Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB
Score: 88/100
Garmese USB-C SSD 256GB
Score: 81/100Rankings
A high-performance 1 TB USB-C flash drive delivering SSD-class speeds in a compact, sliding-connector form factor. It excels in speed and convenience but is bulkier, can heat up, and lacks built-in encryption.
The GARMESE 256 GB dual-connector flash drive offers fast burst performance and a rugged metal case, making it suitable for creators and travelers. However, its sustained speeds fall short of the advertised rates and it runs warm under heavy load.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,024 GBbest | 256 GB | |
1,000 MB/sbest | 450 MB/s | |
900 MB/sbest | 400 MB/s | |
60 monthsbest | 12 months | |
| ↓ lower better | 12 gbest | 82 g |
| ↓ lower better | 82.17 mm | 66.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 22 mm | 19.8 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 9.02 mm | 8.4 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 1024 GB | 256 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 1000 MB/s | 450 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 900 MB/s | 400 MB/s |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 60 months | 12 months |
Physical(5) | ||
Weight (g) | 12 g | 82 g |
Length (mm) | 82.17 mm | 66.5 mm |
Width (mm) | 22.00 mm | 19.8 mm |
Height (mm) | 9.02 mm | 8.4 mm |
Material | Plastic | Zinc alloy |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C/USB-A 3.2 Gen1 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, smart TVs, game consoles, car audio systems, projectors |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers laud the DataTraveler Max for delivering SSD-class speeds in a USB-C flash drive, calling it a game-changing product that rivals external SSDs, while noting the plastic construction, exposed half-connector, and need for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host to unlock its full potential.
Everyday users are overwhelmingly positive about the drive's blazing fast transfers and convenient sliding design, often highlighting how quickly large video files move; common complaints revolve around heating, bulkier size, lack of encryption, and a cheap plastic feel.
“It's plenty fast compared to your standard USB stick... just don't expect to reach the advertised speeds in real-world environments.”
Professional testers acknowledge the GARMESE drive's impressive burst speeds and convenient dual-connector layout, but they criticize its over-stated sustained performance and the lack of a sizable cache, which causes noticeable speed throttling on large transfers.
Everyday users praise the drive's quick initial transfers, sturdy metal housing and the ease of swapping between USB-A and USB-C devices, but many complain about speed drops on big files, warmth during long sessions, and occasional Android compatibility hiccups.
