Buying the best USB flash drives for your needs is an essential purchase, no matter how you're using your hardware, and we're here to help.
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In this list of the best USB memory sticks, we look at portable USB flash drives that offer you safe and secure portable storage for your important files.
The best USB flash drives don't just offer you a quick and convenient way to transfer data from one PC to another. The brilliant memory sticks in this guide are versatile devices that offer plenty of storage space despite their small size. The best USB flash drives are also sturdily built, so they won't get damaged when you're carrying them about. The best USB memory sticks and flash drives also need to be dependable, so they don’t fail or break, making your data vanish into thin air. This means the best flash drives feature a strong build design.
Speed is also a major factor. Not only will the best flash drives transfer files faster with a high speed rating, but it will also make running a ‘live CD’ operating system from the flash drive possible.
To help you choose which USB storage is right for you, we assembled this list of the best USB flash drives you can buy today.
If USB drives are either too expensive (for the amount of storage you’re planning to use) or their capacities are just not high enough (or you tend to lose them a lot), feel free to check out our list of the best external hard drives.
1. Patriot Supersonic Rage 2 USB flash drive
Capacity: 128GB | Interface: USB 3.0
Extremely fast
Expensive
If you want one of the fastest possible USB memory sticks, then the Patriot Supersonic Rage 2 is definitely the one for you. Sure, the price is high, but we were blown away with how fast the device is. If you need to move around large files quickly, then this is definitely worth the price.
It also comes with 128GB of storage space, which is a phenomenal amount of storage to carry around in your pocket. Just make sure you don't lose it!
2. Kingston Technology DataTraveler 100 Generation 3 USB flash drive
Capacity: 64GB | Interface: USB 3.0
Good value
Not as fast as other USB 3.0 flash drives
Over the past two years or so, the rise in wholesale transportation costs has made it uneconomical for retailers to sell USB flash drives that were too small, with the cost of postage and packaging actually constituting the biggest portion of the selling price.
The Kingston Technology DataTraveler 100 Generation 3 is the most affordable 64GB USB 3.0 drive on the market with read/write speeds of 150Mbps and 70Mbps respectively.
3. SanDisk Extreme CZ80 USB flash drive
Capacity: 32GB | Interface: USB 3.0
Cheap
Not quite the fastest stick out there
The SanDisk Extreme CZ80 is a brilliantly priced USB drive that offers plenty of storage space and file transfer speeds. Although it's priced more towards the budget end of USB sticks, the performance is anything but budget - this is a very speedy little performer.
The slide-out design of this stick means you can tuck the USB interface into the body when not in use, minimising the risk of it getting damaged while you're carrying it around.
4. Verbatim Pinstripe USB flash drive
Capacity: 128GB | Interface: USB 3.0
High capacity
Not the most robust drive
This is the cheapest USB 3.0 drive on the market on a per-GB. It comes with a two-year warranty and a capless/retractable cap design.
Worth nothing that Verbatim - a very well known Japanese storage and memory manufacturer - sells it on its website and usually has pretty good deals on the device.
5. PNY Turbo 256GB USB flash drive
Best 256GB USB drive
Capacity: 256GB | Interface: USB 3.0
Huge capacity
No built-in encryption
Another memory vendor that turned into a player in the USB market as well. which features a capped design as well as read/write speeds of 80Mbps and 20Mbps respectively.
These are not super fast speeds and if you want something with more oomph then check out some of the other USB drives in this roundup.
6. Patriot Supersonic Mega USB flash drive
Capacity: 512GB | Interface: USB 3.1
Good speeds
Design can make it awkward to plug in
A USB 3.1 drive (compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0) from one of the most established memory players on the market but a relative newcomer to this segment.
It has a zinc alloy body with aluminium accent and reaches read/write speeds of 380Mbps and 70Mbps respectively. No slouch and one that comes with a five-year warranty.
7. Samsung T3 SSD USB flash drive
Best 1TB USB Drive
Capacity: 1TB | Interface: USB 3.1
Very good performance
Expensive
We're solidly in premium territory with this model; not only does it offer absurdly high read speeds of up to 450Mbps thanks to Samsung's own 3D V-NAND technology, it also comes with a three-year warranty and has a USB Type C connector. Note that it is much bigger than a traditional flash drive and costs about five times a spinning hard drive of a similar capacity.
In comparison, a 1TB SSD like the Samsung EVO 850 costs just £240. It comes with V-NAND based like the Samsung Portable T1 and it does boast speeds of 530Mbps and 520Mbps in read/write mode respectively. Note that you will need to get a separate enclosure to get it to work with a standard USB port.
8. SanDisk Ultra Fit CZ43 USB flash drive
Capacity: 32GB | Interface: USB 3.0
Compact and portable
Not very fast
If you don't want a USB stick jutting out of your laptop or tablet while you use it, then a low profile USB stick is a good choice, and the SanDisk Ultra Fit CZ43 is an excellent choice. It's small and light enough to easy carry around, and when it's plugged into your laptop it doesn't stick out much from the body.
