Head-to-head · Best Portable SSDs

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.

The short answer

OWC Express 1M2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.0). 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 #5 in Best Portable SSDs

Sabrent Rocket Nano V2

4.0

$519

The Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 delivers solid performance for its compact size with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support and up to 4TB capacity, though it falls short of peak Gen 2x2 speeds at 1,500MB/s. TechRadar noted it sustains throughput well but criticized the lack of endurance specs and minimal software support. PCWorld praised its small profile and good performance, but emphasized it's behind the 20Gbps curve. This drive appeals to users seeking a pocketable, high-capacity external SSD, but those wanting better warranty coverage or encryption should consider alternatives like the Corsair EX100U.

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 specified operating temperature limits
— Lacks hardware encryption and software support

$519 · 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.

Sabrent Rocket Nano V2

The Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 stands out with its compact form factor and 4TB capacity, but it lags behind the OWC Express 1M2 in terms of transfer speeds and universal compatibility. Unlike the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure, it doesn't offer active cooling or Thunderbolt support, making it less suitable for heavy-duty users. Compared to the ASUS ROG Strix Arion, it's more affordable and portable but lacks premium features like RGB lighting and a rigid aluminum build.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	OWC Express 1M2	Sabrent Rocket Nano V2
Interface	USB4	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Speed	Over 3GBps	1,500MB/s read/write
Capacity	1TB	4TB
Form Factor	External SSD	M.2 2230 NVMe
Dimensions	100 x 57 x 15 mm	11.9 x 29.6 x 69.95mm
Weight	100 g	46g
Compatibility	USB and Thunderbolt 3/4	PS5, Steam Deck, Windows, macOS
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum

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