Some things to look for in a flash drive include size, the types of ports they plug into, storage capacity, read/write speed, and price. Prices have come down considerably for flash drives, so regardless of your choice, you probably won't be paying too much. Our experts have looked at a variety of flash drives and rounded up our favorites below.
Flash drives have size, cost, and portability all going for them. If you frequently move field between work and home, or if you frequently install apps onto multiple computers, or even if you have a lot of files to distribute to a number of people, a bag full of flash drives is an economical way to do that. Flash drives are faster than wireless transfer and more portable than even the best external hard drives .
The best flash drives carry a lot of data and transfer it to and from your computer quickly and easily, without worrying about wireless connectivity. When it comes down to it, wireless connectivity can be unreliable. A device that plugs into your USB port is about as reliable as it gets. Bottom line, if you need to keep a large number of files on hand, or you need to move them between computers quickly and securely, a flash drive is the best way to do that.
Best Overall: SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB Drive
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What We Like
Solid design
Available up to 256GB
Built-in file encryption
What We Don't Like
Read speeds inconsistently
Expensive
SanDisk Extreme Pro Solid State Flash Drive Review: Underperforming but still lightning fast
The SanDisk PRO is an easy top pick because of its capacity and read/write speeds. At 420/380 MB/s read/write, you're getting about three times the speed that USB 3.0 offers.
The drive is made of an aluminum casing that looks premium and feels durable. There's a single LED light and a keychain loop for easy carrying. This drive looks like a tool for professionals with 128-bit file encryption and USB 3.1 connectivity. The drive is backward compatible, so it also works with older machines.
The flash drive comes preloaded with SanDisk's RescuePRO software, which helps you recover lost files. Plus, it has a full lifetime warranty. Because of all that, the drive is among the more expensive ones out there, but the extras featured make it worth it.
Capacity: 128GB or 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.1) | Read speed: 420 MB/s | Write Speed: 380 MB/s
Tested by Lifewire
"The SanDisk Extreme Pro provides better durability and much faster transfer speeds than a traditional flash drive while maintaining portability. The inner aluminum case makes the Extreme Pro feel quite durable, but beware that it has some sharp edges where the plastic meets the aluminum in the lever slide. It's ready to transfer files the moment it's plugged in, and the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. I wasn't blown away by the speed, though the SanDisk PRO put out impressive numbers during benchmarking compared to standard flash drives. While its performance was a little disappointing, the Extreme Pro still outpaces almost all the competition." —Eric Watson, Product Tester
Lifewire
Best for Multiple Devices: SanDisk Ultra 128GB Dual Drive
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What We Like
Versatile for USB Type-A and UYSB-C
Great price
What We Don't Like
Slow speeds
People not only sit down at computers at work, but they're also carrying around pocket computers. The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive is appropriately named because it has a USB-A and USB-C plug, suitable for computers, smartphones, and more. If you're someone who has computers with varying types of USB ports or if you move files back and forth between your computer and Android phone, this is a good choice.
We like that both the data connectors are retractable into the body of the drive, which reduces the risk of damage. You can stick this into a backpack or a pocket without worrying about it. The data connector is often the most vulnerable part of the flash drive, so pulling it back into the body is very reassuring. Mostly, we love the versatility that the dual connectors provide.
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
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What We Like
Lightning and USB-A
Software automates backups
What We Don't Like
Potential durability issues
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Review: A USB-compatible flash drive for your iPhone
The iXpand 128GB Flash Drive is our top pick for people who love Apple devices. While the rest of the world has moved on to USB-C, Apple still uses its own Lightning connectors in products like the AirPods 3. Assuming you have a computer with a USB-A drive (not all Macs do), you can use this device to move files between your computer and iPhone or iPad.
The drive also comes with SanDisk's iXpand software, which helps you backup your phone quickly and easily just by plugging in the device. If you prefer to transfer individual files instead of a complete backup, you can do that as well. If you have an iPhone and you need to periodically back it up, this is a great device for it.
