The best flash drives

Despite the Internet era, USB flash drives still remain an integral part of digital technology. For ease of use, manufacturers are constantly improving the quality and capabilities of such products, regularly releasing new items. The expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ project team analyzed the assortment for sale, the reputation of companies, tested the most popular models, and then made a top rating. It includes the best flash drives of 2024 with a high percentage of approving reviews. The review will feature several generations - USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1.

USB flash drive manufacturers

In fact, all the flash drives on sale do not differ much in functionality and capabilities. But the number of brands producing such accessories is growing almost every year. Therefore, before looking for the best option for a purchase, it is worth conducting a short guide to manufacturers. The best flash drives in 2024 were presented by the following companies:

• Sandisk Is an American corporation that has been operating since 1988. The main direction is the storage media based on flash memory. In the market for such goods, the brand ranks third in terms of sales. The volume of production is over 200 million units. The company now produces 15 million units for sale each quarter.
• Transcend Is a Taiwanese company founded in 1988. Manufactures various modules of RAM, various storage devices, solid drives, hard drives. Also, multimedia gadgets and related accessories under this brand are in great demand. There are 14 representative offices in different countries today.
• SmartBuy Is a high-tech company from Taiwan that has appeared on the global market for gadgets and devices since 2000. More than 3000 varieties of goods are represented with this name, these are various disks for PCs, wiring accessories, accessories for a computer and a mobile phone, LED devices, flash drives and much more.
• Toshiba Is a global transnational corporation from Japan, founded since 1857. The product portfolio includes a huge variety of products, including equipment, IT and communications systems, consumer electronics, household appliances, various gadgets and accessories. The brand is included in the top list of the oldest companies in the country.
• Silicon power Is a Taiwanese company that started its activities in 2003. Despite a relatively short experience, the products are sold in over 100 countries around the world. The assortment includes modules, memory cards, hard and portable disks, etc. Every year the company opens representative offices in different countries, demonstrating rapid, successful development.
• Datotek International Co., Ltd. - a Taiwanese company that produces a huge range of flash drives for storing any files. It occupies a leading position in the OEM / ODM segment. Founded in 2003. Experts place great emphasis on preserving the environment.
• Kingston Technology Company, Inc. Is a major American brand founded in California since 1987. The first product the company entered the market with was a memory model that set industry standards for the future. Today the company is recognized as one of the largest independent manufacturers of high-tech memory devices.
• Samsung Is a South Korean group of companies operating since 1938. The brand is known all over the world as a successful manufacturer of household appliances, telecommunications, integrated circuits, audio and video devices, etc. It is hard to believe that it was originally a rice noodle warehouse that went through bankruptcy three times.
• HyperX Is a brand of the same name owned by the American company Kingston Technology. High performance solid state drives, USB, DDR4 and DDR3, headset for gamers, gaming accessories are produced under this name. The trademark was founded in 2002. In 2015, the company distinguished itself by being the first to create the fastest set of 128 GB of RAM.
• ADATA Technology Is a Taiwanese company that has been producing drives and memory modules since 2001. Competitiveness is due to innovation, professionalism of the team. The main goal is to create high-quality solutions that can make a person's life comfortable. Today it takes 2nd place in terms of production of such devices.

Flash drive rating

As soon as the first modifications of flash drives appeared on the market, they immediately became popular and in demand. The demand does not fall until today, so the variety of names, models, brands is constantly expanding. This significantly complicates the task of finding a good quality flash drive for an ordinary buyer. The experts of the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ magazine have compiled a list of criteria by which the nominees for the review were selected:

• Connector - PC hardware compatibility, Type-A, Type-C, Micro;
• Generation - 1.1 speed up to 12 Mbit / s, 2.0 480 Mbit / s, 3.0 5 Gb / s, 3.2 20 Gb / s;
• Volume - 1-4-32-64-128 GB, the actual volume is slightly less than the nominal;
• Data transfer rate - performance, generation limitation;
• Case - materials, overheating tendency, device lifetime;
• Dimensions - shape, dimensions, weight;
• Versatility - compatibility with different devices (PC, telephone, TV, etc.);
• Stability - protection from moisture, debris, mechanical damage, magnetic fields;
• Comfort - ease of use at home.

Since for the majority of buyers the price is the decisive factor in the choice, experts compared its ratio with technological characteristics and quality for each applicant. And real reviews of experienced users, ordinary buyers helped to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of the nominees.

