Many of us have turned to cloud storage whenever we need to save or transfer files, but the simple reality is that local storage—in the form of USB flash drives—still has the advantage of speed and reliability. Whether you're looking to quickly transfer your vacation photos or you need to make sure the sales team has the latest version of a PowerPoint presentation, flash drives are a smart idea.
Depending on your cloud service and the speed of your internet connection(Opens in a new window), syncing large files to the web can take hours. That's not really a problem for backup purposes, but if you want to bring a library of HD movies or photos with you wherever you go, a thumb drive is often much more convenient.
Of course, not all drives provide the same experience. Beyond the question of storage space, you'll also need to consider durability, speeds, the kind of USB port in play, the drive's physical size, and the price. If you search for "flash drive," you'll get hundreds of pages of search results, so we've done the heavy lifting and sorted through the muck to select a few of the top-rated flash drives for specific uses.
Speed and Minimalist Style
$20.99
at Amazon
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If you want a slick-looking thumb drive with a near-perfect blend of capacity, speed, and affordability, then this update to one of Samsung's most popular models is a good place to start. Available in Champagne Silver or Titan Gray, this flash drive is resistant to magnets, shock, water, temperature changes, and X-rays, and it's even backed up by a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
Both 128GB and 256GB versions deliver data transfer speeds up to 400MBps. A sizable lanyard loop lets you connect the drive to your laptop or your car keys to keep it from wandering; if you lend this drive to someone else, they might want to keep it.
A Low Price and No Frills
$17.46
at Amazon
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If cost is your primary concern when shopping for a good USB flash drive, then the Lexar Jumpdrive M45 belongs at the top of your list. One of the most affordable brand-name flash drives, it delivers adequate USB 3.1 performance (250MBps) in a simple metal enclosure and even includes a free copy of DataVault Lite software so you can secure your data with 256-bit AES encryption.
The only downside to this budget drive in 2021 is that 250MBps is slower than you'll get with the best flash drives on the market, though it's still faster than most budget-priced flash drives can deliver.
Both USB-A and USB-C Connectors
$16.93
at Amazon
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Every current MacBook has USB Type-C ports, as do many newer Windows laptops and mobile phones, but plenty of other desktop and laptop computers still rely on USB Type-A. If you need a flash drive that plays nicely with a range of devices, the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C is a strong choice. It features two retractable connectors, one USB-A and one USB-C. Pair it with the SanDisk Memory Zone app for Android to move files from your Android device to the flash drive and free up space.
Our only complaint about this drive is that the maximum data transfer speed is a mere 150MBps, but the convenience of its broad compatibility goes a long way toward making up for that.
Fast Transfers for Content Creators
$82.92
at Amazon
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Any USB flash drive these days can deliver read and write speeds in the range of 150–250MBps, but serious content creators demand the fastest data transfer speeds when working with massive video files. A portable SSD is usually the first choice, but sometimes you need the simplicity of a USB flash drive when sharing your work. This is where the Corsair Flash Voyager GTX series delivers.
All variants of this drive feature high-speed 3D NAND memory that provides read and write speeds up to 440MBps. It's available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities, so you can choose a drive that fits your storage needs and budget.
Serious Encryption and Security
$167.87
at Amazon
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This is the latest version of an amazingly secure flash drive featuring a PIN-based locking mechanism right on the drive itself. The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3 NX features real time 256-bit AES XTS encryption for all file types, meaning that as soon as you transfer anything to the onboard storage, it's already locked down behind a wall of military-grade protection (FIPS 140-2 level 3).
The physical keypad is wrapped in a polymer-coated rubber so the text printed on the keys won't rub off. The enclosure itself is aluminum reinforced with hardened epoxy to defend against physical tampering. If a hacker tries to physically extract the flash chips from within the enclosure, the special epoxy will destroy the data inside. It's the best way to transfer data with minimum risk of compromise.
Simple Security
$206.00
at Amazon
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If you're serious about data security but want something simpler than the Apricorn, rest easy with the 128GB Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ G3. This flash drive features hardware-based encryption to keep your data safe. Simply set the password to prevent unauthorized access. If someone else gets their hands on the drive and tries to access the data, the DataTraveler Locker+ G3 will lock down and reformat itself after 10 invalid login attempts. Just make sure you don't forget your password.
A Supermobile Nano Drive
$36.99
at Amazon
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Sometimes you need extra storage that rarely needs to leave your laptop. The tiny Samsung FIT Plus flash drive is roughly the same size as a USB dongle for a wireless mouse, so you can leave it plugged into your device with minimal risk of bumps or accidental removal.
This USB 3.1 flash drive delivers read speeds up to 400MBps and is backwards-compatible with older USB-A ports. On a modern laptop, you can transfer a 3GB 4K UHD video file in 10 seconds.
A Multitool for Your Multimedia
$57.64
at Amazon
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If you want a TSA-friendly multitool that includes USB flash storage, Victorinox, maker of the Swiss Army knife, has you covered. The Jetsetter @Work 3.0 USB key is a combination tool with a small Phillips-head screwdriver, a bottle opener, and a tiny pair of scissors—but no knife blades, so you can keep it in your pocket when you fly.
The sliding USB flash drive works with both USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports. There's only 16GB of storage, but this capable gadget's other features still make it worth considering.
For Extreme Conditions
$34.94
at Amazon
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Any USB flash drive can survive drops from your desk, and many can withstand extreme temperatures, but very few can survive a cycle in your washing machine or a plummet off the side of a mountain. Enter the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth USB flash drive (with storage capacity from 32GB to 128GB), which was made to laugh in the face of danger.
This drive is encased in a screw-on, CNC-milled anodized aluminum shell capable of withstanding 40 Gs of impact shock, and the rubberized seal will survive underwater at depths up to an impressive 200 meters. And if you push the drive to its limits, Corsair protects it with a five-year warranty. But the warranty only applies to the device itself, so be careful not to injure yourself while testing its durability.
Looking for other ways to move files around? Take a look at our picks for the best external SSDs and the best external hard drives, and learn more about how to back up and sync your precious data.