Capacity: Up to 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.0) and Lightning | Read speed: 150 MB/s | Write Speed: 150 MB/s
Tested by Lifewire
"Since the SanDisk iXpand pulls double duty with a USB 3.0 and Lightning connector, the design makes the iXpand a bit bulkier than other USB drives, but it's still very small at less than 2.5 inches long. The app for setting up and using the iXpand is fantastic. It was quick and easy to view files on both a flash drive and our iPad Air. It automatically divides files into photos, videos, music, and other categories, so I could view pictures, watch videos and movies, and listen to music all within the app. It may not be as fast as most USB 3.0 flash drives, but its iOS compatibility makes it an obvious choice for Apple devices." —Eric Watson, Product Tester
Lifewire
Best for Ultrabooks: Samsung FIT 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
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What We Like
Remarkably small size
Solid transfer speeds
Great price
What We Don't Like
May need lanyard to keep track of it
The Samsung Fit 32GB flash drive is proof positive that a flash drive doesn't have to be an inconvenient dongle sticking out the side of your computer. The Fit is barely larger than its USB-A body and sticks out of the slot by mere millimeters. Of course, that tiny size also means it can be easily lost. Our reviewer recommends attaching a lanyard because of that.
You still get good read and write speeds of 200 MB/s and 60 MB/s respectively. We recommend this for Ultrabooks because the tiny size of the USB drive is a match for the tiny size on the ultrabook, but you'll want to make sure your ultrabook has a USB-A port before picking one up. If it does, this drive is a great addition that is resistant to the elements and clocks in at a great price.
Capacity: Up to 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.1) | Read speed: 200 MB/s | Write Speed: 60 MB/s
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Best for Macbooks: Silicon Power C80 64GB Flash Drive
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What We Like
Nice ring design
Great price
USB connectors protected
What We Don't Like
Maxes out at 64GB
Unlisted Read/Write speeds
Depending on which Macbook you own, you could need either a USB-A or USB-C. This USB flash drive has both. Plus, the design is built with a zinc alloy that looks great next to your Macbook, making it an ideal companion. This flash drive has a USB 3.2 interface, but Silicon Power is shy with its read/write speed specifications, which is a little disappointing. The fact that storage tops out at 64GB is also a letdown.
But the ring design looks great, and of course, it's easy to add the drive to a keychain or lanyard. The device also includes free file management software if you want to use it. Otherwise, you get a nice stylish flash drive with a beautiful design that will look great along with 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
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What We Like
Built-in encryption
Antivirus protection
TAA compliant
What We Don't Like
Transfer speeds are slow
Pricey
Flash drive security is a whole industry that has sprung up, and it makes sense. Data on a flash drive is easily accessible when you physically have the drive. Some flash drives use fingerprint readers, and others have keypads built-in. Those are nice, but it all comes back to encryption, and the Kingston Data Traveler Vault comes with AES 256-bit encryption and antivirus built-in.
This higher level of security can also be beefed up further with a managed version of SafeConsole that includes extra management tools. The flash drives are TAA compliant, which means they follow government protocols. They're available in sizes up to 64GB, but they're very expensive, and the security results in slower transfer speeds, so that's important to keep in mind.
Capacity: Up to 64GB | Interface: USB-A (3.0) | Read speed: 165 MB/s | Write Speed: 22 MB/s
The 9 Best External Hard Drives, Tested by Lifewire
Most Rugged: Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
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What We Like
Built tough
Waterproof
What We Don't Like
Tough to plug in
Wouldn't it be embarrassing to be in a situation where you need your flash drive to survive 200 meters underwater, and you just don't have one? Admittedly it's a niche case, but there are people who need a rugged USB drive. The Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth flash drive is designed for campers, construction workers, and first responders. All could benefit from a flash drive that's as rugged as they are.