It's also very cheap, at around £10 for the 32GB version, with 64GB and 128GB versions also available. It's not quite as fast as many of the other USB memory sticks we mention here, but if you want a small form factor USB stick, it's worth the trade-off.
How to choose your USB memory sticks?
- It's not worth looking for memory sticks with capacities smaller than 64GB simply because the price premium you pay for twice or four times the storage is tiny.
- Make sure you include delivery price when doing the numbers as quite often you end up paying more for the postage than the drive itself, particularly for low cost models.
- USB 2.0 is sufficient for smaller capacities but not for bigger ones where write speeds can be sluggish. Larger flash drives (128GB or more) often come only with a USB 3.0 connector.
- If you plan to move files to and from portable devices (tablets or smartphones), consider a memory stick with a microUSB connector and a full size USB one.
- Avoid buying your memory sticks from vendors with few feedbacks on auction websites as these drives might turn out to be fake. All the vendors listed below are tried and trusted ones.
- Above 128GB, you might want to consider a SSD if you want ruggedness, portability, versatility and better performance without the cost.
- Note that all the capacities are likely to be much less than stated when they are formatted and when mounted on an operating system.
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For some people online flash games are a passing distraction to fill the hours between lunch and home time. For others online flash games are a passionate hobby that keeps glued to their monitors while they try and beat their last score. We've put together a list of the top ten best flash games ever, in no particular order. From simple animal cruelty to complex platform puzzles, these should keep you entertained all day long. Let us know about your favourite games in the comments section below or in our forum.
Bejeweled
Originally called Diamond Mine, this classic flash game involves moving multicoloured gems around in order to create sets of three. It's simple, but incredibly addictive.
Originally called Diamond Mine, this classic flash game involves moving multicoloured gems around in order to create sets of three. It's simple, but incredibly addictive.
Addictiveness, using the internationally recognised HR scale: You're FIRED!
While you're here, why not check out our amazing iPhone history video infographic?
Chimgam
We're not sure where this game came from -- and we're not sure we want to know. This is one of the craziest games we've ever played and one of the funniest. It's not big and it's not clever, but we can't stop playing it.
We're not sure where this game came from -- and we're not sure we want to know. This is one of the craziest games we've ever played and one of the funniest. It's not big and it's not clever, but we can't stop playing it.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Bow Man
Set in a time when a bow and arrow was the best way to stick it to the man -- as opposed to playing silly games on company time -- Bow Man challenges you to shoot your enemy by calculating the correct angle and power of your bow. Robin Hood eat your heart out.
Set in a time when a bow and arrow was the best way to stick it to the man -- as opposed to playing silly games on company time -- Bow Man challenges you to shoot your enemy by calculating the correct angle and power of your bow. Robin Hood eat your heart out.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Desktop Tower Defense
You're sitting at your desk, avoiding work, on your fourth cup of tea when suddenly you're attacked by a group of creeps. What do you do? You set up canons of course, and blow them to smithereens. Desktop Tower Defense is a personal favourite of ours and a must-play game.
You're sitting at your desk, avoiding work, on your fourth cup of tea when suddenly you're attacked by a group of creeps. What do you do? You set up canons of course, and blow them to smithereens. Desktop Tower Defense is a personal favourite of ours and a must-play game.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Neopets Hasee Bounce
Dodging dung might not sound like fun, but as you've already found out playing Chimgam, it can be a blast. Hasee Bounce sees you control cute creatures that bounce in the air and eat doughnut fruit. If only doughnut fruit was real. Sigh.
Dodging dung might not sound like fun, but as you've already found out playing Chimgam, it can be a blast. Hasee Bounce sees you control cute creatures that bounce in the air and eat doughnut fruit. If only doughnut fruit was real. Sigh.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Line Rider
If you haven't played this game, you haven't lived. At face value, Line Rider looks almost too simple, but after playing it for a couple of minutes you'll soon find yourself creating increasingly wacky and impossible courses for the brave -- nay, foolhardy -- tobogganist.
If you haven't played this game, you haven't lived. At face value, Line Rider looks almost too simple, but after playing it for a couple of minutes you'll soon find yourself creating increasingly wacky and impossible courses for the brave -- nay, foolhardy -- tobogganist.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
The Last Stand
If you're a huge fan of Resident Evil, The Last Stand will satisfy your daytime zombie-killing needs. As you proceed through each level you're gradually given more weapons -- soon no zombie will be a match for your head-blasting skills.
