Which is The Best USB for DJing? Here’s our Top 7

We often get asked “Which is the best USB for DJing with?”, and in this guide we’re going to show you exactly which USB stick is the best to DJ with.

The world of DJing has come a long way over the years. To perform as a professional DJ in the past, you’d usually have to spend a fortune on equipment to help you lug heavy crates of vinyl and other media to your gigs.

Most of the time, no matter how much you carried with you, it would be tough to ensure you were prepared for every request, event, and session. 

Fortunately, that’s not the case today. With todays technological advancements this means you can transport an entire library of songs wherever you go without having to take up more than a couple of inches of space in your pocket.

Using USB sticks allows DJs to significantly reduce the weight of the products they carry with them in between gigs – but you need to find the right one to deliver results.

Just like any accessory, from your monitors to your headphones, the best USB stick for DJ use will depend on a number of factors – starting with your own personal preferences.

So here are our 7 best USB sticks for DJing…

1. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO

Best for overall performance and price

USB Version: 3.1
Read Speed: 420MB/s
Write Speed: 380MB/s
Weight: 3kg

SanDisk is one of the biggest names in external storage for a reason. Capable of offering super-fast and reliable performance, SanDisk devices can deliver reading speeds of 420MB per second and writing speeds of 380MB per second. 

This SanDisk Extreme features a lightweight and durable aluminium casing, ideal for long-term strength, and heat management. Secure Access software is included with the system as standard, so you can rest assured your content is protected by 128-bit AES encryption.

Compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, the SanDisk is a great choice for any DJ, and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Pros:

• Fast read and write speeds
• Strong aluminium casing
• 128-bit AES file encryption
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0

Cons:

• Can get very hot
• Locking mechanism isn’t very strong

2. Corsair CMFSS3B-512GB Flash Survivor Stealth

Best for reliability and robustness

USB Version: 3.0
Read Speed: 150MB/s
Write Speed: 300MB/s
Weight: 38grams

Corsair delivers durability above anything else with the Corsair Flash Survivor. This powerful thumb drive is available in various sizes, from 32GB to 512GB, with support for Microsoft, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The Survivor is a unique choice for DJs who want to keep sensitive technology as secure as possible. 

The anodized aluminium of this flash drive is aircraft-grade and waterproof up to 200 meters. This  best USB for Djing pick is also vibration and shock resistant, ready to withstand all kinds of environments. The Flash Survivor is USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible, so you’ll have no trouble using it with any device. Plus, you even get a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.

Pros:

• Anodized aluminium with aircraft-grade strength
• Waterproof, vibration, and shockproof
• Compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0
• Excellent plug ‘n’ play performance
• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Quite large for a thumb drive
• Not the best reading and writing speed

3. Samsung BAR Plus

Best for value and affordability

USB Version: 3.1
Read Speed: 400MB/s
Write Speed: 60MB/s
Weight: 10grams

If you’re looking for a DJ USB drive capable of offering fast performance at a low price, the BAR Plus from Samsung is a great choice. With a range of size options to choose from, up to 256GB, the BAR Plus achieves writing speeds of up to 200MB/S and reading speeds of up to 300MB per second. 

The rugged metal casing allows for better durability when you’re carrying your music on the go, and you get better protection from heat too. There’s a built-in keyring so you can keep track of your compact thumb drive easily too. The system is fully waterproof, shockproof, magnet proof, x-ray proof, and magnet proof, with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility.

Pros:

• USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatible
• Water, shock, magnet, temperature, and x-ray proof
• Rugged metal casing with keyring
• Decent reading speeds
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Not the fastest writing performance

4. SanDisk 64GB Extreme Go

Best for security and file recovery

USB Version: 3.2
Read Speed: 200MB/s
Write Speed: 150MB/s
Weight: 11grams

Sleek, simple, and ideal for DJs on the move, the SanDisk Extreme Go is a convenient and affordable thumb drive for DJs, with storage space options ranging up to 128GB. Users can enjoy writing speeds of up to 150MB per second, depending on the system you’re using. What’s more, the SanDisk is compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, to suit a range of needs. 

SanDisk SecureAccess software is included as part of the purchase, which ensures your data stays secure with password protection and 128-bit AES file encryption. The SanDisk Extreme Go also comes with RescuePro Deluxe file recovery software, with a lifetime limited manufacturer warranty.

