The humble USB flash drive has been a staple since the early 2000s, but its practicality is fading. Most drives top out at 128GB and transfer speeds lag behind modern SSDs, which offer 1TB or more and faster performance. For users dealing with large 4K video files or backups, SSDs are clearly superior, especially with USB-C connectivity.

However, the AI boom has sent SSD prices soaring. A Samsung 990 Pro that cost $318 in late 2025 now lists for $1,100, while a five-pack of PNY 64GB flash drives runs just $43. This price disparity makes flash drives a practical choice for everyday file transfers and document storage.

Flash drives also retain niche uses like creating bootable media, running portable OSes, or carrying diagnostic tools. As long as USB ports exist, these drives won't disappear entirely, but their role is shifting from primary storage to backup and utility.