Looking Beyond the Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 64GB? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

iStorage datAshur PRO 8GB Encrypted Flash Drive

The iStorage datAshur PRO 8GB differs significantly by prioritizing security over capacity. It offers only 8GB of storage, which is much less than the Kingston’s 64GB. However, it includes FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification and password protection. This drive is also waterproof, adding durability the Kingston lacks. You should choose this if you handle sensitive government data and need strict compliance. The smaller size makes it less suitable for large files, but the rugged, blue casing ensures your data stays safe in harsh conditions. It is a specialized tool for professionals who value protection over space.

Integral 64GB Courier Encrypted USB 3.0 Flash Drive

The Integral Courier-197 matches the Kingston’s 64GB capacity but focuses on hardware encryption. It features 256-Bit AES encryption and FIPS 197 certification, which the Kingston does not provide. This makes it ideal for users who need to secure sensitive files without installing software. The drive uses USB 3.0, similar to the Kingston’s USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. It is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 0.91 inches wide. You should pick this if data privacy is your main concern. The blue color and compact design make it easy to carry, but you will sacrifice some read speed for the added security layer.

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3Z 16GB

The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3Z 16GB offers high-level security with 256-Bit AES encryption and FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance. It has only 16GB of storage, which is significantly less than the Kingston’s 64GB. This drive uses USB 3.0 and features a black, rugged design. You should choose this if you need certified security for sensitive data and do not require large storage space. The heavier build at 1.75 ounces suggests greater durability. It is best for professionals who prioritize encryption standards and compliance over general-purpose storage capacity and faster transfer rates.

iStorage datAshur Personal2 32GB Encrypted Flash Drive

The iStorage datAshur Personal2 32GB provides password protection without requiring software installation. It has 32GB of storage, which is half the capacity of the Kingston’s 64GB. The drive is compact, measuring 0.59 inches wide, and features a black finish. You should pick this if you need secure storage that works across different platforms without setup. It lacks the metal durability of the Kingston but offers easier access for frequent use. The smaller capacity makes it less ideal for large media files, but it is sufficient for documents and smaller projects requiring basic security.

Samsung 128GB USB 3.1 Type-A Flash Drive

The Samsung 128GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive doubles the storage capacity of the Kingston with 128GB. It uses a standard USB-A connector, similar to the Kingston, but features a silver, compact design. This drive lacks encryption and metal durability, focusing instead on simplicity and space. You should choose this if you need more room for files and do not require security features. The lighter weight at 0.35 ounces makes it easy to carry. It is best for users who value capacity and straightforward performance over the rugged build and security options found in other alternatives.

Samsung 256GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive

The Samsung 256GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive offers the largest capacity on this list with 256GB. It is significantly larger than the Kingston’s 64GB, making it ideal for storing large media libraries. The drive features a champagne silver finish and a lightweight design at 0.35 ounces. It lacks encryption and the metal durability of the Kingston. You should pick this if you need maximum storage space and do not require security features. The focus is on capacity and speed for general use. It is best for users who prioritize space and transfer rates over ruggedness or data protection.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 64GB

Best for: Portable storage with durable metal design

Storage Capacity

64GB

USB Version

USB 3.2 Gen 1

Read Speed

up to 220MBPS

View on Amazon: Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 64GB Affiliate link

The Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 is a 64GB USB 3.2 Gen 1 flash drive with an all-metal gold casing. It offers read speeds up to 220MB/s and write speeds up to 100MB/s. The compact design fits in your pocket or on a keyring. It suits users who need portable storage with a durable build and fast transfer rates for everyday files.

Pros

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface
• Read speeds up to 220MB/s
• Write speeds up to 100MB/s
• All-metal gold casing

Cons

• 64GB capacity is smaller than 128GB or 256GB alternatives
• Write speed is lower than the 220MB/s read speed
• No hardware encryption mentioned in specifications

Good fit if

• You need a durable, metal-cased drive for daily use
• You want fast read speeds for accessing large files
• You prefer a compact form factor for keyrings

Skip if

• You require large capacity for video or backups
• You need hardware encryption for sensitive data
• You want write speeds matching the read speeds

Verdict: Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 64GB Gold offers solid performance for general use with its metal build and 220MB/s read speed, making it a reliable option for users who prioritize durability and portability over high capacity or encryption.

