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This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Flash drives, or USB drives, are convenient storage media that allow you to transfer files from one computer to another in the most convenient way. in a simple way. However, when choosing such an accessory, it is advisable to take into account many parameters that will determine ease of use. To make your search for a suitable drive easier, we have compiled a rating of the best flash drives.

What you should know when choosing a flash drive

Choosing a flash drive is not as simple as it seems. Of course, if you plan to use the drive mainly for transferring documents, you can take the first one you come across (or the most beautiful one). But if they are stored on it large files or multimedia with a high bitrate - movies in Full HD resolution, for example - then you should approach the choice responsibly.

Flash drive connectors (USB Type-C, USB Type-A, Micro USB)

The flash drive connector determines the hardware compatibility of this drive with the computer. The most popular standard is USB Type-A. This is a classic 4-pin connector rectangular shape, which is used in almost all computers.

In 2018, flash drives with a USB Type-C connector are becoming increasingly popular. This is an oval, symmetrical connector. Flagship smartphones, ultrabooks and hybrid laptops are equipped with this connector. For example, in MacBook Pro 2017 only uses USB Type-C, so you can’t install a “regular” flash drive in it.

Micro USB is a gradually becoming obsolete standard. It is used in smartphones and ultra-low-cost hybrid laptops. If you plan to work on the go and open files from a flash drive on mobile device– it’s worth purchasing a drive with two connectors: USB Type-A and Micro USB.

Adapters between connectors exist, as well as flash drives equipped with two connectors at once.

USB generation (1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1)

Maximum speed data transfer to and from a flash drive is determined not only by the performance of the built-in drive itself, but also by the generation of USB used. So, the limit values ​​are as follows:

USB 1.1 – up to 12 Mbit/s;

USB 2.0 – up to 480 Mbit/s;

USB 3.0 – up to 5 Gbps;

USB 3.2 – up to 20 Gbps.

It is self-evident that if you plan to copy to or from a flash drive a large number of information (several GB at a time), then it’s better not to skimp and take USB drive 3.0 or 3.1. For documents, small files, etc. Less recent generations will also fit.

By the way, USB 3.2 is only supported on USB Type-C.

Actual data volume

The actual capacity of a flash drive is always less than that indicated on the packaging. This is not only a marketing technique, but also technological feature. Flash drive manufacturers believe that 1000 bytes is 1 kilobyte. The operating system is sure of something else - 1 kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes.

As a result, the actual amount of data is always less than the nominal amount. And if you plan to store 30 GB of information on a flash drive, then a 32 GB drive will no longer be suitable - you need to take a 64 GB one.

The actual capacities of flash drives are listed below:

A 1 GB drive is actually 0.95 GB;

For 4 GB – 3.72 GB;

For 16 GB – 14.9 GB;

For 32 GB – 29.8 GB;

For 64 GB – 59.6 GB.

Actual data transfer rate

Two factors affect the actual data transfer speed:

The first is drive performance. This parameter varies between models (and often copies of the same series) of flash drives, and it can only be calculated experimentally.

The second is the minimum generation of USB. If you insert a “fast” 3.0 flash drive into a slow 1.1 port, the maximum transfer speed will be limited by the speed of port 1.1. Conversely, if you insert a slow 1.1 flash drive into a 3.0 port, the transfer speed will be limited by the speed of the 1.1 drive.

This is important to consider when purchasing a flash drive. If you plan to use the drive to record movies on it from a computer and then play it on a TV, and both devices are equipped with USB 2.0, you should not purchase a 3.0 drive - it’s a pointless overpayment.

Housing material

This parameter is worth considering if you purchase a high-speed USB flash drive 3.0 or a future drive is planned to be used very actively (for example, for ReadyBoost technology). When writing quickly, the flash drive becomes noticeably hot. And this heat needs to be removed somehow.

The best option is to buy a flash drive in a metal case. It acts as a radiator, cooling the drive and extending the life of the device.

For slow or rarely used flash drives, this option special significance does not have, any material or design of the case will do.

Rating of the best usb flash drives

The fastest flash drives

Why first place: Read speed – 420 MB/s, write speed – 380 MB/s.

Description: The rating is topped by the really fast SanDisk Extreme Pro flash drive. Thanks to hardware optimization and support for the USB 3.1 standard, it provides speed sequential recording at 380 megabytes per second. Reading is even higher - 420 megabytes per second. Therefore, it is suitable for transmitting 4K video, and even for launching and actively working with databases. This speed is ensured thanks to pSSD technology, that is, the device is not a flash drive in the classical sense of the term, but rather a compact SSD drive.

