In our daily lives, we work on so many different types of projects and with all of those projects comes multitudes of data that we need to save.
Thankfully, the days of floppy disks are long gone and now, most external storage is done using USB flash drives or as some know them USB thumb drives.
These compact devices excel in holding a vast range of data, including photos, videos, and more. As we compiled our list of the best USB flash drives, our goal was to ensure top-quality choices for your needs.
The 10+ Best USB Flash Drives in 2024
- Junetiger — A small flash drive with overall great performance (Editor’s Choice)
- SanDisk Ultra USB-C — Best USB Flash drive for Apple
- SAMSUNG BAR Plus — The fastest USB storage you can buy
- TOPESEL — The flash drive that’s the best value for the money
- SP Silicon Power — A great drive if you work in the great outdoors
- SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive — Smallest USB Flash drive
- MECHEER — Best flash drives in different colors
- Kingston Technology DataTraveler 100 Generation 3 USB flash drive — Most affordable
- SanDisk Extreme CZ80 USB flash drive — Best budget
- PNY Turbo 256GB USB flash drive — Great for students
- SamData — The best affordable flash drive
- SAMSUNG MUF-256AB/AM FIT Plus — Best water-resistant and temperature-proof flash drive
Also see our post on the Best External Hard Drives.
The Best USB Flash Drives Compared
What to Consider Before Buying a USB Flash Drive
We know what you’re thinking. You can go just about anywhere and buy a USB flash storage device these days to save your work. While that’s pretty accurate, when you need to save important files and projects, just any drive won’t do. Here are the things you should consider before purchasing a USB thumb drive.
Storage Capacity
When it comes to choosing the right storage capacity for your flash drive, it isn’t the size of the flash drive that is important but what you intend to use it for that matters. Flash drives come in a multitude of sizes from 1GB to 1 TB and beyond. If you’re using a flash drive to save documents and spreadsheets, then you may be able to have enough storage by using a 1GB flash drive. However, if you’re saving video, photos, illustrations to your flash drive, which can all be very large files, choosing a flash drive that’s a TB or more is probably the best option.
Transfer speed
The faster you can get something done, the better and this is no different when it comes to saving files to your USB flash drive. The speed at which your files are saved to your flash drive largely depends on which generation your flash drive connector uses. For example, the standard connector on many USB flash drives is 3.0. This comes with a decent amount of transfer speed at 5Gbps. The next step up from there is 3.1 or 3.1 Gen 2. These are becoming more and more common and can offer transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
Security
USB drives can sure be convenient but that convenience can also come with some security risks. The small size can cause them to get lost easily. They can also be hard to track physically and many companies have banned the use of flash drives for this reason, and they can also be used to transfer malware from one computer to another.
While the size of a flash drive isn’t likely to change anytime soon, security programs such as software and hardware encryption can help prevent unauthorized access.
Full disk encryption programs offer on-the-fly encryption of removable media to keep it protected. A built-in keypad is sometimes used as an option. In this case, users need to enter a PIN to gain access to the drive. While having data security on your flash drive can increase the cost of the drive, it is no comparison to what it may cost if it falls into the wrong hands.
The 10+ Best USB Flash Drives for Storage
1. Junetiger (Editor’s Choice)
A small flash drive with great performance
Interface: USB 2.0 | Capacities: 1TB – 2TB | Storage Type: Flash
While we explored various options for data storage using flash drives, it is important to remember that even the fastest transfer speeds won’t protect your drive if it’s exposed to water damage.
This highlights the practicality of Junetiger USB flash drives. They are not just capable of swift data transfer, but they are also versatile for handling different file types such as documents, images, music, and videos.
This 1TB USB flash drive is temperature resistant, waterproof, and built of high-quality zinc alloy metal. This USB drive works with versions of Linux and Windows 98 SE/10/7/8/Vista/XP/2000/ME/NT. It continues to function with computers, laptops, tablets, speakers, and other USB-connected devices.
With a sleek keychain design, it is easy to carry wherever you go. Attach it to your key ring, wallet, backpack, or laptop, ensuring your private data is always at hand.
It has a stylish keychain style that makes it convenient to carry. It is simple to attach to your key ring, wallet, backpack, and laptop, ensuring that your private data is always within reach. Junetiger is an excellent option if you’re seeking a flash drive with quick, secure, and reliable storage.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Waterproof Design | ➖ It cannot be formatted |
➕ Large Capacity | |
➕ Universal compatibility | |
➕ High-Speed Transmission Interface | |
➕ Easy to handle and small in size |
Latest Price on Amazon:
2. SanDisk Ultra USB-C
The best choice for Apple laptops
Interface: USB 3.0 | Capacities: 16GB – 128GB | Storage Type: Flash
Did you recently purchase a new MacBook or MacBook Pro and had to let go of your old USB storage due to the absence of Type-A ports in the new models? If so, we have got some great news for you. The MacBook’s Type-C ports now support their own flash drive.