2 Best 8gb

iStorage datAshur PRO 8GB Encrypted Flash Drive

Best for: high-security compliance and rugged durability

Storage Capacity

8 GB

USB Version

USB 3.2

Read Speed

Up to 169MB/s

Security Standard

FIPS 140-2 Level 3, AES-XTS 256-bit

Size

8GB

Security Features

FIPS 140-2 Level 3, Password Protection

View on Amazon: iStorage datAshur PRO 8GB Encrypted Flash Drive Affiliate link

The iStorage datAshur PRO 8GB is a rugged, password-protected USB flash drive designed for high-security needs. It features AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption and FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification, ensuring data remains secure without software. You get USB 3.2 speeds with up to 169MB/s read performance. Its IP57 rating makes it dust and water resistant. This compact 8GB drive suits users prioritizing compliance and physical durability over large storage capacity.

Pros

• AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption with PIN authentication
• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 and NATO Restricted certified
• IP57 dust and water resistant build
• Up to 169MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2

Cons

• Limited 8GB storage capacity
• No included software required but relies on PIN entry
• Smaller capacity than most alternatives on this list

Good fit if

• You need FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified hardware encryption
• You require a rugged, waterproof drive for field use
• You prioritize security compliance over large file storage

Skip if

• You need more than 8GB of storage space
• You prefer standard unencrypted drives for casual use
• You want the fastest possible write speeds available

Verdict: iStorage datAshur PRO 8GB Encrypted Drive is the right choice for professionals who must meet strict government security standards and need a durable, waterproof drive for sensitive data.

3 Also great

Integral 64GB Courier Encrypted USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Best for: FIPS 197 certified hardware encryption

Storage Capacity

64GB

USB Version

USB 3.0

Security Standard

FIPS 197, AES 256-bit

Security Features

256-Bit AES Encryption, FIPS 197

Dimensions

2.76 × 0.91 × 0.39 inches

Weight

0.32 ounces

View on Amazon: Integral 64GB Courier Encrypted USB 3.0 Flash Drive Affiliate link

This drive offers 64GB of storage with mandatory AES 256-bit hardware encryption. It is certified to FIPS 197 standards for high-level security. The device uses SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for faster transfers. It features auto-lock and brute-force protection. You get a compact, blue metal drive that requires no software installation. It suits users needing government-grade protection for sensitive files.

Pros

• Mandatory AES 256-bit hardware encryption
• Certified to FIPS 197 security standard
• SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity
• Auto-lock and brute-force protection

Cons

• Only 64GB capacity compared to larger options
• Single password authentication only
• Limited to USB Type-A connector

Good fit if

• You need FIPS 197 certified security
• You want hardware encryption without software
• You store sensitive personal data

Skip if

• You require more than 64GB storage
• You need dual password support
• You use USB-C only devices

Verdict: Integral Courier-197 64GB Encrypted USB 3.0 fits users who prioritize FIPS 197 certification and hardware encryption over high capacity. It is a secure, no-software solution for sensitive files.

4 Best premium

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3Z 16GB

Best for: High-security compliance needs

Storage Capacity

16GB

USB Version

USB 3.0

Security Standard

256-bit AES XTS, FIPS 140-2 Level 3

Security Features

256-Bit AES Encryption, FIPS 140-2 Level 3

Dimensions

3.25 × 0.7 × 0.3 inches

Weight

1.75 ounces

View on Amazon: Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3Z 16GB Affiliate link

This drive uses 256-bit AES XTS encryption and holds 16GB of data. It meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3 standards for strict security needs. The rugged aluminum housing resists water and dust. You get embedded PIN authentication for access. It connects via USB 3.0. This model suits users who need certified protection over high storage capacity.

Pros

• 256-bit AES XTS hardware encryption
• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated
• Rugged aluminum housing with IP57 rating
• Embedded PIN authentication

Cons

• Limited to 16GB storage capacity
• No mention of included software configurator
• Heavier build at 1.75 ounces

Good fit if

• You need FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliance
• You require hardware-based encryption
• You work in harsh environments

Skip if

• You need more than 16GB of space
• You prefer lightweight plastic drives
• You want a larger capacity option

Verdict: Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3Z 16GB offers certified security for sensitive data. It fits users who prioritize encryption standards over storage size.

