The Best USB Flash Drives

Just Buy This (All Around Best)

SanDisk Extreme PRO 256 GB Drive

$60 $44 at Amazon $73 $54 at B&H Photo Video

TL;DR: This sturdy SanDisk USB flash drive lives up to its "Extreme" moniker with its 256GB storage capacity and sleek aluminum metal casing.

Why We Recommend It

Topping our list of USB flash drives is the SanDisk Extreme PRO. Its 256GB storage space is impressive, and its read and write (data transfer) speeds reach 420Mbps and 380Mbps, respectively.

For comparison, our budget recommendation (read speed of 100Mbps and write speeds of up to 30–35Mbps) would take about two minutes and 40 seconds to transfer the files to a computer and nearly nine minutes to transfer them back.

In addition to its generous storage space and speed, we thoroughly enjoyed its weighty and sturdy feel.

Holding it in hand feels just right, with an even weight distribution throughout. An included keychain hole also helps you attach it to whatever you need (hello, backpack pocket liner!).

Another feature we appreciate about the Extreme PRO is the included RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery suite, which makes it very easy to recover accidentally deleted files.

Separately, SanDisk SecureAccess software keeps your information secure using 128-bit encryption.

While the SanDisk Extreme PRO is a fantastic device, the retractable plug wasn't as straightforward. It required pushing a thumb against the retractable plug's side rather than in the middle to use it.

This minor inconvenience is unlikely to be a major issue unless you use it constantly.

Overall, we see the SanDisk Extreme PRO as a true jack of all trades, even compared to other higher-end options on the market.

• Who else recommends it? Wirecutter also likes the SanDisk Extreme PRO, naming the 128GB version its top pick.
• What do buyers say? On Amazon, the SanDisk Extreme PRO has generated over 5,200 reviews and an average 4.6-star rating.

Also Great

Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth 1TB USB 3.0

$155 at Amazon View on Corsair.com

TL;DR: The Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth has rugged military-style aluminum casing and an impressive 1TB storage capacity.

Why We Recommend It

Resembling a mini flashlight, the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth USB roars with a behemoth 1TB storage capacity.

That capacity covers a whopping 209,000 5MB files, enough for even comprehensive music libraries. Other storage options (128GB and 256GB) exist as well.

It's also waterproof up to 200 meters, though we were in no hurry to submerge it with valuable data inside and find out if it was true. 

We also appreciate how the Flash Survivor Stealth USB opens.

Grab the keychain loop, unscrew it counterclockwise, and pull it out, revealing the slimmer casing underneath and the USB port.

To put it back, pop it in and rotate the end clockwise until it becomes tight (like a bottle cap).

If there's one thing we'd improve about the design, it's the keychain loop. Its integration into the design means the hole is relatively small and difficult to spot. It may also make it hard to clip onto larger key rings.

However, keychain loops aren't crucial for USB flash drives, so we'll pardon Corsair for this minor usability issue. 

• Who else recommends it? The Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth has seen stellar ratings on sites like TweakTown.
• What do buyers say? Most of the buyer reviews on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive. Its average 4.5-star rating covers everything from the unit's durability to its 1TB storage capacity.

Easiest on the Budget

Kingston DataTraveler 70

$20 at Amazon

TL;DR: The Kingston DataTraveler 70 is a budget performer, boasting an impressive 256GB storage capacity (great for the price!) and decent, though not exceptional, build quality.

Why We Recommend It

The Kingston DataTraveler 70 is one of our favorite budget USB drive options.

It's straightforward with few frills, allowing you to easily store your favorite playlist.

It boasts a modest read speed of up to 100Mbps and writes speeds of up to 30–35 Mbps. And a transfer rate of up to 100Mbps means that a large 1GB file can be transferred in less than 10 seconds.

It performs pretty well with no lag time in opening files, unlike other comparably priced options we've tested that missed the mark.

The Kingston DataTraveler 70 is pretty basic in terms of design.

Shaped like a traditional pen drive, it features a plastic end cap and a slight concave ridge for a sturdy grip. Be sure to have dry hands when pulling off the end cap, as it can get stuck.

We recommend this USB flash drive for anyone seeking a quick and affordable solution.

However, if you require the highest storage capacity and fastest read and write speeds possible for a massive music library, stick with the SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO USB 3.2 Solid State Flash Drive.

• Who else recommends it? Sites like Tom’s Hardware have covered the Kingston DataTraveler, highlighting its dominance over generic Amazon USB flash drives.
• What do buyers say? Over 60% of Amazon reviewers give this affordable (less than $20) flash drive 5 out of 5 stars.