PNY Pro Elite 256GB
Score: 85/100
Samsung BAR Plus 128GB
Score: 80/100Rankings
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 Samsung BAR Plus 128 GB delivers blazing-fast read speeds and a rugged metal body, making it ideal for portable, durable storage, though its write speed and lack of encryption limit some use cases.
| Attribute | PNY Pro Elite 256GB | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 128 GB | |
400 MB/sbest | 400 MB/sbest | |
180 MB/sbest | 60 MB/s | |
— | 60 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 g | 1.13 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 134.11 mm | 40.1 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 99.31 mm | 15.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 11.43 mmbest | 11.9 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | PNY Pro Elite 256GB | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Capacity (GB) | 256 GB | 128 GB |
Performance(1) | ||
Write Speed (MB/s) | 180 MB/s | 60 MB/s |
Physical(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 30 g | 1.13 g |
Length (mm) | 134.11 mm | 40.1 mm |
Width (mm) | 99.31 mm | 15.5 mm |
Height (mm) | 11.43 mm | 11.9 mm |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows/macOS/Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
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 reviewers commend the BAR Plus for delivering on its promise of speed and resilience, highlighting the 400 MB/s read performance, metal construction, and five-year warranty as standout attributes.
Everyday users love the drive's plug-and-play ease, sleek metal look, keyring convenience and the confidence that it survives drops and water, while noting slower-than-advertised write speeds.
“feeling like a metal tank”
“way nicer than SanDisk”
“Even your grandma can use this”