5 Best 32gb

iStorage datAshur Personal2 32GB Encrypted Flash Drive

Best for: secure storage without software installation

Storage Capacity

32 GB

USB Version

USB 3.2

Read Speed

Up to 169MB/s

Security Standard

AES-XTS 256-bit

Size

32GB

Security Features

Password Protection

View on Amazon: iStorage datAshur Personal2 32GB Encrypted Flash Drive Affiliate link

The iStorage datAshur Personal2 32GB is a password-protected USB drive using AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption. It requires no software installation and works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Read speeds reach 169MB/s with write speeds up to 135MB/s. This drive suits users needing secure storage without complex setup. You get military-grade protection in a compact black body.

Pros

• AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
• Up to 169MB/s read speed
• No software required for setup
• Compatible with multiple operating systems

Cons

• 32 GB capacity is smaller than many alternatives
• USB 3.2 speed is lower than top-tier drives
• Requires entering a PIN for every access

Good fit if

• You need hardware encryption without software installation
• You require compliance with GDPR or HIPAA
• You use multiple operating systems like Linux or macOS

Skip if

• You need more than 32 GB of storage
• You prefer plug-and-play access without PIN entry
• You want the highest possible transfer speeds

Verdict: iStorage datAshur Personal2 32GB is a secure option for users who prioritize data protection and cross-platform compatibility over maximum storage capacity.

6 Best budget

Samsung 128GB USB 3.1 Type-A Flash Drive

Best for: Users needing 128GB of standard storage

Storage Capacity

128GB

USB Version

3.0 (3.1 Gen 1)

Connector Type

USB Type-A

Dimensions

0.47 × 1.57 × 0.59 inches

Weight

0.35 ounces

View on Amazon: Samsung 128GB USB 3.1 Type-A Flash Drive Affiliate link

This Samsung drive offers 128GB of storage with USB 3.0 connectivity. It features a USB Type-A connector and a silver finish. The unit measures 1.57 by 0.59 by 0.47 inches and weighs 0.35 ounces. You get reliable capacity for documents and media. It suits users who need a standard, compact drive for everyday file transfers and backups without complex setup.

Pros

• 128GB storage capacity
• USB 3.0 (3.1 Gen 1) speed
• Compact 0.35 oz weight
• Standard USB Type-A connector

Cons

• No hardware encryption
• No included software suite
• Lower capacity than 256GB options

Good fit if

• You need 128GB of portable storage
• You prefer a lightweight silver drive
• You want a simple plug-and-play device

Skip if

• You require encrypted data security
• You need more than 128GB capacity
• You prefer a smaller 64GB form factor

Verdict: Samsung 128GB USB 3.0 Silver Flash Drive provides ample space for daily use. It fits users who value capacity and simplicity over encryption or extreme compactness.

7 Also great

Samsung 256GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive

Best for: Users needing large capacity and speed

Storage Capacity

256 GB

Read Speed

Up to 400 MB/s

Height

0.1 inches

Weight

0.35 ounces

View on Amazon: Samsung 256GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive Affiliate link

This Samsung drive offers 256 GB of storage in a durable metal casing. It delivers read speeds up to 400 MB/s and write speeds of 110 MB/s via USB 3.1. The unibody design includes a key ring and offers five-fold protection against water, shock, and magnets. It suits users needing high capacity and fast transfers for large files.

Pros

• Read speeds up to 400 MB/s
• 256 GB storage capacity
• Unibody metal housing with key ring
• Five-fold protection including waterproof and shockproof

Cons

• Write speed is limited to 110 MB/s
• No hardware encryption mentioned
• No password protection feature listed

Good fit if

• You need large storage for media files
• You want a durable metal build
• You prioritize fast read speeds

Skip if

• You require hardware encryption
• You need password protection
• You prefer a smaller capacity like 64 GB

Verdict: Samsung 256GB Champagne Silver USB Flash Drive provides high capacity and speed for general use. It fits users who value durability and transfer rates over security features.

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