The 10 Most Reliable Thumb Drives, Tested And Researched
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: SanDisk 128GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive - SDCZ73-128G-G46
SanDisk 128GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive - SDCZ73-128G-G46 is a fast, convenient, and easy way to store all your files and transfer them up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives. With our Built-in caching technology, files are written to the flash memory first so you can keep on working without delay, even while large files transfer. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Samsung BAR Plus 128GB - 400MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive Titan Gray (MUF-128BE4/AM)
Never worry about your data again with the Samsung BAR Plus USB 3.1 flash drive. Perfect for storing all of your data, this USB 3.1 drive provides an easy way to transfer files and access them anywhere. Safeguard your data with the water, shock, magnetism and x-ray proof construction of this reliable and secure storage device. Read Review
3. Best Speed: Micro Center SuperSpeed 5 Pack 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
This USB 3.0 flash drive features a read speed of up to 70MB/s, so you can transfer files at lightning speed and save storage space with minimal impact on your computer's performance. With its minimum write speed of 10MB/s, it's also a powerful backup solution for your digital life. It works flawlessly with Windows 7 or later operating systems Read Review
4. Best Portable: Enfain 16GB USB 2.0 Flash Memory Stick Drive Swivel Thumb Drives
The Enfain 16GB USB 2.0 Flash Memory Stick Drive Swivel Thumb Drives by Silicon Power are designed to protect your data with a 360° rotating aluminum cover, protecting the usb port and with eyelet hole on the end for easy attaching. With its sleek design, you can easily take this 16GB flash drive anywhere and use it in any device. Read Review
Are you looking for the most reliable thumb drives? Here are our top picks. You won’t waste money buying unreliable drives. Instead, you will spend your money on high-quality ones proven to work repeatedly. Almost every drive comes with some failure rate. Even the best USB flash drives have their fair share of issues.
However, they aren’t all equally likely to fail. The reliability of a memory stick depends on many factors, including the material, manufacturer, build quality, and testing procedures. Knowing how reliable a particular drive is can be difficult because manufacturers don't publish this information openly. We understand how frustrating it can be to buy a new drive only to have it fail after a few weeks or months of use. That is why we have researched the best USB flash drives for the money, so you don’t waste your time or money.
You'll have an easier time deciding with our SanDisk 128GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive - SDCZ73-128G-G46 recommendations. However, to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding a Samsung BAR Plus 128GB - 400MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive Titan Gray (MUF-128BE4/AM) if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.
Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!
RELATED: We have researched 10,338 reviews from customers to create a list top 10 most reliable usb flash drives in 2024
Our Top Picks
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Reliable and secure storage for your photos, videos, music, and files
- Rugged metal casing for durability with key ring to prevent loss
- Redefine everyday file transfers with speeds up to 300MB/s
- USB 3.1 flash drive with backwards compatibility (USB 3.0, USB 2.0)
- Safeguard your data (Water proof, shock proof, magnet proof, temperature proof, x-ray proof)
- SLIM FIGURE WITH LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY Gum size usb flash drive with 64GB capacity meets your daily needs in work, school, at home and while travelling. Digital storage for photos, music, videos, files and data transfer.
- PLUG AND PLAY Just plug the thumb drive then start data storage, backup and transfer between devices and locations. It supports Windows OS and compatible with PC, Laptop, TV, Car, Audio and etc
- HIGH DATA TRANSFER SPEED USB 3.0 flash drive with minimum read speed up to 70MB/s. Backward-compatible with USB 2.0 and transfer much faster
- RELIABLE DATA STORAGE OPTION The Micro Center USB Flash Drive is constructed from quality components and strictly tested to offer high performance. Backed by a 2-year warranty, providing worry-free use. A thumb drive you can count on. Note: USB3.1/Gen 1 is the same as USB3.0, the configuration is the same.
- SLEEK AND PRACTICAL DESIGN The memory stick’s hard plastic cover protects it from rough treatment. Offered in multiple colors so you can easily color-code your saved information. Cap prevents damage to the USB plug and the rear loop easily attaches to a keychain to prevent misplacing your thumb drive.
- SPECIAL WINDOW DESIGN BOX: A clear window design lets you to see what's in the box, creative and attractive.
- UNIVERSAL USABILITY: Suitable for data storage and transferring large files efficiently at th office, at home, in the school, in the events, to clients, to friends, and between machines.
- TWIST TURN & DURABLE BUILT: 360° rotating aluminum cover, protecting the usb port; with eyelet hole on the end for easy attaching
- PLUG & USE: Supports Windows 10/ 8/ 7/ Vista/ XP/ 2000/ 98/ ME/ NT Linux/ Mac OS; compatible with USB 2.0, backwards USB 1.1.
- GREAT VALUE PACKAGE:10 pack of 16 GB thumb drives, total 160 GB capacity; plus 12 appropriate size labels; super cost performance package deal.
