Best USB4 NVMe Enclosures: M.2 SSD Drives with 40Gbps Speeds
I have previously covered the confusing mess of names for USB and the differences between USB4 vs USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Technically, USB4 can be 20Gbps for USB4 Gen 2×2, which is also the same speed as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, even though there are differences between the two.
However, I wanted to find an enclosure for an NVMe drive that would provide the best speeds possible.
I previously reviewed the Sabrent EC-SNVE, which is only 10Gbps with USB 3.2 Gen 2×1. With a PCIe 3.0 drive has speeds up to 3500MB/s or 28000 Mbps. So if you want the fastest external storage possible, you need a USB4 SSD or to install an NVMe drive into a USB4 enclosure.
With a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe drive such as the FURY Renegade or the KC3000 you have read/write speeds of around 7,000/7,000MB/s or 56000Mbps. However, from what I can tell, USB4 enclosures don’t support PCIe 4.0
I have also reviewed the excellent Orico Montage MTQ-40G external SSD, which was the first USB4 SSD to launch, and it has read speeds rated as up to 3,126MB/s. I was able to achieve 3,340MB/s for sequential reads and nearly 2000MB/s for writes.
If you would prefer to use your own NVMe drive, then there are several USB4 enclosures available on Amazon. However, it would appear that some are advertised as USB4 but are, in fact, Thunderbolt, so you need to be careful about what you pick.
Best 40Gbps USB4 NVMe Enclosures
Acasis TBU401 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Enclosure
- Efficient & Silent Cooling：Built with a full aluminum alloy shell and dual thermal pads, this NVMe enclosure compatible for Thunderbolt 4 offers superior passive heat dissipation—up to 30% more efficient than common plastic enclosures. It keeps your SSD cool and stable even during long transfers, preventing thermal throttling or data transfer interruptions. The fanless design means zero noise, less dust, and a cooler surface to the touch—ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and large file transfers, as well as quiet work environments and extended use.
- True 40Gbps Transfer: Powered by Thunderbolt 4, this 40Gbps NVMe enclosure delivers up to 40Gbps bandwidth—3× faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2(10Gbps). Benchmark performance (using CrystalDiskMark software) with Samsung 980 PRO 250GB: Achieves read speeds up to 2805MB/s and write speeds up to 2734MB/s. You can Transfer a 2.5GB file in just 1 second—perfect for creators, editors, and anyone moving large files fast without delays or bottlenecks.
- Dual-Chip Stability Advantage: ANYOYO NVMe enclosure compatible for Thunderbolt 4 uses a JHL7440+RTL9210B dual-chip design that reduces power consumption by 33% versus single-chip solutions while cutting transfer interruptions by 40%. The processors work in tandem: JHL7440 maintains Thunderbolt 4/USB4 protocol stability at 40Gbps, while RTL9210B optimizes SSD communication to prevent data corruption. This synergy ensures 8-hour continuous 4K editing without performance drops.
- Wide Device Compatibility: Fully compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB4 hosts(delivers up to 40Gbps on Thunderbolt 4/USB4 40Gbps ports, and up to 20Gbps on USB4 20Gbps ports), while supporting USB 3.2/3.1/3.0 for broad connectivity. Designed for M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs (M-Key & B+M Key, 2280 size only, up to 8TB), ensuring stable performance without compatibility worries. Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS(iOS/iPadOS support requires Apple's USB Camera Adapter and may have functional limitations, primarily file transfer/storage).
- Plug and Play: No screws, no tools, no drivers. Just slide in your M.2 NVMe SSD, connect the cable, and you're ready to go. The entire installation takes just a few seconds. Compatible with laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, game consoles and more—instant access to your data with no drivers, software or setup needed.
This USB4 enclosure appears to be the best all around option. It is the most affordable choice on Amazon, and it has the best reviews.
The is a toolless enclosure that is compatible with M-key 2280 drives. There is an included thermal pad to reduce thermal throttling.
The description states that this is not compatible with Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD, SN850 and iPad. Not recommended ADATA, CRUCIAL, and other non-mainstream SSDs.
Their own test reports state that the WD Black SN850 has transfer speeds of 2717MB/s read and 2748MB/s write. Some user reviews report speeds of up to 3000MB/s for some drives.
A lot of users seem to buy this for the Mac M1 or M2, though that will be using Thunderbolt.
ORICO 40Gbps M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
About the same price as the Acasis, but less positive reviews. Reviews criticise the build quality and suggest it should have been an aluminium housing.
One reviewer suggested this is one of the best options to buy because it uses the Realtek RTL9210 controller, which is superior to the Jmicron or AMS controller.
This model confirms it is also compatible with Thunderbolt3/4, USB3.2/3.1/3.0 interfaces.
USB4 Enclosures that I do NOT recommend
There are a few enclosures on Amazon that are listed as being compatible with USB4, but reviews and even product descriptions indicate this may not be the case.
These products are Thunderbolt 3, which is not the same as USB4, and therefore, you may not get the 40Gbps throughput USB4 is capable of. Many of the good reviews these drives get are from people using them with Macs and, therefore, Thunderbolt.
Yottamaster USB4 NVMe Enclosure
- 40Gbps Transfer: The M.2 Enclosure fully supports 40Gbps bandwidth. (For maximum speed of 40Gbps, connect to USB 4 or Thunderbolt ports. When connected via other USB-A ports, the speed is limited to 10Gbps.)
