Enjoy the convenience and diversity of USB-C on the go
Despite the rise of excellent cloud storage services, you can’t beat a physical drive. These compact devices, especially those with USB-C interfaces, are preferred by many thanks to seamless, fast data transfer (a feature heightened by the best USB cables) and the safety tangible storage can provide. The top USB-C flash drives on this list cater to diverse needs and budgets, reflecting the desire for portable storage solutions.
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Source: Samsung
Samsung MUF-128DA
Editor’s choice
$25 $40 Save
$15The Samsung MUF-128DA/APC shines with its sleek metallic design and offers protection against water, shock, magnet, temperature, and X-ray exposure. But the device’s hearty design isn’t its only benefit. The drive leverages USB 3.1 technology, offering swift data transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s. It’s available in storage capacities ranging from 64GB to 256GB, so it’s a good choice for most users.
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Source: Kingston
Kingston Ironkey Keypad 200
Premium pick
$199 $210 Save
$11The Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 is a premium choice for safeguarding sensitive data, with its physical keypad and robust XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption. It’s available in several capacities, from 8GB-128GB, to accommodate needs ranging from modest personal use to demanding professional applications. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface facilitates max read speeds of 145 MB/s and write speeds of 115 MB/s.
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Source: SanDisk
SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C
Best value
The SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C shines, offering a broad storage capacity spectrum from 64GB to 256GB that’ll meet diverse user needs. Its USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface offers brisk data transfers up to 150MB/s, streamlining daily file exchanges. It’s also complemented by the SanDisk Memory Zone app for effortless file management, facilitating seamless one-click backups from your mobile device.
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Source: PNY
PNY Duo Link USB 3.2 Type-C Flash Drive
Best rugged
$17 $20 Save
$3The PNY Duo Link caters to the adventurous with its rugged metal design. It also offers various storage capacities, ranging from 64GB to 256GB, and can handle a lot of different file types. Utilizing the USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology, it provides fast data transfers up to 200MB/s. The inclusion of dual USB Type-C and Type-A connectors enhances compatibility across devices.
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Source: Lexar
Lexar JumpDrive Fingerprint F35
Best for security
$45 $60 Save
$15Taking a modern twist on security, the Lexar JumpDrive Fingerprint F35 employs biometric technology to ensure that only authorized fingers gain access to the data. It’s a blend of modern security features in a compact design. The JumpDrive offers a range of storage capacities (32GB to 256GB), catering to many users’ storage needs. The drive supports read speeds up to 150MB/s to 300MB/s, depending on the storage capacity.
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Source: SanDisk
SanDisk iXpand Luxe
Most versatile
The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe, with its dual connectors, simplifies file transfers across multiple devices. It frees space and automatically backs up photos on your iPhone. The drive’s sleek swivel design with a keyring hole and password protection via the iXpand Drive app ensures it’s ready-to-go and secure. It’s available in three storage capacities (64, 128, and 256GB) and has an average write speed of 135MB/s and read speed of around 185MB/s.
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Source: Lexar
Lexar JumpDrive D400
Best budget
The Lexar JumpDrive D400 is an affordable, straightforward storage solution with a transfer speed of up to 130 MB/s, thanks to its USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface with USB-A and USB-C connectors. Its budget-friendly nature doesn’t hinder its speed significantly. The metal casing and swivel design enhance its durability, making it ideal for those seeking a simple, reliable flash drive without any unnecessary features.
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Source: Kingston
Kingston DataTraveler Max USB-C Flash Drive
Best performance
$49 $53 Save
$4The Kingston DataTraveler Max offers stellar speeds up to 1,000 MB/s read and 900MB/s write, ideal for quick large file transfers. With capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB, it provides ample storage for your digital library. The blistering performance makes it a top pick for professionals and enthusiasts.
There is a USB-C drive for everybody
Having a trusty USB-C flash drive is akin to having a Swiss Army knife. These small yet mighty gadgets continue to evolve, each catering to varied needs and wallets. The Samsung MUF-128DA/APC is the go-to for no-nonsense daily use, balancing cost and performance. For those with Fort Knox-level security needs, the Kingston Ironkey Keypad 200 is a solid bet, while the SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C is a budget-friendly companion for daily data shuffles.
Our top three picks — Samsung MUF-128DA/APC, Kingston Ironkey Keypad 200, and SanDisk Ultra USB Type-C — are a blend of utility, security, and value these modern-day marvels bring to the table, each ready to serve the diverse digital demands faced today. If the limitations of a USB drive are a dealbreaker, there are plenty of high-performing SSDs or portable SSD options. The variety in contemporary storage solutions ensures there’s something for everyone.
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