If you're a huge fan of Resident Evil, The Last Stand will satisfy your daytime zombie-killing needs. As you proceed through each level you're gradually given more weapons -- soon no zombie will be a match for your head-blasting skills.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Portal
Based on Valve's mind-bending Orange Box puzzler Portal, this platformer is a testament to the potential of the flash game. Vastly more sophisticated than most of the flash games you will have played before, Portal: The Flash Version is by far one of the best-looking flash games we've ever played.
Based on Valve's mind-bending Orange Box puzzler Portal, this platformer is a testament to the potential of the flash game. Vastly more sophisticated than most of the flash games you will have played before, Portal: The Flash Version is by far one of the best-looking flash games we've ever played.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
The Helicopter Game
Although it looks like a game developed for the Commodore 64, this game takes the art of mouse-tapping to the next level. The aim of the game is to keep your helicopter from touching the edges, simply by holding left-click to go up and letting go to drop. It might sound easy, but racking up a high score is a challenge.
Although it looks like a game developed for the Commodore 64, this game takes the art of mouse-tapping to the next level. The aim of the game is to keep your helicopter from touching the edges, simply by holding left-click to go up and letting go to drop. It might sound easy, but racking up a high score is a challenge.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
YetiSports
Almost everyone familiar with flash games will have dabbled in YetiSports. Although it inspired a plethora of yeti-filled games, we think the original is by far the best -- and our favourite flash game ever made. All you have to do is smack the penguin as far as you can by timing your swing. We manged a paltry 369.6 -- can you beat it?
Almost everyone familiar with flash games will have dabbled in YetiSports. Although it inspired a plethora of yeti-filled games, we think the original is by far the best -- and our favourite flash game ever made. All you have to do is smack the penguin as far as you can by timing your swing. We manged a paltry 369.6 -- can you beat it?
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Update: In response to popular demand for more flash games, we've selected another ten we think are worthy of your precious time. Click the next page to have a go at ten more addictive online flash games.
Dolphin Olympics 2
You're a dolphin with acrobatics on the brain and a wonderful affinity to altitude. Be warned, though: we thought we'd already played the most addictive games ever, but Dolphin Olympics 2 is so addictive we almost tear ourselves away long enough to write this description.
You're a dolphin with acrobatics on the brain and a wonderful affinity to altitude. Be warned, though: we thought we'd already played the most addictive games ever, but Dolphin Olympics 2 is so addictive we almost tear ourselves away long enough to write this description.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Winterbells
Orisinal's games are some of the cutest flash games out there. We're particular fans of Winterbells, which sees a small rabbit jump in the air and bounce off bells. It's not a complex game, but you won't be able to stop playing it -- seeing your ickle bunny plummet from a great height is just too much to bear. He must go higher!
Orisinal's games are some of the cutest flash games out there. We're particular fans of Winterbells, which sees a small rabbit jump in the air and bounce off bells. It's not a complex game, but you won't be able to stop playing it -- seeing your ickle bunny plummet from a great height is just too much to bear. He must go higher!
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
N
The way of the ninja is apparently laden with gold -- or at least it is in N, a flash game where you play a ninja intent on collecting as much gold as possible. Watch out for all the obstacles and lasers though, one wrong move and you're ninja toast.
The way of the ninja is apparently laden with gold -- or at least it is in N, a flash game where you play a ninja intent on collecting as much gold as possible. Watch out for all the obstacles and lasers though, one wrong move and you're ninja toast.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Dino Run
Being a dinosaur is a dangerous business, especially if you're being chased by a 'pyroclastic wall of doom', but all is not lost. Using your keyboard skills you can lead your brave dinosaur to safety and boost its evolutionary powers along the way by collecting eggs.
Being a dinosaur is a dangerous business, especially if you're being chased by a 'pyroclastic wall of doom', but all is not lost. Using your keyboard skills you can lead your brave dinosaur to safety and boost its evolutionary powers along the way by collecting eggs.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Crimson room
Don't play this if you're not a patient person, but if you like to solve problems this is a fantastic game that will have you entertained for hours. You start in a red room with only your wits to get you out -- do you accept the challenge?
Don't play this if you're not a patient person, but if you like to solve problems this is a fantastic game that will have you entertained for hours. You start in a red room with only your wits to get you out -- do you accept the challenge?
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Bloons
Simple games are often the most fun and Bloons is as simple as they come. The aim is to burst as many balloons as possible with the help of your trusty monkey. Each level presents a different challenge and there's an impressive 50 to get through.
Simple games are often the most fun and Bloons is as simple as they come. The aim is to burst as many balloons as possible with the help of your trusty monkey. Each level presents a different challenge and there's an impressive 50 to get through.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Grow Cube
Possibly one of the most addictive and equally frustrating games out there, Grow Cube is a game that involves concentration, deduction and a piece of paper. You have to add the right element at the right time, otherwise your cube ain't growing nowhere. Our tip: start with the man, and take notes.
