Rankings
The iStorage datAshur PRO 128 GB is a hardware-encrypted USB flash drive offering FIPS-Level 3 security and a rugged aluminum chassis with IP68 protection. Its built-in keypad and rechargeable battery add bulk and require periodic charging. Ideal for regulated-industry professionals needing high security and durability.
The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 32 GB delivers enterprise-grade AES-256 hardware encryption, metal durability, and fast 145 MB/s read and 115 MB/s write speeds. Its limited capacity and higher price point may deter casual users. Targeted at security-focused professionals and organizations.
The Kanguru Defender Elite300 16 GB flash drive delivers FIPS-certified hardware encryption, water resistance, and a physical write-protect switch in a compact, rugged form factor. Its main limitation is the absence of a warranty and a USB-C interface, which could deter some users. Ideal for government, military, and regulated-industry professionals needing certified secure portable storage.
The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3 NXC 4 GB combines fast USB-C performance with 256-bit AES encryption and IP68 waterproofing in a compact aluminum case. Its tiny 4 GB capacity and need for periodic battery charging limit broader use. Best for security-critical tasks requiring a tiny, encrypted USB-C device.
The iStorage datAshur BT 64 GB provides FIPS-Level 3 hardware encryption with Bluetooth-based biometric unlocking via a smartphone app and IP57 ruggedness. Dependence on a paired phone and lack of a keypad can be limiting. It fits well for executives and field workers who value remote management.
The iStorage datAshur Personal2 8 GB is an ultra-compact, keychain-compatible USB drive with built-in keypad and XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption. Its limited 8 GB capacity and modest speeds may restrict power users. Best suited for travelers and individuals needing portable, plug-and-play encryption.
The Corsair Flash Padlock 3 256 GB is a security-focused USB drive with hardware AES encryption and a built-in keypad. Its transfer speeds are modest and the form factor is bulky, which may deter users needing fast data movement. Best for travelers or shared-workstation users who prioritize security over speed.
The Corsair Padlock 3 64 GB is a secure USB-3.0 flash drive featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption and a built-in PIN keypad for software-free authentication. Its rugged rubber housing is water-resistant, but the keypad makes it bulkier and the limited 64 GB capacity may not suit larger needs. Ideal for security-focused professionals requiring portable encrypted storage.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 GB | 128 GB | 32 GB | 8 GB | 256 GBbest | 64 GB | 16 GB | 64 GB | |
171 MB/s | 310 MB/sbest | 145 MB/s | 170 MB/s | — | 170 MB/s | 150 MB/s | — | |
160 MB/s | 246 MB/sbest | 115 MB/s | 135 MB/s | 8 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 100 MB/s | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 22 g | 25 g | 20 g | 14 g | 22 g | 16.5 g | 12 gbest | 15 g |
3 years | 3 years | 5 yearsbest | — | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 0 years | 5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||||||||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 4 GB | 128 GB | 32 GB | 8 GB | 256 GB | 64 GB | 16 GB | 64 GB |
Performance(2) | ||||||||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 171 MB/s | 310 MB/s | 145 MB/s | 170 MB/s | 15-18 MB/s | 170 MB/s | 150 MB/s | — |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 160 MB/s | 246 MB/s | 115 MB/s | 135 MB/s | 8 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 100 MB/s | — |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||
USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 | USB 3.0 |
Interface | USB Type-C | Type-A | USB Type-A | Type-A | USB 3.0 | Type-A | USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 | USB Type-A |
General(2) | ||||||||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | — | 5 years | 3 years | 0 years | 5 years |
OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome OS, Symbian, embedded systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin/Zero Clients, Citrix, VMware, Embedded Systems | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, Embedded Systems, Citrix, VMware | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, iPadOS, embedded systems, VDI (Citrix, VMware) | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Build & Design(3) | ||||||||
Weight (g) | 22 g | 25 g | 20 g | 14 g | 22 g | 16.5 g | 12 g | 15 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 81x18.4x9.5 mm | 80.10×20.25×10.70 mm mm | 60.6 x 18.6 x 9.6 mm mm | 83×17.4×8.6 mm mm | 86×26×14 mm mm | 60×18×7.5 mm mm | 2.8 x 1.1 x 4.9 inches mm | 15×98×138 mm mm |
Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Metal | — | Ruggedised rubber | plastic/zinc | — | rubber |
Power(1) | ||||||||
Operating Temperature (°C) | 0-70 °C | — | 0-50 °C | — | — | — | 0-70 °C | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors are not directly quoted in the available sources; the product is presented primarily through manufacturer claims emphasizing FIPS 140‑2 Level 3 compliance, TAA compliance, and the AegisWare firmware’s malware resistance.
