Best Usb Thumb Drive For Mac

One of the Best Performance Based USB Flash Drives Out There SanDisk Extreme CZ80 16GB The SanDisk Extreme CZ80 comes at a convenient size of 2.79 x 0.84 x 0.45 inches, 16 GB capacity, read speed (up to 245 MB/s) and write speed (up to 50 MB/s) along with SanDisk Secure Access software, backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and a lifetime limited. Jul 02, 2018 The Best USB Flash Drive 1 Samsung BAR Plus USB 3.1 Flash Drive 128GB The Samsung BAR Plus USB 3.1 Flash Drive 128GB is definitely one of the best-looking flash drives on the market.

Transferring files is a rather mundane but important task that everyone performs as they work on collaborative projects or change their workstation between different machines. Something we often lament is how slow file transfer can be when you are trying to send medium-sized or larger files.

For instance, if you wanted to send a 4-minute-long video clip from your phone to your family member, how would you do it? Social media? Most of them don't allow files of that size to be transferred. Email? You might be able to do it with some services, but it will take up to an hour at the least and even then it might still be unsuccessful.

Sometimes the most reliable way to transfer a file between multiple machines is to simply walk it there yourself. If that is the solution you want to use, then you'll need a good flash drive to make it happen. Mac users will be pleased to know that we have compiled a list of best flash drive for Mac so that no matter what you will have the best USB thumb drive for Mac that you can have for your specific situation.

Quick Summary

The best USB C flash drive for Mac is based on what you need the flash drive to accomplish, so we've categorized each flash drive by the task it is best for.

Best for USB type C: SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C Flash Drive

This flash drive is capable of connecting with both USB type C and normal USB ports, which makes it a very versatile option for transferring between multiple types of devices.

Best for security: SanDisk Cruzer USB 2.0 Flash Drive

This flash drive for Macbook pro/air comes with encryption baked right into its software so you can rest assured that even if someone gets access to your drive, they won't be able to get anything off of it that you don't want them to.

Best for upgrading machines: Kingston Digital DataTraveler SE9 32GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive

The Digital DataTraveler SE9 is compatible with several older Windows operating systems, so it is a great choice if you want to upgrade to a newer mac computer but you don't want to lose important files from your old computer.

How We Picked the Best Flash Drive for Mac?

There are a lot of factors that go into answering the question of 'what is the best flash drive for mac?' To make the problem simpler we'll have to break it down into smaller pieces. What is important for the best USB C flash drive for Macbook pro/air to have?

Likelihood Of Failure

We think the most important thing to consider is how likely the drive is to fail at its task. If you purchase a flash drive for Macbook air and put important files on it, then it fails on you, it isn't worth the money you paid for it, is it?

Your Intended Uses

After that, the most important thing to take into consideration is what exactly you need the USB drive for. If you are regularly going to be transferring extremely large video files, then you will need a really big storage capacity.

Travel Convenience

If you want to be able to always have the USB drive for Macbook pro with you at all times, you might want one that can be attached to a string or chain. If you are storing important files that you don't want to be accessed, like in the case of working on intellectual property, you might want a small one that is easily hidden when not in use.

These different factors need to be considered when making your purchase and the answers and how much value is placed on each property will be different depending on who is doing the purchasing, so ultimately the answer of which is the best usb thumb drive for mac will be entirely on your shoulders. Thankfully, we can give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best Flash Drive for Mac: Our Picks in 2020

1. SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C Flash Drive

The Ultra Dual Drive from SanDisk is a very versatile little workhorse that is great for a Mac. It comes in a variety of different storage capacities from 16GB to 256GB so it should be able to handle a massive amount of file storage if you need it to, or even transfer large batches of files if you have, say, 100 4-minute-long phone videos.

It is capable of connecting with your typical USB port while also having connectivity for USB Type C so you won't have any issues connecting to any Mac computer or tablet. One of the more important features that may be overlooked by some is that this flash drive can retract its connectivity ports so that they aren't damaged.

