Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Daniel Osakwe
Welcome to our review of the best USB flash drive. Getting the best USB flash drives usually requires a lot of considerations and evaluation. So, for reasons like this and to make your search easy and straightforward, we’ve researched and highlighted 10 of the best USB flash drives available in the market today.
These smart USB flash drives are durable, fast, secured, and comes in various storage capacities. So, having said that, if you’re looking for the best USB flash drive to buy, you just found the right place.
Table of Contents
Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying a USB Flash Drive
Speed: If it’s speed you’re looking for, go for a USB flash drive that has USB 3.0 innovation. Contrasted with USB 2.0, which has an information move pace of 480 megabits for each second (Mbps), USB 3.0 is multiple times quicker at 4,800 Mbps.
Security: Often times the information you’re moving is exceptionally touchy, which implies your fundamental USB flash drive won’t cut it. Spring for a USB flash drive with a numerical touchpad that permits you to secret phrase secure your documents. Or on the other hand even better, catch one that requires your unique finger impression.
Capacity: More so than some other component, the capacity will drive the cost of a USB flash drive up the most. So before you cause a buy, consider the amount you’re willing to spend on a USB flash drive and gauge that against how much limit you’ll likely need. A flash drive with 16GB can cost you as meager as $10, while a 128GB one will approach $60 or more.
Best USB Flash Drive Compilation Chart
Product | Features | Where to Buy |
Samsung Fit Plus (MUF-128AB) | USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 32GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 | USB type: USB 2.0 | Storage: 16GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
Kingston Digital DataTraveler G4 | USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 16GB-128GB | Get it on Amazon |
PNY Turbo | USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 32GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDCZ880 | USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 128GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth | USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 128GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
SanDisk Ultra USB-C | USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 16GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
Kingston Digital DataTraveler Elite G2 | USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 32GB-128GB | Get it on Amazon |
Samsung 32GB Bar | USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 32GB-64GB | Get it on Amazon |
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive | USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 32GB-256GB | Get it on Amazon |
Best USB Flash Drive in Speed
Samsung Fit Plus (MUF-128AB)
USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 32GB-256GB | Size: 0.9 x 0.7 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 0.11 ounces
In case you’re searching for a USB flash drive that offers a decent blend of highlights and moderateness, the Samsung Fit Plus flash drive (MUF-128AB) is an extraordinary spot to begin. The gadget’s little structure makes it simple to heft around. It’s accessible in an assortment of sizes, going from 32GB to 256GB, and underpins USB 3.1 network, with data move, speed of up to 300 MBps. That is altogether quicker than other USB drive alternatives.
To protect your information, the Samsung Fit Plus is water, shock, magnet, temperature-and X-beam evidence, which implies you can realize it only anyplace unafraid of harming your substance. Also, since this drive is in reverse perfect with USB 2.0, it’ll work in pretty much any gadget you have. Know, nonetheless, that the Samsung USB drive is a piece on the expensive side, making it not the best alternative for those hoping to spare a couple of bucks.
Pros | Cons |
Fast read/write speeds | May be easy to misplace |
Plenty of storage |
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDCZ880
USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 128GB-256GB | Size: 2.79 x 0.84 x 0.45 inches | Weight: 0.6 ounces
SanDisk’s Extreme Pro is one of its most competent USB gadgets, yet be prepared to go through some genuine money to get your hands on it. The USB flash drive accompanies 128GB of capacity and conveys USB 3.1 availability, guaranteeing quick information speeds. As per SanDisk, the gadget can convey read rates of up to 420 MBps and write paces of up to 380 MBps. That makes the Extreme Pro a standout amongst other USB drives for unadulterated execution.
On account of an aluminum finish, the Extreme Pro ought to have the option to withstand stuns and other harm and continue working without making you stress over your information. SanDisk’s drive, which is likewise perfect with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, offers a lifetime constrained guarantee. Also, with 128-piece AES encryption, you can defend information you don’t need others to take.
Pros | Cons |
Ultrafast performance | Pricey |
Great design | Lifetime limited warranty |
SanDisk Ultra USB-C
USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 16GB-256GB | Size: 0.37 x 1.5 x 0.79 x 0.37 inches | Weight: 1.3 ounces
SanDisk’s Ultra USB-C is a smooth looking USB flash drive that offers a lot of capacity and quick information transfer. This is effectively the best USB drive for more up to date PCs, similar to the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, that have just USB-C ports. Furthermore, since it exploits USB-C, the SanDisk Ultra USB-C offers a decent blend of quick information moves and future-sealing, so you can be certain it’ll work with an assortment of gadgets going ahead.
