Best USB Flash Drives with High Data Transfer Speeds

The SanDisk Ultra Luxe 256GB USB flash drive offers a read speed of up to 400 MB/s thanks to the modern first-generation USB Type-C connector. This allows you to instantly access the necessary files and play high-quality media content (4K, 8K, Blu-Ray, uncompressed audio formats) without delays. The built-in cache optimizes the recording process. Thanks to OTG support, the drive is compatible with smartphones, TVs, TV and game consoles, receivers and other equipment with a USB-C connector. The manufacturer claims support for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows operating systems. The company offers RescuePRO software, with which you can protect the contents with a password (128-bit encryption is used), create backup copies and restore data.

The flash drive design is distinguished by its reliability. The case is made of metal, and there are no inconvenient caps. At the same time, the connector is safely hidden inside and is brought into working position by a retractable slider at the bottom. All electronic components are reliably protected during transportation in a pocket, backpack, and the case itself is resistant to mechanical damage. SanDisk Ultra Luxe USB Type-C 256Gb can be hung on a keychain or strap using the eyelet on the back. It is worth noting the long 5-year manufacturer's warranty.

The Kingston DataTraveler Max 256GB USB flash drive demonstrates ultra-fast data exchange via the USB-C Gen2 interface. The read speed reaches 1000 MB/s and the write speed is 900 MB/s, which allows you to save FHD movies to memory in a few seconds, play 4K / 8K content via TVs and media consoles, and process media files without first copying to a PC. The connector with OTG technology support provides connection to mobile gadgets and other equipment equipped with a USB-C port. The activity indicator notifies about the device status and prevents premature disconnection, which can lead to a violation of the integrity of files. The volume of 256 GB is enough to store a personal archive, create an effective recovery disk and maintain a PC (laptop), back up databases and other important information.

The ribbed case provides a good grip for your fingers, but the use of plastic calls into question the reliability of the controller and memory chips protection in the event of a fall or mechanical pressure. The drive is not optimized for transportation in cramped conditions (pocket of trousers, backpack, suitcase), which is also indicated by the dimensions (82x22x9 mm). The connector is hidden inside and slides out using a slider. The design has been tested for reliability, and the general manufacturer's warranty is 5 years. It is also worth noting that the company offers free technical support in case of problems or data loss.

Many flash drive manufacturers follow the mass market, increasing capacity and speed, but not particularly caring about data security and long-term operation of the device. Samsung BAR Plus is different from them, combining high write/read speed, a large memory reserve of 256 GB and increased security measures.

The drive is encased in a protective metal case that is shockproof, can withstand immersion under water (up to 1 m deep for 72 hours) and boasts resistance to X-rays, temperature changes and demagnetization. At the same time, the Samsung BAR Plus is compact and lightweight even by the standards of compact flash drives - its dimensions are 40x16x12 mm and weighs only 12 grams.

The device's data reading speed is 300 MB/s. The manufacturer claims that a 3 GB file can be copied from the drive in just 10 seconds. Writing files to a flash drive is traditionally slower. In addition to USB 3.1, the Samsung BAR Plus is backward compatible with the older USB 2.0.

The only downside to this Samsung brainchild is that it shows up under prolonged load: when copying a large database, you may notice that the flash drive's metal case has noticeably heated up. However, this does not happen very often, and such a drawback can be tolerated for the sake of increased protection.

The Transcend JetFlash 920 256GB USB flash drive allows you to exchange information between PCs and back up files with minimal waiting. Reading speeds are 420 MB/s and writing speeds are 400 MB/s, despite the use of a standard USB-A 3.2 Gen1 connector. It will take about 15 seconds to transfer 4 GB videos. The 256GB drive can hold thousands of documents and dozens of FHD movies with the ability to play them without freezing or overheating. Transcend JetFlash 920 256GB is ideal for the role of an external depository when working with video recorders or rendering video files. The model will provide the necessary efficiency for system administrators when installing the OS and software.

The flash drive is presented in a classic cast case with a small eye for attaching a strap and a cap. The latter protects against dust and water in case of accidental short-term contact, but can be lost. The metal frame is resistant to deformation even under load. The final chord is a sandblasted coating that will protect the case from corrosion and scratches. Additional advantages include the free RecoveRx program for recovering accidentally deleted files of a specific type (documents, photos, music, videos), as well as Transcend Elite Data Manager software with an extended set of functions - encryption, password creation, cloud data backup, backup management.

The Transcend JetFlash 930C 256GB USB flash drive combines high flow Rate similar to modern SSDs. The read speed reaches 420 MB/s and the write speed is 400 MB/s, which eliminates all limitations in use. The drive is ideal for playing 4K movies, recording TV shows, using as an emergency disk for diagnostics and PC recovery, as well as for expanding the memory of game consoles. The key feature of the flash drive is support for all operating systems and the ability to connect to any device via USB-A and USB-C connectors. Transcend JetFlash 930C allows you to exchange large amounts of data between PCs, laptops and mobile gadgets in a few minutes, while the memory capacity is 256 GB.

The electronic components of the device are protected by a metal case, and the connectors are covered with removable caps that can get lost over time. The kit includes Transcend Elite and RecoveRx software, which will help organize the workspace on the flash drive, automate the creation of backup copies and quickly restore deleted data. However, it is worth noting that the increased dimensions (length 71 mm) can make it difficult to carry the flash drive in your pocket.