7 Best USB-C Enclosures For Fast Data Transfer [2024 Guide]

Reading time icon 7 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

best usb enclosure cases

An enclosure, whether for a hard drive or a solid-state drive (SSD), is a special casing that holds and powers your hard drive or SSD, with support for linking between one or more computers.

With advancements in technology, you can now get the best USB-C enclosure for your hard drive or SSD. The Type C connector is famed for its fast speeds and power, unlike type A or B.

The advantages you can get from the best USB-C enclosure include adding more drives, RAID capabilities, storage, and a variety of media to computers.

You can also easily transfer data between computers that are not networked, plus it prevents heat from the hard drive from increasing the heat within the computer case.

USB-C enclosures prevent wear and tear while lowering the cost of removable storage.

Here are our top picks for the best USB-C enclosure.

What are the best USB-C SD enclosures deals?

Cable Matters Premium Aluminum

  • 10Gbps data transfer rate
  • USB C/Thunderbolt 3 Port compatible
  • UASP, TRIM and S.M.A.R.T support
  • Doesn't work through a USB hub

Our first item on the list is this premium enclosure case from Cable Matters, which is an excellent choice for to connecting a 2.5″ SSD or HDD drive to a computer. It’s good to note that 3.5″ HDD is not compatible with this device.

Besides the USB C/Thunderbolt 3 port compatibility, the device is also backward compatible with USB-A ports with included USB-C to USB-A cable.

The aluminum design keeps some of the heat away from the SSD, and the vet at the back helps even more.

Users have also appreciated the customer service’s timely responses.


UGREEN 2.5″ Hard Drive Enclosure

  • 6Gbps UASP transfer speed
  • Universal system compatibility
  • Backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports
  • Might work inconsistently

The wide compatibility of this UGREEN hard drive enclosure has ensured you can connect it to older Windows OS (2000, XP or Vista included).

If you use it with macOS, have a USB C to USB C cable at hand, because it is not included in the original package.

Setting up your drive in the enclosure is easy and the sturdy foam in the enclosure holds the drive well. The overall design and material quality are also some of the perks this item brings.


ASUS ROG STRIX Arion

  • Thermal pads to pull heat away
  • Supports M 2 PCIe NVM Express SSDs
  • Transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps
  • Might not close properly

This enclosure supports 2230/2242/2260/2280 form factor drives with M key/ B+M key. Despite the screwdriver-free design, some users complained that their SSDs didn’t fit the enclosure case, so you might want to be extra careful about this detail.

The case boasts compatibility with a wide range of devices (laptops, smartphones, PC, and gaming consoles) and to this end, it includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables.

Up to a certain point, the Aura Sync lighting technology that provides ambient lighting can also be considered one of the perks this case holds.


MOKiN M.2 NVME SSD Enclosure Adapter

  • Tool-free design
  • Compatible with 2242 / 2260 / 2280 with M Key & B+M Key SSDs
  • Supports Plug & Play and Hot-Swapping
  • Overheats at times

MOKiN’s USB 3.1 Gen 2 enclosure is a perfect solution for data transfer and backup since it can reach speeds of up to 10Gbps. However, this depends mostly on the speed of your SSD, USB port type, your device performance, etc.

This USB C to M.2 NVMe enclosure comes with a tool-free design which allows the quick installation of an M.2 NVMe SSD in just a few seconds. Note that the NVMe SSD is not included in the original package.

Overall, this enclosure might be your best choice for making an NMVe drive into a portable storage unit.


Vantec Nexstar

  • USB 3.0 transfer rates of up to 5Gbps
  • Compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
  • Converts 7mm or 9.5mm 2.5'' SATA HDD/SSD into an external Hard Drive
  • SATA 6 Gbps interface
  • The board is soldered to the ports and is not physically supported.

The Vantec Nextar TX 2.5-inch hard drive enclosure include a super speed plus USB 3.1 Gen 2 transfer speed, with two cables for compatibility with type A or C ports.

Its full aluminum enclosure and tray build is designed for heat dissipation and elegance, with ultrafast SATA III support, plus it is a plug and play so you don’t have to install any drivers to use it.

Besides being compatible with Windows and other operating systems, it has smart features that spin down with your computer (hibernate/shutdown), and it comes with an activity LED light, on/off switch, and an optional power connector.


Orico

BEST USB-C ENCLOSURE

If you want high-performance, tool-free installation, safety and protection for your hard drive and SSD, then Orico is the best USB-C enclosure you can buy.

It supports SATA HDD up to 8TB, and USB 3.0 type C to SATA III interface, plus it is compatible with Windows operating system.

In terms of performance, the Orico enclosure is ultrafast with a maximum data transfer rate of 5Gbps, with a UASP protocol that increases speed by 20 percent compared to traditional USB specifications.

You don’t need any drivers or reboots to install this enclosure, simply plug and play, then the LED light will indicate whether your hard drive or SSD is working at maximum performance.

In terms of safety and protection, Orico’s 12V power adapter supplies steady power so your hard drive or SSD runs effortlessly, plus it has a shockproof sponge or foam material for reinforced protection.

 ⇒ Check price


Startech

BEST USB-C ENCLOSURE

Backup your data anytime and anywhere with the best USB-C enclosure from the Startech brand.

This enclosure lets you store and access data with support for high-capacity drives of up to 15 mm in height, plus it comes with a type C and type-A cable for more connectivity.

Enjoy ultrafast speeds of up to 10Gbps, portability, and quick access to your data wherever you go to browse files and edit documents.

You can also retain data after an upgrade to a new HDD or SSD in your computer, do drive cloning and data backups for continued safeguarding of your data all the time.

It is versatile, compatible with Windows and your devices, and comes with a type C micro-B cable for connecting to modern USB-C enabled devices and laptops.

Its sleek aluminum housing also keeps your data safe, dissipates heat, and passively cools the hard drive or SSD to prevent drive failure and data loss.

It comes with a 2-year Startech warranty and free lifetime tech support.

 â‡’ Check price