We highly value this feature because we know that there's nothing quite like spending an entire day working on a project, transferring it from your Mac to your flash drive, and then fumbling it as you get up to leave and seeing that the end is snapped off when you pick it up. You won't have to worry about that with this drive because it has a very simple thumb switch that you can use to pull the connectors into the case and protect them from harm.

It isn't all storage capacity and safety features though; it also performs exceptionally well with a Mac computer. It can transfer files extremely quickly. It supports a transfer speed of up to 150 megabytes per second. This means that at its top speed, you could transfer enough files to fill the 256GB storage capacity in a little bit more than 28 minutes. You might experience slightly slower speeds depending on how powerful your Mac is, but if it is powerful enough to take full advantage of this USB's potential then this USB can work very speedily. It is our first pick while you choose the best flash drive for Mac.

What We Like:

• Versatile uses
• Handles a large amount of storage
• Retractable connectivity ports

What We Dislike:

• The USB tends to get hot during large transfers
• Write speed is not fast

2. Samsung BAR Plus USB 3.1 Flash Drive

The BAR Plus from Samsung is another best USB thumb drive for Mac. It has fewer storage options than the previous drive, but it makes up for that with its even faster transfer speeds, durability, convenience, and aesthetic.

The drive itself is rather small and it has a slot built into the frame so that you can store it on a keychain or attach it to a chain to prevent theft. This makes it very convenient to carry around and have on hand at all times. The potential transfer speeds it can reach are twice as fast as the SanDisk option and it can match the maximum storage capacity.

It is designed to withstand many different types of possible damage including water, electrical surges, extreme heat or cold, and magnetic fields. This makes for a very durable and safe way to store your files while transferring or if you just need a place to put them that isn't on your computer.

It is a USB 3.1 device which means it is compatible with all standard USB ports, but that is the only connector it has. This means you will have a difficult time using it to transfer files from mobile devices, but it should work excellently as a flash drive for Macbook pro.

What We Like:

• Fast transfer speeds
• Water, electric, magnetic, and temperature-resistant
• Has a high maximum storage capacity

What We Dislike:

• Fewer storage options that other choices

3. PNY Turbo 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive

The Turbo USB 3.0 Flash Drive from PNY has an interesting design. It is the best USB C flash drive for Mac which comes with a safety feature built into the case. Most of the time when you see safety features for protecting the connector, they involve having the connector retract into the case, but with the Turbo from PNY, the case extends to cover the USB connector. We found this to be quite novel and it serves quite well as a distraction for fidgety hands while focusing on collaborative work.

This flash drive has a storage capacity of 128GB, about half of the previous options, but you can get it in a 256GB option. It also has a convenient loop that has been integrated into the back of the case so that it can be attached to things for secure storage which is especially handy.

It uses a USB 3.0 connector which means compatibility shouldn't be an issue and it should serve just fine as a flash drive for Macbook air/pro. The maximum transfer speed of this flash drive is fairly high at approximately 120MG per second, but unfortunately, it is a bit inconsistent about maintaining that speed. When using this USB for transferring files you may notice the speed spiking and falling quite a bit so your speeds will likely be different every time you transfer files.

What We Like:

• Case extends to protect USB connector
• 128GB storage capacity, 256GB option too
• Great storage solution with the loop for attachment

What We Dislike:

• Lower storage capacity than others
• Inconsistent transfer speeds

4. SanDisk Cruzer USB 2.0 Flash Drive

It is the best USB thumb drive for Mac which comes with encryption software! If you are worried about the security of your files and hiding your flash drive or keeping it on you at all times isn't enough, you can password protect it using AES encryption.

It also implements the standard retractable connector safety precaution so there is no need to be concerned about damaging the connector when not in use. It does not have a loop on the back for easy transport, but it is small and lightweight so it could conceivably fit in a pocket or back without issue.

It uses a USB 2.0 connector, so it should be compatible with all USB 2.0 ports and it might even be compatible with USB 3.0 ports, though it won't be able to take advantage of the faster file transfer speeds you get with those types of ports.

