PNY PRO Elite 256GB
Score: 83/100
Kingston Ironkey Locker+ 50
Score: 88/100Rankings
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 32 GB | |
400 MB/sbest | 145 MB/s | |
180 MB/sbest | 115 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 g | 20 gbest |
— | 5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 256 GB | 32 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 400 MB/s | 145 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 180 MB/s | 115 MB/s |
Connectivity(2) | ||
USB Version | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Interface | USB-A retractable | USB Type-A |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 30.00 g | 20 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 11.43 x 99.31 x 134.11 mm | 60.6 x 18.6 x 9.6 mm mm |
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.
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.
