In an era of cloud storage and wireless transfers, the humble USB flash drive remains an indispensable tool for anyone who needs reliable, portable, and direct file storage. Whether you’re a student handing in assignments, a professional sharing presentations, or a photographer backing up a day’s shoot, having a trustworthy 64GB drive means you have ample space for thousands of documents, photos, and even large video files right in your pocket. The convenience of plug-and-play functionality is unmatched for quick, offline transfers.
However, not all flash drives are created equal. The market is flooded with options that vary dramatically in speed, durability, and design. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a transfer that takes seconds and one that drags on for minutes. This roundup cuts through the noise to present the best 64GB USB flash drives, highlighting key features from top brands and value-packed multi-packs to help you find the perfect storage solution for your specific needs.
Our Recommended 64GB USB Flash Drives
- SanDisk 64GB Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive
- PNY 64GB Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Flash Drive (Pack of 3)
- Micro Center SuperSpeed 5 Pack 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
- RAOYI 5 Pack 64GB USB 2.0 Memory Stick Thumb Drives
- INLAND 10 Pack 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
- SanDisk 64GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive
- SamData 64GB USB Flash Drives 2 Pack with LED Light
- SanDisk 64GB 10-Pack Cruzer Glide USB 2.0 Flash Drive
- SAMSUNG MUF-64AB/AM FIT Plus 64GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive
- Samsung BAR Plus 64GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive
SanDisk 64GB Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive
For a balance of performance and value, the SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 is a consistently popular choice. It offers read speeds of up to 100MB/s, making it capable of handling large files without significant wait times. Its broad compatibility with both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports ensures it works with virtually any computer you encounter.
A standout feature is the inclusion of SanDisk SecureAccess software, which provides 128-bit AES encryption to password-protect your sensitive files. This adds a valuable layer of security for personal documents, financial records, or any private data you carry with you. The drive’s sleek and compact design is both durable and highly portable.
PNY 64GB Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Flash Drive (Pack of 3)
If you need to equip multiple users or keep drives in different locations, this three-pack from PNY offers excellent utility. The Turbo Attaché 3 drives are built with a durable, lightweight design that stands up to the rigors of daily travel, making them a reliable mobile storage solution.
With transfer speeds up to ten times faster than older USB 2.0 drives, these are perfect for moving large collections of photos, videos, and music files. Having three identical drives on hand is ideal for creating backups, distributing files to a team, or simply ensuring you always have a spare when you need it most.
Micro Center SuperSpeed 5 Pack 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
This five-pack from Micro Center is the ultimate solution for bulk storage needs in offices, schools, or for tech enthusiasts. The gum-sized design is incredibly slim, minimizing bulk while providing a full 64GB of capacity for each drive. They are ideal for classified storage or handing out pre-loaded materials.
These are USB 3.0 drives, offering read speeds up to 70MB/s, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0 alternatives. They are fully plug-and-play, requiring no software installation, and are compatible with a wide range of devices including PCs, laptops, TVs, and car audio systems.
RAOYI 5 Pack 64GB USB 2.0 Memory Stick Thumb Drives
For those on a tight budget where top speed is not the primary concern, the RAOYI 5-pack delivers exceptional value. These drives come in five distinct colors, allowing for easy categorization of files—for example, using a different color for work, personal, school, backups, and sharing.
The drives feature a convenient retractable design that eliminates the risk of losing a cap. A built-in lanyard hole makes them easy to attach to a keychain for portability. While they use the USB 2.0 standard, they still provide reliable storage and transfer for everyday documents and media files.
INLAND 10 Pack 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
When you need to outfit an entire classroom, team, or event, this ten-pack from INLAND is a phenomenal bulk buy. You get a significant quantity of USB 3.0 drives, each with read speeds up to 70MB/s, which is ten times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives.
The compact, gum-size form factor ensures they don’t take up much space and are easy to carry in large numbers. This makes them perfect for promotional giveaways, pre-loading software or presentations for clients, or as a cost-effective way to maintain a large inventory of reliable storage devices.
SanDisk 64GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive
For users who demand faster performance, the SanDisk Ultra Flair steps up the game with read speeds of up to 150MB/s. This high-speed USB 3.0 performance means you can transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds, a major time-saver for large video files and extensive photo libraries.
The drive is housed in a sleek, durable metal casing that not only looks professional but also offers improved protection against physical damage. Its fast transfer rates make it an excellent choice for photographers, videographers, and anyone who regularly works with large multimedia files.
SamData 64GB USB Flash Drives 2 Pack (Black)
This practical two-pack from SamData provides reliable and affordable storage for basic needs. The drives feature a unique 360-degree rotating metal collar that protects the USB connector without a separate cap, reducing the chance of loss and damage.
A helpful LED light indicates when data is being transferred, providing visual confirmation that the drive is active. The capless design and sturdy metal clip make these drives both convenient and durable for everyday use, whether at home, in the office, or on campus.
SanDisk 64GB 10-Pack Cruzer Glide USB 2.0 Flash Drive
From a trusted brand, this extensive ten-pack is designed for maximum distribution and basic storage tasks. The Cruzer Glide is known for its reliable performance for storing photos, videos, music, and documents, giving you peace of mind for your files.
