What to Look for When Choosing a Portable SSD Enclosure

Chances are you, like many PCs, have a small but growing stash of M.2 drives somewhere in your home. You might even have one or more languishing in a laptop you no longer use. If you’re wondering if you could get more use out of one of those drives, the answer is yes. Pop it into a portable SSD enclosure, and you’ve got a sturdy, high-performance external storage device you can take with you anywhere.

A portable SSD enclosure is a small device that does two main jobs. First, it allows you to connect your SSD to another device, usually a laptop or desktop PC, although gaming consoles, portable gaming devices, smartphones, and tablets are also possible options. Second, it covers and protects your SSD so you can safely take it with you.

People use portable SSD enclosures in a variety of ways. This versatile storage option is invaluable for transferring large amounts of data, such as raw video files or game installation files, from one device to another. It makes it easy to back up important files or photos across devices, all without having to wait for potentially slow cloud upload speeds. And it gives you a convenient way to back up your PC files to a separate local device.

Not all portable SSD enclosures are created equal. When comparing options, consider the following factors.

Easy installation

The best portable SSD enclosures offer a quick and hassle-free installation process. The screws used to hold the M.2 drives in place are very small and easy to lose, so you may want to look for a model that allows for tool-less installation.

Maximum baud rate

Portable SSD enclosures offer different maximum data transfer speeds depending on the model, as well as the read and write speeds that M.2 SSDs offer. SSD enclosures.

Note that the maximum data transfer rate is also limited by the device you connect the portable SSD to, as not all USB ports offer the same throughput. On a modern desktop or laptop, the fastest port will be a USB Type-C port. Various ports use the same form factor, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB4 ports, and USB 20Gbps ports, and they are all more than ready for the fastest portable SSD enclosures. USB Type-C ports, with a maximum data transfer rate of 10Gbps, are a bit slower, but also quite common. If that’s the maximum speed of your portable SSD enclosure, these ports will serve you well.

What about USB Type-A ports? For the most part, they won't keep up with your portable SSD enclosure, although they might work in a pinch.

Light cooling

M.2 drives require some cooling to operate smoothly. Faster drives produce more heat, so if you're going to use a PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD, make sure your portable SSD enclosure provides adequate cooling.

Wear protection

When an M.2 drive is installed in your laptop or desktop computer, it is protected by the case of your PC.

Compatibility with M.2 drive sizes

M.2 SSDs come in a variety of lengths. M.2 2280 drives are the most common, but the longer M.2 22110 is becoming increasingly popular due to its potential for greater capacity, and there are smaller sizes on the market as well.

Compatibility with interfaces

M.2 drives typically use one of two interfaces. PCIe drives are the standard these days, but SATA was also quite common a few years ago. drives.

Compatible with operating systems

It's worth taking the time to check and make sure your portable SSD enclosure is compatible with the devices you want to connect it to.

Style

A portable SSD enclosure is so convenient and useful that you can take it with you to more places than you initially expected. In the long run, you may be more comfortable with a portable SSD enclosure that matches the style of the rest of your gear.

The Best Portable SSD Enclosure for Most Users: ASUS Cobble

If you're looking for the ultimate all-round portable SSD enclosure, here's your pick: the ASUS Cobble. It offers sleek design, solid protection, lightweight performance, and comprehensive cooling at an affordable price.

Its 10Gbps USB connection provides maximum data transfer speeds that exceed what you will get from external HDD-based storage solutions. It offers dual M.2 interfaces, allowing you to install both SATA and PCIe SSDs. during long transfers.

Installation is also very easy. Cobble uses the innovative ASUS M.2 Q-Latch mechanism to secure your drive, allowing you to install or replace the SSD without using tools or screws.

On top of that, Cobble is IP55 certified, offering reasonable protection against dust and spills, and its scratch-resistant finish ensures it will keep looking good for a long time.

Best Portable SSD Enclosure for Enthusiasts and Frequent Travelers: TUF Gaming A2

Perhaps you’re looking for even faster data transfer speeds and even more peace of mind that your portable SSD enclosure will stand up to tough working conditions. Consider the TUF Gaming A2. This portable SSD enclosure is equipped to handle the rigors of all-day work, with a tough silicone rubber casing that provides unmatched durability. It meets MIL-STD-810H drop resistance standards and offers IP68 water and dust resistance. Like the Cobble, it offers tool-free drive installation, broad compatibility with most popular operating systems, and a highly efficient thermal solution.

If you like the TUF Gaming A2's style and features but don't plan on using the 20Gbps transfer speeds, consider the TUF Gaming A1. Offering a similar feature set overall, save for the 10Gbps USB interface, it's a smart choice for those who don't plan on installing the fastest SSD, and it's a bit cheaper, too.

Best Portable SSD Enclosure for Those Who Don't Want to Install a Drive: TUF Gaming AS1000, AS1000 PLUS, or AS2000 PLUS

Some people like the DIY approach to external storage. But maybe you prefer to pull a complete, ready-to-go portable SSD enclosure out of the box, without having to install an M.2. That’s not a problem. ASUS has several TUF Gaming portable SSD enclosures available with M.2 drives pre-installed.

The TUF Gaming AS1000 is essentially the TUF Gaming A1 but with a 1TB PCIe SSD pre-installed. The TUF Gaming AS2000 PLUS, which boasts a 2TB M.2 SSD and a maximum data transfer speed of 20Gbps.

Best Portable SSD Case for Gamers: ROG Strix Arion

If you're looking for a stylish option that's not only practical, but also stylish, check out the ROG Strix Arion. With blazing 10Gbps data transfer speeds, support for fast PCIe M.2 SSDs, tool-free installation, and excellent cooling thanks to an aluminum alloy chassis and special thermal pads, the ROG Strix Arion ticks all your boxes for fast external storage.

But it adds a touch of classic gaming style with ambient RGB LED lighting that’s infinitely customizable via ASUS Aura Sync. And to make it easier to carry this stylish portable SSD case around, you can use the protective holder with a detachable R-shaped hook.