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.
Full review
Performance at Peak
OWC Express 1M2 delivers exceptional real-world performance that exceeds expectations for an external SSD, with measured read speeds reaching 3000 MBps in Blackmagic Design Disk Speed Test, according to Macworld's Thomas Bergbold. PCMag's Tony Hoffman confirmed speeds over 3GBps with USB4, while TechRadar's Alastair Jennings noted 3151MB/s in tests. Photography Life's Massimo Vignoli measured 2971.4MBps write and 3080.1MBps read in Blackmagic Disk Speed Test on an Apple Mac Studio M1. The enclosure supports up to 8TB NVMe SSDs and is compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, and USB-C, making it versatile across platforms. These speeds are typically only seen in internal drives or dedicated workstations, with the Express 1M2 achieving near-internal performance levels while remaining portable.
Design and Thermal Management
The Express 1M2's die-cast aluminum construction sets it apart in terms of build quality and thermal management, as noted by both Macworld and Photography Life reviewers. The cooling fins cover nearly half the drive's height, providing an extensive surface area for heat dissipation. Macworld's Bergbold observed that after an hour of continuous use, temperatures reached about 40°C but remained comfortable to touch. Photography Life's Vignoli emphasized that the design allows for silent operation without fans, relying entirely on passive cooling. The aluminum housing also includes a thermal pad for optimal heat transfer from the SSD to the enclosure body, ensuring no thermal throttling during extended high-speed operations. This passive cooling system eliminates the need for external power adapters, contributing to its compact design while maintaining performance stability.
Versatility and Compatibility
OWC Express 1M2's compatibility spans multiple connection standards, including USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4, and USB-C, making it highly adaptable across different computing environments. TechRadar's Jennings highlighted that this versatility allows users to leverage the drive's full potential regardless of their system's port type. The enclosure supports NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, with PCWorld's Jon Jacobi noting that it works with all USB and Thunderbolt ports, though full speed requires USB4 or Thunderbolt 4. Photography Life's Vignoli recommended using the included 40Gb/s cable to achieve peak performance, as older cables can cap speeds at around 1700MBps. The drive's ability to work with both Mac and Windows systems, albeit with some formatting considerations, adds to its utility for cross-platform users.
Build Quality and Portability
The Express 1M2's robust aluminum construction makes it both durable and portable, with dimensions of 5.2 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches and a weight of approximately 150 grams when empty. Macworld's Bergbold praised the metal housing for its high-quality finish and anti-slip rubber surfaces, which prevent scratches and provide stability on desks. Photography Life's Vignoli noted that despite its substantial cooling fins, the drive remains lightweight and compact enough for travel. The die-cast aluminum body not only enhances durability against accidental impacts but also contributes to the drive's silent operation. Additionally, the QR code on the bottom provides easy access to OWC's website for manuals and assembly instructions, improving user experience.
Short 9-inch cable, pricey 8TB configs
Despite its many strengths, the OWC Express 1M2 has notable drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. PCWorld's Jon Jacobi pointed out that the drive is somewhat large for an external SSD, though this is offset by its performance. Macworld's Bergbold criticized the short 9-inch USB-C cable included, which may limit usability in some setups. Photography Life's Vignoli noted that while the enclosure supports up to 8TB SSDs, these are currently very expensive, limiting the value proposition for many users. TechRadar's Jennings mentioned that the setup process requires either reformatting the drive or purchasing MacDrive11 for Windows compatibility, adding complexity for some users. Additionally, the price point for fully configured models, such as the $1,400 8TB version, is steep compared to other external storage solutions, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
Built for Mac video and photo pros
The OWC Express 1M2 is ideal for professionals who require high-speed external storage for video editing, photo processing, or large file transfers, particularly those working with Mac systems. Photography Life's Massimo Vignoli recommended it for photographers who need fast access to large archives, while Macworld's Thomas Bergbold highlighted its suitability for media creators who value silent operation and thermal efficiency. TechRadar's Alastair Jennings emphasized its value for professionals needing fast, reliable, and versatile portable storage. However, casual users or those on tight budgets may find the price and complexity less appealing. The drive is also best suited for users who can benefit from its 40Gb/s USB-C interface and don't mind the slightly larger form factor. For individuals seeking a high-performance external SSD that can handle demanding workflows without compromising on cooling or noise, the Express 1M2 stands out as a strong contender.
Value and Pricing
Pricing for the OWC Express 1M2 varies significantly based on configuration, with the 1TB model starting at $219.99 and the 8TB version reaching $1,299.99, according to PCMag's Tony Hoffman. Macworld's Thomas Bergbold noted that while the 8TB model is expensive, the 1TB version offers good value for money. Photography Life's Massimo Vignoli emphasized that the cost-to-performance ratio is excellent, especially when compared to internal storage solutions in Mac systems, where upgrading a Mac Studio from 500GB to 4TB costs €1,500. TechRadar's Alastair Jennings pointed out that the drive's three-year warranty on fully configured models provides added assurance, though the empty case comes with only a two-year warranty. Despite its premium pricing, the Express 1M2's performance, build quality, and versatility justify its cost for professionals who need reliable, high-speed external storage.
Thunderbolt 4 speeds at a lower price
When compared to other external SSDs, the OWC Express 1M2 stands out for its USB4 compatibility and superior thermal management, as highlighted by PCWorld's Jon Jacobi and Macworld's Thomas Bergbold. Unlike many competitors that rely on active cooling or lack full USB4 support, the Express 1M2 offers Thunderbolt 4-like performance at a lower price point. Photography Life's Massimo Vignoli noted that while other enclosures may offer similar speeds, few match the combination of performance, cooling, and portability. TechRadar's Alastair Jennings observed that the drive's ability to work with both Mac and Windows systems, albeit with some formatting steps, makes it more versatile than many alternatives. However, PCMag's Tony Hoffman noted that the drive's size and price may make it less appealing to casual users or those seeking more budget-friendly options. Overall, the Express 1M2 offers a compelling balance of performance, durability, and compatibility that sets it apart from typical external SSDs.
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
- +Sturdy build quality despite being large external SSD
Watch-outs
- −Expensive when loaded with an SSD
- −Large size may be cumbersome for portability
How it compares
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.
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 7 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. More about methodology.