Best Wi-Fi Adapters

The best usb 2.0 flash drives

The generation of usb 2.0 flash drives dates back to 2000, before that 1.1 analogs were actively used. The developers have added the High-speed mode to them, that is, an increase in the transmission speed to 480 Megabits per second. This is due to the fact that the consumer needed a large storage capacity, and hence its performance. All certified accessories in this category are suitable for working with video devices, keyboards, mice, joysticks, etc. The highest demand and percentage of approving reviews were received by 4 nominees.

SanDisk Cruzer Blade 16Gb

The rating is opened by a standard model in a waterproof case made of durable plastic that complies with the 2.0 standard. The first thing worth noting is the laconic design in red and black colors. The file recognition speed can reach 50 Mbps. There are several types of capacity to choose from - 16 or 32 GB. This will be quite enough for storing music in MP3 format or a little in FLAC. The retractable device will handle repeated drops with ease, but to prevent such situations, there is a lace hole. The interface for connecting to other devices is Type-A.

Advantages

• High reliability rate;
• Lanyard hole;
• Stylish appearance;
• Moisture protection;
• Versatility;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• Complaints about speed;
• The plastic can get hot.

Synchronized with stereos, portable speakers, car radios from most manufacturers. Also, subject to proper operation, timely formatting, you can connect to a computer.

Transcend JetFlash 350

A classic accessory of its kind from generation 2.0. The model was included in the rating due to its compactness and reliability. There are several options for roominess, the maximum is 32 GB. The body is made of durable plastic in black color, the connector is closed with a special cover against moisture and debris, which is much more reliable when compared to sliding mechanisms.The manufacturer has included in the design a convenient light indicator that signals the active state. A lanyard hole is also provided so that the small gadget is not lost. Reading speed - from 7 to 15 Mbps. The most common connection interface is Type-A. Size - 60x18x8 mm, weight 8.5 g.

Advantages

• Reliable case;
• Protection of the connector with a cap;
• Indicator light;
• Lanyard hole;
• Long service life;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• Modest functionality;
• Slowness.

It is not recommended to synchronize devices with Windows-based equipment, in which case the speed of information recognition will significantly decrease. The volume is quite enough to store music, videos in HD quality, various games. Best of all, the Transcend JetFlash 350 "cooperates" with a throughput rate of 480 Mbps.

Smartbuy lara

A popular drive with ultra-small dimensions - only 12x23x4 mm with a weight of 1 g. The connector is closed with a cap, this is a large part of the accessory in the form of a monoblock. The manufacturer offers several colors to choose from. The maximum capacity can be different - 8, 16, 32 or 64 GB. The body is made of durable plastic. The read speed can range from 5 to 15 Mbps. Its peculiarity lies in its invisibility, so it is preferred for working together with various equipment and household appliances. During the first operation, no additional software installation is required. On the cap there is a relief for camphor removal without slipping.

Advantages

• Versatility of appointment;
• Monoblock;
• Ultra small size;
• Different capacities;
• Good performance;
• Different colors.

disadvantages

• Lost easily;
• Slow loading.

SmartBuy Lara looks organically in tandem with TVs, media players, bluetooth speakers, set-top boxes, car radios, compact ultra beeches.

Compatible with operating systems Windows, XP, Linux, Vista, MAC OS X does not require software, drivers, etc.

Toshiba TransMemory U202 16GB

A flash drive from a well-known manufacturer in a classic form and design. Thanks to the 2.0 interface, the data transfer rate can range from 5 to 18 Mbps. A cap that fits tightly to the connector protects it from debris and moisture. A loop on the case made of durable plastic allows you to thread the lace, this protects the user from losing the device. The capacity of such a model is 16 GB, which is quite enough for storing music, videos in good format, and various games. A distinctive feature of most drives from Toshiba is a laconic design without bright accents. Dimensions - 51.4x21.4x8.4 mm and weighs 8 g.

Advantages

• Good recognition;
• A coating resembling a software;
• High-quality fit of parts;
• Original implementation of the cap;
• Light indication;
• Resistant to overheating.

disadvantages

• Insistence on safe removal;
• The large width covers the adjacent port.

A practical storage that interfaces with various hardware, technology, devices, even smartphones with exFat and NTFS. However, it is important for a smooth service to perform a safe extraction, otherwise you may lose data. The performance does not depend much on the size of the accessory, which distinguishes the brand from many others.

Best USB 3.0 flash drives

Since 2008, a new generation of flash drives 3.0 has entered the world market, the speed of which reaches 5 Gb / s. This was achieved by increasing the current strength, if in the previous modifications it was 500 mA, now it is 900 mA. They can be used everywhere, but they are best synchronized with Windows 8 and 10. The team of expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ magazine analyzed offers on the market, demand indicators, percentage of positive reviews, and then named the 4 best 3.0 models.