Meet the Ultra USB-C from SanDisk which allows you to directly connect your flash drive without requiring a dongle, dock, or converter. Available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB, the Ultra USB-C impresses with its impressive read and write speed of up to 150 MB/sec. A Type-C USB flash drive at an affordable price? It certainly sounds like a smart choice.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ High-speed USB 3.0 | ➖ Does not come with a cap |
➕ Easy-to-use | |
➕ Durable metal casing | |
➕ Budget-friendly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 130MB/s(1)
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9; Software...
3. SAMSUNG BAR Plus
The fastest USB storage you can buy
Interface: USB 3.0 | Capacities: 256GB | Storage Type: Flash
Your work is likely crucial to your livelihood, making the security of your projects and portfolio a top priority. If this resonates with you, then the SAMSUNG BAR Plus could be your ideal choice.
We are certain that this is one of the most secure flash drives available, designed to protect your data from various threads. This flash drive boasts a waterproof construction and additional security features.
Offering file transfer speeds of up to 400 MB/s, it provides not only swift transfer but also dependable and secure storage for your files, music, videos, and images.
We noticed that this drive is equipped with a key ring to prevent loss and a robust metal shell for durability. Not to mention, it isn’t just waterproof, but it is also resistant to stress, magnets, temperature fluctuations, and X-rays.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Fast and convenient read speeds | ➖ The inside circuitry produces a lot of heat |
➕ Superior Endurance | |
➕ Sturdy metal body |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Redefine everyday file transfers with speeds up to 400MB/s
- Reliable and secure storage for your photos, videos, music, and files
- Rugged metal casing for durability with key ring to prevent loss
- Safeguard your data (Water proof, shock proof, magnet proof, temperature proof, x ray proof)
- USB 3.1 flash drive with backwards compatibility (USB 3.0, USB 2.0)
4. TOPESEL
The flash drive that’s the best value for the money
Interface: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB 1.1 | Capacities: 128GB | Storage Type: Flash
With this brand-new, premium portable TOPESEL, you can now carry your entire digital universe in the smallest possible packaging. With USB 3.0 technology, you can store and transfer files five times more quickly than with USB 2.0 flash devices.
Additionally, it has support for USB 2.0 and USB1.1 backward compatibility. This USB flash memory contains a light that flashes to indicate status while uploading or downloading files.
This straightforward, compact, and low-profile flash drive is intended for plug-and-play storage in a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, TVs, game consoles, and vehicle audio systems.
The USB connector on this flash drive has a protective cap that keeps it safe from harm when not in use. This plug-and-play flash drive is compatible with Linux, Mac OS X, Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, Unix, and more.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ LED Indicator | ➖ USB 2.0 is a little bit sluggish |
➕ Easy to carry | |
➕ High-speed file transfer | |
➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- USB 3.0 INTERFACE – Super-speed USB 3.0 interface offers at least 5 times faster speed than USB 2.0. Lightning Fast to transfer HD movies, photos, music and more
- HIGH COMPATIBILITY. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS; Compatible with USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.
- MULTI-FORMAT SUPPORTED - The pen drives are suitable for Digital Data Storing, Transferring and Sharing. Save Data in Form of Music, Photos, Movies, Designs, Manuals, Programs, Handouts; MP3, MP4,...
- SIMPLE, COMPACT, LOW-PROFILE DESIGN - This simple, small, and low-profile flash drive is designed as plug-and-stay storage for laptops, tablets, TVs, gaming consoles, car audio systems, and more. The...
- GOOD PACKAGE - 1 x 128GB USB flash drives (Blue) is packed in a secure cardboard organizer box. Clean and neat. Easy for maintenance
5. SP Silicon Power
A great drive if you work in the great outdoors
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.0 | Capacities: 128GB | Storage Type: Flash
The SP Silicon Power has a superfast USB 3.0 interface that allows for transfer rates of up to 5GB/s. It is ten times faster than a USB 2.0 flash drive and saves you time even when dealing with large files such as graphics and HD videos.
The Blaze B02 is not only fast but also attractive. This flash drive is a real show-off, with a stylish black casing that resembles hairline-finished steel. This small and portable flash drive features a strap hole for easy attachment to key rings or bags.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Ten times faster transfer | ➖They have compatibility issues. |
➕ Strap-hole design | |
➕ Compact |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Strap-hole design for easy carrying
- Plug and play, and it's compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS 10.3.x or later, Linux 2.6.x or late
- Backed by a 5 years warranty to promise complete services and technical support.
6. SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive
The tiniest USB flash drive out there
Interface: USB 3.0 | Capacities: 16GB – 256GB | Storage Type: Flash
USB flash drives can come in all shapes and sizes these days. There are even flash drives shaped like your favorite science fiction characters. While these can be a great novelty item, they aren’t the best option if you’re in the middle of a board meeting. The Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive from SanDisk combines great storage capacity along with a minimalistic design.
About the size of a thumbnail, the drive all but disappears when it’s plugged in. It’s small enough where if it weren’t for the small lip at the end, making it easy to remove, it would disappear. Just because its small in stature, doesn’t mean that the transfer speeds are lacking anything. With transfer speeds up to 130MB/sec, it truly is a tiny dynamo.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Compact | ➖ Lacks LED light |
➕ Password protection feature | |
➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A compact, plug-and-stay, high-speed USB 3.2 flash drive that’s ideal for adding more storage to laptops, game consoles, in-car audio and more
- Simple, fast way to add up to 16GB of storage to your device [1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes - Actual user storage less]
- Write faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1) [(1) Up to 130MB/s read speed; USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 port required; Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device;...
- Move a full-length movie faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(2) [(2) Write faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 port required; Results may vary based on host device,...
- Keep private files private with included SanDisk SecureAccess software(3) [(3) Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and macOS v10.9+...
7. MECHEER
Best flash drives in different colors
Interface: USB 2.0 | Capacities: 64 GB | Storage Type: Flash
The MECHEER is a fantastic tiny flash drive that is ideal for storing all types of data, especially if you’re working with photo or video files, which is substantial. It includes a pack of five easily distinguishable 64GB USB flash drives in various colors that are good for organizing, storing, and sharing various files.
The metal cap hole rotates 360 degrees to shield the USB connector. You may get rid of the hassle of forgetting the cap with a capless design. The USB memory stick is kept safe thanks to its keyring.
With its small and portable form, you can carry the USB jump drive everywhere. It has an LED indicator that lights red when the photo stick is functioning, making it the ideal alternative for saving your various files.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Comes in five different colors | ➖ Very easily bends |
➕ Portable | |
➕ LED indicator |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 5 PACK COLORFUL USB DRIVE: 5 pieces of 64g USB flash drives in different colors are easy to distinguish and suitable for storing, organizing or sharing different files. Well packed in a cardboard box,...
- SWIVEL DESIGN: The 360° rotating metal clip protects the USB interface from damage when not in use; Unlike plastic ones, this metal-capped thumb drive is more elegant and durable, and will not crack...
- PORTABILITY: The small ring is designed for key chains or lanyards. You can take your digital world anywhere, without worrying about losing the pendrive.
- PLUG AND PLAY: No need to install any software, the zip drive is easy to be recognized by computer, laptop, macbook,notebook, PC, car audio, speaker, smart TV, etc. Compatible with Windows...
- exFAT FORMAT: The default system format of 64GB flash drive is exFAT, which may not be supported by some old version devices, such as TVs, DVD players, cars, printers, embroidery machines, etc. Please...
8. Kingston Technology DataTraveler 100 Generation 3 USB flash drive
A solid and affordable flash drive
Interface: USB 3.0 | Capacities: 16GB – 256GB | Storage Type: Flash
Cheaply priced flash drives have the problem of being seen as not worth the time of an affordable amount of money because of perceived limitations that the drive may have. This is not the case with the DataTraveler 100 from Kingston. With its solid build and very affordable price, it can be a great option for saving documents or even as a backup for your work. Read/write speeds of 150Mbps and 70Mbps easily makes this drive worth every penny.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Stylish | ➖ Occasionally seems to have a slow write speed |
➕ Ideal USB 3. 0 starter storage Device | |
➕ Sliding cap design |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Compliant - with USB 3.0 specifications
- USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)¹ — DT100 G3 delivers USB 3.0 speeds, Backwards compatible — Can be used with USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports.