Possibly one of the most addictive and equally frustrating games out there, Grow Cube is a game that involves concentration, deduction and a piece of paper. You have to add the right element at the right time, otherwise your cube ain't growing nowhere. Our tip: start with the man, and take notes.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Zuma
Similar to Bejeweled, Zuma is a classic game that's really fun to play. You've got to shoot different coloured balls from a frog's mouth at a growing line of coloured balls to make them all disappear -- otherwise the frog gets it. Line up combos for a massive score.
Similar to Bejeweled, Zuma is a classic game that's really fun to play. You've got to shoot different coloured balls from a frog's mouth at a growing line of coloured balls to make them all disappear -- otherwise the frog gets it. Line up combos for a massive score.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Vector Runner
Flash-based driving games vary from the incredible to the unplayable: Vector Runner is definitely among the former. Using very basic graphics, Vector Runner somehow manages to feel like a high-end game.
Flash-based driving games vary from the incredible to the unplayable: Vector Runner is definitely among the former. Using very basic graphics, Vector Runner somehow manages to feel like a high-end game.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Cursor*10
This is an annoying game, but it's maddeningly addictive. You have to get to the top of the building and tap stuff along the way. When the time runs out you start again, but you have to race against your previous effort.
This is an annoying game, but it's maddeningly addictive. You have to get to the top of the building and tap stuff along the way. When the time runs out you start again, but you have to race against your previous effort.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Update 2: Oh go on then, have another five.
Levers
Patrick Smith is an inspired flash artist who came up with Vector Park, a series of flash-based artworks that make rather addictive games. Levers, in particular, is one of Smith's best works and sees you having to balance several objects in order to proceed to the next level. Clear out your diary -- you won't be doing any work this afternoon.
Patrick Smith is an inspired flash artist who came up with Vector Park, a series of flash-based artworks that make rather addictive games. Levers, in particular, is one of Smith's best works and sees you having to balance several objects in order to proceed to the next level. Clear out your diary -- you won't be doing any work this afternoon.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Space Invaders
Paul Neave is another inspired flash developer whose talents seem endless. Aside from creating beautiful flash-embedded sites, Neave has also created a set of flash games that so perfectly reflect the gaming qualities of their original titles, we play them in awe. His remake of Space Invaders, for example, is sublime.
Paul Neave is another inspired flash developer whose talents seem endless. Aside from creating beautiful flash-embedded sites, Neave has also created a set of flash games that so perfectly reflect the gaming qualities of their original titles, we play them in awe. His remake of Space Invaders, for example, is sublime.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Play Space Invaders above
Frogger
Another gem from Paul Neave is Frogger, which many old-school gamers will remember with great fondness. You play the role of a frog who's trying to cross a road and then a river. It might sound simple, but throw in ruthless cars with emotionless drivers and a river jammed with logs and snappy turtles and you've got a job on your hands. As with Space Invaders, once you click on the link below just click on the Frogger logo to start playing.
Another gem from Paul Neave is Frogger, which many old-school gamers will remember with great fondness. You play the role of a frog who's trying to cross a road and then a river. It might sound simple, but throw in ruthless cars with emotionless drivers and a river jammed with logs and snappy turtles and you've got a job on your hands. As with Space Invaders, once you click on the link below just click on the Frogger logo to start playing.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Play Frogger above
Park
Patrick Smith's mind must be a wonderful place to be, something you'll realise when playing Park. Another addition to his Vector Park collection, Park is one of the most intriguing flash games we've ever had the pleasure to experience. With echoes of Guillermo del Toro and Studio Ghibli, the idea is to click your way through the mysterious park, uncovering a variety of intricate graphics and beautiful animations. What does it all mean? That's up to you.
Patrick Smith's mind must be a wonderful place to be, something you'll realise when playing Park. Another addition to his Vector Park collection, Park is one of the most intriguing flash games we've ever had the pleasure to experience. With echoes of Guillermo del Toro and Studio Ghibli, the idea is to click your way through the mysterious park, uncovering a variety of intricate graphics and beautiful animations. What does it all mean? That's up to you.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Snake
Back to the man -- the legend -- that is Paul Neave and another classic remade for the flash game scene in the form of Snake. Hardcore Snake fans will know it originally featured on Nokia phones and became an instant hit. Unfortunately, Nokia decided to change Snake and add 3D graphics, ultimately destroying a truly great game. But Neave has saved it in flash form for us to enjoy once again. Click on the Snake logo to start playing.
Back to the man -- the legend -- that is Paul Neave and another classic remade for the flash game scene in the form of Snake. Hardcore Snake fans will know it originally featured on Nokia phones and became an instant hit. Unfortunately, Nokia decided to change Snake and add 3D graphics, ultimately destroying a truly great game. But Neave has saved it in flash form for us to enjoy once again. Click on the Snake logo to start playing.
Addictiveness: You're FIRED!
Play Snake above
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