PNY PRO Elite 256GB
Score: 83/100
Garmese 256GB USB-C SSD Flash Drive
Score: 74/100Rankings
The PNY PRO Elite 256 GB USB-A flash drive delivers industry-leading 400 MB/s read performance and a rugged metal housing with a 64 GB cache for burst writes. Sustained write speeds drop significantly and it lacks a native USB-C connector. Best suited for power users who prioritize fast reads and occasional high-speed writes.
The Garmese 256 GB USB-C SSD flash drive offers SSD-grade performance with real-world read speeds up to 552 MB/s and a sturdy zinc-alloy body with a protective leather case. Its speed is constrained by host USB support and the added case adds bulk, making it best for travelers and casual creators needing fast, portable storage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 256 GBbest | |
400 MB/s | 552 MB/sbest | |
180 MB/s | 452 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 gbest | — |
— | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 400 MB/s | 552 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 180 MB/s | 452 MB/s |
Connectivity(2) | ||
USB Version | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 |
Interface | USB-A retractable | USB-C |
General(1) | ||
OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS | Windows, Linux, Android, macOS |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Material | Metal | Zinc alloy |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the PNY PRO Elite for its impressive 400 MB/s read capability and solid benchmark score, highlighting the metal construction and 64 GB pSLC cache as strengths. However, they consistently criticize the steep drop in sustained write speeds once the cache is exhausted and the lack of a USB-C interface, positioning the drive as a strong read-focused solution but limited for heavy, continuous write workloads.
Everyday users generally appreciate the rapid read performance and generous 256 GB capacity, noting the drive feels robust and portable. Recurring themes in consumer feedback include frustration with slower sustained writes after the cache fills and occasional warmth during prolonged transfers, while the missing USB-C option is also mentioned as a drawback.
Professional reviewers commend the Garmese 256GB drive for its pocket-sized form factor, solid zinc-alloy construction with a leather sleeve, and a respectable 450-550 MB/s performance envelope that works across Mac, PC, and consoles. However, they caution that without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host support the drive cannot reach its advertised ceiling and that it lags behind premium external SSDs in raw speed and ruggedness, making it a budget-friendly convenience option rather than a pro-grade tool.
Everyday users consistently highlight the drive's portability, sturdy build, and sufficient speed for everyday tasks such as quick backups, file transfers, and modest game loading times. Recurring complaints focus on the speed ceiling that falls short of the advertised peak, the added bulk from the leather case, and the fact that it isn't built for demanding editing or large-file workflows.
