10 Best Flash Drives 2025 in the UK

The SanDisk 128GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive offers a solid storage solution with its 128GB capacity, making it suitable for storing large files or numerous documents. One of its standout features is the read speed of up to 150 MB/s, which is significantly faster compared to standard USB 2.0 drives. This speed enables quick file transfers, such as transferring a full-length movie in under 30 seconds. However, the write speed is notably slower at about 4 MB per second, which might not be ideal for users who need to frequently save or update large files.

In terms of durability, the flash drive boasts a sleek metal casing, providing a measure of protection against physical damage. It's designed to operate in a temperature range from 0 to 45°C, which should suffice for most everyday situations.

Compatibility is broad, supporting both Windows operating systems and USB Type A hardware interfaces, making it versatile for use with laptops and personal computers. Additionally, it offers password protection and secure file encryption with SecureAccess software, adding an extra layer of security to keep your files private. The included RescuePRO software, available for a year, helps recover lost or corrupted files, which can be a lifesaver if things go awry. While it ranks highly in popularity and customer satisfaction, being a best-seller in the USB flash drive category, potential buyers should weigh the benefits of its fast read speed and security features against the slower write speed, especially if the latter is a priority for their needs.

The Amazon Basics 128 GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive offers a decent balance of storage, speed, and ease of use, making it suitable for everyday users who need reliable data storage. With 128 GB of storage capacity, it's well-suited for storing a variety of files, including Full HD and 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and other data types. The read speed of up to 130 MB/s is significantly faster compared to standard USB 2.0 drives, allowing for quicker data transfers, like moving a full-length movie in under 40 seconds.

One of its primary advantages is its compatibility with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, ensuring it can be used with a broad range of devices, including PCs and Macs. The plug-and-play design means no additional software is required, easing the setup process. Users should be aware, however, that the actual storage available is slightly less than advertised due to system formatting, though it remains ample at over 115 GB.

In terms of durability, the flash drive features a telescopic design which helps to protect the USB connector when not in use, although it lacks more robust physical protections seen in some rugged models. Security-wise, there are no advanced features like encryption, which might be a drawback for users needing to store sensitive information securely. This flash drive is a solid choice for general use where speed and capacity are needed, but those requiring advanced security features or extreme durability might need to look elsewhere. It holds a strong position in sales rankings and enjoys positive customer feedback, indicating its value and reliability in the market.

The Samsung USB Type-C 256GB flash drive offers a solid choice for users needing a large storage space of 256 GB, suitable for storing many files, including videos, documents, and photos. It features a USB 3.1 interface, providing good transfer speeds—up to 300 MB/s when reading and about 30 MB/s when writing data. This means you can move a 4 GB file to your computer in around 11 seconds, which is handy though not the fastest on the market. The drive’s USB Type-C connection makes it versatile, working well with newer laptops, smartphones, tablets, and PCs that support this port, while still being backward compatible with older USB versions. Durability is a strong point here, with protection against water, shocks, magnets, temperature changes, and X-rays, making it reliable for travel or rough handling.

However, it lacks specific security features like built-in encryption or password protection, so users sensitive about data privacy might need additional software. Its compact and lightweight design adds to portability. This drive is well suited for general users who want a dependable, spacious, and flexible USB Type-C flash drive, but those needing very fast write speeds or advanced security might want to explore other options.