Tech & Gadgets · Head-to-head
Kingston DataTraveler Max (USB-A) vs Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive
Which should you buy? Here's the honest call, pulled from our full The Best USB Flash Drives: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is the standout if you value speed, delivering read rates that leave normal thumb drives far behind. For most everyday users, though, the smaller and cheaper Samsung Type-C drive is the smarter buy.
Kingston DataTraveler Max (USB-A)
Buy itThe closest a pocketable flash drive gets to portable-SSD speed.
- SSD-class read speeds that independent testing consistently ranks at the top of the flash-drive pack
- Cap-less slider design means there is nothing to lose
- Roomy capacities suit large video files and quick backups
- Runs noticeably warm and can slow down during very long sustained writes, owners note
- Longer and chunkier than a typical thumb drive, so it may block neighbouring ports
- Priced well above ordinary flash drives
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive
Buy itA tiny, reliable USB-C drive that nails everyday transfers for the money.
- Very small and light, so it disappears on a keyring or in a laptop bag
- Brisk read speeds that reviewers rate as strong for the price
- Plugs straight into modern phones, tablets and laptops over USB-C
- Write speeds are only moderate, so big folder copies take longer than the read rating suggests
- USB-C only - you will need an adapter for older USB-A ports
- Small enough that it is easy to misplace
Side by side
| Kingston DataTraveler Max (USB-A) | Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Power users who regularly move large files and want the fastest real flash drive. | Anyone on USB-C devices who wants a dependable, affordable everyday drive. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Kingston DataTraveler Max (USB-A) - The closest a pocketable flash drive gets to portable-SSD speed. Choose the Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive instead if anyone on USB-C devices who wants a dependable, affordable everyday drive.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best USB Flash Drives: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).