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Head-to-head · Best External SSD Enclosures

Plugable USBC-NVME 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

Plugable USBC-NVME comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about portable users seeking high-speed storage without Thunderbolt support — read the strengths below before deciding.

Plugable USBC-NVME
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best External SSD Enclosures
Plugable USBC-NVME
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 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 →

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

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.

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

SpecPlugable USBC-NVMESabrent Rocket Nano V2
InterfaceUSB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10Gb/sUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2
SpeedOver 900MB/s read/write speeds1,500MB/s read/write
SSD SupportNVME M.2 (2280, 2260, 2240, & 2230)M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4
MaterialAluminumAluminum
CoolingPassivePassive
Dimensions100 x 50 x 15 mm11.9 x 29.6 x 69.95mm
Weight0.09 lb0.1 lb
Bridge ChipJMS583JMS583
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