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 SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive 128GB is a versatile flash drive designed to work with both USB Type-A and USB Type-C devices, making it a great choice if you often switch between smartphones, tablets, and computers. Its 128GB capacity offers ample space for photos, videos, and documents, which can be especially useful for freeing up storage on USB-C smartphones. With transfer speeds up to 400MB/s for reading files, it lets you move your data fairly quickly, although the write speed is slower at around 150MB/s, so saving large files might take a bit more time.

The drive has a clever swivel design that protects its connectors and includes a keyring hole for easy portability. It supports automatic photo backup through the SanDisk Memory Zone app, which adds a layer of convenience and basic security for your files. Compatibility is strong, working well with Windows and Mac computers along with most USB-C and USB-A devices.

This flash drive suits users who want flexible connections and decent speed for everyday file transfers. However, it doesn’t feature advanced security options like encryption, so it might not be the best pick if you need to protect sensitive data. If you require top-level security or faster write speeds, you may want to consider other options.