SanDisk is at the top of the league for cramming a ton of data storage into ever-smaller devices. But there's much more to it than just making your files portable. Some of the best SanDisk USB sticks are some of the best USB Sticks we’ve ever recommended on What’s The Best. We look at speed and capacity but also build quality and extra features like backup and security apps.
Naturally, portability is one of the main advantages of any SanDisk USB stick. And if you need to take your precious data to and from work, or from one console to another, a USB stick is going to be the smallest, easiest and most reliable way. There are, of course, some excellent portable hard drives if you need a ton of storage and don’t mind the extra bulk, but most of us just want to grab something that can fit into a pocket or keyring.
Best SanDisk USB stick at a glance
• Best overall SanDisk USB stick: SanDisk 512GB Ultra Dual Drive Go - View at Amazon
• Best budget SanDisk USB stick: SanDisk 128GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive - View at Amazon
• Best SanDisk USB stick for gamers: SanDisk 512GB Ultra Fit USB 3.2 Flash Drive - View at Amazon
• Best high-capacity SanDisk USB stick: SanDisk 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe - View at Amazon
Some of the best USB-C memory sticks out there are, of course, SanDisk too. And that means some of the highest data transfer speeds you can (currently) buy. Plus, there are super high-capacity sticks with up to 1TB of storage. At the other end of the scale, we’ve found some of the best SanDisk USB sticks for those who need less space. Those often make for perfect budget USB stick options, too.
So, whether you’re commuting between home and office, taking your music to a party, playing video files on your TV, or adding discrete storage to your games console - there's a SanDisk for you. And we’ve found the best of the best - up next.
Best SanDisk USB stick of 2023
Best overall SanDisk USB stick
As you might expect, our top pick for the best SanDisk USB stick is a fantastic all-rounder. And that’s because it has USB-C and standard USB type A connectors. The more than respectable 512GB of storage space and ideal mid-budget price tag make the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive our favourite USB stick.
With a read speed of 150Mbps, this will transfer your files at speeds typical of the USB-3 standard - nice and fast for small and large files alike. We also like the sturdy but functional case design - it’s suitable for a keyring, and the cover swivels for access to each connector. This stick will also work with the SanDisk Memory Zone app on your phone for hassle-free automatic backups of your photos. Brilliant.
Pros
- An excellent amount of data storage for the money
- Great portable size with the ability to attach to a keyring for safekeeping
- UBS-C means it’ll work with most smartphones - ideal for clearing space when you need to
- Works with the SanDisk Memory Zone app for automatic backup of your smartphone photos
Cons
- The swivel cover can become a little loose over time for some heavy users
Best budget SanDisk USB stick
It’s hard to argue with the value of this USB stick, considering it’s a USB-3 flash drive with 128GB of space. The brushed-steel look and sturdy keyring attachment just finish it all off very nicely indeed. SanDisk also has a range of software applications and apps that can work with most of its drives, and this one works with both SecureAccess software (which provides secure encryption of your precious files, as well as a year’s subscription to RescuePRO. The latter will recover files that may have been accidentally deleted or corrupted - so, even more peace of mind.
This model is available in a multitude of capacities, much like most of the SanDisk USB sticks here, but we like this one best as it’s going to be the most practical balance of solid build, speed and storage for well under £20 at the moment.
Pros
- Compact yet sturdy, so take this anywhere
- Full USB-3 150Mbps read speed for fast file transfer to connected devices
- Compatible with SanDisk RescuePRO and SecureAccess software for security and file recovery tools
Cons
- Some users say the metal casing gets warm when under heavy use (although this is normal for many small drives with metal casings)
Best SanDisk USB stick for gamers
There are two things that gamers need lots of - speed and space. And that’s certainly true here with the Ultra Fit USB 3.2 Flash Drive. The storage on offer here is a reasonably high 512GB - so you can benefit from half a terabyte of space without spending a serious wedge of the cash you’ve been setting aside for new games. It’s such a small device with lots of space, it’ll also make for a great low-profile USB stick for your TV if yours has playback and recording functions. The real feature the Ultra Fit brings for gamers, other than the tiny case that won’t ruin the look of your console, is sheer speed.
If you’re the sort of gamer who likes indie titles and other games that don’t take up hundreds of gigabytes each, you could store and run those games from this USB stick without skipping a beat. It has a staggering 400MB per second read speed. That’s one of the highest you’ll find on any stick-type device. Of course, if you are serious about storage for AAA games, you should consider a larger external hard drive for gamers - their capacities extend to several terabytes and speeds are even faster. But, for smaller games, saves and media, this is the way to go.