- 30 DAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEE; 12 MONTHS MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY
- HIGH DATA TRANSFER SPEED USB 3.0 flash drive with minimum read speed up to 70MB/s. Backward-compatible with USB 2.0 and transfer much faster
- SLEEK AND PRACTICAL DESIGN The memory stick’s hard plastic cover protects it from rough treatment. Offered in multiple colors so you can easily color-code your saved information. Cap prevents damage to the USB plug and the rear loop easily attaches to a keychain to prevent misplacing your thumb drive.
- RELIABLE DATA STORAGE OPTION The Micro Center USB Flash Drive is constructed from quality components and strictly tested to offer high performance. Backed by a 2-year warranty, providing worry-free use. A thumb drive you can count on.
- PLUG AND PLAY Just plug the thumb drive then start data storage, backup and transfer between devices and locations. It supports Windows OS and compatible with PC, Laptop, TV, Car, Audio and etc
- SLIM FIGURE WITH LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY Gum size usb flash drive with 64GB capacity meets your daily needs in work, school, at home and while travelling. Digital storage for photos, music, videos, files and data transfer.
- ZARMST 5 YEAR WARRANTY - All of 256 gb ZARMST Pen Drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory. And we provide 5 Years warranty service. Questions will be responded to within 24 hours.
- ULTIMATE COMPATIBILITY - One end is USB Type C interface and a 3 in 1 interface on the other, which is not only compatible with most IOS devices (such as iPhone, iPad, Macbook) Android devices (Type C or Old Style Micro USB models), but also all kinds of traditional USB interface devices (laptops, tablets, TV’s, car audio systems, gaming consoles, and more), lets you easily transfer files back and forth between different devices.
- HIGH SPEED TRANSMISSION CHIP - ZARMST Memory Stick provides an easy and fast way to transfer all kinds of files. Up to 80M/S Read and 30M/S Write Speeds. ZARMST allows you to release the memory on your storage device offline without a data cable or cloud.(Performance may vary based on host device, interface, usage conditions, and other factors)
- 256GB 4 IN 1 PHOTO STICK - High quality aluminum frosted ZARMST usb c flash drive comes in a true 4 IN 1 Design, it has 4 built-in ports (USB-C, iPhone Port, Micro USB and Standard USB A Connector) with no additional adapters to make it more stable.
- APP FOR EASY FILE MANAGEMENT - Easily manage files on your IOS device with the LUV-Share app, it allows you view, access and back up all the files in your phone's memory in one place, available in the App Store. One-click back-up albums and contacts, and encrypted files function are all included.
- ★【Plug and Play】: No need to install any software, just simply plug the memory stick into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission. Thumb shape and non-slip sliding switch is convenient for you to hold and plug.
- ★【What You Get】: 5 Pack 64GB USB 2.0 Flash Thumb Drives (5 Mixed Colors: Black Red Blue Green Purple), 12-Month Warranty and Lifetime Technology Support. ENJOY THE RISK-FREE PURCHASE.
- ★【Retractable and Portable Design】: The pen drive features a retractable USB connector for you to extend it from the body easily at the push of a thumb. The capless design eliminates the hassle of losing usb drive caps. Compact size and lanyard hole is convenient for you to attach the zip drive to your keychain and carry everywhere.
- ★【Large Capacity and Fast Transmission】: 5 Pack 64GB USB Flash Drives Available in 5 mixed colors - Black Red Blue Green Purple. It's great for you to classify and store different files. The reading and writing speed of the USB 2.0 memory stick can reach more than 12MB/s and 5MB/s to ensure high-speed data transmission.
- ★【Wide Compatibility】: Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT /Linux, Mac OS and TV, car, audio device with USB port. 5 pcs 64GB thumb drives meet your most needs of daily storage for photos, music, videos and files. An impressive gift for your beloved and friends. NOTE: The default format system of the 64GB usb stick is exFAT.
- Verbatim has been a trusted brand since 1969 and guarantees this USB Thumb Drive with a Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Lightweight, slim design, perfect storage solution for all storage needs
- Push-and-pull sliding feature protects the USB connection when not in use, eliminating the need for a separate cap, which can be easily lost
- Verbatim PinStripe USB 2.0 drive makes transporting and sharing files simple
- Built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection helps fight bacteria growth; Microban is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company
- Lightweight and portable - The USB flash drive to be connected to a key or lanyard so that it can be easily placed in a pocket, briefcase, desk drawer or travel bag, making it not only a practical data storage tool, also has an elegant decoration process.
- USB Drive makes your life easier - No need to install any driver, just plug and play, save more time for your work, make everything more convenient.
- Perfect compatibility - Compatible with most systems such as Win XP/Vista/7/8/10, Linux, Mac OS X, etc., perfectly suit for your computer and other device. The USB 2.0 super speeds to save time when transferring, sharing or storing files, easy to share your work files.
