Samsung BAR Plus 256GB
Score: 84/100
SanDisk Ultra 256GB
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Samsung BAR Plus 256 GB flash drive delivers strong read performance and a rugged all-metal design, backed by a five-year warranty. Write speeds are less consistent, and the lack of USB-C may be a drawback for users with newer devices.
The SanDisk Ultra 256 GB USB-3.0 flash drive provides generous storage and solid read performance in a sleek capless design, with built-in encryption and a long warranty. Write speeds are modest and the lack of an LED may inconvenience some users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 256 GBbest | |
400 MB/sbest | 130 MB/s | |
100 MB/sbest | 40 MB/s | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.13 gbest | 8.5 g |
| ↓ lower better | 40 mm | 10.7 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15.5 mmbest | 22.1 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 12 mm | 7.9 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 400 MB/s | 130 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 100 MB/s | 40 MB/s |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Interface | USB-A 3.1 | USB 3.0 |
Physical(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 1.13 g | 8.5 g |
Length (mm) | 40 mm | 10.7 mm |
Width (mm) | 15.5 mm | 22.1 mm |
Height (mm) | 12 mm | 7.9 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the premium metal construction and impressive read speeds, but warn that write performance is erratic and unsuitable for demanding workloads.
Everyday users love the speed, durability, and sleek design, while common complaints focus on slow write speeds for large files and the absence of an activity LED.
“Very fast and reliable”
“Durable and stylish”
“Works with everything”
Choose Samsung BAR Plus if you need top-tier speed and durability and are willing to pay more.
Professional reviewers praise the Ultra for its solid read speeds, generous capacity, and inclusion of RescuePRO recovery software, noting it as a reliable, stylish mid-range USB-A drive. However, they caution that its write performance is modest and the missing activity LED detracts from an otherwise polished offering.
Everyday users rate the drive highly for its ease of use, capacity and speed boost over older drives, but common complaints involve slower write speeds, lack of an LED indicator, occasional reliability issues, and isolated quality-control mix-ups.
