Review of the best USB sticks of 2024

Flash cards are now an integral part of our lives, much outlived by such old storage media as floppy disks and DVDs, which were difficult to write on, and the devices themselves were quite fragile.

Unlike them, flash drives, although they appeared a long time ago, do not give up their positions to this day. And they will probably never give up, because despite the massive distribution of cloud services, flash drives are still simple and reliable tools for storing and transporting information. In addition, they do not require an Internet connection and, in most cases, do not take up much space.

In this article, we will select the most interesting types of flash cards on the market.

How to choose a flash drive

When choosing a flash drive, they usually pay attention to 2 parameters: Capacity and speed of writing / reading files. They are both responsible, respectively, for how much information will fit on the USB flash drive and how quickly it will be written there.

It should be borne in mind that the final volume of the flash drive will be less than the specified one, due to the technical features of the drive itself, because the operating system considers that in the 1st byte there is not 1000 kb, as some think, but 1024. This implies that in a conditional 1 GB of memory, it's actually 0.95 GB. This is especially noticeable on flash drives with large amounts of memory, because only 29.8 are left for 32 GB, and for 64 - 59.6.

It will also be useful to decide on the connection option. Indeed, in addition to the standard Type A connector, there are connectors such as Type C and micro USB. Type C is commonly used in MacBooks, while micro USB is commonly found in smartphones and some cheap laptops.

List of popular flash drives

	Name	Price
Flash drives with the highest data transfer rate	CORSAIR FLASH VOYAGER GS (CMFVYGS3)	from 5500 rub.
	HYPERX SAVAGE	from 6000 rub.
	KINGSTON IRONKEY S1000 ENTERPRISE	from 9000 rub.
	SANDISK EXTREME PRO USB 3.1	from 5000 rub.
The most successful cheap flash drives	KINGSTON DATATRAVELER SE9	from 700 rubles
	TRANSCEND JETFLASH 600	from 1000 rubles.
Flash drives with the largest memory capacity	KINGSTON DATATRAVELER ULTIMATE GT	from 55,000 rubles
	HYPERX SAVAGE 512GB	from 18,000 rubles
Flash drives with several types of interfaces	ADATA i-Memory UE710	from 6000 rub.
	SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0	from 750 rubles
USB flash drive with combination lock	Apricorn Aegis Secure Key	from 100 $

Flash drives with the highest data transfer rate

Сorsair Flash Voyager Gs (CMFVYGS3)

Price: from 5500 rubles.

This flash card from a rather famous company, dressed in a strict metal case, looks, though not very elegant, but it boasts high reliability and no less high data transfer speed.

It is produced in volumes of 64, 128 and 256 GB and, depending on the increase in memory capacity, the write speed also grows. So in the youngest version with 64 GB it is only 70 MB / s, which, by the way, is already a good result, in a 256 GB device the speed reaches 105 MB / s.

The reading speed does not change from model to model and is about 260 mb / s.

To connect to a computer, the device uses a USB type A connector version 3.0.

• High speed of data writing and reading;
• Robust and reliable metal body;
• Large amounts of data are available.

• Despite the fact that the case is metal, due to the lack of a cooling system, using a USB flash drive directly as an additional hard drive can be problematic due to overheating. This is especially noticeable when working with graphics directly from a flash drive.
• The price is overpriced, although it may differ in different regions.

Hyperx savage

Price: from 6000 rubles.

This flash drive looks like an attribute of an avid gamer, at least this is evidenced by the case with a huge red X, made in the same aggressive style in which gaming peripherals are created.

But this device is not attractive for design alone. It is also capable of storing huge amounts of information, ranging from 64 to 512 GB. The data transfer rates are impressive too. Depending on the model, it can reach 250 mb / s. This is for models with high memory capacity. In 64 GB devices, it is approximately 180 MB / s.

At the same time, the reading speed also remains at a height and does not drop below 350mb / s in any of the above models. For connection, the Type A connector of the latest generation 3.1 is used here.

• Stylish gaming design;
• High speed of reading and writing;
• Large amounts of memory available;
• No overheating problem.

• Quite bulky design, which makes it impossible to use it with another device in connectors located close to each other.

Kingston Ironkey s1000 Enterprise

Price: from 9000 rub.

This flash drive is intended mainly for the corporate segment. It is well suited for recording and storing important documents or other files, thanks to its own Iron Key encryption system, which ensures the safety of personal data at the hardware level and allows you to protect data with a password. It is installed using the special software included in the kit.

The flash drive itself looks very minimalistic in an iron case with an engraved IronKey logo and a small light bulb that informs about the performance.

At the moment, all modifications from 4 GB to 128 GB are available on the market. It uses a USB 3.0 interface and has an average data transfer rate of 300 mb / s with a read speed of 400 mb / s. It is noteworthy that the read and write speeds are the same regardless of the modification.

• Convenient minimalist design;
• Robust metal case, water resistant;
• Built-in hardware encryption;
• Special software that allows you to work remotely with IronKey drives;
• One of the fastest flash drives.

