PNY Pro Elite 256GB
Score: 85/100
Garmese USB-C SSD 256GB
Score: 81/100Rankings
The PNY PRO Elite 256 GB USB-A flash drive delivers high read performance and a rugged metal body, making it ideal for large file transfers and bootable media. However, sustained writes suffer once the 64 GB pSLC cache is depleted and the drive lacks hardware 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 | PNY Pro Elite 256GB | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 256 GBbest | |
400 MB/s | 450 MB/sbest | |
180 MB/s | 400 MB/sbest | |
— | 12 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 gbest | 82 g |
| ↓ lower better | 134.11 mm | 66.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 99.31 mm | 19.8 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 11.43 mm | 8.4 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | PNY Pro Elite 256GB | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 400 MB/s | 450 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 180 MB/s | 400 MB/s |
Physical(5) | ||
Weight (g) | 30 g | 82 g |
Length (mm) | 134.11 mm | 66.5 mm |
Width (mm) | 99.31 mm | 19.8 mm |
Height (mm) | 11.43 mm | 8.4 mm |
Material | Metal | Zinc alloy |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C/USB-A 3.2 Gen1 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows/macOS/Linux | 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 highlight the drive's impressive sequential read speeds and robust metal construction, confirming short-burst performance claims, but note that sustained writes suffer after the cache is exhausted and the lack of encryption may concern security-focused users.
Everyday users rate the drive highly for its speed, durability, and premium feel, while common complaints focus on slower write speeds, occasional USB-version confusion, and the protruding connector.
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.
“feeling like a metal tank”
“way nicer than SanDisk”
“It's plenty fast compared to your standard USB stick... just don't expect to reach the advertised speeds in real-world environments.”
