Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review

Already making use of USB 3.1 on your PC? Take a look at Vantec's latest NexStar external storage device for SSDs and small HDDs.

Published
Updated
Manufacturer: Vantec
2 minutes & 5 seconds read time
TweakTown's Rating: 85%
TweakTown award

The Bottom Line

Vantec's Nexstar 3.1 represents a budget friendly external storage solution built with the latest technology has to offer for solid performance.
Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 99

As the flood gates open for USB 3.1 devices, the storage market has been rather active in getting solutions to market. One of those vendors happens to be Vantec, a company that has enjoyed great success over the past decade with its NexStar line-up of external storage enclosures.

The latest in a long line of NexStar solutions, is the NexStar 3.1. Internally, the NexStar 3.1 uses a SATA III connection so it maintains wide compatibility across drives, while maximum capacity for the enclosure is listed at 2TB. Externally, Vantec has deployed the enclosure with a USB 3.1 Type-A connection, allowing backwards compatibility with USB 3.0 and 2.0 Hosts. Operating system compatibility extends to Windows 7+ along with OS X 10.6+.

MSRP of the Vantec NexStar 3.1 2.5" enclosure is listed at $24.99 with a one-year warranty.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 02

Packaging for the NexStar 3.1 gives us an image of the enclosure on the front, while to the right, we find a SuperSpeed+ logo.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 03

Scope of delivery includes the enclosure, the installation guide and Type-A cable.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 04

Looking over the product, the design hasn't changed much since the NexStar 6G we looked at earlier this year. Apart from some screen printing, we still have the aluminium exterior for durability and plastic cage to save costs.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 06

Looking at the edge of the product, we have a micro B connector and activity LED at the top.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 07

Internally, the enclosure is quite clean, with just a small PCB at the top.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 10

In testing the NexStar 3.1, we used our always reliable Intel 730 SSD. As you can see, the NexStar 3.1 did quite well, taking over top honors as the quickest 2.5" enclosure we have tested, of course thanks to its USB 3.1 technology.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 11

Moving over to OS X 10.10, the NexStar 3.1 was equally as impressive producing 437 MB/s read and 403 MB/s write, slightly quicker than similar solutions we have tested on the OS X platform.

The NexStar 3.1 is a rather simple solution for those that want to take their inactive 2.5" HDD or SSDs and use them as backup or additional portable storage. For those that have a capable USB 3.1 motherboard, they will be able to get the same performance externally that they would see if their drive was hooked up in its native setup.

Build quality for the NexStar 3.1 is a mix of solid materials as seen with its aluminium exterior, while the internal plastic chassis allows a lower cost while being plenty of protection for the drive inside it. Performance, as stated previously, was quite good as we reached over 475 MB/s read and 500 MB/s write in our windows testing, while moving over to OS X, we found the NexStar equally capable as it reached 437 MB/s read and 403 MB/s write.

Overall, the NexStar 3.1 is a one of a kind storage solution as many vendors have yet to release their USB 3.1 products. Pricing for the NexStar 3.1 has it carrying an MSRP of $29.99 with a one-year warranty, making it a very attractive solution in today's market.

Vantec NexStar USB 3.1 2.5-inch Portable Storage Enclosure Review 100
TweakTown award
Performance 90%
Quality including Design and Build 81%
General Features 85%
Bundle and Packaging 75%
Value for Money 92%
Overall 85%

The Bottom Line: Vantec's Nexstar 3.1 represents a budget friendly external storage solution built with the latest technology has to offer for solid performance.

PRICING: You can find products similar to this one for sale below.

USUnited States: Find other tech and computer products like this over at Amazon.com

UKUnited Kingdom: Find other tech and computer products like this over at Amazon.co.uk

AUAustralia: Find other tech and computer products like this over at Amazon.com.au

CACanada: Find other tech and computer products like this over at Amazon.ca

DEDeutschland: Finde andere Technik- und Computerprodukte wie dieses auf Amazon.de

Tyler joined the TweakTown team in 2013 and has since reviewed 100s of new techy items. Growing up in a small farm town, tech wasn't around, unless it was in a tractor. At an early age, Tyler's parents brought home their first PC. Tyler was hooked and learned what it meant to format a HDD, spending many nights reinstalling Windows 95. Tyler's love and enthusiast nature always kept his PC nearby. Eager to get deeper into tech, he started reviewing.

Newsletter Subscription
We openly invite the companies who provide us with review samples / who are mentioned or discussed to express their opinion. If any company representative wishes to respond, we will publish the response here. Please contact us if you wish to respond.