10 Best Usb Flash Drives 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 128 GB Ultra Fast USB 3.1 Flash Drive is a solid choice for anyone needing extra storage for photos, videos, or files. With a generous storage capacity of 128 GB, it can hold a large number of high-resolution images and videos, making it suitable for photographers and videographers. The USB 3.1 connection allows for impressive read speeds of up to 130MB/s and write speeds of 30MB/s, significantly faster than older USB 2.0 drives, which is great for quick file transfers.

One of the standout features is its retractable design, which not only adds portability but also protects the USB connector when not in use. Its lightweight build (just 0.32 ounces) makes it easy to carry around, whether you're slipping it in your pocket or attaching it to a keychain.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The drive's actual usable storage might be slightly less than 128 GB due to how operating systems calculate storage. Also, to achieve the advertised speeds, it must be connected to a USB 3.0 or higher port; otherwise, you’ll be limited to the slower speeds of USB 2.0. Additionally, files larger than 4GB require reformatting to exFAT or NTFS, which may be a hurdle for some users. In terms of durability, while it uses high-quality NAND flash memory, it’s important to handle it with care since it’s a small electronic device. Security features like data protection are built-in, which is a plus for those concerned about privacy.

The PNY PRO Elite V3 is a high-capacity USB flash drive with 1TB of storage, making it ideal for users needing to store large files such as 4K videos, high-resolution photos, or extensive project files. It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, offering very fast read speeds up to 1000MB/s and write speeds up to 800MB/s, which is perfect for quickly transferring big files. This speed level suits professionals like content creators, designers, or anyone who values fast data handling.

Its premium metal design provides a sturdy build and a sleek look, ensuring durability and suitability for mobile use. The compact size is easy to carry and helps prevent damage during transport. The drive uses a standard USB Type-A connector compatible with most desktop and laptop computers, and it also works with older USB versions, making it versatile across different devices.

While the drive emphasizes extreme performance, it does not include built-in security features such as encryption or password protection, which some users might require for sensitive data. Additionally, as a flash drive, it is better suited for file storage and transfer rather than long-term archival, which is typical for this type of product. The PNY PRO Elite V3 is a strong option for those needing a fast, large-capacity, and durable USB drive, particularly professionals working with large files. Its speed and design are notable, though users requiring security features may need to consider additional software or options.

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO USB 3.2 flash drive offers a very large storage capacity of 1TB, making it ideal for users who need to carry substantial amounts of data like photos, 4K videos, or large work files. Its USB 3.2 support allows for fast transfer speeds up to 420MB/s read and 380MB/s write, which is great for quick file moves, especially compared to older USB versions. The drive’s physical size is compact and lightweight (about 2.8 x 0.8 inches and 0.64 ounces), making it easy to carry around without bulk. The durable aluminum metal casing adds resistance to everyday bumps and wear, giving it a sturdy feel that can handle frequent use better than typical plastic drives.

Security-wise, it includes SanDisk SecureAccess encryption software to help protect your important files with password protection, and also offers data recovery software for accidentally deleted files, which is a nice extra safety net. Compatibility is broad, working well with laptops and desktops, and it’s backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, so it can connect to older devices, though at slower speeds. While it’s marketed as USB 3.2, the hardware interface is listed as USB 3.0 in some specs, which may cause some minor confusion but doesn’t significantly impact performance. The flash drive is primarily made for use with computers and may not be ideal for use with some mobile devices without adapters.

This SanDisk flash drive is an excellent choice for users needing large, fast, and durable storage for personal, gaming, or business use, with added security features and broad device compatibility.