The 9 Best USB Flash Drives of 2022

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Best Overall: SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB Drive

The SanDisk PRO (Check latest price on Amazon) is an easy top pick, because of its capacity and read/write speeds. With read/write speeds of 420/380 Mbps, you’re getting roughly three times the speed of USB 3.0. Our reviewer Eric discovered that about halfway through a file transfer, the read speed would slow down. It was aggravating and inconsistent, making it difficult to track.

The drive itself is encased in a premium-looking aluminum casing. A single LED light and a keychain loop make it easy to carry. This drive appears to be a professional tool. On the inside, you’ll find 128-bit file encryption and USB 3.1 connectivity. Because the drive is backward compatible, it can also be used with older machines.

SanDisk’s RescuePRO software is preloaded on the drive and can help you recover lost files. In addition, SanDisk backs up this drive with a full lifetime warranty if anything goes wrong. The drive is one of the more expensive drives available as a result of all of this, but the extras you get here make it worthwhile.

_{Capacity: 128 or 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.1) | Read speed: 420 MB/s | Write Speed: 380 MB/s}

 

Best for Multiple Devices: SanDisk Ultra 128GB Dual Drive

People not only use computers at work, but they also carry pocket computers with them. The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive (Check latest price on Amazon) is named after the fact that it has a USB-A and USB-C connector, making it compatible with computers, smartphones, and other devices. This is a good option if you have computers with different types of USB ports or if you frequently transfer files between your computer and Android phone.

The drive’s read/write speeds are only 150 megabytes per second. We like how both data connectors can be retracted into the drive’s body, reducing the risk of damage. This can be stuffed into a backpack or a pocket without causing any problems. Because the data connector is often the most vulnerable part of the USB Flash Drives, it’s reassuring to pull it back into the body. The dual connectors provide a lot of flexibility, which we like. This drive will support you whether you have a new computer, an old computer, or an Android phone.

_{Capacity: Up to 256GB | Interface: USB-A and USB-C (3.1) | Read speed: 150 MB/s | Write Speed: 150 MB/s}

Best for iPhones and iPads: SanDisk iXpand 128GB Flash Drive

While the rest of the world switches to USB Type-C, Apple continues to use its lightning connectors. We’re not judging, but those who want to transfer files between a computer and an iPhone will need a different type of connector. The SanDisk iXpand 128 GB Flash drive (Check latest price on Amazon) is also a good option. The lightning connector curls up on the end to form a loop, giving it an unusual shape. Because the lightning connector is exposed on the end, our reviewer, Eric, is concerned about the drive’s long-term durability.

If your computer has a USB-A drive (not all Macs do), you can use it to transfer files from your computer to your iPhone or iPad. SanDisk’s iXpand software is included with the drive, allowing you to backup your phone quickly and easily by simply plugging it in. You can also transfer individual files rather than a complete backup if that is your preference. If you have an iPhone and need to back it up on a regular basis, this is a great device to use.

_{Capacity: Up to 256 | Interface: USB-A (3.0) and Lightning | Read speed: 150 MB/s | Write Speed: 150 MB/s} 

Best for Macbooks: Silicon Power C80 64GB Flash Drive

Depending on which Macbook you have, you may require a USB-A or USB-C cable. Both are present on this USB flash drives. Furthermore, the design is made of zinc alloy, which complements your Macbook beautifully, making it an ideal companion. Although this flash drive has a USB 3.2 interface, Silicon Power (Check latest price on Amazon) does not provide read and write speed specifications, which is disappointing. It’s also a letdown that storage capacity is limited to 64GB.

However, the ring design is attractive, and the drive is simple to attach to a keychain or lanyard. The USB-C port is protected by a zinc alloy shell, and the other end, while sticking out, is also zinc alloy, making it fairly durable. If you want to use it, the device also comes with free file management software. Otherwise, you’ll receive a stylish USB Flash Drives with a lovely design that will complement your Mac.

_{Capacity: Up to 64GB | Interface: USB-A and USB-C (3.2) | Read speed: Not Listed | Write Speed: Not Listed}

 

Best for Security: Kingston Data Traveler Vault

It makes sense that a whole industry has sprung up around flash drive security. When you have a flash drive in your hands, the data on it is easily accessible. Some USB Flash Drives have fingerprint readers, while others have built-in keypads. These features are nice, but it all comes down to encryption, and the Kingston Data Traveler Vault (Check latest price on Amazon) has AES 256-bit encryption and built-in antivirus.

A managed version of SafeConsole, which includes additional management tools, can beef up this “business-grade” security even more. The USB Flash Drives are TAA compliant, meaning they adhere to government guidelines. They come in sizes up to 64GB, but they’re extremely expensive, and the security means slower transfer speeds, so keep that in mind.

_{Capacity: Up to 64GB | Interface: USB-A (3.0) | Read speed: 165 MB/s | Write Speed: 22 MB/s}

Most Rugged: Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Wouldn’t it be humiliating if you needed your flash drive to survive 200 meters underwater but didn’t have one? Although it is admittedly a niche market, there is a distinct group of people who require a rugged USB drive, and the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth flash drive (Check latest price on Amazon) is designed specifically for them. Camping enthusiasts, construction workers, and first responders could all benefit from a flash drive that is as tough as they are.

The drive is made entirely of aluminum and features an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) seal. Because the plug is a little higher up than the average flash drive, the screw top housing can make it a little difficult to plug in the flash drive, so keep that in mind. Aside from that minor flaw, and the fact that the price is slightly higher than average due to the construction, this is an excellent choice if you need a flash drive that can withstand extreme conditions.

_{Capacity: up to 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.0) | Read speed: 85 MB/s | Write Speed: 85 MB/s}

 

Best Capacity: PNY Turbo 256GB

PNY (Check latest price on Amazon) is a leader in flash drives because their drives typically have a higher capacity for a lower price. That’s tough to beat, but the PNY flash drive can go up to 1TB while still fitting on your keychain. Although you may not require a full terabyte of storage, having 256GB in your pocket for a low price is a compelling reason to recommend it.

The read and write speeds are 140/80, which isn’t particularly fast, but the USB 3.0 architecture ensures backward compatibility regardless of the age of your computer. To be honest, we’d like to see a better build for this much data. You can lose 256 GB of data if you make one bad move, but if you take care of it, you can get a lot of use out of this drive.

_{Capacity: Up to 1TB | Interface: USB-A (3.0) | Read speed: 140 MB/s | Write Speed: 80 MB/s}

Best Budget: Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G2 Flash Drive

The Kingston DataTraveller SE9 (Check latest price on Amazon) is a great option if you need a lot of storage on a tight budget. With this series of flash drives, you get a great GB to dollar ratio regardless of the size you choose, all the way up to 256GB. At 200 and 60 MBps, the read and write speeds are respectable.

The drive is housed in a solid metal casing that is both attractive and durable. We’d like to see a cap on the end to protect the USB connector, which is usually the weakest part, but we understand why it’s not included. Regardless, if you put 256GB on a device, you want it to be as secure as possible. However, there is a five-year warranty, which is beneficial. However, the Kingston DataTraveler is a fantastic buy in terms of value for money.

_{Capacity: Up to 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.2) | Read speed: 200 MB/s | Write Speed: 60 MB/s}