Best flash drives of 2024: USB memory sticks for all your data storage needs

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REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
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A USB flash drive with the words "best USB flash drive" next to it on a gray background
Here are the best USB flash drives (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The best flash drives are hardly obsolete. Even in the shadow fast and compact SSDs that are much cheaper than before, flash drives – also known as memory sticks – still have their place in the world. And, they continue to serve their purpose of keeping your files portable without forcing you to spend $100 / £100 or more.

Whether you have files that you need to bring with you, are trying to back up important files, or simply need extra storage for your laptop, an excellent flash drive should save you some money. Better yet, these newer flash drives have increased their data transfer speeds and storage capacity to up to 256GB, which means that they’re capable of storing large files like videos, high-res photographs, and music. Many even come with data encryption and security to ensure that your files are safe.

We've compared these flash drives on various points, from their storage capacity and connectivity options to their read and write speeds and encryption features. We also assessed their portability, overall performance, and pricing, among other things. 

The best USB flash drives should let you store and keep safe your important files and documents in a tiny pocket-sized device. And, unlike external SSDs or hard drives, they won’t cost you a small fortune. These are our top picks for every need and budget.

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The best flash drives of 2024 in full

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Kingston DataTraveler Max

The Kingston DataTraveler Max features a slim plastic chassis which makes it light and extremely portable. (Image credit: Kingston)
Solid flash drive that packs the performance of an NVMe SSD

Specifications

Capacity: 1TB
Interface: USB-C

Reasons to buy

+
Small and compact
+
Excellent performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Type-C port limits compatibility

The Kingston DataTraver Max is a blazingly fast USB flash drive that packs in the performance of an external SSD in small chassis. Thanks to a combination of high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector and fast TLC flash memory from Micron TLC, you can expect this flash drive to offer spectacular speeds. 

It also features a keyring loop for additional portability and its sliding cover means that you will not have to worry about losing a cap.

While the 1TB model will allow you to bring all of your most important files with you, Kingston also offers both a 256GB and a 512GB version. The USB-C port does limit compatibility with older devices but this USB flash drive will pair well with most modern Android smartphones.

Read the full review here: Kingston DataTraveler Max

Patriot Supersonic Rage 2 at an angle with its cap off on a white background

If your flash drive needs demand blazing fast speeds, then the Patriot Supersonic Rage 2 is an excellent choice. (Image Credit: Patriot)

2. Patriot Supersonic Rage 2 USB flash drive

High-end USB flash drive with fast speeds

Specifications

Capacity: 128GB
Interface: USB 3.0

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely fast
+
Huge capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

If your flash drive needs blazing fast speeds, then one of the best USB flash drives to consider is the Patriot Supersonic Rage 2. Sure, the price is high, but we were blown away with just how fast this device is. If you need to move around large files quickly, then this is definitely worth the cost. 

The Rage 2 has readings speeds of 400MB/s and writing speeds of 300MB/s, which is significantly faster than the previous model (the Supersonic Rage XT has reading and writing speeds of 180MB/s and 50MB/s). 

The flash drive utilizes MLC Nand and has an LED light for indicating transfers. It also comes with 128GB of storage space, which is a phenomenal amount to carry around in your pocket. This large capacity flash drive is perfect for traveling media professional, just make sure you don't lose it! 

SanDisk Extreme CZ80 at an angle on a white background

The SanDisk Extreme CZ80 offers plenty of storage space and fast file transfer speeds. (Image Credit: SanDisk)

3. SanDisk Extreme CZ80 USB flash drive

A reliable flash drive that's fast and cheap

Specifications

Capacity: 32GB
Interface: USB 3.0

Reasons to buy

+
Cheap
+
Fast

Reasons to avoid

-
Not quite the fastest stick out there

The brilliantly priced SanDisk Extreme CZ80 is among the best USB drives, as it offers plenty of storage space and fast file transfer speeds. Be prepared to be impressed as while it’s priced more towards the budget end of USB sticks, its performance is anything but budget. Its read speeds go up to 190MB/s and write speeds extend to 170MB/s. This one is a speedy little performer. 

SanDisk offers 128-bit AES encryption and the SecureAccess software ensures maximum protection for data-sensitive files on the flash drive. The flash drive itself has a sturdy feel to it, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Plus, the slide-out design of this stick means you can tuck the USB interface into the body when not in use, protecting it and minimizing the risk of it getting damaged when you're carrying it around.

Verbatim Pinstripe at an angle on a white background

The Verbatim Pinstripe is the cheapest USB 3.0 drive on the market per GB. (Image Credit: Verbatim)

4. Verbatim Pinstripe USB flash drive

Best budget 128GB flash drive

Specifications

Capacity: 128GB
Interface: USB 3.0

Reasons to buy

+
High capacity
+
Good price

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most robust drive
-
Not very fast

This is the cheapest USB 3.0 drive on the market per GB. It comes with a two-year warranty as well as a capless/retractable cap design. 

It’s worth noting that Verbatim - a very well-known Japanese storage and memory manufacturer - sells it on its website where you’ll often find excellent deals on the device. As if it isn’t cheap enough as it is.

Since flash drives are portable devices that are stored in a lot of places and passed around between people, bacteria's bound to thrive. But Verbatim uses Microban antimicrobial protection that prevents the growth of microorganisms like bacteria. This technology is used during the flash drive's manufacturing, so it is a permanent feature that works constantly without wearing off. The antimicrobial technology works at a cellular level to hinder the growth of microorganisms. 

PNY Turbo 256GB at an angle on a white background

The PNY Turbo 256GB boasts read/write speeds of 80Mbps and 20Mbps respectively. (Image Credit: PNY)

5. PNY Turbo 256GB USB flash drive

Best 256GB flash drive

Specifications

Capacity: 256GB
Interface: USB 3.0

Reasons to buy

+
Huge capacity
+
Good speeds

Reasons to avoid

-
No built-in encryption

PNY is another memory manufacturer turned player in the USB market. The PNY Turbo 256GB USB drive one of the best USB drives right now, featuring a capped design for protecting as well as read/write speeds of 80Mbps and 20Mbps respectively. 

These are not the fastest speeds out there so if you require something with more oomph, then check out some of the other USB drives in this roundup. The PNY Turbo is a good pick if you're prone to losing your flash drive caps. It features a sliding mechanism, so even when the cover is extended, the flash drive is the same size as when it's retracted. But a problem with this is that you can't use it single-handed, and you'll find it easier to use both your hands to expose and cover the USB port. 

Patriot Viper Fang at an angle on a white background

The Patriot Viper Fang has a zinc alloy body with aluminum accent. (Image Credit: Patriot) (Image credit: Patriot)

6. Patriot Viper Fang

Excellent flash drive for gamers in need of storage space

Specifications

Capacity: 128GB – 1TB
Interface: USB 3.1

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Durable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as fast

The Patriot Viper Fang is a USB 3.1 drive (compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0) from one of the most established memory players on the market. However, the manufacturer is a relative newcomer to this segment.

Still, this hard drive rightly deserves a spot on this list, with its zinc alloy body with aluminum accent and read/write speeds of 380Mbps and 70Mbps, respectively. Let’s just say that it’s no slouch. Plus, it also comes with a five-year warranty.

The flash drive's aluminum casing offers shock resistance and a fairly durable feel. The Viper Fang is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, and it doesn't require any software or drivers to run. 

This flash drive's available in four sizes: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Since new AAA games are anywhere between 15GB to 100GB in size, the 512GB and 1TB models will be quite useful for avid gamers. 

Samsung T3 SSD from the front on a white background

The Samsung T3 SSD offers absurdly high read speeds of up to 450Mbps. (Image Credit: Samsung)

7. Samsung T3 SSD USB flash drive

Best 1TB flash Drive

Specifications

Capacity: 1TB
Interface: USB 3.1

Reasons to buy

+
Very good performance
+
Very high capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

If you are looking in the premium territory of the best USB flash drives, then the Samsung T3 is worth taking a look at. Not only does it offer absurdly high read speeds of up to 450Mbps thanks to Samsung's own 3D V-NAND technology, but it also comes with a three-year warranty and has a USB Type C connector.

Note that it is much bigger than a traditional flash drive and it does cost about five times a traditional hard drive of a similar capacity. In comparison, a 1TB SSD like the Samsung EVO 850 costs just £240. It comes with V-NAND like the Samsung Portable T1 and it does boast speeds of 530Mbps and 520Mbps in read/write mode respectively. Note that you will need to get a separate enclosure to get it to work with a standard USB port.

SanDisk Ultra Fit CZ43 at an angle on a white background

The SanDisk Ultra Fit CZ43 is a low-profile USB stick. (Image Credit: SanDisk)

8. SanDisk Ultra Fit CZ43 USB flash drive

Small, cheap, and unobtrusive flash drive

Specifications

Capacity: 32GB
Interface: USB 3.0

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and portable
+
Cheap

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very fast

If you don't want a USB stick jutting out the side of your laptop or tablet while you use it or having one is simple not ideal – for example, when you’re using it while traveling, then a low-profile USB stick is an excellent choice. Take the SanDisk Ultra Fit CZ43. It’s small and light enough to easily carry around. And, when it's plugged into your laptop, it doesn't stick out much from the body, making it more secure when you’re using it on the go.

That’s not all; it’s also very cheap, at around £10 for the 32GB version, with 64GB and 128GB versions also available. It's not quite as fast as many of the best USB flash drives we mentioned here, but if you want a small form factor USB stick, it's worth the trade-off.


What is a flash drive?

A flash drive is a tiny storage device that has no moving parts. Unlike external hard drives, these compact devices are better suited for short-term use and portability. 

Flash drives or thumb drives can connect with other devices using either USB Type-A or USB-C connectivity. 

How to choose the best flash drives for you?

• It's not worth looking for memory sticks smaller than 64GB simply because the price difference you pay for two or four times the storage is tiny.

• Make sure you include delivery price when doing the numbers as quite often you end up paying more for the postage than the drive itself, particularly for low cost models.

• USB 2.0 is sufficient for smaller capacities but not for bigger ones where write speeds can get sluggish. Larger flash drives (128GB or more) often come only with a USB 3.0 connector.

• If you plan on moving files to and from portable devices (tablets or smartphones), consider a memory stick with a microUSB connector and a full-size USB one.

• Avoid buying your memory sticks from vendors with little feedback on auction websites as these drives might turn out to be fake. All the vendors listed are tried and trusted ones.

• Above 128GB, you might want to consider a SSD if you want ruggedness, portability, versatility and better performance without the cost.

• Note that the capacities are likely to be lower than stated when they are formatted and mounted on an operating system.

The best flash drives: How we test

To test the best flash drives, we examined them across numerous factors. For starters, we looked at their storage capacities, connectivity option (USB-A or USB-C), and read and write speeds. 

We checked whether the thumb drives offered consistent read and write speeds, and if they had security encryption features for sensitive data. 

We considered their build, durability, and design (especially whether they featured a cap-less design). We also assessed their size, weight, and pricing, among other aspects. 

Desire Athow
Managing Editor, TechRadar Pro

Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled in website builders and web hosting when DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.