The drive is constructed with an all-aluminum build and has an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) seal. The screw-top housing can make the flash drive a little hard to plug in because the plug is a bit higher up than the average flash drive, so that's something to consider. Beyond that, and the fact that the price is a tad higher than average due to the construction, this is a great pickup if you need a flash drive that can survive challenging 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
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What We Like
Goes up to 1TB
Transfer speeds
What We Don't Like
Price
PNY is one of the leaders in flash drives since they typically have a higher capacity for lower costs. That's hard to compete with, but the PNY flash drive can go all the way up to 1TB and still fit on your keychain. You may not need a full terabyte of storage, but 256GB in your pocket for a very reasonable price is a good reason to recommend it.
In terms of read/write speeds, those are 140/80 respectively, which is not fast, but the USB 3.0 architecture gives you backward compatibility, regardless of your computer's age. We'd like to see a better build for this much data, to be honest. One wrong move and you lose 256 GB worth of data, but overall as long as you take care of it, you can get a ton of value 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
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What We Like
Durable
Good price
What We Don't Like
No cap included
Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G2 Flash Drive Review: Cheaper but Weaker
If you're looking for a lot of storage on a budget, the Kingston DataTraveller SE9 is a good choice. Regardless of the size you choose, you're getting a great GB to dollar ratio with this series of flash drives, all the way up to 256GB.
The drive comes in a solid metal casing which is nice and sturdy. We'd like to see a cap included to protect the USB connector, which is typically the most vulnerable part, but we can understand its omission. It's the perfect size for portability, with the keyring as the device's most prominent physical feature.
All the same, if you put 256GB on something, you want it to be as safe as possible. There's a five-year warranty which helps. But overall, when it comes to value for the dollar, the Kingston DataTraveler is a great grab.
Capacity: Up to 256GB | Interface: USB-A (3.2) | Read speed: 200 MB/s | Write Speed: 60 MB/s
Tested by Lifewire
"When I plugged the Kingston DataTraveller SE9 into a USB slot, the PC instantly recognized an empty storage drive. Setup was easy as there’s no software to install or any extra steps required. In testing, I found read and write speeds decent, though it was a bit slow when transferring data onto the drive. However, read speeds were more in line with its competitors. A 32-minute HD video took about two minutes while downloading media files to a PC took about 10 seconds each. It won't win any awards for speed, but it's a solid choice for business professionals who want to distribute their content to clients and patrons. And while normally we balk at flash drives’ insistence that we add them to our keys, the DataTraveler’s size makes it an easy addition." —Eric Watson, Product Tester
Lifewire
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Best for Phones: SanDisk iXpand Luxe Flash Drive
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What We Like
Works with iOS and Android
Well-built
What We Don't Like
iCloud photos issues
SanDisk iXpand Luxe Flash Drive Review: Back Up Your Phone’s Files
The iXpand Luxe flash drive has a unique layout and configuration that sports both Lightning and USB-C connections on either end. It's incredibly small and features a swivel design that lets you switch between the two connectors.
That means the device's metal frame protects the port currently not in use. This design is a good option for families who have both Android and iOS devices. It's also a good option for people who use an iPhone and iPad Pro. If you use a variety of mobile devices, this is the drive for you.
Capacity: Up to 256GB | Interface: USB-C and Lightning | Read speed: 90 MB/s | Write Speed: 60 MB/s
Tested by Lifewire
"If you want to keep a secondary backup for meaningful or sensitive files, the SanDisk iXpand Luxe could be a handy option. It's easy to use with both iPhone and Android devices, and the swivel design keeps your data protected. There are manual and automatic backup options available, and you can set up a recurring backup schedule. I had some trouble with the iXpand app and my iCloud photo library when opting for automatic backup, which might have taken hours. The manual option was faster at about five minutes, but I didn't experience any delays with automatic backups on Android. SanDisk doesn't advertise the transfer speed of this device, although it seemed reasonably swift in my testing." —Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward