The hydrogen sorption speed of $Zr_{57}V_{36}Fe_7$ nanocrystalline and amorphous alloys was evaluated at room temperature. Nanocrystalline alloys of $Zr_{57}V_{36}Fe_7$ were prepared by planetary ball milling. The hydrogen sorption speed of nanocrystalline alloys was higher than that of the amorphous alloy. The enhanced sorption speed of nanocrystalline alloys was explained in terms of surface oxygen stability which has been known to retard the activation of amorphous alloys. The retardation can be reduced by formation of nanocrystals, which results in the observed increase in sorption properties.