It comes in 5 different storage capacity sizes ranging from 16GB to 256GB. The encryption software used with this device is a major security advantage, but it is also sometimes the source of a fatal flaw with some models of this USB flash drive. In some cases, it has been reported that the flash drive will enter 'write protect mode' which will cause the flash drive to cease functioning. We have never personally seen this happen, but it is something to keep in mind when considering a best flash drive for Mac.

What We Like:

• Contains encryption software
• Has a retractable connector
• Multiple storage capacity options to choose from

What We Dislike:

• Has no loop for attachment when traveling
• Has been know to stop working and enter write protect mode

5. Kingston Digital DataTraveler SE9 32GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive

The Digital DataTraveler SE9 from Kingston is a fantastic choice for working with older systems. As the best flash drive for Mac it has compatibility with both mac and older Windows systems as well, so if you need to transfer files from one of your older Windows machines to your new Macbook pro/air this may be the USB C flash drive for you.

It is a very simple design that considers convenience. The back of the case extends into a large loop, so traveling with this USB drive for Macbook pro or air should be safe and secure. It does not come with any extra pieces or clips or anything to get in your way, which we certainly appreciate. The entire flash drive is one cohesive unit that provides stability and durability that a multi-segmented flash drive wouldn't be able to match without some kind of retracting mechanic.

Unfortunately, this USB thumb comes in a much smaller storage capacity, maxing out at 32GB, but that might not necessarily be a bad thing considering its intended purpose. If you are transferring files from older machines to newer ones then you are likely dealing with file sizes much smaller than something you would commonly find today, so it shouldn't be an issue if the drive is smaller than usual.

What We Like:

• Works with Macs and older Windows systems
• Compact and fits in your pocket easily
• One cohesive unit that is more resistant to damage

What We Dislike:

• Has a small storage capacity
• Transfer speeds are not ideal

Useful Tips & Resources

Flash drives are a great option for transferring files and a lot of times they are a better option than digital transfers unless you are dealing with very long distances. That said, they might not be the best option for backing up large quantities of data regularly as you will soon find yourself managing an absolute mountain of different flash drives and one mistake with organization and you suddenly won't know what each flash drive contains and will have a lot of work ahead of you to figure it out.

In this case, you may want to consider using an external hard drive, which is kind of like a really big flash drive. Another option is cloud storage. Cloud storage isn't a great option for file transferring in most cases because truly large quantities of data will take a long time to upload and download from the cloud, especially if you live in a location with low-speed internet services as the only option. But, if you are simply making a regular backup of data, then the transfer speed isn't much of an issue and what you are looking for is a safe way to store your data. In that case, a cloud storage service might not be a bad idea.

Conclusion

Any one of these options would be a great choice if you are looking for abest flash drive for Mac to save your work on and bring to another machine. They should all be fully compatible with your Macbook device and a lot of them are also compatible with Windows and Android devices so you can transfer files between them if you have to. Of all of them, the Ultra Dual Drive from SanDisk is the only one with a USB type C port which, by default, makes it the best USB c Flash Drive for macbook pro on the list, but it is also a strong contender for best USB c flash drive for Mac in general as it comes with a large amount of versatility and convenience.

A USB flash drive is an almost essential tool in our modern lives. It allows us to not only carry around precious information, but it also helps to transfer data from one device to another within seconds. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet any need one may have. Some even come with multipurpose functionality such as a mini flashlight or in the shape of characters in popular culture. Who wouldn't want a cool looking USB flash drive sticking out of their computer? However, the sheer range of portable data storage products available online, in terms of size, shape and speed can be quite overwhelming. Here is a list of some of the best USB flash drives for you to peruse through.

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Best USB Flash Drives

One of the Best Performance Based USB Flash Drives Out There

SanDisk Extreme CZ80 16GB

The SanDisk Extreme CZ80 comes at a convenient size of 2.79 x 0.84 x 0.45 inches, 16 GB capacity, read speed (up to 245 MB/s) and write speed (up to 50 MB/s) along with SanDisk Secure Access software, backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and a lifetime limited warranty. If 16 GB is too low for you in terms of storage space, then you can go for the 64 GB version.

