In a world where data is of the utmost importance, reliable storage solutions are more important than ever. Even though there are multiple ways to wirelessly transfer data, USB flash drives continue to be the more reliable means. From professionals to students to gamers and casual computer enthusiasts, everyone requires a USB drive from time to time.
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The kind of USB flash drive also varies from user to user. While students and general users want a lightweight and portable drive that’s easy to carry, business users demand security. There are professionals for whom compatibility with different USB standards is key, and for content creators and photographers, ample storage capacity is the top-most priority.
However, with so many options available, from budget-friendly models to high-performance powerhouses, choosing the right USB drive can feel overwhelming. That’s where this handy guide comes in. From the sleekest designs to the most rugged, from minimalistic capacities for light storage to expansive gigabytes for heavy-duty use, each recommended product stands out in its category.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best USB Flash Drives for 2024
SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive
The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive stands out as an exceptional choice for those who value speed and reliability. It’s adequately priced and offers performance that should satisfy most users. Add to that, it’s also available in a handful of size options to choose from.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.0
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance
- Durable, stylish metal casing
- Includes SanDisk SecureAccess software
- Good value for performance
- Multiple storage options available
- Metal casing can get warm
- Not the fastest drive on the market
With its USB 3.0 interface, the SanDisk Ultra Flair offers up to 150MB/s read speed, making it great for quickly transferring documents, photos, or even videos. While that’s not the fastest speed on the market, it should get the job done for most users. And depending upon one’s needs, the flash drive can be bought in a small capacity of 16GB, or up to 512GB.
The Ultra Flair also features a sleek and durable metal casing. This is to ensure that the user need not worry about accidental bumps. Add to that, this finish gives the pendrive a stylish look too. That said, do note that the metal casing can get warm under heavy loads.
Speaking of protecting, SanDisk also offers its SecureAccess software, using which you can password-protect the flash drive. It’s not the most secure standard, but the 128-bit AES encryption should suffice for most users who just want an added layer of security.
SAMSUNG FIT Plus
While the Verbatim Store 'n' Stay Nano is one of the most compact drives out there, the SAMSUNG FIT Plus is the only one that manages to offer excellent performance despite the small form factor. It’s also available in plenty of large-capacity options to satisfy the needs of most users.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.1
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Compact and discreet design
- High-speed transfers
- Durable construction
- Good storage capacity options
- Small size makes it easy to lose
- Slightly higher price per GB
The Verbatim Store 'n' Stay Nano is an ultra-compact USB drive designed to be left in the port of the device. This makes it ideal for laptops, gaming consoles, and car audio systems that need additional storage. Its small design ensures that the drive sits nearly flush against your device, reducing the risk of damage associated with larger, protruding drives.
But don’t be fooled by its compact form factor. The drive still offers up to 80MB/s read speeds, which should suffice for basic office documents or to load up a music library on the car’s stereo setup. Add to that, the drive also features Microban antimicrobial product protection, which prevents the build-up of bacteria on the drive. As such, one can leave the drive plugged in at all times, without having to worry about anything.
SAMSUNG FIT Plus
While the Verbatim Store 'n' Stay Nano is one of the most compact drives out there, the SAMSUNG FIT Plus is the only one that manages to offer excellent performance despite the small form factor. It’s also available in plenty of large-capacity options to satisfy the needs of most users.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.1
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Compact and discreet design
- High-speed transfers
- Durable construction
- Good storage capacity options
- Small size makes it easy to lose
- Slightly higher price per GB
The SAMSUNG FIT Plus is a tiny powerhouse, perfect for those who need robust storage in a minimalistic form. It’s incredibly small, and yet manages to house a Lanyard hole. As such, it can easily be clipped with a keychain, tossed in the coin pocket, or left connected to the device at all times - all without any issues.
As for the performance, the FIT Plus comes with the USB 3.1 Standard and offers read speeds up to 400MB/s. Couple that with a maximum storage size of up to 512GB, and this Samsung drive is great for just about every use case out there. What’s more, is that the FIT Plus is designed to withstand water splashes, drops, and even extreme temperatures, keeping the data in it safe.
Kingston DataTraveler Max
Kingston’s DataTraveler Max USB drive redefines high-performance storage with exceptional read and write speeds that minimize waiting times and maximize efficiency. It comes in large storage capacity options, features a rugged design, and offers best-in-class performance.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Unmatched transfer speeds
- Huge storage capacities
- Sleek and professional design
- Can get slightly warm
- Bulky compared to other high-performance drives
Built for professionals and tech enthusiasts who deal with massive files, the Kingston DataTraveler Max is perfect for fans of the absolute fastest transfer speeds. Thanks to its use of USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, the DataTraveler Max boasts transfer speeds exceeding 1000MB/s. And with a large capacity of up to 1TB, users can store entire projects, 4K videos, or even large game libraries with ease.
While the focus is clearly on performance, Kingston hasn’t compromised on the design aspect of the drive. It maintains a sleek and stylish look and features a ridged casing that is not only stylish but also provides a comfortable grip.
It’s worth noting that some customers have highlighted that the drive does tend to get warm under heavy loads. As such, while it’s great for transferring large 4K media files or game libraries, it’s not the best for actively streaming content off of it.
