The 8 Best USB Flash Drives of 2023

Best Overall

SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB Drive

4.2

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The SanDisk PRO is an easy top pick because of its capacity and read/write speeds. At 420/380 MB/s read/write, you get about three times the speed USB 3.0 offers.

The drive is made of an aluminum casing that looks premium and durable. There's a single LED light and a keychain loop for easy carrying. This drive seems like a tool for professionals with 128-bit file encryption and USB 3.1 connectivity. It's 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, but the featured extras make it worth it.

_{Capacity: 128GB 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

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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 have computers with varying types of USB ports or 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 drive's body, 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

4.2

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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 Lightning connectors in products like the AirPods 3. Assuming you have a computer with a USB-A port (not all Macs do), you can use this device to move files between your Mac and iPhone or iPad (otherwise, you'll need a USB-C to USB-A adapter).

The drive also comes with SanDisk's iXpand software, which helps you back up your phone quickly and easily by plugging in the device. You can also do that if you prefer to transfer individual files instead of a complete backup. This is an excellent device if you have an iPhone and need to back it up periodically.

_{Capacity: Up to 256GB | 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

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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 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 stylish flash drive with a beautiful design that will look great with your Mac.

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

Most Rugged

Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive

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Wouldn't it be embarrassing to be in a situation where you need your flash drive to survive 200 meters underwater, and you don't have one? Admittedly it's a niche case, but some people 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 with 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 than the average flash drive, so that's something to consider. Beyond that, the price is a tad higher than average due to the construction, but this is an excellent 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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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 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 an excellent reason to recommend it.

Read/write speeds 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. 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

4.2

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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're getting a tremendous GB-to-dollar ratio with this series of flash drives, 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.

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}