In the past two to three years, most professional photographers and videographers have upgraded to the latest high-quality cameras. This shift has created two significant challenges: the need for faster storage and larger capacity.
While there are many options for internal storage, super-fast external SSDs are essential for use with devices like laptops, iPads, and iPhones. These external drives provide the speed and portability needed for efficient workflow on the go.
This is where M.2 NVMe external SSD enclosures become crucial. Specifically, enclosures with the latest USB and Thunderbolt 4 protocols, offering data transfer rates up to 40Gbps, stand out. These advanced M.2 NVMe enclosures deliver significantly faster performance compared totraditional external SSDs or lower-end M.2 enclosures (5GB/s or 10GB/s).
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best M.2 NVMe 40Gbps external enclosures that ensure future-proof performance and cater to the needs of all photographers, videographers, and content creators.
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Table of Contents:
- Acasis 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Thunderbolt 3/4 USB 4 M.2 SSD Enclosure
- ORICO AAGM2-U4 40Gbps M.2 SSD Enclosure
- Satechi USB4 NVMe SSD Pro Enclosure 40Gbps
- UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with Cooling Fan
- ANYOYO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
- Selore USB A/C M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
- QWIIZLAB Fanless USB4 M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, 40Gbps Type-C
- WAVLINK 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
- ORICO M224C3-U4 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
- GRAUGEAR USB 4.0 Enclosure for M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD
Quick Tip: Ensure the enclosure supports your SSD’s PCIe generation (Gen 3, Gen 4 or Gen 5) and form factor (2280, 2260, etc.). Newer M.2 NVMe SSDs, like Gen 4 and Gen 5, are backward compatible with Gen 3 enclosures. However, to get the best performance, make sure to match the SSD and enclosure to the same generation whenever possible.
1. Acasis 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Thunderbolt 3/4 USB 4 M.2 SSD Enclosure
Acasis combines Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 in a single enclosure for maximum flexibility and speed. The tool-free design and fast read/write speeds make it a solid choice for video editors handling massive 4K/8K footage.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 8TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: Up to 3,100 MB/s
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3/4, USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, USB 3.0
2. ORICO AAGM2-U4 40Gbps M.2 SSD Enclosure
This M.2 USB4 External Enclosure from ORICO delivers impressive speeds, making it ideal for high-speed file transfers and direct editing. Its tool-free design makes swapping SSDs a breeze.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 3×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 4TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: 2,800 MB/s read, 2,500 MB/s write
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 2.0
3. Satechi USB4 NVMe SSD Pro Enclosure 40Gbps
The Satechi USB4 NVMe SSD Pro Enclosure offers high-speed transfers with full USB4 support. Its compact aluminum design and high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD compatibility make it a perfect solution for creatives on the go.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280/2260/2242mm
- Capacity: 1TB to 8TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: Up to 2,700 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 2.0
4. UGREEN 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure with Cooling Fan
The UGREEN enclosure stands out with its built-in cooling fan, which helps maintain consistent performance during prolonged editing sessions. This ensures that your Hi-Speed M.2 External NVMe drive stays cool and fast under pressure.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 4TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: Up to 2,900 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 3.0
5. ANYOYO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
With a minimalist design and advanced cooling, this M.2 NVMe Thunderbolt 4 enclosure from ANYOYO is built for those who need consistent performance and reliability in the field or studio.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 8TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: Up to 3,000 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.0
6. Selore USB A/C M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
This versatile enclosure supports both USB-A and USB-C connections, making it a great option for users who need compatibility across different devices. Though not as fast as USB4 enclosures, it’s a solid choice for photographers seeking a cost-effective option.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 3×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280/2260/2242mm
- Capacity: 1TB to 4TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 10Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: Up to 3,800 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-A/USB-C (USB 3.1)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 2.0
7. QWIIZLAB Fanless USB4 M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, 40Gbps Type-C
QWIIZLAB delivers a fanless design for quiet performance, making it ideal for sound-sensitive environments like recording studios.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 8TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: 3,000 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 2.0
8. WAVLINK 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
Known for durability, WAVLINK’s enclosure is ideal for photographers who need a rugged yet high-speed M.2 SSD enclosure.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280/2260/2242mm
- Capacity: 1TB to 8TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: 2,700 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.0
9. ORICO M224C3-U4 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
This lightweight enclosure from ORICO is designed for portability without sacrificing read/write speeds and transfer performance.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 3×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 4TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: 2,500 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 2.0
10. GRAUGEAR USB 4.0 Enclosure for M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD
This USB 4.0 M.2 enclosure 40Gbps from GRAUGEAR delivers extreme speeds, making it perfect for content creators who need fast access to their files.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen: 4×4
- Sizes Supported: 2280
- Capacity: 1TB to 8TB
- Maximum Bandwidth: 40Gbps
- Real Read/Write Speed: 3,200 MB/s
- Connectivity: USB-C (USB4)
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Backward Compatibility: USB 3.2, USB 3.0
Final Thoughts: Why Choose an M.2 NVMe External Enclosure?
M.2 NVMe SSDs installed in M.2 external enclosures are much faster than traditional external SSDs, especially when paired with USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4 interfaces. If you’re a photographer, videographer, or content creator, investing in one of these high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD enclosures will drastically improve your workflow, offering future-proof performance and faster access to your creative files.
FAQ
Q: Are M.2 NVMe enclosures faster than standard external SSDs?
Yes, M.2 NVMe enclosures typically offer significantly faster read/write speeds compared to standard external SSDs, especially when paired with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connections.
Q: Can I use an M.2 NVMe enclosure on both PC and Mac?
Yes, most M.2 NVMe enclosures support both PC and Mac, especially those with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. Just ensure the enclosure supports cross-platform file systems like exFAT for seamless use.
Q: Are all M.2 SSD sizes supported in an enclosure?
No, enclosures typically support specific form factors such as 2280, 2260, or 2242. Always check the enclosure’s size compatibility with your SSD before purchasing.
Q: Do I need a cooling solution for my M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure?
Yes, high-speed M.2 NVMe SSDs can generate heat during prolonged use. Enclosures with built-in cooling solutions, such as fans or heat sinks, help maintain performance and prevent overheating.
Q: Are M.2 NVMe enclosures plug-and-play?
Most M.2 NVMe enclosures are plug-and-play, requiring no drivers for installation on modern operating systems. This makes them easy to set up and use right out of the box.
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