Flash drives have been available since 1999 and still work excellently for data storage and transfer. They use flash memory and a USB interface to connect to a computer, phone, tablet, etc. While the first drives offered very little storage space — only around 8MB — they have grown spacious with time. You can find 1TB flash drives at affordable prices and comfortably store heavy files like videos, movies, pictures, games, and multimedia projects.
Modern flash drives use USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections for data transfer speeds of 10Gbps. They have significantly improved over USB 3.1 Gen 1, which offered 5GBps. These drives can provide excellent read and write speeds of over 400 MB/s. Generally, they use a Type-C connector and have backward compatibility with other ports.
Quick clarification here for a common confusion: a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port is not the same as a USB-C one. The latter only indicates the shape, but USB 3.2 Gen 2 sets the expectation for file transfer speeds.
5 Best 1TB Flash Drive 2024 (USB 3.2 & Type-C)
SanDisk takes the lead with multiple 1TB flash drives for diverse users. You can also find excellent choices in the brand portfolios of Kingston and PNY. The drives below are inexpensive — some are less than $100 — and incorporate additional benefits like automatic backup and higher security for critical data.
1. SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO USB 3.2 Solid State Flash Drive
Pros
- Delivers excellent speed
- Durable build
- Keen focus on security
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0
Cons
- The drive can run hot
- The net speed you get might vary depending on the port
Go for the SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO flash drive for a reliable and speedy purchase, delivering speeds up to 420MB/s. As an illustration, a 4K movie can get transferred in 15 seconds flat! This drive costs around $100 — an affordable rate for this good-quality product.
As a manufacturer, SanDisk is known for making trustworthy and durable products, this USB 3.2 drive being no exception. It uses an aluminum casting that weathers everyday use. Plugging it into your laptop is straightforward as it is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0.
Security is also paramount for this drive. It uses encryption software to protect important files. You can also recover deleted files if required.
2. SanDisk 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C
Pros
- Affordable performance
- Stylish metallic looks
- Reversible and compact design
- Automatic backup
Cons
- The drive can generate excessive heat for some users
- You can find higher speeds in the category
SanDisk also has a cheaper alternative with similar performance. The SanDisk 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe costs $79 and offers speeds of 150 MB/s. This solid-state drive makes your experience seamless and super-fast while transferring heavy 4K files or videos.
Moreover, it is a reversible drive, letting you use a Type-C or a Type-A connection. So, transferring data between phones, tablets, and laptops is handy. It doesn’t harm that this drive looks incredibly luxurious with an all-metal body, a keyhole, and a swivel design. (Design tastes may vary, so you do you!)
Another thoughtful bonus is the automatic backup. It is a helpful addition for anyone who has ever distractedly erased a precious photo or video.
3. PNY 1TB PRO Elite V2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive
Pros
- High data transfer speeds
- Suitable for demanding multimedia applications
- Dependable backward compatibility
- Contemporary design
Cons
- This drive can also run hot at times
- Some users find the casing inconsistent
Try the PNY 1TB PRO Elite drive for blazing-fast speeds of around 500 to 600MB/s. It will hold you in good stead for storing videos, photographs, and movies but also competently handle challenging multimedia applications. It works best for those who demand unbridled raw speed: illustrators, gamers, video editors, etc.
This USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive has a striking gunmetal design, so you won’t mind being seen with it. Thanks to backward compatibility with USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0, it works with multiple devices.
You can easily use it for travel photos, thus freeing up space on your phone to capture more memories. Further, it is a secure and durable drive, protecting confidential data and comfortably adapting to intensive content needs.
4. SanDisk 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C Flash Drive
Pros
- Satisfying data transfer speeds
- Reversible drive design for easy connectivity
- Auto backup is enabled
- Convenient design with swivel and keyhole
Cons
- The drive can warm up uncomfortably
- You may not get the fullest speeds based on the available ports
- The pivot mechanism can feel a little flimsy if not handled properly
Yet another excellent flash drive for around $100 is the SanDisk 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Go. It has competent speeds of 400 MB/s and a reversible design (Type-C and Type-A). It lets you work with heavy files like high-res videos and photographs.
This drive has automatic backup for your data, avoiding a frustrating scenario where you lose important files (and your hair!).
The design is suited to travel, featuring a keyring and a swivel option. It is a packed, lightweight device, ideal for those who never find enough space for essentials in travel bags.
5. Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB USB-C Flash Drive
Pros
- Terrific read speeds
- Budget-friendly drive
- Attractive ridged drive design
Cons
- The temperature can get hot during operation
- This price can get you a more premium metallic design
The Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB drive costs approximately $90. This USB-C flash drive has the performance of USB 3.2 Gen 2, delivering enthralling speeds of 1,000 MB/s.
Its responsiveness is lightning-fast, better than many contemporaries for multimedia professionals like photographers and editors. Of course, the actual speeds you witness will also depend on the port configuration of your computer.
The design front is innovative. The drive uses a sliding cap and a keyring loop for easy carriage. It is hassle-free to carry around this compact, lightweight device with you, bringing all the storage you need. It also has an LED status indicator for your convenience. That said, you may miss a metallic finish, especially as the heat generated can get high during data transfer.
What to look for – 1TB Flash Drive
The data transfer speeds (read/write) and the type of port it is compatible with occupy prime importance when looking for a 1TB flash drive. Aim for speeds of at least 400 MB/s, although some drives can go as high as 1,000.
Note that while these speeds are impressive, they are much lower than Thunderbolt rates. For example, a Thunderbolt 3 connection can go up to 40 Gbps. Still, USB-C 3.2 ports are at least compatible with Thunderbolt 4, with bandwidth limitations in place.
Next, check the design and whether it is convenient to carry. Some drives have a metallic body, while others enhance portability with a keyhole ring. Many drives can get overheated during transfer, so prioritizing a durable build (preferably from a trusted manufacturer) is a future-proof idea.
Finally, the security provisions of the flash drive will be vital for users dealing with sensitive files. Look for a superior encryption program and provisions to recover deleted data.
Conclusion
Technological improvements have made finding a cheap but reliable data storage solution easier.
While selecting the best-suited 1TB flash drive for your requirements, consider the ports available on your laptop or other device. A high-speed USB drive won’t serve you unless your computer or phone can leverage it.