- Reliable Guarantee - We promise the full refund or free replacement if you meet any issues with our products within 90 days. Just contact our after-sales service team from your order simply. We will reply to you as soon as we receive your message.
- Safe and Durable - The high-quality alloy is used on the outside of the flash drives to ensure its sturdiness and anti-fall. The inside uses the most advanced chip and technology, assembled through many complicated and strict processes, with excellent water resistance, magnetic resistance, high temperature resistance and X-ray resistance, so that its service life far exceeds that of other similar products, which makes you to store your data with more confidence.
- ➤【Safe and Durable】:The high-quality alloy is used on the outside of the USB flash drives to ensure its sturdiness and anti-fall. so that its service life far exceeds that of other similar products, which makes you to store your data with more confidence
- ➤【Small and Key Chain Design】:The thumb drives is so small and handy that you can put it in your pocket or purse.The end of the usb flash drive has a loop that can easily be attached lanyard,and for easy carrying,no need to worry about losing it.
- ➤【Huge Compatibility】:The flash drive plug and play, no need to install any software. You can easy backup from phone to PC . You can freely watch movies and listen to music just plug the USB C thumb drive into your phone.Support Windows /Mac OS, Compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 .Supports all Kinds of PC and Type-C Devices that feature OTG function.
- ➤【Secure&Quality Assurance】:operating temperture range is between 0℃ and 70℃, storage temperture range is between -40℃ and 85℃,high quality guarantee.Half an hour of continuous use of the USB flash drive, the temperature will not exceed 52 °C.
- ➤【Major innovation】: This USB flash drive utilizes the latest USB 3.2 Gen 1 up to 450MB/s, Greatly increase the read , our USB flash doesn't drop speed when used, other U-Disk are written from high to low speed, which seriously affects work efficiency
What to Look For in a most reliable thumb drives?
Sometimes, purchasing a product can draw some difficulties for shoppers, and that's why you shouldn't waste your time on unreliable sources of information. A variety of variables impact the most reliable thumb drives, along with all of the ones listed below. The formative assessment varies depending on the types and functions of the product.
We will give you some purchase guides to help you with your selection proc in the following sectors. Continue reading to learn about what you should look for when looking for the most reliable thumb drives:
Drive Styles
- Style - Does this look good with my branding?
- Print Area - If you have a large image or lots of text to be printed you'll need a drives with a sizeable print area.
- Price - While styles like the USB Pens and Lanyards are fun options they also come with a higher price point than something more standard.
Price
Compatibility
Memory Quality
Connector Options
Speed
Warranty
Storage Capacity
RELATED: We did the research for you. Read our in-depth guide for the most secure flash drive of 2024. Low prices, top models & expert support.
FAQs
What Data Can A USB Flash-drive Hold?
It depends on the USB drive's memory capacity. The amount of storage that is available on a USB drive is slightly less than what is advertised. This is because a small amount of room is taken up by the drive's software and file system.How Can I Protect The Files On My USB Flash Drive?
Encrypting your USB flash drive can help protect files. You can use a variety of encryption techniques to protect your USB flash drive. Many USB drives have built-in encryption capabilities. Windows OSes like Mac have built-in encryption features for USB drives. You can also encrypt USB drives with third-party encryption software.What Can Be Stored On A USB Flash Drive?
As a rule, if you can store it on your computer, you can store it on your flash drive. Some examples of data we've stored on flash drives include Software, Movies, Sound Tracks, .exe Files,...Are USB Flash Drives Reliable?
USB drives are reliable and some of the best drives are from reputable manufacturers. In general, USB drives are not susceptible to damages since they're not made of moving parts and do not require a consistent power supply. This means most USB drives are shock and water-resistant.What Is The Purpose Of USB Flash Drives?
Flash drives are commonly used for backing up, storing, and transferring data from one device to another. However, there are many other uses for these handy little devices, including; promotional handouts, scanning your PC for viruses, running portable apps, taking Linux OS for a spin, or locking/unlocking your computer.What Is The Life Expectancy Of USB Flash Drives?
A USB drive's lifespan is not measured by the number of years but by the number of write cycles which range from 10,000 to 100,000 depending on the technology used. If you save your file and do not use the USB for 20 years (assuming reasonable environmental conditions), the drive should still be usable with your file intact.Can My USB Flash Drive Be Plugged In At All Times?
Yes, you can leave your flash drive plugged in. However, be aware that leaving your flash drive plugged in leaves it open to malware attacks as well as physical damage or data corruption if the device it's connected to experiences power disruption.Why Can't I Copy Large Files To My USB Flash Drive?
If you are consistently working with files larger than 4GB, it is recommended to format your USB flash drives using exFAT or NTFS file format which doesn't have the 4GB limit.Generally, new information is continuously included into of most reliable thumb drives. Visit our sites for revisions and improvements regularly.
You now have a far better knowledge of how to purchase the most reliable thumb drives on the market. Hopefully, we've supplied you with enough information to help you make an informed decision. We'll see you in the following article.
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