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Make 256gb Memory Stick 256gb Again

All-time USB flash drives in 2022: Meridian USB memory sticks

Best USB flash drives
(Image credit: Kingston)

Having one (or more than) of the best USB flash drives around the house lets you quickly motility large files from one reckoner to another, and also to printers, routers or fifty-fifty smart-Telly sets.

If your USB drive has a lot of storage space, you can as well use it for partial or total figurer-organization backups. In most cases, you'll only need to plug the drive into a USB port and drag-and-drib the files. (If you have merely as well much data, check out our guide to the best deject backup services.)

USB memory sticks agree much more than information and tin read and write information much more rapidly than they could just a few years agone, thanks to faster protocols and cheaper storage costs. For just a few dollars, y'all tin can proceed all the personal files y'all'll ever need right on your keychain.

Yet choosing the right USB drive isn't always and then simple. That's because there are at least four different USB connection protocols — USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB iii.one and USB 3.2 — and each is several times faster than the previous one. Fast read/write speeds tin relieve you quite a bit of time when copying big files.

Not all your devices can handle the fastest data-transfer protocols, only the devices you buy in the future volition. (Each new protocol as well supports the earlier ones.) Some USB drives also have built-in encryption, which is adept to have if the drives go lost or stolen.

There are different connectors equally well. Almost flash drives notwithstanding have a rectangular USB-A plug, which will work on near Windows PCs and older Macs plus most printers, smart TVs, routers and other devices.

If you've got a drive with a rounded USB-C connector instead, you'll be able to use it with newer Windows laptops and Android smartphones and tablets, plus recent Macs and fifty-fifty the newest iPads. Some USB flash drives come up with secondary Lightning connectors to plug into iPhones and older iPads.

To assist yous choose the all-time USB retention stick, here are ten of our favorites. They vary by price, format, speed, physical size and storage size. But regardless of which USB bulldoze you select, information technology should concur every file you care about in a simple, easy-to-apply package.

What are the best USB wink drives?

Nosotros tested and used a diverseness of USB flash drives, an dwe plant the Samsung Fit Plus (MUF-128AB) to exist the all-time. It offers an outstanding mix of features and affordability, with USB three.i support, data-read speeds upwards to 300 MB/s and a design so compact that you can leave the drive plugged into your laptop without worrying about damage.

Nosotros also institute the SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 to be a great choice, as yous get secure 128-flake AES encryption for a very depression price. Yous simply have to be willing to live with USB ii.0 compatibility. If you want zippy read/write speeds, y'all'll be hard-pressed to find many USB storage devices better than the Kingston Digital DataTraveler G4.

The best USB wink drives you lot can buy today

Samsung Fit Plus (MUF-128AB) (Paradigm credit: Samsung)

1. Samsung Fit Plus (MUF-128AB)

The best flash drive overall

Specifications

USB type: USB iii.1

Storage: 32GB-256GB

Size: 0.9 x 0.7 10 0.3 inches

Weight: 0.16 ounces

Reasons to buy

+

Compact design

+

Plenty of storage

+

Fast read/write speeds

Reasons to avert

-

May be piece of cake to misplace

If you're looking for a flash drive that offers a expert mix of features and affordability, the Samsung Fit Plus (MUF-128AB) is a great place to beginning.

The device'due south tiny design makes it easy to behave around. Information technology's available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 32GB to 256GB, and supports USB 3.1 connectivity with data-transfer speeds upwards to 300 MBps. That's significantly faster than other USB retentivity-stick options.

To continue your data safe, the Samsung Fit Plus is h2o-, shock-, magnet-, temperature- and Ten-ray-proof, which ways yous tin bring it only most anywhere without fear of damaging your content. Because this memory stick is backward-compatible with USB 2.0, it'll work in just about any device y'all have.

Be enlightened, however, that the Samsung USB flash drive is a scrap on the pricey side, making information technology not the best option for those looking to save a few bucks.

SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 (Paradigm credit: SanDisk)

2. SanDisk Cruzer CZ36

A compact and secure USB flash drive

Specifications

USB type: USB two.0

Storage: 16GB-256GB

Size: 2.31 ten 0.viii x 0.4 inches

Weight: 0.half dozen ounces

Reasons to buy

+

Keen cost

+

Easy to protect

+

Universal compatibility

Reasons to avert

-

Works over USB 2.0

-

No 256-bit encryption

For years, the SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 has proven to be 1 of the well-nigh popular USB drives on the market. It has earned that popularity with its solid design, support for encryption and, most important, an exceedingly affordable price.

The Cruzer CZ36 comes with a black finish and a red slider that lets you extend or retract the USB connector so you can go on your connector condom without worrying well-nigh damage.

The bulldoze itself comes with USB 2.0 connectivity, which is on the older side. However, the SanDisk's 128-scrap AES encryption and included SanDisk SecureAccess Software brand this one of the best flash drives for the coin.

Overall, the SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 is a solid selection for transferring anything from music and photos to videos and business files.

Kingston Digital DataTraveler G4 (Image credit: Kingston)

three. Kingston DataTraveler G4

An unbeatable USB flash drive bargain

Specifications

USB blazon: USB 3.0

Storage: 32GB-128GB

Size: 2.65 x 0.four x 0.83 inches

Weight: 0.35 ounces

Reasons to buy

+

USB 3.0 support

+

Cap protects plug

+

Like shooting fish in a barrel traveling

Reasons to avoid

-

Standard read/write speeds

-

Less chapters than some other options

For those who don't want to spend a lot of greenbacks, Kingston has i of the best USB flash drives regarding value.

The company's DataTraveler G4 starts at under $10 for a USB drive with 32GB of storage and USB 3.0 support. For but a few bucks, you tin get a device that stores your content, easily and quickly transfers it, and does information technology all without putting itself at adventure of damaging your data.

A cap on the connector keeps the drive safe from impairment when information technology'south non in use, and thanks to a loop at the cease, yous can connect the DataTraveler to a keychain to reduce your chances of losing it when you're walking around town.

That said, considering the Kingston DataTraveler G4 maxes out at 128GB, you lot're non going to go as much storage equally some of the other options available. Go this drive only if you're not transferring a large amount of information.

PNY Turbo (Image credit: PNY)

four. PNY Turbo

Lots of storage for less

Specifications

USB type: USB 3.0

Storage: 32GB-256GB

Size: 5.28 x 0.25 x 3.9 inches

Weight: 0.six ounces

Reasons to buy

+

USB 3.0 support

+

Enough of storage

+

Sliding neckband for protection

Reasons to avoid

-

A little pricey

-

Limited colour options

PNY's popular Turbo flash drive sports both a rugged design and ample storage, making information technology an ideal choice for someone who often travels and doesn't desire to chance losing their data.

The USB 3.0 device offers transfer speeds of upward to 10 times what you get in a comparable USB two.0 drive. Add together that to Turbo's maximum 256GB of storage, and you should be able to shop virtually 48,000 songs on the device — and transfer them with ease.

The drive comes with a sliding-neckband pattern that protects the connector when it's non in use, which is especially important for road warriors. Thank you to the device'southward integrated loop, you tin attach the PNY Turbo to a keychain or backpack to reduce chances of misplacing it when yous travel.

Overall, the PNY Turbo offers a overnice mix of features, storage and travel-friendliness, which is why it'south 1 of the all-time USB flash drives.

SanDisk Extreme Pro SDCZ880 (Image credit: Western Digital)

5. SanDisk Extreme Pro SDCZ880

Premium finish and huge storage meets fast speeds

Specifications

USB type: USB 3.2

Storage: 128GB-1TB

Size: 2.79 10 0.84 ten 0.45 inches

Weight: 0.6 ounces

Reasons to buy

+

Ultrafast performance

+

Groovy design

+

Lifetime limited warranty

SanDisk'south Extreme Pro is one of its most capable USB devices, but be set to spend some serious greenbacks to go your hands on information technology.

The drive comes with at least 128GB of storage, going all the manner up to 1TB, and delivers USB three.ii connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds. Co-ordinate to SanDisk, the retentiveness stick tin deliver read speeds of up to 420 MBps and write speeds of upwardly to 380 MBps. That makes the Extreme Pro ane of the best USB flash drives for pure performance.

