10 Best USB Flash Drives in 2024
Despite the development of newer technologies like cloud storage, people still find the use of flash drives relevant in the modern world, mainly because they serve as useful backup media for the storage of crucial data, the transfer of massive documents, and the transport of multimedia content, among other things. Nevertheless, cloud storage commonly used nowadays cannot remove flash drives from the market due to the reliability, much faster data transfer, and security aspects offered by them.
So whether you require flash drives for business purposes with strict data transfer speed requirements or for personal use requiring a dependable storage device, our carefully selected list of the best flash drives in 2024 should help you find the ideal flash drive you are looking for.
List of the 10 Best USB Flash Drives in 2024
Samsung Fit Plus (128 GB)
The FIT Plus offers a sleek storage solution suitable for various devices like laptops, tablets, TVs, car audio systems, and gaming consoles. Its compact design allows it to remain plugged in without being intrusive, providing immediate additional storage for a range of files, including music, photos, videos, work documents, and personal data. This design minimizes the risk of accidental removal or damage, making it a practical and reliable choice for daily use.
Engineered for efficiency, the FIT Plus delivers fast read speeds of up to 400 MB/s through the USB 3.1 standard, enabling quick data transfers such as moving a 3GB 4K UHD video file in about 10 seconds. It is also built for durability, with protection against water, shocks, extreme temperatures, magnets, and X-rays. Samsung’s long-standing reputation for excellence in flash memory is reflected in the FIT Plus, which utilizes its in-house DRAM and NAND components to ensure superior performance and reliability.
Price:
$19.99
Specifications:
Brand: Samsung
Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
Special Feature: Compact
Read Speed: 400 MB per second
Kingston DataTraveler Max (256 GB)
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is a high-performance USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A flash drive that stands out for its impressive speed capabilities. With read speeds reaching up to 1000 MB/s and write speeds up to 900 MB/s, it provides exceptional performance for transferring and managing large digital files. This makes it particularly well-suited for handling high-definition photos, 4K and 8K videos, and extensive music libraries.
The drive features a practical sliding cap design that protects the connector when not in use, helping to safeguard it from dust and physical damage. Additionally, the ridged casing enhances its durability, ensuring the drive can withstand regular use while maintaining its reliability. This combination of speed, protection, and durability makes the Kingston DataTraveler Max a great solution for those who need efficient and secure storage for their valuable data.
Price:
$37.99
Specifications:
Brand: Kingston
Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Hardware Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Special Feature: Lightweight
Write Speed: 900 MB per second
SanDisk iXpand Luxe (128 GB)
The all-metal 2-in-1 SanDisk iXpand Luxe flash drive features both Lightning and USB Type-C connectors, making it a versatile tool for transferring content between devices. You can easily move files between iPhones, iPads, iPad Pros, and USB Type-C devices like Android phones. This functionality supports smooth file sharing across various platforms.
The drive offers automatic backup for iPhone photos, videos, and other content via the iXpand Drive app, available on the App Store for iOS devices running iOS 13 or higher. Additionally, it includes password protection to secure your files across devices such as the iPhone, PC, and Macs. This feature ensures your data remains safe and accessible only to you, supporting security on iOS 13 and higher, macOS X v10.9 and newer, and Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Price:
$39.99
Specifications:
Brand: SanDisk
Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
Special Feature: Dual USB Connector
Read Speed: 90 Megabytes Per Second
Lexar Jumpdrive Fingerprint F35 (64 GB)
The Lexar Jumpdrive Fingerprint F35 is a secure flash drive designed to register up to 10 individual fingerprint IDs, ensuring that only authorized users can access its contents. It features ultra-fast fingerprint recognition, processing in under one second, which provides quick access to files. The fingerprint registration setup is simple, though it requires specific software compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 for user account management and partition adjustments.
For general use, the drive is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, making it versatile across different operating systems. Additionally, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, providing strong protection for sensitive information against unauthorized access, and ensuring your data remains secure.
Price:
$28.00
Specifications:
Brand: Lexar
Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
Special Feature: Fingerprint Solution
Read Speed: 150 Megabytes Per Second
OWC Envoy Pro Mini (250 GB)
The OWC Envoy Pro Mini offers universal compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Macs, PCs, iPads, Chromebooks, Android tablets, and Surface devices, thanks to its plug-and-play functionality with USB or Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports. This versatility makes it suitable for various applications such as audio, photography, graphics, gaming, and general data storage and backup. For Apple users, it integrates seamlessly with Apple Time Machine, while Windows users can utilize Windows File History for efficient data protection. The drive is also compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, enhancing gaming experiences and supporting entertainment activities on Smart TVs.
Its slim profile and pocket-sized design ensure easy transport and usability on the go, while the heat-dissipating machined aluminum housing keeps it cool and silent during operation. Additional features include a safety breakaway neck lanyard for convenient access and a detachable end for easy sharing between devices and users. The drive’s bootable capability allows for quick startup and application launch, making it a practical tool for both work and play.
