OWC Express 1M2 USB-4 SSD - Hands-On Review and Where To Buy For This Super-Fast Drive

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by David Schloss

posted Friday, January 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM EDT

We reviewed the OWC Express 1M2 Portable SSD, a compact yet powerful USB 4 and Thunderbolt-compatible drive designed for creators who need speed and reliability. With its durable all-aluminum enclosure, the OWC Express4M2 is built to handle demanding workflows while keeping your data safe.

Heat is the enemy of portable drives, and the OWC Express4M2 addresses this critical issue with a design that dissipates heat efficiently. During testing, we compared it to the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, a popular choice among professionals. We found the OWC drive to not only outperform in speed but also stay cooler under load, which is essential for long-term reliability.

This drive impressed us with its blazing-fast performance, clocking speeds of nearly 3,000 MB/s in real-world testing. Its compatibility across USB 4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4 devices makes it a great choice for Mac, Windows, and iPad users. For those who like customization, the OWC Express4M2 also offers DIY options, allowing users to upgrade or swap out NVMe M.2 drives as needed.