Teamgroup held the title for the largest USB flash drive in the world with their 2TB model, which was announced back at Computex 2023 (although we still haven’t seen this drive hit the market yet). This massive capacity flash drive holds the current record for the largest commercially available USB drives, as they usually top out at 1TB. Since the release of the Teamgroup 2TB drive a few competitors have also offered their versions (including Silicon Power and Kingston) It’s worth noting that there are some less reputable brands claiming even larger capacities, up to 64TB, but these are often misleading, and the actual storage space is significantly lower.
Always be cautious of suspiciously high capacity claims from unknown brands.
2TB USB Flash Drives: A Comparison
| Brand | Model | Interface | Read Speed (MB/s) | Write Speed (MB/s) | Price (USD) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teamgroup | C231 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Up to 400 | Up to 200 | TBA | Announced, not yet released |
| Kingston | DataTraveler Max | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Up to 1000 | Up to 900 | $260-$300 | Available |
| Silicon Power | SP002TBUF3S70ACG | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | Up to 1050 | Up to 850 | $139.99 | Available |
Note: Prices may vary depending on retailer and current sales.
- Teamgroup: While they announced a 2TB model at Computex 2023, it’s not yet available for purchase. Keep an eye out for its release!
- Silicon Power: As of September 2023, Silicon Power doesn’t offer a 2TB USB flash drive in their lineup. They do have high-capacity external SSDs, though.
Remember that “no-name” or suspiciously cheap 2TB flash drives often have fake capacities. Stick to reputable brands to avoid disappointment.
Things to keep in mind:
- Price: These super-sized flash drives can be expensive.
- Speed: Not all high-capacity drives are created equal. Look for USB 3.1 or 3.2 for best speeds.
- Design: Some models are bulkier than others, which could affect portability.
Wait…There’s A 2TB Flash Drive From Kingston?
That’s correct. The Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate GT was a 2TB USB flash drive that came out in 2017 at a then-whopping price of $1600-$2000 a unit. At that time it had the largest storage capacity in the world. It was so advanced that it could hold 70 hours of 4K footage, despite being smaller than a portable hard drive and pocket-sized. However, due to its hefty price tag of $2,000, many people were hesitant to purchase it, and it was eventually discontinued due to low demand. When compared to the C231, which is 90% cheaper, it’s hard to justify the extreme cost of the original flash drive. Although Teamgroup’s model came out many years later, with a price tag of over $1,500, it’s difficult to consider it a “consumer” device.
Are Large USB Storage Drives Worth It?
Consider if you really need the massive storage space. Large capacity flash drives are excellent for backing up huge amounts of data or taking videos and projects on the go. For everyday tasks and smaller files, a standard-sized flash drive will do just fine!
TeamGroup’s 2TB Storage: A Behemoth in Your Pocket
At Computex 2023, Teamgroup pulled back the curtains to reveal their latest offering, the 2TB C231 USB flash drive. Poised to claim the throne of the most expansive memory stick in the market upon its release, it surpasses previous giants like Kingston’s 2TB DataTraveler Ultimate GT, which was phased out due to design limitations and a staggering $2,000 price tag.
TeamGroup C231 At A Glance
- USB3.2 Gen2 Flash Drive
- Lightning Rate of Transfer with R/W Speed Reaching 1,000MB/s
- 2TB Capacity That Punches Above Its Weight
- Easy Push-and-Slide Mechanism for Instant Use
High-End Performance at a Fraction of the Price
While the memory world was no stranger to the likes of 1TB flash drives, retailing at prices below $70 (such as Buffalo SSD-PUT1.0U3B and SSK), what sets the C231 apart is its unparalleled performance. Mirroring the efficiency of SSDs in a minuscule form, the C231 boasts of lightning-fast read and write speeds, touching the 1000MB/s mark, all thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector.
Elegance and Utility: Design Details
Beyond its technical prowess, the C231 is a design marvel. The flash drive sports a sleek matte black metal exterior, adding a touch of sophistication to its look. The ingenious push-and-slide mechanism, eradicating the fuss of cap storage, simplifies data transfers. Plus, its design accommodating key rings and other accessories ensures that your data remains ever-accessible, making it a stylish yet handy companion on the move.
Budget-Friendly without Compromising Quality
The projected price tag for the C231 is a mere $190, translating to roughly £150, EUR177, or $AU291. This is a fraction, merely 10%, of what was once the asking price for the largest memory sticks in the market. Moreover, upcoming events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday might see even more lucrative deals, positioning the C231 as a potential top contender in flash drive buying guides everywhere.
Anticipation and Market Precautions
The release date for the C231 remains under wraps, but potential buyers can expect a generous three-year warranty upon purchase. It’s worth noting that while Teamgroup gears up to set new benchmarks, many established brands haven’t ventured into higher capacity drives, leading to a surge in counterfeit 1TB, 2TB, and even 4TB flash drives at enticingly low prices. Marketplaces such as Ebay, Alibaba, and Amazon have seen a spike in these dubious products. Hence, caution and informed choices are of the essence. Regardless of the storage size, backing up data, either cloud-based or via software, remains a smart move.
Wrapping Up: The Future of Flash Drives
With its groundbreaking 2TB storage, SSD-matching performance, and a user-friendly design, the C231 by Teamgroup promises to reshape the flash drive landscape. It serves as a beacon for those regularly juggling vast amounts of data. But, a word to the wise: always ensure the authenticity of your purchase, and prioritize regular backups to safeguard your invaluable data.
