The 10 Best USB Flash Drives of 2021

Best Overall: SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB Drive

3.5

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The SanDisk PRO is an easy top pick because of its capacity and its read/write speeds. At 420/380 Mbps read/write you're getting about three times the speed that USB 3.0 would offer. Our reviewer Eric found the read speed would drop about halfway through a file transfer. It was frustrating and inconsistent, so it was hard to track.

The drive itself is made of an aluminum casing that looks premium. There's a single LED light and a keychain loop for easy carrying. This drive looks like a tool for professionals.  That continues on the inside with 128-bit file encryption and USB 3.1 connectivity. That's backward compatible, so the drive also works with older machines. 

The drive comes preloaded with SanDisk's RescuePRO software that can help you recover lost files. Plus, SanDisk backs this drive up with a full lifetime warranty if there's any trouble. Because of all that, the drive is among the more expensive drives out there, but the extras you get here make it worth it.

_{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

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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'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.

The drive has relatively low read/write speeds of just 150 MB/s.  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. Whether you have a new computer, old computer, or Android phone, this drive has your back.

_{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

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While the rest of the world moves on to USB Type-C, Apple is still clinging to its lightning connectors. We're not judging, but it does require a different kind of connector for those who want to move files between a computer and an iPhone. SanDisk also has you covered here with the iXpand 128 GB Flash drive. It's a bit oddly shaped with the lightning connector curling up on the end to form a loop. Our reviewer, Eric questions the drive's long-term durability since the lightning connector is exposed on the end.

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 to do it.

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

Best for Ultrabooks: Samsung FIT 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive

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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. One tiny little nub can give you up to 32GB of extra storage. Of course, that tiny size also comes at a price since it's so small it can be easily lost. Our reviewer recommends attaching a lanyard because of that, even though that might defeat the purpose.

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} 

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 their read and writes speed specifications, which is a little disappointing. The fact that storage tops out at 64GB is also disappointing. 

But the ring design looks great, and of course, it's easy to add the drive to a keychain or lanyard. The USB-C port is protected by the zinc alloy shell and, while the other end does stick out, it is also zinc alloy which is pretty durable. 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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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 "business-grade" security can also be beefed up further with a managed version of SafeConsole that also 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}

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 just don't have one? Admittedly it's a niche case, but there is definitely a certain set of people who need a rugged USB drive, and the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth flash drive is designed for those folks. Campers, construction workers, 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 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 small limitation, 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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PNY is one of the leaders in flash drives due to the fact that 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 and write speeds those are 140/80 respectively which is not terribly 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

3

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If you're looking for a lot of storage on a budget, the Kingston DataTraveller SE9 is a great 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. Read and write speeds are decent at 200 and 60 MBps respectively.

The drive comes in a solid metal casing which is nice and sturdy. We'd like to see a cap included on the end to protect the USB connector which is typically the most vulnerable part, but we can understand its omission. All the same, if you put 256GB on something, you want it to be as safe as possible. But there is a five-year warranty which helps. But overall when it comes to value for the dollar, the Kingston DataTraveler is a great pickup.

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