No consumer reviews or ratings were found in the research, so everyday user sentiment cannot be determined from the available data.
“Performance good enough for general use; easy setup.”
“Good price-quality security ratio; usability strong but design humble.”
“Cross-platform versatility shines, but slow (15.4 MB/s avg read); redundant PIN entry.”
Opt for IronKey for high-security, mission-critical data; opt for Padlock for budget-friendly, driver-free protection
Industry retailers and datasheets position the datAshur PRO as a high-security, rugged solution for regulated environments, stressing its FIPS-level encryption, durability certifications, and fast USB 3.2 performance, while noting the lack of independent editorial reviews.
The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 32GB is a compact, enterprise-grade encrypted USB flash drive featuring FIPS-certified AES-256-bit XTS hardware encryption and a metal silver casing with a key loop. It offers plug-and-play use on Windows and macOS, USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds up to 145 MB/s, and optional cloud backup via USBtoCloud.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's quick read response and convenient keyring design, but the overwhelming complaint centers on sluggish write speeds and occasional data integrity problems. Overall sentiment is mixed, with many recommending it only for light, read-heavy use.
Professional reviewers commend the datAshur Personal2 for its unmatched portability and straightforward hardware-only encryption, describing it as the most pocket-sized secure USB drive on the market. However, they caution that its modest 64 GB capacity and inconsistent speed performance limit its appeal for power users who require larger, faster storage solutions.
Professional reviewers commend the Padlock's strong 256-bit AES hardware encryption and its driver-free, cross-platform operation, noting that it delivers adequate read speeds for typical tasks. However, they criticize its sluggish transfer rates, bulky design that can block other ports, and the short auto-lock window that leaves a brief period of vulnerability.
Everyday users appreciate the convenience of a built-in keypad and the ability to use the drive on any OS without extra software, but many express frustration over slow transfer speeds, the device's large size, a loose cap, and concerns about data loss if the PIN is forgotten or the drive is physically tampered with.
Professional reviewers highlight the datAshur BT's military-grade encryption, Bluetooth biometric access, and IP57 ruggedness as strong points for enterprise security, while noting the reliance on a smartphone for unlocking and the lack of a built-in keypad as trade-offs.
No consumer reviews or ratings were found in the source data, so user sentiment cannot be assessed.
Professional reviewers and editors stress the Kanguru Defender Elite300's military-grade security, noting its FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification, RSA-2048 signed firmware, and optional anti-malware integration as key differentiators for high-security deployments, while also highlighting its TAA compliance and remote management capabilities for enterprise fleets.
Everyday users in secure environments commend the drive's plug-and-play encryption and overall reliability, though they occasionally encounter slower speeds on legacy USB ports and find the initial configuration a bit daunting.
Editors and manufacturer descriptions stress that the Flash Padlock 3 delivers government-grade security through FIPS-197-compliant 256-bit AES encryption, while its rugged rubber housing and water-resistance make it suitable for demanding field environments. The built-in PIN keypad is highlighted as a key advantage because it provides authentication without any additional software, streamlining deployment for security-focused organizations.
The Corsair Flash Padlock 3 64 GB is a secure USB 3.0 flash drive that combines 256-bit AES hardware encryption with a built-in PIN keypad and rugged, water-resistant housing. It targets professionals who need portable, government-grade data protection across Windows, macOS and Linux.