- 2-in-1 USB C Cable: This M.2 SSD caddy comes with a USB C to USB C/USB A cable and different USB out ports that can easily connect to most devices. Meanwhile, the cable can support PD100W charging via USB C to USB C, and USB C to USB A supports 3A MAX.
- Structure suitable for cooling: The 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Enclosure adopts the optimized "sandwich" design, the structure will cool your M.2 SSD to a safe temp to avoid overheating and lower speed, improving the performance of your SSD.
- 4TB Supported: The USB-C m.2 enclosure ONLY supports 2280 NVMe SSD up to 4TB. Compatible with Thunderbolt 4/USB 4, backward compatible with USB 3.2X2, USB 3.1, and USB 3.0. Plug and play, no extra power is needed.
- Portable M.2 Storage: 1X Yottamaster 40Gbps M.2 NVMe Enclosure, 1X 2-in-1 USB C to USB C/A data cable(C-C 40Gbps, C-A 10Gbps), 1X Silicone heat pad, 1X Heatsink.
This has basically the same specification as the Acasis, but the reviews are not as positive.
I am not specifically recommending this one because user reviews suggest it may not be USB4 at all.
It works with Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB 3.1 Gen2 (10Gbps) modes and may not even support USB 3.2 Gen2x2 mode (20Gbps).
The controllers used are JH7440 and JMS583. JHL7440 is a Thunderbolt 3 controller (40Gbps), while JMS583 supports up to USB 3.1 Gen2 (10Gbps). JHL7440, while supporting 40Gbps, is a Thunderbolt 3, not USB4/Thunderbolt 4, controller.
Yottamaster USB4(40Gbps) NVMe Enclosure
![Yottamaster 40Gbps M.2 NVME SSD Enclosure for USB4/Thunderbolt 4/3 Up to 2700MB/s- for 2280 NVMe SSD, Solid Aluminum M.2 USB C External NVMe Enclosure with Heatsink-[TR6-Silver]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41x3iyY2ISL._SL160_.jpg)
- 40Gbps Extremely Transmission: The Yottamaster M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure uses USB4.0 protocol with a transmission speed of 40Gbps, supports UASP acceleration protocol and TRIM function, transfers large files smoothly within seconds, which helps you to work efficiently.
- Aluminum Heatsink: The M.2 NMVe SSD enclosure adapter is made of all-aluminum body with an aluminum heatsink and a silicone thermal pad for effective heat dissipation and extend the life span of your ssd.
- Wide Compatibility: M.2 ssd usb c enclosure is designed for 2280 M-Key/B&M-Key 4TB M.2 NVMe SSDs. And compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux.
- Intelligent Design: Hibernation (10 minutes idle time to enter hibernation mode) effectively extends hard drive life. It uses LED lights to monitor the real-time usage status, and equipped with a PD100W 40Gbps 2 in 1 USB C/A to USB C cable, supports OTG function and can be connected to a variety of devices.
- What You Will Get: 1* M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure; 1* USB C/A to USB C 2 in 1 cable; 1*full aluminum heatsink; 1* silicone thermal pad; 1* screwdriver; 1* rubber fastener.
Same brand as above, but different enclosure, I would guess it is the same hardware inside.
This model appears well-reviewed, but the reviews are all for the other enclosures models on that page, not the USB4.
It is listed at £140, but when I checked the Amazon page, there was a 20% off voucher taking it down to £112, which is about the same as the other enclosures I have listed.
This is an aluminium enclosure with a heatsink, so it hopefully has better cooling than the ORICO.
SANZANG 40Gbps M.2 NVMe enclosure
- 【Super Fast Transmission】SANZANG 40Gbps M.2 NVMe enclosure is compatible with Thunderbolt interfaces, with a theoretical data transmission speed of up to 40Gbps, which transfers Blu-ray movies in seconds. and minimize wasted time transferring movies, photos and large amounts of data.
- 【SSD Size】Only for M Key and B+M Key 2280 NVMe SSD. Note: For Apple M1 computer, we don't recommend using WD Black SN750, This NVME doesn't support Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD, SN850 and Ipad ADATA, CRUCIAL and other non-mainstream SSD.
- 【Triple Heat Dissipation】The 40Gbps M.2 SSD enclosure features triple heat dissipation effect with aluminum alloy shell, cooling patch and thermal pad, efficiently avoiding overheating and throttling, making your SSD run faster with lower power consumption last longer. The thermal pad is in the interlayer of the box, you need to open the interlayer to find it
- 【Wide Compatibility】The case features a 2-in-1 data cable, USB C to A and USB C to C, for connecting computers, cellphones, laptops, etc. Also backward compatible with USB 3.2/3.1/3.0 Type-A, with appropriate speed limits.
- 【Small and Portable】The M.2 HDD enclosure is slightly larger than a credit card and weighs only 98g, which is convenient for home, office and travel. The SSD is easy to assemble and disassemble with the included screws.SANZANG comes with 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support. If you have any product problems, please feel free to contact us! We will quickly solve the problems for you!
This is the cheapest option I could find. This model confirms it uses the JHL7440 chip, but as mentioned above, that’s a Thunderbolt controller, not USB4.