One truly impressive aspect of this flash drive is its speed, considering its relatively low price point. It can realistically reach a read speed of 229 MB/s and a write speed of 178 MB/s, when transferring large files, which is very impressive as it's very close to the speeds being advertised on the company website. The speeds go a bit down when it comes to smaller files but it is still way higher than most other products at this price range.

The CZ80 also has a certain visual flair with its slim and smooth design. It comes with a built-in slider that pushes the USB plug out. When you push it out, there is a nice smooth spring action feel to it which feels quite satisfying and durable. All in all, the SanDisk Extreme CZ80 may not be the fastest or cheapest option out there but it brilliantly blends both performance and affordability to create a truly amazing experience.

Who should buy this?

• It is ideal for those looking to get the most bang for their buck
• Those who require portable storage devices in their day to day lives (professional and personal) looking for an affordable but powerful USB flash drive will find this one to be perfect for their needs

One of the Most Popular USB 2.0 Flash Drives Out There

Samsung BAR Plus 256 GB

The Samsung BAR Plus is 1.58 x 0.61 x 0.47 inches in size and comes with a read speed of 300 MB/sec and a write speed of 200 MB/sec. It also comes in two striking colors; Titan Gray and Champagne Silver. It comes with V-NAND technology for more efficient performance and is built to last really long. Moreover, you also get the latest USB 3.1 standard which can potentially transfer a 3 GB file from your flash drive to your computer in 10 seconds which is mind blowing. As far as storage capacity is concerned, it is available in a variety of different options such as 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB.

The first thing that will catch your eye is its stunning looks. The Samsung BAR Plus looks absolutely drop dead gorgeous. The aggressive and bold looks with a metal cased exterior and a beautifully designed key ring is a sight to behold. Moreover, it is also water proof, shock proof, temperature proof, x-ray proof, and magnet proof making it an excellent choice for those who are constantly on the go. According to the manufacturer it can last for up to 72 hours in sea water, withstand temperatures ranging from -25 degrees to 85 degrees. This of course should be taken with a grain of salt.

All in all, this is an amazing USB 3.1 flash drive to have due to its amazing versatility. Its durability, price point and large storage capacity makes it a great product to buy if you are looking for USB flash drives.

Who should buy this?

• Its insanely gorgeous looks make it perfect for those who like to carry their flash drives on their key chains
• Its durability makes it the perfect choice for people who are constantly on the go
• It's also perfect for those who appreciate and look for brand value in the products they buy

One of the Best Value USB Flash Drives Out There

ADATA S102 PRO 16 GB

The ADATA S102 PRO is 2.4 x 0.4 x 0.6 inches in size and comes with a read speed of 200 MB/s and write speed of 120 MB/s (for the 256 GB drive). It is also USB 3.1 compliant with USB 2.0 backward compatibility. It supports various platforms such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS 9.X and Linux 2.4. It also comes with different storage capacity versions such as 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB.

The body is durable but lightweight with an aluminum casing. It comes in 2 dazzling colors; titanium and blue. The exterior is scratch and dirt resistant with a matte surface making it ideal for those on the go. When you want to use the USB drive, you can just remove the cap and fit it on its back.

The 16 GB ADATA S102 PRO is one of the best options to go for if you are looking for a cheap flash drive that performs well. However, it is important to note that the 16 GB one has a read speed of 90 MB/s and write speed of 25 MB/s. When it comes to transferring large files, you can get an average read speed of 115 MB/s but only a write speed of 36 MB/s. However, these numbers are still way over what you will get from other products around $10 price range.

Who should buy this?

• This product is perfect for those looking to buy a cheap but powerful USB flash drive
• Those who are on the go a lot can also benefit from the scratch/dust resistant nature of the ADATA S102 PRO

A Great, High Capacity, Stylish USB Flash Drive for Your Needs

SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 (256 GB)

The San Disk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 flash drive is 0.52 x 1.67 x 0.26 inches in size and comes with a variety of storage space options such as 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB. The 256 GB variant has transfer speeds of up to 150 MB/s which allow you to transfer a full movie file within 30 seconds which is pretty insane.

The body has a classic yet stylish look and feel to it. The exterior is also sleek and durable with metal casing providing protection against unexpected knocks and drops. On the security side, the San Disk secure access software allows you to password protect and encrypt your precious files. All you have to do is drag and drop your files into the vault and they will automatically get encrypted.