Pros
- Super-high read speeds for fast access to all games, media and game saves
- Understated looks and a tiny size that will fit with any console
- Works with SanDisk RescuePRO Deluxe software for peace of mind if a file gets corrupted or deleted
Cons
- So small that it could be easily lost if you take it anywhere - definitely attach it to a keyring
Best high-capacity SanDisk USB stick
You won’t find a better-built, higher-capacity USB stick from SanDisk. This not only comes packing a full 1TB of storage, it’s also equipped with both USB-C and USB-A type connectors. That makes this one of the most well-specced portable data solutions out there.
However, with great storage comes the potential for a decent amount of heat. The metal casing of this stick is really partly how the temperature is controlled when the device is under heavy continuous use. So, expect this to get warm to the touch if you’re going to spend hours reading or writing huge amounts of data with it.
Pros
- Twin connector types mean getting data between systems is a breeze
- The well-engineered case that looks as premium as the MacBook or PC you’ll be plugging it into
- Compatible with the SanDisk Memory Zone app for automatic smartphone photo backup
Cons
- Will get hot (by design) under heavy use
Best SanDisk USB-C Stick
USB-C is pretty much ubiquitous now, with its reversible port design making for easier plugging in and super-high speeds. This one is a little bulkier than others, but we love the textured case and the retractable twin port - handy for keeping them clean and safe in your pocket or when attached to a keyring.
The 256GB capacity is reasonable too, and it will connect to any smartphone, Mac, PC or tablet with USB-C or USB-A - so, excellent for data transfer across modern devices.
Pros
- Twin ports mean easy file sharing across devices
- Retractable ports keep them both safe when stored
- Up to 150Mbps speed is fast enough for everyday use at work or home
Cons
- A little bulkier than others
Best high-speed SanDisk USB stick
Fast USB flash drives don’t get much faster than this one. The SanDisk Extreme PRO is a 256GB solid-state stick with super-fast read speeds of up to 420MB per second. For any stick, that’s blistering. That means that you could stream a 4K movie from this little wonder and it won’t even drop a frame. Even write speeds, which are often an afterthought with USB sticks, are right up there at 380MB per second - that’s absolutely incredible. It means that you could transfer that 4K movie you were just watching to another device in less than 15 seconds.
Port-wise, there is only a USB-3 type A connector - so no USB-C option, but that’s hardly an inconvenience since USB-3 is still a modern standard.
Pros
- Cutting-edge read and write speeds make this the leader for performance right now
- Black aluminium casing is sturdy and sleek
- Available in many capacities, yet with the same speed ratings
Cons
- Sliding case cover design can be a little fiddly when plugging in
Best low-capacity SanDisk USB Stick
Sometimes less is more - and we’re looking at users who have small files to take between home and office. Anyone who has a range of Word documents, spreadsheets and a handful of images on the go at once will love having a small, reliable and no-fuss USB stick like the Cruzer Blade.
It’s got 16GB of storage - again, more than enough for the sorts and amounts of files generated by standard office work. As you’d expect, it’s only USB 2 with a read speed of 39 bytes per second, but it’s also super-cheap - but still has that robust SanDisk build.
Pros
- Small, but not so small you’ll lose it, plus it’ll attach to your keyring
- Huge compatibility with lots of home and office computers and laptops thanks to USB 2
Cons
- Only has a USB 2 port, so data transfer speeds will be fine - but not lightning-fast, so stick to small files
Best secure SanDisk USB stick
Yes, much like some others here, this Extreme Go from SanDisk also has a lightning-fast read speed. But, it’s also very secure thanks to compatibility with the SanDisk SecureAccess encryption software.
Setting up the USB stick with this feature essentially means you can place any sensitive or critical files into a ‘vault’ folder that will encrypt the contents. So, if you were unlucky enough to misplace this stick, you can rest assured that the data in the vault is safe. That said, that would be less likely to happen thanks to the robust build and metal casing with keyring loop.
Pros
- Super-solid build quality means you can rely on it to keep your files safe
- The encrypted vault means that the loss or theft of the stick won’t lead to a data breach
- Available in various capacities up to 256GB
Cons
- The password protection feature is only supported on Windows 8, 10, and macOS v10.9 and above
- Security feature might be tricky to set up for some
Best SanDisk USB stick for iPhone
Although some of the best SanDisk USB sticks we’ve already mentioned will connect with your smartphone, this iXpand Flash Drive Go is a little different. It comes with a proper Lightning connector, as well as a USB 3.0 connector. So, that means you’ll be able to get your files to and from your Apple iPhone and home PC or laptop as seamlessly as possible.
At 128GB, there are larger drives out there (and this one is also available at 253GB if you need it), but given that the total storage capacity of the average iPhone is rarely as high as a terabyte, with photos and videos taking up only a proportion of that space, we think 128GB is an ideal size for most iPhone users. Once again, you can password-protect your files, and the iXpand Drive app will allow you to set up automatic backup routines. 130M per second read speeds are respectable enough, and more than good enough for use with iPhones too.