The drive accompanies 128GB of capacity and obliges information transfer to and from a scope of gadgets; for instance, from your laptop to an Android cell phone, just as Apple’s most recent Macs. SanDisk says that the drive accomplishes information move rates of up to 150 MBps.
What’s more, when the USB Drive isn’t being used, you can withdraw the connector to constrain the odds of harm and get your information far from hurt and promptly available. Simply know that you’ll pay more for this USB-C drive contrasted and different choices.
Pros | Cons |
Mobile storage for Android phones | Expensive |
Fast read/write speeds | Limited manufacturer warranty |
Kingston Digital DataTraveler Elite G2
USB type: USB 3.1 | Storage: 32GB-128GB | Size: 2.34 x 0.75 x 0.43 inches | Weight: 0.7 ounces
Another most loved from Kingston Digital, the DataTraveler Elite G2 is a famous USB flash drive that has USB 3.1 availability, letting it convey ultrafast read and write speeds and store your substance easily. The best part is that it accompanies a LED light that reveals to you when it’s associated and information is moving, so you don’t have to speculate what’s going on during use.
The gadget, which comes in forms extending from 8GB to 256GB, takes into consideration information transfer paces of 180 MBps. On the off chance that you don’t have USB 3.1 ports, you can likewise depend on this drive to move information at USB 2.0 rates. The model that ships with 64GB of capacity, a strong sum for most uses, is truly reasonable.
Be that as it may, costs will shift contingent upon the variant you pick. The constrained five-year maker’s guarantee isn’t the best, yet generally, this is a standout amongst other USB drives accessible.
Pros | Cons |
Great design | Limited manufacturer warranty |
Plenty of storage options | Could be easy to misplace |
Best USB Flash Drive in Compactibility
SanDisk Cruzer CZ36
USB type: USB 2.0 | Storage: 16GB-256GB | Size: 2.31 x 0.8 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 0.6 ounces
For quite a long time, the SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 USB flash drive has ended up being one of the most mainstream USB drives available. It’s earned that prevalence with its strong structure, support for encryption, and, generally significant, an exceedingly moderate cost. The Cruzer CZ36 accompanies a dark completion and a red slider that allows you to expand or withdraw the USB connector. The component implies you can guard your connector without stressing over harm.
The drive itself accompanies the USB 2.0 network, which is on the more established side. In any case, the SanDisk’s 64GB of capacity, 128-piece AES encryption, and included SanDisk SecureAccess Software make this a standout amongst other USB flash drives for the cash. In general, the SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 is a strong decision for moving anything from music and photographs to recordings and business documents.
Pros | Cons |
Works over USB 2.0 | No 256-bit encryption |
Universal compatibility |
Kingston Digital DataTraveler G4
USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 16GB-128GB | Size: 2.65 x 0.4 x 0.83 inches | Weight: 0.35 ounces
For the individuals who would prefer not to go through a great deal of money, Kingston Digital has a standout amongst other USB drives with respect to esteem. The organization’s DataTraveler G4 begins at under $10. You’ll get a USB drive with 16GB of capacity and USB 3.0 help. So for only a couple of bucks, you can get a gadget that stores your substance, effectively and rapidly transfer, and does everything without putting itself in danger of harming your information.
A top on the connector guards the drive from harm when it’s not being used, and gratitude to a circle toward the end, you can associate the DataTraveler to a keychain to decrease your odds of losing it when you’re strolling around town.
All things considered, at the cost, you ought to know that you’re not going to get as much stockpiling as a portion of different alternatives accessible, so get this drive in case you’re not moving a lot of information.
Pros | Cons |
Standard read/write speeds | Less capacity than some other options |
USB 3.0 support |
PNY Turbo
USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 32GB-256GB | Size: 5.28 x 0.25 x 3.9 inches | Weight: 0.6 ounces
PNY’s well known Turbo streak drive sports both a rough structure and sufficient stockpiling, settling on it a perfect decision for somebody who regularly heads out and wouldn’t like to chance losing their information. The USB 3.0 gadget offers move rates of up to multiple times what you get in a similar USB 2.0 drive. Add that to Turbo’s 128GB of capacity, and you ought to have the option to store almost 24,000 tunes on the gadget — and move them easily.