Another great aspect of this flash drive is the RescuePro Deluxe Software. With it, you can recover any accidentally deleted files with ease. All in all, the San Disk Ultra Flair 256 GB is a great flash drive to have especially with the recovery software.

Who should buy this?

• With 256 GB storage capacity, it's perfect for those who always find themselves running out of space on their storage devices
• The encryption software as well as the recovery software make it ideal for those who store sensitive and important professional/personal information in their flash drives

One of the Smallest USB 2.0 Flash Drives Out There

SanDisk Cruzer Fit CZ33 64 GB

The San Disk Cruzer Fit CZ33 64 GB comes at a tiny size of 0.69 x 0.5 x 0.26 inches; ideal for use in entertainment systems and music players in vehicles. You also get the SanDisk Secure Access software and a limited 5-year warranty. This flash drive certainly isn't the fastest one out there today but its price as well as its size makes up for its shortcomings.

Visually, there's not much to write home about, but it does look cute especially when you see its size. It also comes with built-in LED that flickers when the drive is being accessed. Unlike other flash drives out there, the intensity of the LED's is not too high neither too low.

Due to its tiny size, you don't have to worry about it obstructing anything while being plugged in to your car audio system. Its storage capacity is more than enough to store all your favorite songs and more. If you're looking for a flash drive to store all your music in, then the San Disk Cruzer Fit CZ33 is the perfect one for you.

Who should buy this?

• Due to its small size, it will never stick out too much on use making it perfect for playing music in cars
• This low-profile flash drive is also ideal for those looking to buy an inexpensive flash drive for their audio and entertainment systems at home

One of the Most Popular USB 2.0 Flash Drives Out There

Kingston Digital Data Traveler SE9 32 GB

The Kingston Digital Data Traveler SE9 is 1.5 x 0.2 x 0.4 inches in size and comes with various storage capacity options such as 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB. On average, you can get read speeds for about 16.1 MB/sec and write speeds of 6.8 MB/sec while transferring files. You can also get higher speeds in the range of 18 MB/sec and 11 MB/sec for read and write speeds respectively but the average is usually lower.

The body looks and feels durable with a metal casing exterior and a sturdy ring at the end. The ring allows you to easily clamp your flash drive to your key-chain if your plan is to use it for your car audio system. The cap-less design doesn't look spectacular by any means but it does the job well enough. The relatively small size makes it a great choice to have for notebooks, car audio systems and even home entertainment systems.

All in all, it's an amazing 2.0 USB flash drive perfect for a variety of different purposes. It also has one of the most durable bodies when it comes to USB flash drives.

Who should buy this? Auto mouse clicker mac.

• It's perfect for those who always need a flash drive for their work/presentations etc.
• Those looking for a really durable and solid flash drive will find this product to be perfect in every single way

One of the Fastest USB 3.0 Flash Drives Out There

Kingston Digital Data Traveler Elite G2 32 GB

The Kingston Digital Data Traveler Elite G2 is 2.34 x 0.75 x 0.43 inches in size, read speed of 180 MB/sec and write speed of 70 MB/sec. It also comes with USB 3.0, 5 different styles (DT50, DTSE9G2, DT104, DT106 and DTEG2) and an LED status indicator. It is one of the fastest USB flash drives out there especially at its price range. It also comes with a variety of storage capacity options such as 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB.

Most USB flash drives come with plastic cases but the Kingston Digital Data Traveler Elite G2 has a metal casing giving it extra durability. The rugged dotted patch on the body goes well with the sleek design of its waterproof exterior. It looks absolutely gorgeous when plugged into a laptop or a notebook.

As far as performance is concerned, it is one of the most consistently well-performing USB flash drives out there. There are a few products with better speeds, but even they don't have the same level of consistency. However, what really makes it unique is its durable body. It is easily one of the sturdiest flash drives available for purchase in the market today. The LED blinks when the drive is active but it turns off when it's not in use. Most LED's found in flash drives keep blinking as long as it is inserted into a device. All in all, this is a great flash drive to own due to its unmatched versatility.

