Kingston DataTraveler Micro 256GB
Score: 70/100
Kingston Ironkey Locker+ 50 32GB
Score: 43/100Rankings
The Kingston DataTraveler Micro 256 GB USB-A flash drive combines an ultra-compact metal case with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds, a built-in key loop, and a 5-year warranty, making it a premium plug-and-stay solution for high-capacity portable storage.
A 32 GB encrypted USB flash drive with FIPS-certified hardware encryption, metal construction and built-in cloud backup. It offers strong security features but requires specific Windows drive-letter configuration and lacks password recovery.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 32 GB | |
200 MB/sbest | 145 MB/s | |
20 MB/s | 115 MB/sbest | |
60 monthsbest | 60 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 9 gbest | 20 g |
| ↓ lower better | 24.95 mmbest | 60.56 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 12.2 mmbest | 18.6 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 mmbest | 9.6 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 256 GB | 32 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 200 MB/s | 145 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 20 MB/s | 115 MB/s |
Physical(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 9 g | 20 g |
Length (mm) | 24.95 mm | 60.56 mm |
Width (mm) | 12.2 mm | 18.6 mm |
Height (mm) | 4.5 mm | 9.6 mm |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS | Windows, macOS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the drive's efficient low-profile metal design, its USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance boost over older USB 2.0 drives, and its broad OS compatibility, positioning it as a premium plug-and-stay solution for modern computers.
Everyday users praise the drive's fast read speeds, tiny footprint, and sleek look, but many complain about lower-than-advertised write speeds, occasional premature failures, and limited durability when subjected to constant physical wear.
“lightning fast”
“solidly built”
“stopped enumerating”
Professional reviewers commend the LP50 for its robust, FIPS-certified hardware encryption, user-friendly passphrase mode, and the convenience of built-in USBtoCloud backup, noting that the mandatory drive-letter allocation and absence of any password-recovery option may hinder less-technical users.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's straightforward plug-and-play setup, the confidence of hardware encryption, and the practical metal design with a key loop. Common frustrations revolve around Windows drive-letter conflicts, permanent data loss if passwords are forgotten, occasional slower write performance, and the device warming up.
