While cloud storage is great for certain things – documents, images, and such stuff – it can become unwieldy if you need access to large amounts of data quickly. Also, you’re constantly relying on having a good internet connection. One of the most convenient ways to carry data with you when you’re out and about is a USB flash drive. Yes, it’s 2022, and USB flash drives are still relevant.
It’s highly reliable and offers superb peace of mind because all the data remains encrypted at all times. Tech specs:
FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validation 256-BIT AES-XTS hardware encryptionUSB 3.2 with USB Type-C connectorPowered from USB port and internal batterySeparate admin and user modesSoftware-free authentication and operation
Pros:
Securely encrypts your data
Cons:
Bulky driveExpensive
I really appreciate having a high-capacity drive that can work with both new and legacy devices. Tech specs:
Reversible USB Type-C/Type-A connector
Pros:
Compact designCompatible with PCs, Macs, smartphones and tabletsLarge capacities available
Cons:
More expensive than a regular drive
I find these are also great for plugging into smart TV systems and for creating small backups to store in a safe in case of disasters. Tech specs:
Low-profile, compact plug-and-stay designStores and transfer content quickly with USB 3. 1 performance up to 250MB/s readSecurely protects files using DataVault Lite software, an advanced security solution with 256-bit AES encryptionUSB 3.1 (Gen1) enabled; backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices
Pros:
Compact designCheap
Cons:
No USB-C support
They’re compact enough to carry around and robust enough to withstand regular use. They’re also stylish and reliable enough that you can give them to clients as gifts. Tech specs:
High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/sUSB-A connector
Pros:
Compact designCheap
Cons:
No USB-C support
With these I’ve got fresh, clean drives that are priced as such that I don’t worry if I never see them again (in fact, to be honest, I never want to get a drive back that’s been out of my control). Tech specs:
USB-A connector
Pros:
CheapTwin-pack
Cons:
No USB-C supportBulky
This drive is also super-robust and is perfectly at home in the great outdoors as it is in a smart office. Tech specs:
PIN authenticated hardware encrypted USB Flash DriveWill work on any device with a USB port, no software is requiredFIPS 140-2 Level 3 certifiedPortable, rugged, dust & water resistant (IP68 certified)Up to 168MB/s read speeds, up to 116MB/s write speedsUSB-A connector
Pros:
SecureFastReliable
Cons:
No USB-C supportBulky
That’s what the Kingston Data Traveler Locker + G3 offers. Yes, you can always find ways to do this, but this makes it easy! This drive is also super-robust, and I’m pretty sure it could survive some very significant abuse. Tech specs:
Automatic USB to Cloud by ClevX backup option (Windows & Mac)Durable metal casing with built-in key loopHardware encryption Password protection USB-A connector
Pros:
No USB-C supportEnd cap easily lost
Cons:
No USB-C supportBulky
For a cheap drive, this one is quite amazing. Tech specs:
Extremely durable Water-resistant, crush-resistant and temperature-resistantMade from proprietary KyronMAX hiugh-strength plastic Password-protection software (Windows only)
Pros:
ToughCheapCompact
Cons:
64GB is the biggest you can getCap easily lost