It features a simple retractable slider design that keeps the USB connector safely tucked away when not in use, eliminating the cap entirely. This is an ideal bulk purchase for educational institutions, businesses, or anyone who needs a large quantity of dependable, no-frills storage from a reputable manufacturer.
SAMSUNG FIT Plus 64GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive
The Samsung FIT Plus is engineered for a seamless, low-profile connection. Its exceptionally compact design is meant to sit almost flush with your laptop or TV’s USB port, making it perfect for semi-permanent storage or use in crowded USB hubs where space is limited.
Despite its tiny size, it doesn’t sacrifice performance, offering high-speed transfers for a responsive experience. It includes a key ring to prevent loss, and Samsung’s reputation for quality ensures reliable and secure storage for all your important files.
Samsung BAR Plus 64GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive
For those who need a drive that can withstand rough handling, the Samsung BAR Plus is a top contender. It features a rugged, all-metal body that is shock-resistant, temperature-resistant, and even waterproof, offering superior durability compared to plastic drives.
It delivers fast read and write speeds with USB 3.1 connectivity, making it capable of handling large files efficiently. The sturdy design, combined with a key ring loop, makes it an excellent choice for construction sites, fieldwork, or anyone with an active lifestyle who needs a drive that can keep up.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 64GB USB Flash Drive
When I’m looking for a new 64GB USB flash drive, I don’t just grab the first one I see. There are a few key things I check to make sure I’m getting a drive that fits my needs and won’t let me down. Let’s talk about what really matters.
First up is speed. This is a big one. You’ll see terms like USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB 3.2 Gen 1. For the best performance, I always look for a USB 3.0 drive or higher. The difference in file transfer times compared to an old USB 2.0 drive is massive. If you’re moving large video files, photos, or a big software installation, a faster drive saves you a lot of waiting. Read and write speeds are both important. Read speed is how fast you can open files from the drive, and write speed is how fast you can save files to it. Manufacturers often list these in megabytes per second (MB/s). A higher number is better.
Next, consider the physical design. I’ve had my share of drives that snap apart or have flimsy caps that get lost. A sturdy, metal or solid plastic body can handle being tossed in a bag. Some drives have a retractable design that slides in and out, which I prefer because there’s no cap to lose. Others have a keyring hole, which is great for attaching to your keys so you always know where it is. Think about where and how you’ll use it. If it’s going to live on a keychain, a small, low-profile design is smart. If it’s for a desktop, a larger body might help you avoid losing it behind your computer.
Security is another factor I think about. If you’re storing sensitive work documents or personal information, look for a drive with hardware encryption. Some drives have built-in fingerprint scanners or require a password to access the data. This is much more secure than basic software passwords that can be bypassed. For everyday school or personal files, this might be overkill, but for professionals, it’s a worthwhile feature.
Finally, brand reputation and warranty matter. I stick with known brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston. They have a track record for reliability, and their drives often come with a decent warranty. A cheap, no-name drive might save you a few dollars upfront, but it could fail and take your data with it. When you’re picking from the list of the 10 best 64GB USB flash drives for file storage, knowing what to look for in terms of speed, durability, security, and brand trust helps you make a choice you’ll be happy with for years.
FAQ
What is the actual usable storage space on a 64GB flash drive?
You’ll never get the full 64GB of space. A small portion is used by the drive’s file system and controller software. In my experience, you can expect about 58GB to 60GB of usable space. This is normal and happens because computers calculate storage differently (in base 2) than drive manufacturers do (in base 10). So, don’t be alarmed when your computer shows less than 64GB available.
Can I use a 64GB USB drive to install an operating system?
Absolutely. A 64GB USB drive is more than enough space to create a bootable installer for Windows, Linux, or macOS. The process requires a specific tool to format the drive and copy the OS files correctly. It’s a common method I use for installing or repairing operating systems, and the extra space is nice for also storing driver files or other utilities you might need.
What’s the difference between USB 3.0 and USB-C flash drives?
This is a common point of confusion. USB 3.0 (and its newer names like USB 3.2 Gen 1) refers to the speed standard. USB-C refers to the physical shape of the connector. You can have a USB-C drive that only supports slow USB 2.0 speeds, or a traditional USB-A drive that supports fast USB 3.0 speeds. When shopping, look for both the connector type you need (USB-A for most computers, USB-C for newer laptops and phones) and the speed rating (USB 3.0 or better) to get the performance you want.
How long will a USB flash drive last?
There’s no simple expiration date. Flash drives have a limited number of write cycles, but for most users, this limit won’t be reached for many years. I have drives that are over a decade old and still work fine. The physical durability is often the limiting factor—don’t bend it, get it wet, or expose it to extreme heat. If you’re using it heavily for constant file writing, its life may be shorter, but for typical file storage and transfer, it should last a long time.
Why is my new USB 3.0 drive transferring files slowly?
This is frustrating, but usually easy to fix. First, make sure you’ve plugged it into a USB 3.0 port on your computer (they are usually blue on the inside). If you plug a fast drive into an old USB 2.0 port, it will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds. Second, check what kind of files you’re moving. A folder with thousands of tiny files will transfer slower than a single large file of the same total size. Finally, if you’re copying from an old, slow hard drive, that can also be the bottleneck, not the flash drive itself. When selecting from the 10 best 64GB USB flash drives for file storage, ensure your computer’s ports can keep up with the drive’s potential.