Thanks to an aluminum finish, the Farthermost Pro should be able to withstand shocks and other damage and keep working without causing you worry about your data. SanDisk's drive, which is besides uniform with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, offers a lifetime limited warranty. And with 128-scrap AES encryption, you can safeguard data you don't want others to steal.

Corsair Wink Survivor Stealth (Image credit: Corsair)

6. Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth

Seriously durable design

Specifications

USB type: USB 3.0

Storage: 16GB-256GB

Size: 3 x 1 ten 1 inches

Weight: 1.iii ounces

Reasons to buy

+

Great blueprint

+

Outstanding protection from damage

+

Works cross-platform without drivers

Reasons to avoid

-

A chip pricey

-

Express warranty

Corsair'south Wink Survivor Stealth is all about ane matter: keeping your information safety regardless of where you are or where you are going. The device has a cylindrical design and an anodized, aircraft-form aluminum housing to limit the take chances of damage if you drib information technology.

This best USB flash drive pick as well features a water seal to reduce chances of liquid intrusion. And it has a shock-damping neckband effectually the ends to keep your data safe if you driblet it.

Regarding connectivity, the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth supports USB 3.0. And with a maximum 256GB of storage, the memory stick volition store plenty of content without  harm. But for all of that, you should be aware that this USB drive costs more than some competing devices.

You should also know that the device ships with a express five-year warranty; that'southward not bad, but information technology reduces your options for replacement several years down the road.

SanDisk Ultra USB-C (Paradigm credit: SanDisk)

7. SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB-C SDDDC2

Best for USB-C ports

Specifications

USB type: USB iii.1

Storage: 32GB-256GB

Size: 0.37 ten i.5 ten 0.79 x 0.37 inches

Weight: ane.3 ounces

Reasons to buy

+

USB-C and regular USB support

+

Fast read/write speeds

+

Mobile storage for Android phones

Reasons to avoid

-

Relatively pricey

-

Limited manufacturer warranty

SanDisk's Ultra Dual Bulldoze USB-C is a slick-looking flash drive that offers plenty of storage and fast data transfers. This is easily the best USB drive for newer laptops, like the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, that have but USB-C ports.

Since it has both USB-A and USB-C plugs — in that location's a slide to betrayal one or the other — the SanDisk Ultra USB-C offers a nice mix of fast data transfers and hereafter-proofing, so you can be sure it'll work with a variety of devices going forward.

The retentiveness stick comes with up to 256GB of storage and accommodates data transfers to and from a range of devices; for example, from your computer to an Android smartphone, as well equally Apple'due south latest Macs. SanDisk says that the drive achieves data-transfer speeds of up to 150 MBps.

When the USB flash drive is not in utilize, you can retract both connectors to limit chances of damage and go on your data abroad from harm and readily accessible. Simply exist aware that you'll pay a bit more for this USB-C drive compared with other options.

Kingston Digital DataTraveler Elite G2 (Image credit: Kingston)

8. Kingston Digital DataTraveler Elite G2 DTEG2

Helpful LED calorie-free

Specifications

USB type: USB iii.one

Storage: 32GB-128GB

Size: 2.34 x 0.75 ten 0.43 inches

Weight: 0.7 ounces

Reasons to purchase

+

Great design

+

Fast read/write speeds

+

Enough of storage options

Reasons to avoid

-

Could be easy to misplace

-

Limited manufacturer warranty

Another favorite from Kingston Digital, the DataTraveler Elite G2 is a popular USB drive that has USB 3.ane connectivity, letting it deliver ultrafast read and write speeds and store your content with ease.

Best of all, information technology comes with an LED light that tells you when information technology'southward connected and data is transferring, so you don't demand to guess at what's happening during utilise.

The memory stick, which comes in versions ranging from 8GB to 256GB, allows for data-transfer speeds of 180 MBps. If you don't accept USB three.1 ports, you tin can also rely on this drive to transfer data at USB 2.0 speeds.

The model that ships with 64GB of storage, a solid amount for about uses, is very affordable. Only prices will vary depending on the version you choose. The express five-year manufacturer'southward warranty isn't the best, but overall, this is i of the all-time USB wink drives available.

