M.2 SSDs offer superior performance to traditional hard drives. External enclosures are being used to replace traditional portable storage. These M.2 enclosures offer huge performance enhancements and thermal solutions that deliver uncompressed performance speed.
Today’s article will discuss the best SSD enclosures you can purchase online to increase your storage space.
These enclosures can be used as external accessories to our smartphones, tablets, and other devices like gaming consoles, computers, and smartphones. Simply insert your M.2 SSD into these enclosures, and then connect them to your computer using USB cables.
Here’s a list of the top-rated and best NVMe enclosures and best SATA enclosures. They are also affordable. Let’s just get started without further discussion.
Also Read: How to use NVMe SSD without M.2 port? (In 4 Simple steps)
1. Sabrent USB Tool-Free Enclosure (For Both M.2 NVME and M.2 SATA)
The main thing about the Sabrent EC-SNVE is that it can run with both M and B-Key SSDs. In short, you can install your M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe SSDs in this enclosure. It comes with 100% tool-free installation so that you can easily install or remove your SSD on the go.
It has a sleek design which makes it perfect for traveling tasks. The supported SSD sizes are 2242, 2260, and 2280. The maximum speed you can get with this enclosure is 1000 MB/s. No additional drivers are required for installation because it is completely a Plug-n-Play device.
For data transmission, this enclosure uses the USB 3.0 interface. However, it is also Thunderbolt 3 compatible. In this way, it becomes a good option for professionals, gamers, heavy data readers, and writers.
2. ASUS ROG STRIX Arion
The Rog Strix Arion from Asus is number one. An RGB M.2 gaming enclosure that is compatible with many devices. This exceptional enclosure is compatible with most PCIe M.2 SSD SSDs up to 80mm in length. This enclosure is compatible with many gaming platforms, including PC, Xbox, and Playstation. It also has a USB Type-C Gen 2 port that can be used at high speed.
The data transfer speed of up to 1000MB/s will allow you to boot up large storage games such as GTA 5 much more quicker. The sleek metal case has RGB lighting effects that blend well with your RGB gaming peripherals. This SSD enclosure contains multiple thermal pads to effectively cool the heat during long gaming sessions.
The Rog Strix Arion, which is a superior external M.2 enclosure, will provide excellent support for you on multiple gaming platforms.
3. Sabrent Aluminum Enclosure (EC-NVME-SVR)
Another aluminum enclosure that is sleek and reliable in thermal performance. This enclosure is only available for M-Key M.2 SSDs i.e. M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs of up to 80mm in size. Most popular brands such as Samsung and Sabrent produce them.
This enclosure has a USB Type-C port at its bottom that allows you to connect your devices seamlessly. It also comes with a USB 3.0 adapter, which extends the connectivity option to a maximum speed limit of 1000 MB/s. It will allow you to upload and transfer movies in no time.
It is made of aluminum and has thick thermal tape inside to help keep the heat at bay during long hours. All in all. The sabrent M.2 SVR’s data transfer speeds and thermal performance are impressive.
4. Plugable USB C to M.2 NVMe Tool-free Enclosure
The pluggable M.2 enclosure is number 3. This ultra-speed USB C to M.2 enclosure will fit in well with your professional life. This enclosure is exclusive to M.Key M.2 NVMe SSDs. It comes with impressive heat dissipation features that enable you to do heavy read/write operations without hassles.
The enclosure’s tool-free design makes it easy to install your SSD within it. Thunderbolt 3 compatibility offers a remarkable speed of up to 1000MB/s, which is quite impressive performance-wise while on the move. It also comes with a lock button to ensure the lid of closed all the time.
The enclosure is anodized aluminum and has a black finish. It also features extruded fins that effectively regulate heat. The pluggable USB C to M.2 enclosure is a great choice if performance is your goal.
5. Yottamaster 10Gbps NVMe M.2 SSD Enclosure
The Yotta master USB3.1 Type-C enclosure is number 2. This premium M.2 enclosure offers more value than the price. This rugged enclosure supports both B-Key SSDs and B+M SSDs (Both SATA and NVMe), up to 80mm. This gives you the freedom to choose from many SSD options.
It also offers data transmission speeds of up to 1000 Mb/s via its USB Type C port, which is enough for even the most demanding users. This M.2 enclosure’s most distinctive feature is its rugged design.
The enclosure features an aluminum anodized shell with silicone-copper foil layering underneath to protect your data. The YottaMaster USB C to M.2 enclosure can be a high-end one that offers exceptional speed and heat dissipation.
6. SSK Aluminum USB 3.1 Enclosure (Only for M.2 SATA)
The SSK aluminum enclosure is affordable and offers decent performance. This M.2 slick enclosure can support B and B plus key SATA SSDs up to 80mm, which is compatible with most modern SSDs.
The Type-C interface on the ends can be used to connect this enclosure to your smartphone, laptop, or PC. You will enjoy speeds up to 400 megabytes per second and 450 megabytes respectively. To make connectivity easy, it also includes an ATC cable as well as a Type-C adapter.
The aluminum alloy casing of the enclosure does an outstanding job of dissipating heat and maintaining performance. The aluminum enclosure from SSK is affordable and does a good job for regular use.
Note: Make sure to pick the right enclosure as per your SSD. If you have an M.2 SATA SSD but you buy an enclosure with just M.2 PCIe NVMe (M-Key) support, you won’t be able to run it. The same can happen when you buy an M.2 SATA enclosure but you want to run your M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. To know more about these configurations, read these articles [1] [2].
Best M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2023
| Image | Model | Features and Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kingston A2000 | Capacity: 250GB – 1TB Interface: PCIe (M.2 NVMe) Speed: 2200/2000 MB/s Endurance: 720 TBW | Check Price |
 | Samsung 970 Evo Plus | Capacity: 250GB – 1TB Interface: PCIe (M.2 NVMe) Speed: 2200/2000 MB/s Endurance: 720 TBW | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
You won’t be able to do it when the port is just M.2 SATA supported. However, you can see various ports with support for both. But, because the protocols are not the same in both, the M.2 SATA port will not support NVMe SSD. However, an M.2 NVMe port will work with M.2 SATA port.
If your enclosure is M.2 PCIe NVMe support, just buy any good M.2 NVMe SSD like Samsung 980 Pro, 970 Evo, Crucial P5, etc. However, if the enclosure is M.2 SATA supported, you can buy any SATA SSD in M.2 form factor.
You have two options in hand. Either you can buy a portable SSD or use an enclosure with an SSD. The SSD enclosures are great if you have a free SSD with you. Otherwise, an external SSD will also offer you similar speeds.
Before making your decision, check if the enclosure fits perfectly with these needs.
1. Proper heat management
2. Compatibility with your SSD (M.2 SATA or M.2 NVMe)
3. Type of connectivity (USB-C or Thunderbolt)
4. Design (Tool-Free or Screw-driver)
Thanks for reading!