Transcend JetFlash 780

Standard model in black plastic with checkerboard print and metal-look rim. Due to this design, the drive looks presentable and solid. For convenience, there is a place to place the lace. The amount of memory can be selected - 8, 16, 32 GB. In the first case, the recognition speed will vary from 40 to 140 Mbps.Memory chip - MLC, Transcend Elite software included. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty, which indicates the reliability of the accessory. It is confirmed by CE, FCC, BSMI certification. Dimensions - 70x21x8.1 mm with a weight of 21 g.

Advantages

• Good speed characteristics;
• Lifetime warranty;
• Different capacities to choose from;
• Solid appearance;
• Materials, pleasant to the touch;
• Software included.

disadvantages

• Plastic;
• Software flaws.

Numerous tests confirm that the claimed performance corresponds to reality. The first time you use it, it is automatically installed according to a simplified "Next-Finish" scheme.

Silicon Power Jewel J06

An original device in terms of appearance, filling. The first thing that the reviews praise is an ultra compact body in the shape of a rectangle with piled up smooth edges without corners. The case with the microcircuit and the connector is closed with a lid. At the top of the case, in large letters, the capacity, interface type is displayed. There is a slot for a strap so as not to lose such a miniature accessory. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty, support for modern operating systems Windows, Linux, Mac, moisture-proof, shock-resistant materials. The capacity can be different for the buyer to choose - 8, 16, 32, 64 GB, color scheme - red, white, dark blue case. Dimensions - 16x24x9 mm, weight 3.6 g.

Advantages

• Miniature;
• Original appearance;
• The presence of dust and moisture protection;
• High-speed performance;
• Rounded body lines;
• Wide belt hole.

disadvantages

• Complaints about the write speed;
• Fuzzy cap fixation.

The test results showed that this is a drive with a striking design, incomparable speed parameters. When reading up to 115 Mbps, the average write speed is 10 Mbps. Compactness is suitable for joint work with car radios, laptops.

DATO DB8002U3

A budget flash drive with large memory for storing any content, regardless of quality and volume. There are several modifications to choose from, differing in their capacity - 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB. Most often, buyers prefer 64 GB, read speed can reach 30 Mbps, write 10 Mbps. The design is standard, the body is made of plastic in black, the USB A connector with a cap for protection. At 60x17x9 mm, the weight is 25 g. The Taiwanese manufacturer offers a 5-year (60 months) warranty.

Advantages

• Support 3.0;
• Versatility;
• Different volume;
• Long warranty from the manufacturer;
• Compactness;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• "Drawdowns" in speed;
• Demanding on safe removal.

The most bought brand due to the large selection of drives, differing in capacity, generation. In addition, the price for them is several times lower than that of similar devices. DATO DB8002U3 is compatible with most modern gadgets - computers, radio tape recorders, audio systems.

Best external hard drives

Kingston DataTraveler Locker + G3

The best offer among the 3.0 generation is the 64GB configuration of the Kingston DataTraveler Locker + G3 flash drive. It features the fastest hardware encryption and data transfer. Reading occurs in the range of up to 40 megabytes per second, writing up to 135 megabytes per second. The case is made of durable metal as hardware protection that prevents overheating and any mechanical stress. The encryption function encrypts the data, you need to enter a password to access it.

Advantages

• Metal body;
• Overheat protection;
• High speed interface 3.0;
• Supports hardware encryption
• Laconic design;
• Synchronization with cloud storage.

disadvantages

• No seals to keep out water or dust;
• Price.

The manufacturer offers software for the first installation together with the accessory. The best performance indicators are observed when connected to Windows and Mac OS operating systems. If the user will set a password for files, it is important to know that after several incorrect entries, they may be lost.

The best usb 3.1 flash drives

Device generation 3.1 was released in 2013. In comparison with the previous version, the speed is twice as high - up to 10 Gbps.There are 2 varieties to choose from - Gen 1 only up to 5 gigabytes per second with a port predominantly in red, and Gen 2 with maximum capabilities and a thin plug. Based on testing, owner experience, and real feedback, experts have selected 4 top deals in 2024.