• It gets very hot during work;
• In order to use IronKey, you need special software preinstalled on the device with which the flash drive will be used;
• The price is quite high.

SanDisk Extreme Pro Usb 3.1

Price: from 5000 rubles.

And the fastest flash drive at the moment was released by SanDisc. The writing speed is 380, and the reading is 420 MB / s. The secret of this high speed is probably the pSSD technology that was used to create this device. In general terms, this is no longer exactly a USB flash drive, it is an SSD disk reduced to the size of a flash drive.

For those who constantly write a lot of small files to their flash drive or, on the contrary, want to use it for storage for 4K movies, this device is perfect, because it comes with pretty decent memory capacities of 128 and 256 GB.

The body of the flash drive itself is metal, on top there is a switch with which the USB 3.1 connector is pulled out.

It is currently impossible to find competitors on the market with the same write speed as SanDisk's Extreme line, but there is a small caveat. For normal operation, from time to time it is necessary to delete junk files from the SSD disk, which do not affect the materials on the Flash drive, but over time, reduce the performance of the flash drive.

This is done using the TRIM command.

• The fastest data transfer rate currently available;
• High-quality assembly;
• Attractive price among competitors with similar parameters;
• The manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty.

• No protection from dust and dirt;
• Heats up during operation, but there have been no cases of failure due to overheating;
• At the first start, you will have to reformat to the desired format for recording large files;

The most successful cheap flash drives

Flash cards based on the old USB 2.0 connector are still popular due to their low cost, because they can have any amount of memory. Only the recording speed differs. However, it is different at times. Judging by the tests, flash drives with a usb 2.0 interface cannot deliver more than 30 MB / sec. when recording. Here we take a look at some of the more interesting devices in this budget class.

Kingston datatraveler se9

Price from 700 rub.

A good compact flash drive with an interesting design in a metal case that protects it from negative environmental influences, and so well that, judging by the reviews, it can survive more than one wash in the washing machine. It can be easily attached together with the keys and forgotten, it does not take up much space.

Flash-cards of this model are of 2 types: 32 and 64 GB. Both of these options are inexpensive and work well as storage for business documents and other small files.

However, when uploading large files, problems begin. Since the write speed is only 15 mb / s, and the read speed is 25, it will take a long time to wait until a movie is recorded in high quality or a large ISO image.

• Reliable metal case;
• Beautiful and ergonomic design;
• Good price.

• Low speed of writing and reading;
• There are problems with firmware, which is sometimes buggy, especially if you insert it into the 3.0 slot, so you better refrain from such experiments.

Transcend Jetflash 600

Price: from 1000 rubles.

The next one on our list is a drive from Transcend. Here the situation is strictly opposite. The design of the device is completely unsightly. The most common plastic flash drive with a cap, even without a rope attachment, apparently the designer was on vacation when they made it, because it looks too common, although the color indicator looks good.

Nevertheless, the write speed here deserves special praise. The average write speed reaches 18 mb / s, and in some cases it can reach 30, which is a very impressive result for this class. The reading speed here varies from 30 to 40 mb / s, which is also very commendable.

You will have to pay a little extra for such a speed, and it's worth it or not, it's up to you to decide. The flash drive is available in a wide variety of available sizes, from 4 GB to 64 GB, so the choice is quite extensive.

• High read and write speeds are probably the fastest in their class;
• Lifetime warranty;
• A cute blue indicator that flashes when the system is accessing the device.

• Flimsy body. After some time, the lid will begin to fall off, and in general it must be treated rather carefully;
• The speed may drop when writing in FAT 32 format, it is recommended to format it to NTFS.

Flash drives with the largest memory capacity

Kingston Datatraveler Ultimate gt

Price: from 55 000 rub.

The absolute leader in this category is the new flash drive from Kingston, which holds a whole terabyte of data. And this is if we are talking about the younger version of this device. The maximum volume of this device is 2 Terabytes, and recently it is also available on the Russian market.

The recording speed is just as impressive as the volume. Its average value reaches 200 mb / s. Reading speed hovers around 300 mb / s. This device was a new discovery this year. Despite the fact that flash drives created using SSD technology are far from news, no one has yet thought of making a flash card with such a volume of data.

The flash drive itself looks pretty impressive. Much more conventional flash cards.It is a weighty rectangle made of metal with a sliding mechanism, parts of which are made of plastic. The design looks reliable and will likely serve its owner for many years.

But what's really impressive is the price. This device costs like a good laptop, so at the moment this is the most compelling reason why this device is not so popular.

• Huge amount of memory;
• High speed of reading and writing;
• Almost complete absence of heating during operation;
• Good build quality.

• Very high price;
• The flash drive does not support the hardware encryption function due to the specifics of the technological process;
• The device is not protected against dust and water.

HyperX Savage512GB

Price: from 18,000 rubles.

