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Backing up data from a computer or mobile device has never been easier. You can transmit data to the cloud, save it to an external hard drive, or transfer your data easily and quickly to a flash drive. Now, we’re not going to judge you on how often you’re backing up your data. (We’ll just assume you’re like most people and it’s probably not often enough.) Instead, we want to help you successfully back up your data by figuring out how to pick the best flash drive.
The great thing about flash drives is that they’re easy to use. You can also carry important files with you wherever you go and protect your files with encryption on a flash drive, which makes these devices very versatile. Our top choice is the Kingston DataTraveler Max, which features a keyring loop for attaching it to a backpack or purse.
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 3.2” L x 0.9” W x 0.4” D | Connector: USB-C | Memory Storage Capacity: 1TB | Maximum Speeds: 1,000MB/s | Warranty: 5 years
The Kingston DataTraveler Max offers a whopping 1TB of storage space for storing thousands of videos, photos, documents and songs. The keyring loop allows you to attach it to your keys so you always have it on hand, and USB-C connectivity makes it compatible with modern devices. It delivers write speeds of up to 900 Mbps and read speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, making it one of the best flash drives for file transfers.
Great Value
Dimensions: 1.7” L x 0.5” W x 0.3” D | Connector: USB 3.0 | Memory Storage Capacity: 128GB | Maximum Speeds: 150MB/s | Warranty: 5 years
The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive is a great bargain pick for those who need a cheap USB stick for convenient storage. This flash drive features a USB 3.0 connection, compatible with most modern computers and devices, and supports read speeds of up to 150 MB/s. You can transfer a full-length movie in just 30 seconds, and the sleek metallic casing makes it highly durable.
Best Plug-and-Play Slim Option
Dimensions: 0.9”L x 0.3” W x 0.3” D | Connector: USB 3.1 | Memory Storage Capacity: 128GB | Maximum Speeds: 400MB/s | Warranty: 5 years
If you’re looking for a slim, ultra-compact flash drive, the Samsung FIT Plus 3.1 USB Flash Drive is your best bet. This flash drive supports read speeds as fast as 400 MB/s and boasts 128GB of storage space. USB 3.1 connectivity supports super-fast data and file transfer, and the minimalist design makes it suitable for laptops and smaller devices. Plus, it has a waterproof body and is backed by a five-year warranty.
Best Durable Metal Drive
Dimensions: 1.6” L x 0.6” W x 0.5” D | Connector: USB 3.1 | Memory Storage Capacity: 128GB | Maximum Speeds: 400 MB/s | Warranty: 5 years
A highly durable metal drive, the Samsung BAR Plus 3.1 USB Flash Drive is a must-have for storing sensitive files. This drive offers convenient read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and has a sturdy metal body to keep your data secure and intact. It’s waterproof, shockproof and temperature-proof, and the integrated ring makes it easy to attach to your keys.
Best Dual-Connect Drive for Phones & PC
Dimensions: 1.8” L x 0.5” W x 0.3” D | Connector: USB-C | Memory Storage Capacity: 128GB | Maximum Speeds: 150 MB/s | Warranty: 5 years
Whether you want to save files from your PC or phone, the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go offers the connectivity to do it effortlessly. This two-in-one flash drive features both USB-A and USB-C connectors for compatibility with a range of device, and it supports read speeds of up to 150 MB/s. It boasts a convenient swivel design and 128GB of storage for saving files, music, videos, photos and more.
A flash drive is a small portable device that uses a type of electronic memory storage called flash memory to store your data. Flash memory requires no moving mechanical parts, and the flash drive has no moving parts either.
To store individual bits of data, the silicon in the flash drive uses a grid layout. Each section of the grid, called a cell, contains two transistors that work together to store a bit of data. The method of application of an electrical charge between the transistors determines whether the cell has a zero or a one stored in it.
The flash drive needs electrical power to read and write data, but it works so well because it holds the zero or one setting in the cell (the data) even after you’ve removed the drive from its power source.
A solid-state drive (SSD) also uses flash memory technology to store data, the same technology in a flash drive. However, an SSD offers permanent data storage inside a computer or mobile device, which differs from the portable storage of a flash drive.
An SSD might be a substitute for a hard drive in a computer or it may work alongside a traditional hard drive. SSDs are faster at reading and writing data than traditional hard drives with spinning platters, or read/write heads.
If you drop a hard drive, the platters can break, meaning you lose your data. Because SSDs store data electronically rather than with moving parts, they aren’t susceptible to this particular sort of damage and data loss. However, it’s more expensive to save data on an SSD than on a traditional hard drive.
The vast majority of flash drives make use of a USB connection to share data with other devices. USB ports are so common on so many types of devices that using USB flash drives gives you a lot of versatility.
Most flash drives use the most common USB Type-C connector. However, you occasionally will see a few other options for connecting a flash drive.
USB Type-C: USB Type-C is the largest connector option among USB standards, and it’s the most common on computers as well as on flash drives.
USB-A: This connector is larger than USB Type-C and is most commonly used with PCs. It’s an older standard than USB-C, but it’s compatible with a variety of older and newer devices.
Lightning: A few flash drives contain a Lightning connector instead of a USB connector, enabling you to use the flash drive with newer Apple mobile devices, like iPads or iPhones.
Some types of flash drives have multiple connection options built into them, giving them an X shape. You may find USB-A and USB Type-C connections along with a Lightning connection in this type of flash drive.
One other thing we should mention: because a memory card uses the same type of flash memory technology as a flash drive, some people think of memory cards like flash drives. You certainly can use them for backing up data or sharing data between devices, but because memory card slots aren’t as common as USB slots, USB flash drives are more popular.
USB flash drives use one of two transmission speed standards.
One final thing to note: regardless of the USB standard used by a flash drive, it will still be able to use any USB port to share data. Because USB technology is backward compatible, you can use a USB 3.1 flash drive in a USB 3.0 port on a computer, for example.
Storage capacity is the primary factor that determines the cost of a flash drive. Smaller-capacity drives cost less than larger-capacity drives. Flash drive capacity in measured in gigabytes (GB).
The other factor that determines price is the USB standard in use by the flash drive. Flash drives with a newer USB standard and faster transmission speed will cost more. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $40 and more for a flash drive.
You can find 64GB USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 flash drives and 128GB USB 3.0 flash drives for $10 to $20. Most 256GB USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 drives typically run $20 to $35.
High-capacity flash drives — 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB — typically cost $35 and up. You’ll also find drives in this price range that include USB-C/Lightning dual connectors for use with iPhones and other mobile devices.
A. Because flash drives are so small, they’re perfect for taking computer files with you from one location to another. Some people use a flash drive as a backup data option for their computer and carry the flash drive with them. You can also copy a file to a flash drive and print it at another location.
A. If you’re worried about losing your flash drive and someone else gaining access to your data, you have some options for protecting the data. Some flash drives can encrypt the data, and it can only be unlocked with a password or key. You can use various third-party apps or software to encrypt a flash drive on your own, too. Some flash drives require a thumbprint to unlock the data.
A. Any type of computer can access a flash drive, as long as the computer has the right port. You just plug the flash drive into the device, and you should be able to read the files stored on it. Desktop computers, network computers, laptop computers, and some mobile devices like digital cameras and phones can read USB flash drives.
We chose USB flash drives for every budget and considered different needs. We analyzed models with up to 1TB of storage and highly durable designs for superior security under regular conditions. We also considered connectivity methods for different users and read/write speeds, which determine data transfer speed.