The flash drive accompanies a sliding-neckline plan that ensures the connector when it’s not being used, which is particularly significant for street warriors. Also, on account of the gadget’s coordinated circle, you can join the PNY Turbo to a keychain or rucksack to diminish the odds of losing it when you travel. By and large, the PNY Turbo offers a decent blend of highlights, stockpiling, and travel-neighborliness, which is the reason it’s a standout amongst other USB drives.
Pros | Cons |
Plenty of storage | Limited color options |
Sliding collar for protection | A little pricey |
Best USB Flash Drive in Design
Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth
USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 128GB-256GB | Size: 3 x 1 x 1 inches | Weight: 1.3 ounces
Corsair’s Flash Survivor Stealth is around a certain base: protecting your information paying little heed to where you are or where you are going. The gadget has a barrel-shaped plan and an anodized, airplane-grade aluminum lodging to constrain the danger of harm on the off chance that you drop it. This best USB flash drive pick additionally includes a water seal to decrease the odds of fluid interruption. Furthermore, it has a stun damping neckline around the closures to guard your information in the event that you drop it.
With respect to, the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth supports USB 3.0. Also, with 64GB of capacity, the gadget will store a lot of substance without harm. In any case, for the entirety of that, you ought to know that the USB drive costs more than some contending gadgets. You ought to likewise realize that the gadget ships with a restricted five-year guarantee; that is not terrible, however, it decreases your choices for substitution quite a long while not far off.
Pros | Cons |
Works cross-platform without drivers | Limited warranty |
Outstanding protection from damage | A bit pricey |
Samsung 32GB Bar
USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 32GB-64GB | Size: 1.57 x 0.48 x 0.43 inches | Weight: 0.3 ounces
Samsung has conveyed one of the better-looking USB drives with the 32GB Bar. What’s more, if it’s a head-turning gadget you’re after, Samsung’s alternative may be the best USB flash drive period. The gadget, which is produced using top-notch metal, has a ring that you can use to connect the drive to so you don’t lose it. Even better, in addition to the fact that it is waterproof stun, magnet-, temperature, and X-beam confirmation, restricting the odds of harm.
Because of this present drive’s USB 3.0 help, you ought to expect quick information moves. You likewise get USB 2.0 similarity, which implies it’ll work with pretty much any gadget. The Samsung Bar is somewhat expensive contrasted and numerous other USB drives, however, this is a gadget that will let you effectively bring your information to any of your stations, and will look darn great doing it.
Pros | Cons |
Fast read-write speeds | Limited warranty |
Great design | Expensive |
SanDisk iXpand
USB type: USB 3.0 | Storage: 32GB-256GB | Size: 2.32 x 0.51 x 0.66 inches | Weight: 0.2 ounces
In case you’re in the market for one of the absolute best USB flash drives accessible, and you’re okay going through some money to get it, look at the SanDisk iXpand streak drive. The gadget highlights 128GB of capacity, however, you can design the iXpand to have up to 256GB of space.
It has a metal completion to improve its sturdiness, and gratitude to its USB 3.0 network, the gadget will convey quick information moves. The iXpand streak drive’s most significant component is its Lightning connector, which lets you associate with an iPhone or iPad and move information to and from that gadget.
Taking into account how troublesome it tends to be to move information from those gadgets without Apple’s assistance, that highlight alone could be a significant selling point for the iXpand. In any case, to get all that, be prepared to dish out: The SanDisk iXpand streak drive is on the costly side.
Pros | Cons |
Works with iPhone, iPad | Pricey |
Can free up space on Apple devices |
Test Process
During our testing, we relied on the opinion of experts and feedback of clients based on these major factors: Speed, Design, and Compactibility.
More analysis of these USB flash drives were uncovered from further research and online reviews. From the result and feedbacks (both positive and negative), we were able to categories each product according to our standard.
If you take a critical look at our review, you’ll discover the manner at which each USB flash drive has been categorized. Also, take note that after our testing, the USB drives that weren’t up to standard were excluded from our list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Having read our review, looking for the best USB flash drive wouldn’t be as hard as it use to be. All you need to do is to select any among our list of USB flash drives we’ve highlighted for you above. However, ensure you check all the necessary details of your preferred choice before buying.