- Stylish - black-on-black, sliding cap design
- Ideal USB 3.0 starter storage device
- Guaranteed - five-year warranty, free technical support
9. SanDisk Extreme CZ80 USB flash drive
The most affordable flash drive available
Interface: USB 3.0 | Capacities: 16GB – 64GB | Storage Type: Flash
Offering you plenty of storage, the CZ80 flash drive from SanDisk is one of the best flash drives on our list. Not only is the price so affordable that you could buy them in bulk, the performance that it provides is anything but cheap. With fast transfer speeds, the CZ80 is one speedy little flash drive. The connector slides in and out of the stick when it’s not being used which can be great to protect it when it’s not in use and can also minimize the risk of it getting damaged.Overall, this USB flash drive outperforms many others on our lit.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Four times faster than USB 2.0 drives | ➖ No LED light |
➕ It comes with SanDisk SecureAccess software | |
➕ USB 3.0 enabled |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Access hi-res photos, HD videos or other large files up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 drives
- Fast performance speeds (up to 80 MB/sec)
- USB 3.0 enabled (USB 2.0 compatible)
- Keep private files private with SanDisk SecureAccess software
- German (Subtitle)
10. PNY Turbo USB flash drive
A great flash drives for students
Interface: USB 3.0 | Capacities: 32GB – 256GB | Storage Type: Flash
While it may not have the fastest speeds on our list, the Turbo from PNY, one of the biggest names in flash drives is a great option for students looking for a drive with large capacities and an affordable price. With a capped design to help protect the connector and read/write speeds of 80 and 20Mbps respectively, it can be a great option for any student in need of a way to save their data.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Free technical support | ➖ If you need to copy large files to this USB drive, then you must do it quickly. |
➕ Quick and Easy transfer | |
➕ Easy to attach to key chains |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Transfer speeds approximately 10 times faster than standard PNY USB 2.0 Flash drives
- Store and transfer large files faster than ever with USB 3.0 technology
- Allows for quick and Easy transfer of all content
- The 256GB Turbo USB 3.0 Flash Drive can hold approximately 47, 349 songs
- Sliding collar, capless design with integrated loop makes it easy to attach to key chains, backpacks and etc.
11. SamData
The best affordable flash drive
Interface: USB 2.0 | Capacities: 32GB | Storage Type: Flash
If you work with video in any way, you are aware of how big some of those files can become and SamData is an excellent option for that. You can get a two-pack of 32GB USB 2.0 flash drives in the choice of two colors.
It is simple to use because there is no software to install, just plug it in and get started. The capless design prevents cap loss and effectively protects the USB port while the metal clip revolves 360 degrees around the ABS plastic body.
You can quickly transfer status with the LED indicator. It is suitable for all data and uses, including the storage of music, images, and other files as well as digital data for use in business, education, or daily life.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Great value package for money | ➖ Sometimes the read/write speed is insufficient |
➕ Suitable for All Uses and Data | |
➕ Equipped with capless design |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [Great Value Package Offer]: 2 Pack USB 2.0 Flash Drive 32GB Available in 2 different colors - Black and Blue. The different colors can help you to store different content.
- [Plug and Play]: No need to install any software, Just plug in and use it. The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing...
- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a...
- [Suitable for All Uses and Data]: Suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies, software, and other files.
- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
12. SAMSUNG MUF-256AB/AM FIT Plus
The best water-resistant and temperature-proof flash drive
Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Capacities: 256GB | Storage Type: Flash
The Samsung MUF-256AB flash drive redefines everyday files and transfers with speeds up to 300 MB/s. This USB flash drive is compact and can seamlessly fit any device. It also comes with a key ring to avoid loss.
This reliable storage drive secures your photos, images, videos, and other media files. You can safeguard your storage data with a five-year limited warranty. This Samsung flash drive is waterproof, shockproof, magnet, temperature, and x-ray proof, which safeguards your files against the elements.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Transfers files with speeds up to 300MB/s | ➖ The hole for the key-ring is too small to fit keychains |
➕ Reliable and secure storage | |
➕ USB 3.1 flash drive with backward compatibility |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Redefine everyday file transfers with speeds up to 300MB/s
- Exceptionally compact USB flash drive for an unnoticeable, seamless fit, designed with a key ring to prevent loss
- Reliable and secure storage for your photos, videos, music, and files. Water/Dust Resistant: Yes; 1m depth 3% NaCl salt water, 72 hrs
- Safeguard your data backed by a 5-year limited warranty (Water proof, shock proof, magnet proof, temperature proof, x-ray proof)
- USB 3.1 flash drive with backwards compatibility (USB 3.0, USB 2.0)
Frequently Asked Questions
How lasting is a decent flash drive?
Despite the fact that many manufacturers give an approximate lifespan for their products (usually 10 years), this amount is only an estimate based on the annual write/erase cycles of the average user. The drives could endure more than ten years if they were used less frequently than these suggested values.
What do you use a USB flash drive for?
Important data and data backups can be kept on a USB flash drive, along with user preferences and troubleshooting tools. A bootable USB can also serve to start an operating system.
Are flash drives worth it?
Yes, flash drives are worth the cost as they don't need electricity to store data and don't have any moving parts.
The Best USB Flash Drives for Graphic Designers
When you’re in the market for a new USB flash storage device, it can be very easy to pick the first one that you see. With our list of the best USB flash drives for creatives, we hope that we have presented you with some options to consider the next time you go shopping.
Do you have a flash storage option you just have to tell others about? Let us know in the comments below!
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I like to use external SSD as it has great speed and portability. Thanks for sharing other options.