Pros
- Twin USB-3 and Lightning ports mean maximum flexibility between iPhone and other systems
- Case design means the port that isn’t in use is protected
- Works with iXpand Drive app for easy scheduling of automatic photo and video backups - never forget to backup those memories again
Cons
- Transfer speed is okay for most, but not ideal for lots of very large files - like long 4K videos
The best SanDisk USB stick of 2023: Buyer’s Guide
About USB-C and other port types
The slim profile, high speeds, and reversible port compatibility of USB-C may have crept into most modern devices; but there are still plenty of us who need to move files between older systems. Some will only have USB-A (also known as USB 1.0, 2.0 or USB 3) ports.
While USB-C is lauded for its super-high data transfer rate when connecting larger devices like external hard drives that's not quite the case with USB drives - including the best SanDisk USB sticks. The inclusion of USB-C ports has much more to do with connectivity options than speed. That can often limit the read speed of a typical USB-3 stick to around 150 megabytes per second. That's far less than the USB-3 standard itself supports (4.8Gbps). Because USB sticks are very small and only powered by a port instead of a separate power supply, their read and write speeds are really down to the specific model you buy. Speed doesn’t come as standard due to the port type.
And remember - just because a mobile device has a USB-C port doesn’t mean it’ll support all USB-C devices. Your phone or tablet’s port would also need to be certified as an ‘OTG’ (On The Go) port. That means wider compatibility with devices like USB sticks and even some peripherals like mouse and keyboards.
A note on USB-A ports
Despite being the same shape and standard, just because a USB type A port can accept a USB-3 device doesn’t mean you’ll get the same data transfer speeds. USB-3 can support up to 150Mbps read and 10-45Mbps write speeds - but only when connected to a device that also has USB-3. Plug a speedy USB-3 stick into a USB 1.0 or 2.0 port and your data will only go as fast as the port - which is a meagre 1.5-12Mbps and 480Mbps respectively.
Which of the best SanDisk USB flash drives should you buy?
Well, although it’s true that they all - in some way - plug into another device and ‘just work’, they do also come with various differences. As you’ll have seen in our list of recommendations, some come with supporting software apps that give you access to features like automatic photo backups or encryption. Others have faster read and write speeds than others, and of course more or less storage space. But, here are our tips on what to choose based on your needs:
General office work and small files
You’ll need less space than most users - unless you need to store and transport hundreds of thousands of documents in electronic format. You won’t need super-high speeds either, as small files transfer fast enough for anyone. We recommend a drive no smaller than 16GB with an ideal minimum connection port standard of USB 2.0. The latter will ensure you don’t have a cripplingly-slow transfer speed.
Average users who work, rest and play
If you’re doing a bit of everything, you’ll need something like our top recommendation for best SanDisk USB stick above - the SanDisk 512GB Ultra Dual Drive Go. It has enough connection options to suit a range of devices, enough storage to suit both large and small files, and enough speed for a comfortable experience. So, if you’re working on office documents during the day, then plugging your MP3 music into the car’s dash, and then watching a movie from it via your TV when you get home, this is ideal. We recommend a minimum of 128GB but 256GB is ideal, running at 150Mbps or faster for transfer speeds.
4K movie fans, gamers and media professionals
You’ll need the best of the best. Ideally, 512GB storage or more, with super-high read and write speeds approaching the 400Mbps mark.
The best SanDisk USB Stick of 2023: FAQs
Are SanDisk USB sticks good?
You probably won’t find a better brand for reliability and user ratings out there. When it comes to how to use SanDisk USB flash drives, use our buyer’s guide above to make your choice. If you choose the right flash drive for your needs, you’ll have a great experience with your SanDisk USB stick.
How does a USB stick work?
Unlike a normal hard drive inside a PC, there are no moving parts inside a USB memory stick. Instead, the flash memory stores the data as blocks on a chip. The data can be erased and re-written electronically and it’s non-volatile; meaning the data isn’t lost once power is switched off.
That makes them perfect for small portable devices. The technology goes hand in hand with other storage solutions like SD cards that work with Steam Deck; and SD cards for other handheld gaming systems like Nintendo Switch. USB flash drives differ from SSDs (Solid State Drives) - despite having similar functions. SSDs are larger than USB sticks, and have dedicated RAM to facilitate better performance.
Who invented the USB drive?
Although we all take it for granted now, the humble USB drive was partly a Toshiba invention. The flash memory component was the work of Dr Fujio Masuoka from Japan who completed this project in the 1980s. Later, in the 1990s, a computer architect from Intel - Ajay Bhatt - created the USB standard. The two technologies would meet in the late 80s thanks to Dov Moran. Dov, the President of M-Systems, created a product called DiskOnKey - commonly regarded as the first real USB drive.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.
He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.