BUFFALO SSD-PUT
The BUFFALO SSD-PUT combines the portability of a USB flash drive with the performance of an external SSD. Designed for gamers and content creators who need a massive data vault on the go, the drive offers stellar performance in a compact form factor.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- High storage capacities
- Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds
- Compact compared to external hard drives
- More expensive than traditional flash drives
- Larger and heavier than typical USB sticks
Compared to the Kingston DataTraveler Max, the BUFFALO SSD-PUT only offers a peak read speed of up to 600MB/s. However, it can maintain its high-speed data transfer for extended sessions. As such, one can use the drive as a replacement for their external SSDs for gaming, especially if they are constantly on the move.
In terms of speed, this Portable Stick Drive comes with USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology and is fully compatible not just with Windows and Mac, but also with PlayStation 5 and 4 consoles. Adding to that, the design features a retractable USB-A connector, and BUFFALO also provides a USB-C adapter in the box.
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive MUF-256DA/AM
Looking for a USB-C flash drive that goes beyond just file storage? The Samsung MUF-256DA/AM might just be the best pick. It offers a portable design, fast transfer speeds, and enough storage for both general and heavy usage. All while not being super expensive.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.1
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Fast data transfer with USB 3.1 technology
- Sleek, stylish, and compact design
- Durable metal chassis
- 5-year warranty
- Slightly pricier than some basic USB-C flash drives
- Limited storage options
The Samsung MUF-256DA/AM makes use of USB 3.1 technology and offers fast transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s. Whether it's high-resolution videos, extensive photo libraries, or large databases, the Samsung MUF-256DA/AM handles it all efficiently. Add to that, the USB flash drive is also fully compatible with the latest smartphones, like the iPhone 15 and the Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Samsung hasn’t compromised in terms of the design, with the drive being quite portable and featuring a minimalistic look with a stylish blue-colored metal chassis. It’s also waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof. Add to that, Samsung offers a best-in-class 5-year warranty to sweeten the deal.
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe
For iPhone and iPad users who need a way to easily transfer files without relying on cloud storage, the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe offers a convenient solution. It features a swivel design to cater to both older Apple devices with a Lightning port, and modern devices with a USB-C port.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.0
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Dual Lightning and USB-C connectors
- Stylish, durable metal casing
- Includes encryption software
- Auto-backup option
- Expensive than standard USB flash drives
- Not the fastest drive for its price
The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is specially designed for Apple users, featuring a Lightning connector on one end and a USB-C on the other. This makes it incredibly easy to transfer files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs or PCs.
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With capacities ranging from 64GB to 256GB, the iXpand can be used to free up valuable storage space on the iPhone or iPad by storing photos, videos, and other files directly on the drive. It’s a one-time investment, and much cheaper than investing in iCloud or other cloud storage solutions.
Speaking of saving space, the USB drive comes with an auto backup feature too, which automatically backs up the photos and videos saved on the iPhone. You can also use the iXpand Drive app to password-protect their files.
Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth
For those who lead an adventurous life or simply worry about dropping their USB drive, the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth is the absolute best-rugged USB drive on the market. It’s built to withstand anything one can throw at it, all while still offering decent speeds and plenty of storage options.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.0
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Extremely durable and rugged
- Good performance and capacity options
- Ideal for outdoor use or harsh environments
- Bulkier design compared to some other drives
- Slightly higher price
The Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth is built to withstand the toughest environments, making it ideal for adventurers or users who work in challenging conditions. Its strong, anodized, aircraft-grade aluminum casing is water, vibration-resistant, and shock-resistant, ensuring that the data in it stays safe even in extreme situations.
In terms of performance, the drive makes use of USB 3.0 technology, ensuring it should suffice for everyone. It’s not the fastest drive on the block for sure, but its rugged design justifies its comparatively premium pricing. The drive is available in a handful of sizing options, ranging from a measly 32GB and going all the way up to 1TB.
Kingston Ironkey Vault Privacy 50
For users who prioritize data security, the Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 offers top-notch protection. It’s also available in either USB-A or USB-C connectors, along with plenty of added security features which include a Multi-Password Option and a Dual Read-Only mode, among other features.
- CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- STORAGE OPTIONS
- 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Hardware encryption for top-notch data security
- Durable design for added security
- High-level password protection
- Significantly more expensive than non-encrypted drives
- Slower transfer speeds
The Kingston Ironkey Vault Privacy 50 USB Flash drive features hardware-based encryption that meets the strictest security standards. With support for both Brute Force and BadUSB Attack Protection, it’s nearly impossible for unauthorized users to access the data in it. Also, the XTS-AES 256-bit encrypted drive can be bought in either USB-A or USB-C configuration, depending upon the users’ needs.
The drive can also be configured with multiple passwords, with a different password for Admin, and different users, along with One-Time recovery passwords. Additionally, the drive also comes with a Write-Protect setting, which enforces a Read-Only mode to prevent data override or any sort of malware attack. And that’s not all. The device also boasts a rugged metal casing that protects the drive from physical damage, further ensuring the safety of one’s data.
FAQ
Q: What should I look for when choosing a USB flash drive in 2024?
When selecting a USB flash drive, it's important to consider the storage capacity, transfer speeds, and compatibility with your devices. If you plan on using the drive roughly, it's better to spend extra on a rugged and durable design. Additionally, you should consider security features like encryption if you plan to store sensitive information on that drive.
Q: How secure are USB flash drives?
Many USB flash drives in 2024 come with built-in security features such as fingerprint sensors and password protection. These also have different levels of encryption to better secure your data.
Q: Which USB drive is fastest?
At the time of writing, the Kingston DataTraveler Max is reported to be the fastest USB Flash Drive on the market. Thanks to its use of USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, the drive can reach up to 1000MB/s of transfer speeds, making it ideal for transferring large files quickly and efficiently.