Who should buy this?

• If its performance you are after, then the Elite G2 is the perfect choice for you
• If you have a job where you need to excessively use flash drives, then the Elite G2 is the right one for you due to its unmatched durability and high transfer speeds

One of the Best 1 TB USB 3.1 Flash Drives Out There

Corsair Flash Voyager GTX 1 TB

The Corsair Flash Voyager GTX is 0.42 x 1.04 x 3.07 inches in size, read speed of 440 MB/sec, write speed of 440 MB/sec, a rugged zinc alloy exterior and USB 3.1 standard. Corsair is well known for their high-quality computer hardware products and with the Flash Voyager GTX, they are here to dominate the flash drive market. This is one powerful flash drive which might burn a small hole in your pocket, but it will surely make you fall in love with it. It comes with different storage capacity options such as 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB.

The rugged zinc alloy exterior with aluminum accents lets you know that it means business. The design itself isn't too outlandish or cutting edge but it is menacing to look at. You also get the Corsair SSD Toolbox software with which you can format, partition and optimize the drive performance to your liking.

Performance wise, realistically you can get read speeds of 384 MB/sec and write speed of 130 MB/sec for movie files which is insane and 240 MB/sec read speed and 90 MB/sec write speed for images. It comes with USAP and TRIM enabled which basically means that it is an SSD in the form of a flash drive. All in all, the Corsair Flash Voyager GTX is a premium well-built beast with amazing performance, an amazingly durable exterior and massive storage capacity options.

Who should buy this?

• If you need a flash drive for some intense work, then this one will surely surprise you with its performance
• Those looking for massive storage capacity options will find this product to be ideal as it comes with a 512 GB and 1 TB options
• It's also perfect for those who are looking for a flash drive to run games from

One of the Fastest Premium USB 3.1 Flash Drives Out There

Usb Flash Drive For Mac

Kingston Digital HyperX Savage 512 GB

The Kingston Digital HyperX Savage is 3 x 0.9 x 0.5 inches in size and has a read speed of 350 MB/sec and a write speed of 250 MB/sec. It is also one of the few best-performing flash drives out there in the market with 512 GB storage capacity. You also get to choose from a variety of smaller storage capacity options such as 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB allowing you to buy the one that best fits your needs.

Visually the HyperX Savage is one of the best-looking flash drives available for purchase today. The stylish and aggressive exterior looks stunning with its black casing and the embossed red Hyper X logo on top. This is one flash drive that will surely turn heads.

Best Usb Thumb Drive For Mac Computers

As far as performance is concerned, it is one of the fastest flash drives out there today. It is one of the very few storage devices out there that can actually achieve the advertised read and write speeds from the manufacturer. While transferring movies files you can get a realistic read speed of 250 MB/sec and write speed of 270 MB/sec. For images, the read speed reaches up to 250 MB/sec and the write speed goes up to 100 MB/sec. All in all, it's an amazing flash drive with unbelievable performance and killer looks.

Who should buy this?

• If transferring multiple gigabyte files is part of your day to day routine, then the HyperX Savage will not disappoint you
• If you are into buying products that have visual flair, then the HyperX is an ideal addition to your collection
• Those who are after performance will love this product due to its insanely high read and write speeds

Conclusion

Gone are the days when you need to lug around a boxy external storage device in your bag whenever you need to transfer large files. Today you can store and transfer files as large as 1 TB in flash drives that are half the size of your thumb. There are so many different options available in the market today that you might get a little overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing one for purchase. Before you make any decision, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

It's not just about speed always. Always go for a flash drive that matches the speed of your system's main drive. Even if you get a USB drive that has a higher speed than your primary drive, then you won't be able to benefit from the high speed at all. If you are spending a substantial amount of money, make sure that the product has a warranty available. Before purchasing any flash drive, make sure to read various customer reviews from different sites. All reviews should be taken with a grain of salt as some people mistakenly blame a product for issues they might have accidentally committed. By reading reviews from a variety of sources, you will get a better picture on the overall quality and performance of a flash drive.

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