Price:
$79.99
Specifications:
Brand: OWC
Digital Storage Capacity: 250 GB
Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1
Connectivity Technology: USB, Thunderbolt
Special Feature: Portable
Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
Hard Disk Description: Solid State Drive
Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, Television, Tablet
Installation Type: External Hard Drive
Hard Disk Size: 250 GB
BUFFALO SSD-PUT (1 TB)
The Buffalo SSD is a compact and reliable storage solution designed for on-the-go use, compatible with a range of devices, including PS4 and PS5 consoles, Macs, and PCs. It enhances gaming by storing game data to free up console space and reduce loading times, and it is ideal for professionals needing fast, secure storage for large files like photos, videos, and documents. With speeds of up to 600 MB/s, it supports efficient multitasking and intensive tasks when connected to a PC.
Built for durability, the SSD features a shock-resistant and rugged design for drop protection, and its stick and retractable form factor make it easy to carry. It supports USB 3.2 with both USB-C and USB-A connectivity, ensuring easy integration with various devices. The drive comes with a three-year warranty for registered devices (two years if unregistered), providing additional assurance for users.
Price:
$89.99
Specifications:
Brand: BUFFALO
Digital Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
Connectivity Technology: USB
Special Feature: Portable, LED Light
Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
Hard Disk Description: Solid State Drive
Compatible Devices: Desktop, Laptop, Gaming Console, Television, Tablet, Smartphone
Installation Type: External Hard Drive
Kingston Ironkey Vault Privacy 50 (128 GB)
The Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 is a highly secure flash drive, boasting FIPS 197 certification and utilizing XTS-AES 256-bit encryption to ensure strong data protection against unauthorized access. It includes protections against brute force and BadUSB attacks, and offers multi-password options with complex passwords and passphrase modes, enhancing user control over data access.
Additionally, the drive features a new passphrase mode for added security and dual read-only settings to prevent modifications to the stored data, protecting against accidental deletions or alterations. With impressive performance, including read speeds of up to 250 MB/s and write speeds of up to 180 MB/s, it provides efficient data transfer. This combination of advanced security features and strong performance makes it an excellent choice for those requiring secure and rapid access to sensitive information.
Price:
$158.99
Specifications:
Brand: Kingston
Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Hardware Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Special Feature: Encrypted
Read Speed: 250 Megabytes Per Second
SK Hynix Tube T31 (1TB)
The SK Hynix Tube T31 is a high-performance SSD that offers rapid data backup with speeds up to 1,000 MB/s (10Gbps), ensuring efficient transfer of large files. It is compatible with a range of devices, including gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, as well as computers running Windows 10/11 and macOS, making it a versatile option for various storage needs.
Featuring a pocket-sized design and a built-in USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector, the drive provides easy plug-and-play functionality without needing additional adapters. Its compact form factor ensures portability and convenience. The drive is backed by a 3-year warranty from SK Hynix, Inc. and Hitachi LG Data Storage Korea, Inc., offering users confidence in its durability and performance.
Price:
$134.99
Specifications:
Brand: SK Hynix
Digital Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Hard Disk Interface: USB 3.0
Connectivity Technology: USB
Special Feature: Portable
Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches
Hard Disk Description: Solid State Drive
Compatible Devices: Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop
Installation Type: External Hard Drive
PNY Duo Link (64 GB)
The PNY DUO LINK USB 3.2 Type-C Dual Flash Drive is a versatile mobile storage solution featuring dual connectors for both Type-C and Type-A ports. This design enables easy file transfers between Type-C Android mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and full-size devices like laptops and desktops. It helps free up space on Android devices by transferring and archiving photos, videos, music, and other files, while also facilitating the movement of digital content to larger storage systems.
A notable feature of the DUO LINK is its ability to access and stream digital content directly from the drive without needing a Wi-Fi connection, enhancing convenience for users on the go. With read speeds of up to 200 MB/s, the drive offers significantly faster performance than USB 2.0. Its sleek metal design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability. The dual connectors provide compatibility with both newer and older devices, making it a practical and reliable choice for various storage needs.
Price:
$12.99
Specifications:
Brand: PNY
Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Hardware Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Special Feature: Shockproof
Write Speed: ≤200 MB/s
Verbatim Pinstripe (256 GB)
The Verbatim PinStripe USB 3.0 drive combines practicality and durability with features designed for ease of use and hygiene. It includes Microban antimicrobial protection to inhibit bacterial growth on the drive’s surface, ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic product. The push-and-pull sliding feature provides protection for the USB connection without the need for a separate cap, which can be misplaced, thus keeping the drive safe and user-friendly.
With its lightweight and slim profile, the PinStripe drive is well-suited for various storage needs, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. Verbatim, a reputable brand since 1969, supports this drive with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, assuring users of its reliability and long-term durability.
Price:
$19.66
Specifications:
Brand: Verbatim
Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Hardware Interface: USB, USB 3.0
Special Feature: Portable
Read Speed: 30 Megabytes Per Second
Final Thoughts
It is easy to find the best flash drives if we know the factors to consider. With advancing technological trends, these flash drives make sure data is stored and retrieved effectively and securely. Select the one that best suits you and enjoy the ease of having portable storage solutions.
Leave a comment: