SanDisk 512GB Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Product Information

This is easily the best USB drive for newer laptops, like the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, that have only USB-C ports. The Viper Fang is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, and it doesn't require any software or drivers to run. SanDisk's Ultra Dual Drive USB-C is a slick-looking flash drive that offers plenty of storage and fast data transfers. While this may be overkill for some, those looking to securely transport their most sensitive files will likely appreciate both the design and functionality of the Kingston IronKey Keypad 200. Available in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities, this ultra-secure USB flash drive works on any device as it's both OS and device independent.

As some businesses have learned to their cost, a USB drive isn’t always the safest place to hold sensitive data, particularly if it’s being carried around from work to home and back again or it slips out of a bag or pocket. 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. But for moving files between home and work or home and school, backing up some photos or just keeping installation files handy, this cost-conscious drive is just the job. There’s no faster way to move massive files than to plug a flash drive into one computer, copy the files across, then plug it into the other and reverse the process.Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech. For years, the SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 has proven to be one of the most popular USB drives on the market. Storing files in the cloud is convenient but a USB flash drive can serve as an excellent backup device, especially when the internet goes down.

However, if you’re more concerned about getting a cheap memory stick for carrying a few files, you can probably get by with 16GB or 32GB of storage space. Some drives come with software tools to encrypt and password-protect a specific folder, while a handful include some form of hardware security covering folders or the entire drive, blocking all access without a password or key combination. However, the SanDisk's 128-bit AES encryption and included SanDisk SecureAccess Software make this one of the best flash drives for the money. interface goes up to a potential 1,250MB/sec, although, again, no actual USB memory sticks get even close to that performance.

There’s an argument that USB flash drives (or memory sticks) are the best bargains in storage today. The memory 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 as Apple's latest Macs. Overall, the PNY Turbo offers a nice mix of features, storage and travel-friendliness, which is why it's one of the best USB flash drives.

Note that the capacities are likely to be lower than stated when they are formatted and mounted on an operating system. Performance is determined by three things: the interface, USB mass storage controller and NAND flash memory chip within the drive.

Where a stick supports both the USB Type-C and Type-A interfaces, we’ll test with both to see if there are any discrepancies in performance between the two. This really comes down to the speeds of the controllers on the drives and the flash memory being used.

Everything is encased in a slick metallic casing that’s not just waterproof and shock-proof, but temperature-proof, magnet-proof and X-ray proof. With one or even a few of the best USB flash drives, you can bring your most important files with you everywhere and move large files from one computer to another but also to printers, routers or even a smart TV. We considered their build, durability, and design (especially whether they featured a cap-less design).

While most USB flash drives used to look much the same, we’re now seeing a wider range of bar-type drives (with a metal case that extends away from the USB connector), drives with concealed slide-out connectors and low-profile drives designed to fit almost entirely inside a laptop, leaving only a small tab to pull the device out with. Thanks to an aluminum finish, the Extreme Pro should be able to withstand shocks and other damage and keep working without causing you worry about your data. Also, if you want something that's harder to lose, check out our roundup of the best external hard drives. Last but not least, check the warranty on a USB flash drive; a lifetime warranty is preferred but 5 years is a decentfallback option.