Another creation from HyperX, the same Savage line, as the previously reviewed model with a smaller volume. It has exactly the same design with a huge metallic red X and looks no different at all. The only difference is in the huge amount of memory - 512 GB

The write speed here is the same as that of the 128 gigabyte one and is equal to 250 mb / s according to the manufacturer's assurances. The reading speed is exactly a hundred more and is 350 mb / s. Judging by the tests, these figures are not far from the truth, on average these figures are 220-230 MB / s for reading and 345 MB / s for writing. However, this speed is possible only when connected to connector 3.1.

Since this flash drive is also made using SSD technology, it does not support hardware encryption due to the limited number of rewriting cycles.

• High write speed;
• Nice-to-touch body due to soft-touch coating;
• Build quality;
• Relatively affordable price for devices with a similar amount of memory.

• Very bright indicator of the device's operation, which can cause inconvenience to people with sensitive eyes;
• The speed may drop when writing a large number of small files.

Flash drives with several types of interfaces

It often happens that there is a need to connect a flash drive to an apple device or to a smartphone. This is why some manufacturers make flash drives with several types of interfaces.

ADATA i-Memory UE710

Price: from 6000 rubles.

Special hybrid device for connecting to apple appliances. It is a plastic rectangular case with a retractable action mechanism that allows you to switch between the USB 3.0 interface and the lightning connector.

The write speed, however, is not very high, despite the USB 3.0 interface. It does not exceed 30 Mb / s. The reading speed is 94 mb / s.

With the Lightning interface, the situation is slightly different. If the USB 3.0 connector provided a high read speed at a relatively low write speed, then the Lightning interface in this regard is more balanced, though not for the better. Its read / write parameters are 30/20 Mb / s. respectively.

In order for your apple device to detect it, you need to download a special application from the appStore. After that, you can use it as additional storage for your files from iPhone or iPad, as well as view video files in any resolution directly from it, the speed is quite enough for this.

The device is available in 3 different versions: 32, 64 and 128 GB, which directly affects its price.

• Two connectors that allow you to connect it to a computer or apple devices;
• Lightweight and comfortable design;
• The ability to upload files directly from a flash drive to iCloud.

• Lack of protection from water and dirt;
• Sufficiently low read and write speed, although the read speed is sufficient to play any video files on apple devices;
• The need to install additional software on i-devices.

SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0

Price: from 750 rubles.

For those who do not use Apple technology, the SanDisk product may be to their liking.It also uses 2 interfaces: USB 3.0 and microUSB, which at least gradually fades into the background before TypeC, but is still used quite often.

Switching between them is carried out using a retractable mechanism. Actually, these two interfaces occupy the entire area of ​​the flash drive, since the manufacturer has reduced its size to a minimum. Its width is only 20 mm, with a length of 37 mm and a thickness of 11 mm. The body is made of plastic and is tightened in the middle with a metal bracket, which can be hung on a rope or used as a keychain.

Its write speed is also not very high. It is only 15 mb / s, but sometimes it can go up to 30. But the speed of reading files from it is impressive and can reach 130 mb / s.

This diminutiveness, in addition to convenience, has its drawbacks. When recording, it often heats up, there is no health indicator, and the mode switch is not very conveniently located.

• A miniature design that fits anywhere. In this case, you can hang it on a rope or use it as a keychain;
• Hybrid design that allows you to use it for both a computer and a smartphone;
• Not a bad amount of memory available for such a tiny device. It can vary from 16 to 64 GB.

• During operation, it overheats noticeably, which was noted by many users;
• Low write speed, which is partially offset by the price;
• Inconvenient switch of connection modes.

USB flash drive with combination lock

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key

Price: from 100 $

Our list already included protected flash drives, such as Iron key, but they were protected only at the hardware level. The device from Apricorn is a rather heavy monolithic block, with a cap that covers the entire flash drive.

The device itself has a keyboard that is used to enter the administrator password. Only after that will it be determined by the device. You set the password yourself according to the instructions that come with the device. However, when creating a password, remember that if you enter it incorrectly more than 20 times, then all data is automatically deleted.

Data can also be deleted by entering a special self-distract pin, which allows you to destroy all information if the need arises. You also install it yourself.

By the way, hardware encryption is also present here. This is the 256-bit AES system used by the military. In order to receive data from a flash drive, a special program must be installed on the computer, which comes with the kit, which serves as a kind of decryption key.

In pursuit of data reliability, manufacturers have forgotten about their write speed. The read / write speed is at the level of cheap flash drives, namely 30 mb / s for writing and 35 for reading.

As for the capacity, the manufacturer has provided a very large assortment for a wide range of users. Aegis Secure Key capacity starts at 8GB and ends at 480.

• Unrivaled two-layer data protection system;
• Robust and reliable design, well protected from water, dirt and damage, but only when the cap is on;
• A huge selection of performances by the amount of memory, designed for any category of users.

• Very low data transfer rate;
• The need to install additional software to read data.

The choice of a flash drive should be based on how it is supposed to be used, what volumes will be stored on such a medium.