10 bestFastest USB Sticksof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Amazon Basics - 128 GB, USB 3.1 Flash Drive, Read Speed up to 130 MB/s, Black
Amazon Basics
9.8
41% off
2
Kingston DataTraveler Kyson USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive 128GB - Stylish Capless Metal Case
Kingston
9.6
3
SanDisk 128GB Ultra Dual Drive Go USB C Flash Drive, USB C memory stick for Android smartphone, tablets, Macs, USB stick up to 400 MB/s, reversible USB Type-C and USB Type-A connectors, Navagio Bay
SanDisk
9.3
4
USB C Memory Stick 128 GB, 2 in 1 Type C Flash Drive 128gb USB Key Portable Otg Pendrive 128gb for Tablets, New Macbook, Android Smartphones, Samsung, Huawei, Oneplus Etc. (Blue)
Geweo
9.0
6% off
5
Kingston DataTraveler Exodia Onyx USB Flash Drive 3.2 Gen 1 DTXON/256GB - with Sleek Moving Cap
Kingston
8.7
OtherUp to 16% off
KEXIN USB C Flash Drive 128GB USB 3.0 Dual OTG USB C Memory Stick USB Stick Type C Thumb Drive Pen Drive for PC Tablet Laptop TV Car USB C Smartphones (Huawei Honor Samsung Xiaomi) Black
Corsair 512 GB USB 3.1 Voyager GTX Premium Flash Drive, Black
Patriot XPORTER CORE 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A - Thumb Drive - Pen Drive - PSF1TBXRB3U
Kingston DataTraveler Max - 256GB - USB 3.2 Gen 2 - Flash Drive Type-A - Up to 1,000MB/s Read, 900MB/s Write
6
SSK USB 3.2 Stick 64GB USB C Memory Sticks 200MB/s Transfer Speed Dual USB Flash Drive 2 in 1 Type C+USB 3.1 Pen Drive Metal Thumb Drive Waterproof Pendrive for Type-C Phone,Macbook/Pro/Air/Ipad,PC
SSK
8.4
28% off
7
Samsung flash drive FIT PLUS 256GB
Samsung
8.2
15% off
8
Kingston DataTraveler Exodia M USB 3.2 Gen 1 DTXM/128GB - with Moving Cap (Black + Red)
Kingston
7.9
9
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO USB 3.2 Solid State Flash Drive, up to 420 MB/s read speeds, up to 380 MB/s write speeds, password protection, RescuePRO data recovery software, durable casing
SanDisk
7.6
10
SanDisk 256GB Ultra Luxe USB Flash Drive, USB 3.2 Gen 1 + USB 3.0 capable up to 400 MB/s read speeds, Password protection, Data recovery software
SanDisk
7.3
A Guide to Selecting the Best Fastest USB Sticks
When choosing a USB stick, especially if speed is a priority, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact performance and usability. USB sticks, also known as flash drives, are portable storage devices that can be used for transferring data between computers and other devices. The right choice depends on your specific needs, such as the type of files you plan to store, how often you'll use the drive, and the devices you'll connect it to. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get a USB stick that meets your speed and storage requirements.
USB Version
The USB version is a critical factor in determining the speed of a USB stick. USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2 are common versions, with each subsequent version offering faster data transfer rates. USB 2.0 is the slowest, with speeds up to 480 Mbps, while USB 3.0 and above can reach speeds of 5 Gbps or more. If speed is your priority, aim for USB 3.0 or higher. Consider what devices you'll be using the USB stick with, as they need to support the same version to achieve maximum speeds.
Read and Write Speeds
Read and write speeds indicate how quickly data can be transferred to and from the USB stick. These speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Higher read speeds mean faster access to files, while higher write speeds mean quicker saving of files. For general use, a read speed of 100 MB/s and a write speed of 20 MB/s might suffice, but for tasks like transferring large files or running applications, look for higher speeds. Consider your typical usage scenarios to determine the necessary speed.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity refers to the amount of data a USB stick can hold, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Common capacities range from 16GB to 1TB. If you plan to store large files like videos or software, opt for a higher capacity. For simple document storage or occasional file transfers, a smaller capacity may be sufficient. Assess your storage needs based on the types of files you handle and how much data you typically store.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability and build quality are important if you plan to use the USB stick frequently or in various environments. Some USB sticks are designed to be water-resistant, shockproof, or have metal casings for added protection. If you need a USB stick for rugged use or travel, consider these features. Think about how and where you'll use the USB stick to decide on the necessary level of durability.
Compatibility
Compatibility refers to the ability of the USB stick to work with different operating systems and devices. Most USB sticks are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it's always good to check. Some may also offer additional features like encryption or software that only works on specific systems. Consider the devices and systems you use regularly to ensure compatibility.
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