Pros:

• File recovery software included
• 128-bit AES encryption and password protection
• Lifetime limited warranty
• USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatible
• Retractable connector for extra protection

Cons:

• Limited in writing speed
• Not the most durable or rugged design

5. SanDisk 32GB Cruzer Force Flash Drive

Best value for security and portability

USB Version: 2.0
Read Speed: 20MB/s
Write Speed: 7MB/s
Weight: 11grams

In an unpredictable career like DJing, it’s always a good idea to have a backup DJ USB stick plan, just in case. The SanDisk 32GB Cruzer Force ensures you can always have a spar library of mixes and tracks available if something goes wrong. You could even use the two different drives to store various libraries. This convenient, pocket-sized device is USB 3.0 compatible.. 

The SanDisk Cruzer supports Windows and Mac operating systems, and you also get a lanyard included to help you keep track of your device. For older devices, the product can work with USB 2.0 connections.

Pros:

• Full password protection and encryption
• USB 2.0 and 3.0 functionality
• Lanyard included for transportation
• Convenient retractable connector

Cons:

• Slow reading and writing speeds
• Not the highest storage capacity

6. Kingston Technology 64GB DataTraveler

Best for 5 year warranty and free tech support

USB Version: 3.0
Read Speed: 200MB/s
Write Speed: 60MB/s
Weight: 13grams

Durable and resilient, the Kingston Technology 64GB DJ thumb drive is compliant with the latest data protection standards, and capable of connecting with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. This stylish and sleek product comes with a sliding cap to protect the connector when it’s not in use. You also get a handy five-year warranty for peace of mind too. 

One of the more simplistic USB for Djing available today, Kingston’s DataTraveler 100 is ideal for storing documents, music, videos, presentations and more. There’s also a range of capacity options to choose from, between 8GB and 128GB.

Pros:

• USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatible
• Available in a range of capacity sizes
• Sliding cap for protection
• Five-year warranty with free tech support
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Quite slow writing and reading speeds
• Plastic body

7. SanDisk Ultra Fit Low-Profile Flash Drive 128GB

Best for small compact design and encryption

USB Version: 3.0
Read Speed: 130MB/s
Write Speed: 30MB/s
Weight: 1.36grams

If you’re particularly low on storage space, or you want to make sure you’re not accidentally knocking your DJ USB stick drives when moving around in the DJ Booth, the SanDisk ultra-low-profile USB drive could be the perfect choice. Available with a lanyard to reduce your risk of losing your libraries, this product comes in a two-pack for extra value.

Extremely small and compact, the USB can achieve reading speeds of around 130MB per second, with support for both USB 2.0 and 3.0 connections. Like most SanDisk products, these items also come with encryption and password protection software.

Pros:

• Extremely compact size
• Two-pack for better value
• Lanyard included for better transportation
• USB 2.0 and 3.0 connections
• Encryption and protection

Cons:

• Very easy to lose track of
• Not the fastest writing speeds

DJ USB Sticks – Why Do You Need One?

Before we get into our review of some of the best DJ USB sticks on the market, let’s explore why it’s so important to invest in one of these tools. A USB stick, thumb drive, or whatever else you might want to call it simplifies storage and makes it easier to carry your music wherever you go. Here are the main reasons for buying a DJ USB stick:

• Storage: USB sticks allow DJs to cram many different albums, samples, and tracks in a small space. You can store hundreds of tunes at once, and transport massive libraries, without any giant crates. 
• Versatility: USB sticks don’t just reduce the size of your media library into a more compact, transportable library – they also help with giving you a wider range of musical options too. You can carry much more variety with you on a USB stick, so you’re ready for anything. 
• DJ software access: If you’re using a RekordBox, Traktor, or Serato DJ setup, you may not be able to use your own laptop. Instead, you might need to plug directly into a laptop already connected to the audio interface. This means you need your USB library at the ready.
• CDJ Support: If you’re using CDJs, USB drives carry your RekordBox playlists and libraries easily in a compact environment. You can organize your playlist in your DJ software and export it to a flash drive for playback on any CDJ. 
• Organization: you can even use CDJs to keep yourself organized. It’s much easier to store specific libraries on different flash drives, so you can grab one depending on the nature of the gig you’re playing. 

These days, having a USB drive you can rely on (or even a few), is a standard part of being a successful DJ. 

What are the Major Challenges with USB Drives for DJs?

For DJs, USB drives have a lot of benefits. They’re compact, easy to use, and versatile. You can even get USB sticks in a range of sizes to suit different needs. However, they’re not perfect. These products can suffer from various problems, including hardware and file manufacturing, software issues, and firmware crashes. 

