Head-to-head · Best Portable SSDs

OWC Express 1M2 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.

The short answer

OWC Express 1M2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about power users who need high-speed external storage — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Portable SSDs

OWC Express 1M2

4.6

$219

PCMag's Tony Hoffman and PCWorld's Jon Jacobi both praised the OWC Express 1M2 for its exceptional USB4 performance, noting over 3GBps transfer speeds and universal compatibility across USB and Thunderbolt ports. The reviewers highlighted its versatility and sturdy construction, though Jacobi noted it's somewhat large and pricey when preloaded with an SSD. The device's unpopulated design allows users to install their own NVMe drive, making it a flexible option for those wanting USB4 performance without the premium cost of preloaded models. This product is ideal for power users who need high-speed external storage but should be avoided by those prioritizing portability or budget-conscious buyers.

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

— A bit pricey when loaded with an SSD
— Large size may be cumbersome for portability

$219 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Portable SSDs

Plugable USBC-NVME

4.3

$50

The Plugable USBC-NVME SSD enclosure offers a compact, tool-free solution for portable NVMe storage, supporting multiple M.2 form factors and delivering speeds over 900MB/s. StorageReview.com praised its sleek aluminum design and ease of installation, noting it fits in the palm of your hand and includes heat dissipation features. However, reviewers noted that NVMe SSDs must be purchased separately and the enclosure's heat management may be insufficient for sustained high-performance use. This product is ideal for users seeking fast, portable NVMe storage but may not suit those needing maximum performance or integrated drive options.

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 snap-in design

Watch-outs

— NVMe SSDs must be purchased separately
— Heat dissipation stickers are included but may not be sufficient for sustained high performance
— Limited to USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface (not Thunderbolt 3)

$50 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

OWC Express 1M2

The OWC Express 1M2 excels in performance and universal compatibility, surpassing the ASUS ROG Strix Arion and ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure in transfer speeds and portability. However, it's larger and more expensive than the Plugable USBC-NVME and Sabrent Rocket Nano V2, making it less ideal for users seeking compact and budget-friendly options. Compared to the ORICO M2VG01-C3, it offers better performance but lacks the transparent design that tech enthusiasts might prefer.

Plugable USBC-NVME

The Plugable USBC-NVME offers a compact and tool-free design, making it more portable than the ASUS ROG Strix Arion and OWC Express 1M2, but it delivers lower speeds compared to the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure and lacks Thunderbolt support. Unlike the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2, it's not as compact but provides better performance and heat dissipation. Compared to the ORICO M2VG01-C3, it's more versatile in terms of M.2 form factor support but lacks the transparent design.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	OWC Express 1M2	Plugable USBC-NVME
Interface	USB4	USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10Gb/s
Speed	Over 3GBps	Over 900MB/s read/write
Capacity	1TB	N/A
Form Factor	External SSD	External NVMe Enclosure
Dimensions	100 x 57 x 15 mm	100 x 60 x 15 mm
Weight	100 g	40 g
Compatibility	USB and Thunderbolt 3/4	NVME M.2 (2280, 2260, 2240, & 2230)
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum

← See the full ranking of best portable ssds