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Head-to-head · Best External SSD Enclosures

OWC Express 1M2 vs Sabrent Rocket Nano V2

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 (4.5 vs 4.0). 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.

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 →
Sabrent Rocket Nano V2
Ranked #4 in Best External SSD Enclosures
Sabrent Rocket Nano V2
6 sources$239.99as of Aug 1

Sabrent's Rocket Nano V2 fits USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support and up to 4TB into a pocketable body, and it performs well for the size. TechRadar found it sustains throughput well while falling short of peak Gen 2x2 speeds at 1,500MB/s. PCWorld praised the small form factor and good performance, noting it trails competitors slightly on raw speed. The drawbacks: no IP ratings, minimal software, and a 3-year warranty that runs short. It fits buyers who care about portability and capacity more than warranties and durability certifications.

Strengths
  • — USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support with quoted speeds up to 1,500MB/s read/write
  • — 4TB capacity option in a very compact form factor (11.9 x 29.6 x 69.95mm)
  • — No thermal throttling during sustained performance
Watch-outs
  • — Only 3-year warranty compared to 5-year warranties from competitors
  • — No IP rating or durability specifications provided
  • — Zero software included with the device
$239.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

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.

Sabrent Rocket Nano V2

The Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 is more compact and offers a 4TB capacity option compared to the larger OWC Express 1M2, but it lacks the 5-year warranty and IP rating of its competitor. While the ASUS ROG Strix Arion provides better thermal management, the Sabrent's lack of thermal throttling during sustained performance makes it a good choice for users prioritizing portability over durability. Unlike the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure, the Sabrent offers a more budget-friendly option with a smaller form factor but without active cooling.

Specs side-by-side

SpecOWC Express 1M2Sabrent Rocket Nano V2
InterfaceUSB4USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
SpeedOver 3GBps1,500MB/s read/write
SSD SupportUSB & Thunderbolt 3/4M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4
MaterialAluminumAluminum
CoolingPassivePassive
Dimensions157 x 100 x 25 mm11.9 x 29.6 x 69.95mm
Weight0.99 lb0.1 lb
Bridge ChipASMedia ASM2364JMS583
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