2
8 sources$78.99as of Aug 1

PCWorld's Jon Jacobi called the OWC Express 1M2 'fantastic' for USB4 storage, citing over 3GBps performance and universal compatibility across USB and Thunderbolt ports. PCMag's Tony Hoffman also praised the performance and the range of ways it can be used, while calling out the large size as a drawback. At $219.99 for the 1TB unpopulated version, it is affordable if you are bringing your own NVMe drive. Power users who need high-speed external storage and don't mind the bulk are the fit; anyone prioritizing portability should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Over 3GBps transfer speeds with USB4 interface
  • — Works with all USB and Thunderbolt 3/4 ports for universal compatibility
  • — Available unpopulated so users can leverage their own NVMe SSD
Watch-outs
  • — Expensive when loaded with an SSD
  • — Large size may be cumbersome for portability
$78.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

ORICO M2VG01-C3

The ORICO M2VG01-C3 is more affordable and portable than the ASUS ROG Strix Arion, but it lacks the premium build quality and thermal management of the ACASIS TBU405 Air, which includes an active cooling fan. While the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 offers a smaller footprint, the ORICO's USB 4.0 interface provides faster speeds, though its heatsink becomes uncomfortably hot during sustained use. Compared to the Plugable USBC-NVME, the ORICO offers a transparent design for tech enthusiasts, but lacks the multi-M.2 support and tool-free installation of the Plugable model.

OWC Express 1M2

The OWC Express 1M2 delivers over 3GBps speeds and works with all USB and Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, outperforming the Plugable USBC-NVME in terms of universal compatibility and speed. While the ASUS ROG Strix Arion offers better build quality and RGB lighting, the OWC is more versatile for users who want to leverage their own SSDs. Unlike the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure, the OWC lacks active cooling but provides a more affordable solution for those who don't need the advanced features of the ACASIS model.

Specs side-by-side

SpecORICO M2VG01-C3OWC Express 1M2
InterfaceUSB 4.0USB4
SpeedUp to 40GbpsOver 3GBps
SSD SupportM.2 NVMe SSDUSB & Thunderbolt 3/4
MaterialAluminum AlloyAluminum
CoolingPassivePassive
Dimensions100 x 55 x 15 mm157 x 100 x 25 mm
Weight0.24 lb0.99 lb
Bridge ChipJMS583ASMedia ASM2364
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