The SanDisk Extreme Pro USB is popular for a reason. The latest version not only offers read/write speeds of up to 420/380 MB per second, but it also comes in a wide variety of storage sizes so that you can move up or down in cost depending on your needs. At up to 1TB of storage, you can fit a whole lot of data into a tiny form factor, making it perfect for creators or video editors who need to move massive video or audio files on the go. My iPhone or iPad is full. The SanDisk iXpand Luxe has up to 256 GB of storage and both Lightning and USB-C connection. It's the perfect way to free up your phone. 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.

Key specs – Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 1; Storage capacities: 64GB to 256GB; Claimed speeds: 150MB/sec read; Extra features: RescuePRO Deluxe file recovery software, five-year warranty 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. Show me the cheapest one. The SanDisk Ultra CZ48 32GB may not be particularly speedy or flashy, but it offers a hefty 32GB of storage at a seriously low price. Flash drives have never been more affordable, but with so many choices, your selection is a bit more complicated these days. Below are a few factors to consider before pulling the trigger on your new flash drive.

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. 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. Above 128GB, you might want to consider a SSD if you want ruggedness, portability, versatility and better performance without the cost. 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. Key specs – Interface: USB Type-C with Type-A adapter; Storage capacities: 32GB; Claimed speeds: 200-300MB/sec read, write not stated; Extra features: None

If you need speed, go for a flash drive with USB 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 technology, up to 10 times faster than the USB 2.0 standard. Also, ensure that the read and write speeds match your needs, as this may vary between devices.What’s more, a few USB flash drives now have clever dual-interface designs, allowing you to plug the same device into your Mac or PC (via a USB Type-A connector) and an iOS or Android device (using a Lightning or micro-USB/USB Type-C connector). This can be handy for transferring files between mobile and desktop/laptop platforms.

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? 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 testI want one that works with all my devices. The Lexar 128 GB JumpDrive Dual Drive D400 has both USB-A and USB-C, so it's simple to move fluidly between mobile devices and PC.