The flash drive is made in a metal case with laconic design. Two versions are available - 128 and 256 GB. The delivery set includes a special software, which allows you to encrypt data on a flash drive and protect it with a password.

Despite metal case, the flash drive is not protected from aggressive external environment. It is better not to wet it or drop it in the dust.

Advantages

High speed work;

Quality materials And reliable design;

LED operation indicator.

Flaws

Limited controller functionality (no display of rewrite cycles, for example);

Noticeable heating during use;

Megabyte sector layout out of the box, formatting will be required to optimize space.

Why second place: Write speed – 300 MB/s, read speed – 400 MB/s.

Description: Second place in the ranking goes to the special corporate flash drive Kingston IronKey S1000 Enterprise. It is distinguished not only by its high speed of operation, but also by its wide functionality. The flash drive is built on a USB 3.0 interface and therefore provides sequential writing at 300 megabytes per second, and sequential reading at 400 megabytes per second. It is presented in only one version – with a capacity of 64 GB.

The flash drive is housed in a metal, waterproof case. Supports hardware encryption and password protection of data using bundled software.

The kit also includes Iron Key software, which creates an online interface for remote access to data on a flash drive. Therefore, you can centrally administer multiple drives, which will be greatly appreciated by corporate users.

Advantages

Protected housing;

Useful software included.

Flaws

Heats up noticeably during operation;

Iron Key only works if the flash drive is inserted into the computer and the client is installed on it;

The connection connector is protected by a removable cap, which tends to get lost.

The best flash drives for 16 and 32 GB

Why first place: Best combination price and quality: USB 3.0, metal case, hardware encryption.

Description: High-speed flash drive, which is based on USB 3.0 technology. Thanks to this, writing is carried out at 20 megabytes per second, and reading at 135. The capacity of the flash drive, as the name of the model implies, is 16 gigabytes. The data transfer speed is sufficient, for example, for streaming video in Full HD 30 fps.

The flash drive is housed in a metal casing. There is no layer to protect it from moisture and dust, so it is better not to drown it or drop it in the mud. However, the flash drive has hardware data encryption and protection against unauthorized access using a password and bundled software. That's why she tops our rating.

Advantages

Full hardware data encryption and password protection;

Reliable metal case;

Minimum heating level.

Flaws

The decryption software only works on Windows and Mac OS, on others operating systems it will not be possible to remove the protection;

Wrong translation complete decryption software;

The connector is closed with a removable cap, which tends to get lost.

Why second place: Slightly lower speed than the previous flash drive, but also the lowest price.

Description: Transcend JetFlash 790 – good decision for those who need “just a flash drive”. At a low price of several hundred rubles, it supports the USB 3.0 standard, which provides a write speed of about 12 megabytes per second, and a read speed of about 90 megabytes.

The flash drive is housed in a plastic case with a retractable connector. There are no seals to protect against moisture or dust. The case has a built-in data transfer indicator - an LED flashing when copying or pasting.

The flash drive is executed in different versions memory capacity – from 16 GB (minimum) to 128 GB. The technical characteristics of all configurations are the same. Transcend JetFlash 790 – good universal device, and that's why we included it in the rating.

Advantages

Convenient configuration with retractable connector;

Minimum heating.

Flaws

Flimsy mechanism for extending the connector and locking it (which is typical for all Transcend JetFlash models);

Wide body, may take up too much space when used on laptops;

The LED indicator may seem too bright.

Why third place: Fast and secure, but relatively expensive flash drive.

Description: The rating is completed by one of the most secure flash drives on the market – Corsair Flash Survivor. It is housed in a waterproof case (withstands immersion to a depth of 200 meters) made of high-strength duralumin with rubber shock-absorbing gaskets and a hermetically screwed cap. Therefore, you can drop it, drown it, drive it over by car - nothing will happen to the data. The manufacturer is so confident in the security of the flash drive that it gives it a five-year warranty.

The flash drive supports the USB 3.0 standard, thanks to which the data writing speed is about 40 megabytes per second, and the reading speed is 80 megabytes.

The model also features a rich set of equipment. It comes with a chain and a token, which will appeal to “preppers” and will make this drive a good gift.

Advantages

Maximum housing protection;

Optimal read and write speed;

Quality of materials.

