{
  "id": 272589,
  "title": "Are USB flash drives becoming obsolete?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/are-usb-flash-drives-becoming-obsolete",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-07T15:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2229010/usb-flash-drives-becoming-obsolete/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The debate over the future of USB flash drives has gained traction in recent months as their practicality comes into question. Historically, these compact storage devices have been a staple in our digital lives, but their role is being challenged by faster, more capable alternatives. Flash drives, once praised for their speed and convenience, have seen their capacities plateau at around 128GB, making them insufficient for storing large video files, backups, or other data-heavy tasks. Meanwhile, solid-state drives (SSDs) offer much larger capacities and significantly faster transfer speeds, making them an increasingly attractive choice for those dealing with large files.\n\nThe decline in flash drive sales can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rising cost of storage mediums has made SSDs more expensive, while flash drives have remained relatively inexpensive. Secondly, the surge in demand for data center storage and memory has driven up the price of SSDs, further exacerbating the issue. As a result, flash drives have become less affordable per gigabyte compared to SSDs. For instance, a pack of 64GB USB 3.0 flash drives costs $43, whereas a similar storage capacity on an SSD would be far more expensive.\n\nDespite these challenges, flash drives still have their place in certain scenarios. They remain ideal for creating bootable media to install operating systems or running portable operating systems like Tail OS. They are also useful for carrying diagnostic and repair tools, as well as serving as a keychain storage option for quick access to essential files. However, for most users, flash drives are no longer the most practical choice, especially when dealing with 4K video files or large backups.\n\nIn conclusion, while USB flash drives have been a reliable companion for many years, their future appears uncertain. The increasing capabilities of SSDs and the surge in demand for data storage have made them the preferred option for many. However, for specific use cases like creating bootable media or running portable operating systems, flash drives continue to hold their ground. Ultimately, the decision to transition away from flash drives should be based on individual needs and the specific tasks at hand.",
  "summary": "USB drives have outlasted a lot of other tech through the years. Is it time for the industry to move on?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}