Samsung USB 3.1 Flash Drive FIT Plus

One of the most reliable and fast ones is the 3.1 Samsung 3.1 Flash Drive FIT Plus. The manufacturer offers different options for spaciousness, but most often they buy a device with 64 GB of memory. The main difference from many similar offers on sale is a miniature design in the style of minimalism, the shape is similar to the receiver of a wireless computer mouse. The plastic case is waterproof, the maximum possible capacity is 256 GB. Data reading speed - 130 Mbps. Size - 19x24x7 mm.

Advantages

• The maximum possible capacity;
• Form Factor;
• High-speed performance;
• High reliability rate;
• Moisture protection;
• Stability of work.

disadvantages

• Price;
• Protective cap missing.

The drive can work with ReadyBoost technology in Windows. When buying, it is important to check for the presence of a hologram, since crafts are often on sale. In order not to lose such a miniature accessory, it is better to attach a lace.

SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 256GB

Compact model with huge storage capacity for media, software and various personal files. The maximum number of gigabytes is 256. Due to the introduction of a high-speed interface 3.1, file transfer is many times faster than in previous modifications (for example, 15 times faster than in version 2.0). The main feature of SanDisk Ultra Fit 3.1 is the ability to create password folders to protect against unauthorized access. For backup, saving memory, the device has an online storage Dmailer. Reading and writing performance from 40 to 130 Mbps. The dimensions of the plastic case are 19.1x15.9x8.8 mm.

Advantages

• Password protection;
• Suitable for ReadyBoost;
• Compactness;
• Large capacity;
• Backup storage;
• Type-A.

disadvantages

• Lack of a cap for the connector;
• Warming tendency.

To encrypt data with a password, you must additionally install SanDisk SecureAccess software.

A Type-A interface is provided for connecting to various equipment and gadgets. Good parameters allow you to use the USB flash drive on a daily basis.

Hyperx savage

SSD-drive in the format of a flash drive with stable technical characteristics. The 512GB version allows you to store a huge amount of content in the best quality inside. The speed of their playback is 350 megabytes per second, the transfer speed is 250 megabytes per second. The plastic case is made with a soft touch coating, the cladding in red and black, according to the brand's traditions, attracts attention. The user is offered a line of 4 modifications from 64 to 512 GB. The introduction of Plug and Play technology provides automatic detection of the device at any connection. Dimensions 76.3x23.4x12.1 mm.

Advantages

• Fast work;
• Materials, pleasant to the touch;
• Large ruler;
• Slight heating;
• Visual design;
• Auto detection.

disadvantages

• Slowdown when working with small files;
• Bulky.

The manufacturer recommends using such a drive for storing large files. Copying small data may be slower than usual. There are limits on the number of sector rewrites, so encryption is not supported.

ADATA S102 Pro 32GB

The review ends with a 32 GB flash drive with interface 3.1. The device reads information with a run up to 100, and writes down - up to 50 Mbit / s. The body is made of durable metal in matte gray color, it prevents overheating, any mechanical damage. The product is sold in a convenient blister that opens from the front of the package. The reversible cap fits in any turn on the connector to protect it from contamination. It is worth noting compatibility with any devices that have a USB input. Ergonomic design adds visual appeal. A special lace protects against accidental loss. Dimensions - 19x62x11 mm and weighs 13 g.

Advantages

• High speed characteristics;
• Brushed metal body;
• Compliance of the actual volume with the declared one;
• Long-term manufacturer's warranty;
• Ergonomics;
• Dense double-sided lid.

disadvantages

• One place to attach the cap and lanyard;
• Lack of indication.

This is one of the best offers on the market due to high-quality materials, pleasant to the touch, reliability, durability of service, good characteristics. The drive will accommodate text documents, films, music, photographs, will almost instantly accept, recognize, transfer.

Which flash drive is better

When the best flash drive firms and their top products were named, it was difficult to immediately decide which of these to buy for personal use. The editorial board of expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ advises to rely on your own requests, financial capabilities. A comparative analysis of the description, advantages and disadvantages of each nominee showed the following:

• SmartBuy Lara is a universal model with ultra-small dimensions;
• Silicon Power Jewel J06 - the best combination of filling and appearance;
• DATO DB8002U3 - the best price in the 3.0 generation;
• Kingston DataTraveler Locker + G3 - hardware encryption, cloud storage;
• Samsung USB1 Flash Drive FIT Plus - high reliability and capacity;
• ADATA S102 Pro 32GB is a fast flash drive for two-way recording and data transfer.

In the review, only verified nominees from the budget, medium and premium segment are named. Before you go to the store for a purchase, it is advisable to define the defining criteria for yourself in advance. The expert rating will help narrow your search among manufacturers and their assortment.