Flaws

Bulky, large-sized body;

Tight screw cap;

The flash drive module itself inside the case is not firmly fixed; it is better not to bend it near the connector.

The best Flash drives with a capacity of 64 and 128 GB

Why first place: High data transfer speed, hardware encryption.

Description: 64 GB flash drive configuration, which took first place in the ranking of drives with a capacity of up to 32 GB. Like " younger brother", this model offers high read and write speeds - up to 40 megabytes per second and up to 135 megabytes per second, respectively; USB 3.0 interface; dense metal case and hardware protection.

Data protection is implemented through hardware encryption - all files on the drive are encrypted, and you can access them only after entering a password. The corresponding software is included with the flash drive and runs on the most popular operating systems: Windows and Mac OS.

The flash drive, of course, does not need to be encrypted in order to provide access to data from various third-party computers.

Advantages

High read and write speed in use USB interface 3.0;

Support for hardware encryption;

Durable metal housing.

Flaws

Heats up noticeably during use;

There are no gaskets to protect against water or dust;

The connector is closed with a cap that is easy to lose.

Why second place: Maximum read and write speeds, but a relatively high price.

Description: HyperX Savage is not exactly a flash drive. The drive uses SSD technology, providing the highest data transfer speed in the rating. So, writing occurs at 250 megabytes per second, reading at 350. Of course, if you use a flash drive with a USB 3.1 interface.

Like other SSD drives in flash drive format, this model is initially divided into megabyte segments. Therefore, if you plan to store small files on it, it is advisable to format it immediately after purchase, setting the standard sector sizes for the required file system.

The body of the flash drive is made of plastic and does not have gaskets to protect it from moisture or dust. In addition, the outer shell is covered with soft-touch material, which is pleasant to the touch.

Advantages

Maximum data transfer rate;

Low heating during operation;

Pleasant to the touch plastic.

Flaws

Relatively slow recording in random access mode;

The soft-touch coating “collects” dust and lint;

Relatively heavy and bulky.

The best high-capacity flash drives

Why first place: Terabyte flash drive.

Description: The Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate GT terabyte drive is based on SSD technology, which allowed the developers to fit 1024 GB of internal memory into a compact case and provide high read and write speeds. In particular, sequential copying of data to it is carried out at 200 megabytes per second, and from it at 300 megabytes. To ensure this speed, the USB 3.1 protocol is used.

The flash drive does not support hardware encryption, as it requires frequent rewriting of segments, which is critical for SSD drives. The device body is made of metal with plastic inserts. The connector is retractable, and the ejection mechanism is implemented very reliably and will not fail even after many years of use.

Why second place: 512 GB - half that of the leader in the rating.

Description: Another SSD drive in flash drive format. All devices manufactured under the HyperX Savage brand have the same specifications. Therefore, like the 128 GB version, the 512 GB model has a sequential write speed of 250 megabytes per second and a read speed of 350 megabytes per second. Random access (for example, when copying small files) is a little slower, but still at the level of USB 3.1 interface speeds.

Similar to the 128 GB version, this flash drive does not support hardware encryption due to SSD technology limitations on the number of sector overwrites and is housed in a plastic case with a soft touch coating. Out of the box, the segment size is 1 MB, so for storing small files it is better to format it with other cluster parameters.

Advantages

Maximum read and write speed;

Pleasant to the touch body;

Low heating during operation.

Flaws

Heavy and bulky;

Needs formatting;

Low speed when writing small files.

The best Flash drives with two connection options

Why first place: Combination of USB 3.0 and Lightning speeds, original design.

Description: The top-ranking ADATA i-Memory UE710 flash drive is a good solution for quickly transferring data from a computer to an Apple smartphone or tablet without the need for copying via Dropbox or iTunes. The Lightning interface is used for these purposes. The flash drive communicates with the computer via USB 3.0, which provides high speed file copying.

To view data on a flash drive from a phone or tablet, you will need to install a special application downloaded from the AppStore. It is compatible with a huge number of file formats, so the drive is suitable for streaming music, watching movies or working with documents on the go.

The flash drive is made in a plastic case with two retractable connectors. There is no hardware encryption or protection from water or dust.

Advantages

High speed of file copying;

Special software included;

Original design and compact sizes.

Flaws

It is not a full-fledged “flash drive for iPhone”; it is useless without special application or when opening incompatible file formats;

No hardware encryption;

No protection against water and dust.