Samsung 32GB Bar (Prototype credit: Samsung)

ix. Samsung 32GB Bar MUF-32BE3/AM

Premium (and tough) metallic design

Specifications

USB type: USB 3.ane

Storage: 32GB-256GB

Size: ane.58 x 0.61 x 0.47 inches

Weight: 0.4 ounces

Reasons to buy

+

Peachy pattern

+

Fast read-write speeds

+

Damage-proof

Reasons to avert

-

Limited warranty of only 30 days

Samsung has delivered i of the better-looking USB drives with the 32GB Bar. And if information technology'due south a head-turning device you're after, Samsung's pick might be the best wink drive, period.

The device, which is made from loftier-quality metal, has a ring that you lot tin can use to attach the drive to and then yous don't lose it. Better withal, not only is it waterproof simply also shock-, magnet-, temperature and X-ray-proof, limiting the chances of damage.

Thanks to this wink bulldoze's USB 3.1 support, you lot should expect fast data transfers. You too get USB two.0 compatibility, which means information technology'll piece of work with just about any device. The Samsung Bar started off as a bit pricey compared with many other USB flash drives, just its price has dropped. This is a device that will allow you hands bring your data wherever you go, and will look darn good doing it.

SanDisk iXpand Flash Bulldoze (Image credit: SanDisk)

ten. SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive SDIX30N

Works with iPhone and iPad

Specifications

USB type: USB three.0

Storage: 32GB-256GB

Size: ii.32 x 0.51 10 0.66 inches

Weight: 0.2 ounces

Reasons to buy

+

Works with iPhone, iPad

+

Plenty of storage options

+

Can gratuitous up space on Apple devices

Reasons to avoid

-

Pricey

-

Adapter costs extra

If you're in the market for one of the very best USB drives available, and you're merely fine spending some greenbacks to get it, bank check out the SanDisk iXpand flash bulldoze. The device starts at 32GB of storage, though you lot can configure the iXpand to take upward to 256GB of space. Information technology has a metal finish to meliorate its durability, and thanks to its USB 3.0 connectivity, the device volition deliver fast data transfers.

The iXpand wink drive's most important feature is its Lightning connector, which lets y'all connect to an iPhone or iPad and transfer information to and from that device. Because how difficult it tin be to transfer information from those devices without Apple tree'south help, that feature alone could be a major selling point for the iXpand. But to become all that, be ready to shell out: The SanDisk iXpand USB flash drive is on the expensive side.

How to cull the all-time USB drive for you

When ownership USB flash drives, you'll desire to focus get-go on storage. If you have a large number of files, videos, or songs you lot want to carry effectually with you on a device, getting a USB drive with at to the lowest degree 64GB is disquisitional. Most varieties go up to 256GB, and a few at present accept 1TB versions in stock.

Only if you're more than concerned near getting a cheap memory stick for conveying fewer files, you tin can probably get by with 16GB or 32GB of storage infinite.

Aside from that, you'll desire to consider other critical features, such as read/write speeds. The faster the speed, the more data you can write to the drive and admission what y'all're trying to see. That'south why nosotros would expect for USB 3.1 support or, at the least, USB 3.0 support if yous care nigh performance.

Y'all can tell if a USB-A bulldoze supports USB 3.0 or higher if the inside of the plug is colored blue. Near USB-C drives back up USB 3.0 by default.

Some other gene to consider is design. Flash drives aren't the sexiest of devices, merely they come in a diversity of shapes and sizes. In terms of durability, look for USB drives that have daze-proof designs, waterproof-designs, and other features that limit chances of your drive being damaged.

Last merely to the lowest degree, check the warranty on that USB flash drive; a lifetime warranty is preferred but v years is a decent fallback choice.

Paul Wagenseil is a senior editor at Tom's Guide focused on security and privacy. He has also been a dishwasher, fry cook, long-booty driver, code monkey and video editor. He's been rooting around in the information-security infinite for more than fifteen years at FoxNews.com, SecurityNewsDaily, TechNewsDaily and Tom'south Guide, has presented talks at the ShmooCon, DerbyCon and BSides Las Vegas hacker conferences, shown upward in random TV news spots and fifty-fifty moderated a panel give-and-take at the CEDIA abode-technology conference. Yous tin can follow his rants on Twitter at @snd_wagenseil.

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Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-usb-drives

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