SanDisk ExtremeFit USB flash drive
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The ExtremeFit is accessible in storage choices from 64GB ($15) as much as 1TB ($110).
- It is positively tiny, with file switch speeds of as much as 400MB/s.
- When not plugged in, it will probably simply get misplaced in a drawer or backpack.
nov / 2025
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Bear in mind when the identify “thumb drive” was an correct descriptor? As of late, exterior storage gadgets are more and more tiny — and nowhere is that this extra evident than within the new SanDisk ExtremeFit USB-C flash drive.
It is positively the smallest thumb drive I’ve examined, measuring 0.73 inches at its widest level and weighing simply three grams. It seems extra like a USB dongle for a mouse than exterior storage.
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The ExtremeFit’s measurement is not the one factor going for it, although. It additionally affords a variety of storage choices, starting from 1TB for $109 to 64GB on the low finish for simply $15.
It is quick, too. SanDisk guarantees USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds of as much as 400MB/s on the 128GB and 1TB variations, with compatibility throughout Home windows, MacOS, and iPadOS. I went hands-on with the 64GB storage possibility, and acquired learn and write speeds in CrystalDiskMark that got here very near the 400MB/s mark — actually quick sufficient for on a regular basis use.
In follow, this implies extraordinarily quick switch speeds for giant picture or video information, in addition to near-instant transfers for paperwork, spreadsheets, slide decks, and shows. It is as straightforward to make use of as you’d anticipate, with no software program or app necessities, though SanDisk’s Reminiscence Zone app for Home windows and MacOS is probably helpful for streamlining file transfers and file backups.
Notice that SanDisk would not explicitly say the gadget is suitable with ChromeOS, however I used to be capable of switch information to and from my Chromebook Plus simply superb (simply needless to say the Reminiscence Zone app is designed for Android, and never optimized for ChromeOS).
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The quantity of storage out there right here, contemplating its measurement, is remarkably beneficiant. Though many customers more and more flip to cloud storage for something from work paperwork to pictures and movies, native storage on thumb drives is probably safer, sooner, and would not require an web connection.
They’re additionally obligatory for tasks like upgrading or reinstalling working methods, a job that thousands and thousands of shoppers found themselves faced with this yr when Microsoft dropped support for Home windows 11.
Merely put, if you want a thumb drive, you really want it. So it is a kind of issues I extremely advocate having available to avoid wasting your self potential complications.
The gadget’s tiny measurement may not be for everybody, although. In the event you’re susceptible to shedding dongles or small items, the ExtremeFit is perhaps a tough promote. When it is not really plugged right into a USB-C port, this little gadget is straightforward to lose, probably disappearing on the backside of a backpack or getting misplaced in a desk drawer.
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For that cause, I like to recommend protecting it plugged in, or in case your gadget’s ports are in excessive demand, plug it into a distinct laptop computer or desktop you are not utilizing and depart it there. It is also sufficiently small to not block different ports from connecting, a pet peeve of mine with poorly-designed USB dongles.
Additionally notice that the ExtremeFit is simply too small to characteristic any form of loop or keyring attachment. In the event you’re searching for one thing like that, I like to recommend SanDisk’s Ultra Dual Drive Go.
Alternatively, think about getting some compact storage choices in your tech, like this Bellroy storage kit or ProtoArc’s CaseUp combo, each of which have storage for small items of tech just like the ExtremeFit.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
If you’d like a number of storage in a tiny bundle, it would not get a lot smaller than SanDisk’s aptly-named ExtremeFit USB-C flash drive. With switch speeds this speedy, you are taking a look at pop-and-go performance with massive information throughout PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and iPads. Simply regulate the factor for those who’re susceptible to shedding small devices.
The ExtremeFit ranges in sizes from 64GB of storage for $14.99, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB for $109.
Why the SanDisk ExtremeFit will get an Editors’ Selection award
We have awarded the ExtremeFit an Editors’ Selection award for its sheer usefulness as some of the compact exterior storage options we have ever seen. The file switch speeds are top-notch, and the gadget matches seamlessly on all of the laptop computer port configurations we have tried, even on machines with USB-C ports neighboring HDMI ports.
The worth level is aggressive, as properly — beginning at simply $15 for 64GB of storage, which has switch speeds almost as quick as these on the very prime finish.
