Head-to-head · Best Portable SSDs

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.

The short answer

Plugable USBC-NVME comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about users seeking fast, portable NVMe storage — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #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 →

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

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.

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	Plugable USBC-NVME	Sabrent Rocket Nano V2
Interface	USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10Gb/s	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Speed	Over 900MB/s read/write	1,500MB/s read/write
Capacity	N/A	4TB
Form Factor	External NVMe Enclosure	M.2 2230 NVMe
Dimensions	100 x 60 x 15 mm	11.9 x 29.6 x 69.95mm
Weight	40 g	46g
Compatibility	NVME M.2 (2280, 2260, 2240, & 2230)	PS5, Steam Deck, Windows, macOS
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum

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