Choosing the right DJ USB flash drive needs is one of the best ways to ensure you’re not dealing with the stress of a USB drive that’s constantly breaking down when you need it most. One particular point to keep in mind when you’re searching for the right product is overheating. 

Overheating is one of the most common causes of USB drive failures. When the system overheats, it can’t process files as effectively as it should. Your entire computer could crash, or you may find yourself unable to access an essential file. 

Overheating is particularly common in a DJ environment, where you’re likely to be playing in hot DJ booths and warm club environments. This means that you need a DJ USB drive capable of withstanding these difficult situations. 

So, how do you choose a durable USB drive? 

The first thing to look at is the material. 

• Metal: Metal USB drives are sleek, sturdy, and strong, but they’re also excellent conductors of heat. When you touch a metal USB stick, it might feel extremely hot, but this doesn’t mean that the internal components are overheating. Metal can conduct the heat away from the center of the USB, where it can diffuse in the outside air. 
• Plastic: Plastic is a far better choice for USB sticks for DJs because it’s cheap, versatile, and flexible. However, plastic can’t always perform well in heat. While plastic USB sticks are better at absorbing shock (when you drop your stick), they often expose the internal components of your device to more heat. 

If you’re looking for heat protection only, metal could be the ideal product for you. Alternatively, if you’re searching for shock absorption, wear resistance, and better ergonomics, plastic could be the top choice. It’s all about finding what works for you.

Features to Look for in the Best Flash Drives for DJs 

The material isn’t the only thing you need to consider when buying a USB stick. These devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different features to make your life easier. Here are some of the points to consider when looking at investing into the best USBs for Djing:

• Size: We’re not talking about the physical size of the USB stick, as most are often similar in their compact design. Instead, you’ll need to look at how many GB or MB of data you can store on the device. The bigger the data storage capability of your thumb drive, the more music you’ll be able to store. 
• Speed: If you’re going to be moving libraries of music, samples, and tracks onto your USB stick and adjusting your resources every so often, you need to make sure you can transfer data quickly. Manufacturers will always advertise the maximum speed their products can accomplish, so be wary of this. 
• Build quality: Most USB flash drives tend to be made from a combination of metal and plastic. As mentioned above, the material that’s right for you will depend on certain factors. Whatever you choose, make sure that the build quality of your flash drive will keep your device safe and protected from damage. 
• Features: Some USB drives come with things like extra encryption to keep your content protected, or a lock to stop the crumbs and gunk in your backpack from clogging up the system. Other “extra features” can include things like keyrings to make transporting your device easier.  

Before you buy a DJ USB stick, it’s also important to know the difference between a USB stick, and other storage solutions. An SD card can be a good product to have on you as a back-up if you need some extra storage space. SD cards are generally a pretty easy “extra” storage option to have on-hand if you want to make sure you’re ready for any occasion. 

External hard drives are another alternative for anyone interested in storage for their DJ career. External hard drive disks are often the best option if you’re looking for additional storage space, as they tend to come with a much higher capacity than the basic thumb drive. 

External hard drives are often a little more expensive than thumb drivers. They can be a little clunkier to carry around, particularly if you want to get an extra durable system with shock resistance. 

Do You Need USB 3.0? 

If you’re looking for the fastest, most efficient USB for Djing, it might be worth paying closer attention to USB 3.0. These days, USB 3.0 is becoming increasingly common as the go-to choice for most hardware manufacturers in the technology space. While you can save a little money by choosing a USB 2.0 option, USB 3.0 will be much quicker. 

It’s worth noting that if you can’t find a USB 3.0 drive that you can afford, 2.0 should be fast enough to deal with WAV and FLAC files relatively easily. The biggest downside is that it’s quite difficult to analyse new tracks quickly when you’re moving large files. 

It’s also worth making sure the DJ equipment you use is capable of reading USB 3.0 thumb drives. There are still some tools not fully equipped for this, so be prepared.

Best USB for DJing: Finishing Thoughts

Picking the best USB for Djing is a crucial investment for any DJ. Making it easier for professionals to carry their music wherever they go, a good thumb drive could be the key to your performance. Today, USB drive technology is better than ever, with tons of great options to choose from. 

Our best USB for Djing is the SanDisk Extreme Pro with writing speeds of up to 380 MB per second and a fantastic aluminium casing.