Best USB flash drives for on-the-go storage

Extreme Go 64GB

There are plenty of cheaper flash drives available, but SanDisk's Extreme Go speed and reliability make it worth the extra (modest) cost.

The best budget choice

Ultra Flair 16GB

You can get even cheaper USB 2.0 drives, but upgrading to a USB 3.0 drive will save you from the frustration of file transfers that seem to drag on forever.

The best for laptops

FIT Plus 128GB

If you're running regularly based on your laptop's storage limits, you might want to consider an ultra compact flash drive like the Samsung FIT Plus.

Better design

Flash Survivor Stealth 128GB

It may be too much if you're just passing files around the office, but Corsair's Stealth Survivor Flash is ideal for more dangerous job sites or outdoor adventures.

Better presentation

Supersonic Rage 2 Series 128GB

USB flash drives don't always meet their set read/write speed, but Patriot's Supersonic Rage 2 is one that won't disappoint if speed is your top priority.

USB flash drives are so abundant that they are often given away for free, but not all are created equal. Choosing the right unit can save you slow transfer speeds or extra volume on your keychain or bag.

These nine options cover everything from fast, wide units to rugged units that can withstand daily wear and tear.

(Need more storage? Check out our roundup of external hard drives!)

The best USB flash drives for storage on the go 1

Best Overall: Extreme Go 64GB

There are many cheaper flash drives available, but SanDisk's Extreme Go speed and reliability make it worth the extra cost if you move large files regularly. The drive's retractable plug means there's no limit to lose, and both 64GB and 128GB drives are backed by SanDisk's generous lifetime warranty.

Best USB Flash Drives for On-the-Go Storage 2

Best budget choice: Ultra Flair 16GB

You can get even cheaper USB 2.0 drives, but upgrading to a USB 3.0 drive will save you from the frustration of file transfers that seem to drag on forever. Despite its low price, the SanDisk Ultra Flair unit has an all-metal casing for durability and still carries a five-year warranty.

Best USB Flash Drives for On-the-Go Storage 3

Best for Laptops: FIT Plus 128GB

If you're running regularly based on your laptop's storage limits, you might want to consider an ultra-compact flash drive like the Samsung FIT Plus that can be left plugged in all the time. It's available in sizes up to 512GB and promises read speeds of 300MB / s, which The Wirecutter found came close in real-world tests (though write speeds are slower).

Best USB Flash Drives for On-the-Go Storage 4

Best Design: Flash Survivor Stealth 128GB USB

It may be too much if you're just passing files around the office, but Corsair's Stealth Survivor Flash is ideal for more dangerous job sites or outdoor adventures. It is constructed from aircraft-grade anodized aluminum and is fully waterproof and shock-resistant, while a five-year warranty helps provide even more peace of mind.

Best USB Flash Drives for On-the-Go Storage 5

Best performance: Supersonic Rage 2 Series 128GB

USB flash drives don't always meet established read/write speeds, but Patriot's Supersonic Rage 2 is one that won't disappoint. PC Gamer discovered that it was the fastest flash drive they had tested, and is available in spacious 256GB and 512GB versions, in addition to the cheaper 128GB model.

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Best for iPhones: expand Flash Drive 64GB

Phone and tablet storage can often be even tighter than your laptop. If you're looking for a quick way to free up space on your iPhone or iPad, the SanDisk iXpand is a great option, while the company's Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 ( $ 15 ) offers a similar solution for users of Android.

Best USB Flash Drives for On-the-Go Storage 7

Best USB-C: Duo Plus 32GB

Contrary to what you think, USB-C flash drives are generally slower than their USB 3.0 equivalents, but it's worth looking at if you're tired of using dongles all the time. This one from SanDisk has a two-in-one design that will allow you to easily transfer files from USB-C devices to non-USB-C devices and is available in sizes from an affordable 32GB model up to 256GB.

Best USB Flash Drives for On-the-Go Storage 8

Best Keychain: DataTraveler 16GB

Adding a flash memory drive to your keychain is a great way to make sure you always have some storage or key files available with you at all times. This Kingston unit is small enough that it won't add a lot of volumes if your key fob is already on the heavy side, and its metal casing means it has to stand up to being thrown in day after day.