It may be thought that with the popularization of cloud storage, the days when we had to transport data on a storage device are over. But we would be wrong. Although cloud storage is great for certain things – documents, pictures, etc. – it can become difficult to use if you need quick access to large amounts of data. In addition, you must constantly rely on a good internet connection.
One of the most practical ways to carry data when you’re on the move is still the USB key.
Yes, it’s 2022 and USB keys are still relevant.
Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3 NXC 128 GB, to secure your data
The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3 NXC has become my go-to USB drive for anything I want to keep away from prying eyes. I’ve been using one for many months and it’s one of the devices that fits into my work routine the best. It is very reliable and provides good peace of mind, as all data remains encrypted at all times.
Technical specifications :
- FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation;
- AES-XTS 256 BIT hardware encryption;
- USB 3.2 with USB Type-C connector;
- powered by USB port and internal battery;
- separate administrator and user modes;
- authentication and operation without software.
Advantages :
- secure data encryption.
Disadvantages:
- bulky key;
- costly.
From 168 euros
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe 1 TB, the advantages of USB-C and USB-A
This flash drive comes into its own when I’m moving data between systems with USB-A and USB-C and don’t want to bother with a wireless solution. I really appreciate having a high capacity drive that can work with both new and old devices.
Technical specifications :
- reversible USB Type-C/Type-A connector.
Advantages :
- compact design;
- compatible with PC, Mac, smartphones and tablets;
- large capacities available.
Disadvantages:
- more expensive than an ordinary key.
From 249.99 euros
Lexar JumpDrive S47 128 GB, thumb-sized storage
These readers fall into the “plug and forget” category. Really handy to keep in the car if it has a USB-A port and you want to have a library separate from your smartphone. I also find them great for connecting to smart TVs and for creating small backups to store in a safe in case disaster strikes.
Technical specifications :
- compact and discreet plug-and-stay design;
- quickly stores and transfers content with USB 3.1 performance up to 250MB/s read;
- securely protects files using DataVault Lite software, an advanced security solution with 256-bit AES encryption;
- USB 3.1 (Gen1) enabled; backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices.
Advantages :
- compact design;
- cheap.
Disadvantages:
- no USB-C support.
From €25.25
SanDisk Ultra Flair 128 GB, economy and aesthetics
These are my favorite keys when I want something cheap in the office and encryption isn’t necessary. They are compact enough to carry around and sturdy enough to withstand regular use. They are also stylish and reliable enough that you can give them to your customers as gifts.
Technical specifications :
- high-speed USB 3.0 performance up to 150MB/s;
- USB-A connector.
Advantages :
- compact design;
- cheap.
Disadvantages:
- no USB-C support.
From €28.99
iStorage dataAshur PRO² 16 GB, robust and high security
This is another fantastic encrypted drive I use for devices with USB-A. This drive is also ultra-rugged and is perfectly at home outdoors or in a smart office.
Technical specifications :
- USB key encrypted hardware and authenticated by PIN code
- works on any device with a USB port, no software required;
- FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified • Portable, rugged, dust and water resistant (IP68 certified);
- up to 168MB/s read speed, up to 116MB/s write speed;
- USB-A connector.
Advantages :
- secured ;
- fast ;
- reliable.
Disadvantages:
- no USB-C support;
- bulky.
From 107 euros
Kingston Data Traveler Locker + G3 32 GB, for automatic cloud backup
Having a backup on a USB stick is great, but it’s even better to have both a local backup and a cloud backup. That’s what the Kingston Data Traveler Locker + G3 offers. Yes, you can always find other ways to do this, but this makes it easier! This drive is also super tough, and I’m pretty sure it could survive some serious damage.
Technical specifications :
- automatic USB to cloud backup option by ClevX (Windows and Mac);
- durable metal case with built-in key ring;
- hardware encryption;
- password protection;
- USB-A connector.
Advantages :
- built-in cloud backup features;
- solid.
Disadvantages:
- no USB-C support;
- bulky.
From €52.96
Verbatim ToughMAX 64 GB, solidity above all
If I need to take data outdoors then this is a must have for me. I dropped it in the mud, stomped on it, soaked it in the rain and it still works. For a cheap key, this one is pretty amazing.
Technical specifications :
- extremely resistant;
- water, crush and temperature resistant;
- made from proprietary high-strength KyronMAX plastic;
- password protection software (Windows only).
Advantages :
- solid;
- cheap ;
- compact.
Disadvantages:
- 64 GB maximum storage;
- easy to lose tip.
From €14.56
FAQs
Why don’t you list flash drive speeds for all drives?
First, many manufacturers don’t list them, and second, it depends so much on the host system the drive is connected to that this feature isn’t really meaningful.
What do you think of encryption?
I find the hardware encryption to be really good. You unlock the drive and everything remains encrypted at all times. But I find software encryption not that useful and not something I would rely on.
How reliable are the keys of readers with integrated keyboards?
I had some concerns when I first started using them, but they are actually very reliable.
How reliable are these drives?
I’ve never had a problem with a hardware fault. I either lost them or broke them through negligence.
Source: ZDNet.com