Amazon Basics Retractable USB 3.1 Flash Drive 256GB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB
- Hardware Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
- Hardware Connectivity Technology: USB Type A
- Flash Memory Type: USB
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A dependable, inexpensive way to add 256GB of portable storage, with the caveat that you will want to reformat it before moving large video files.
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ASIN: B0B61DGG18Model: LS21USB256G1Category: USB Flash Drives
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Overview
A 256GB USB 3.1 flash drive with a retractable, keyhole design for clipping to a keychain or bag. Built for shuttling photos, video and music between computers, rated at up to 130MB/s read speed on a USB 3.0 or 3.1 port.
The listed usable capacity of over 230GB reflects normal formatting overhead, not a defect. It ships formatted FAT32, which reads and writes on both Windows and Mac but caps any single file at 4GB until you reformat to exFAT or NTFS. There is no activity light, so nothing blinks to confirm a transfer finished.
- 256GB capacity, USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Up to 130MB/s read speed
- Retractable, keyhole-ready design
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports
Who it's for
Fits anyone who wants a large, pocketable step up from a phone's storage for backing up photos and video. Not the pick for someone who plans to copy files over 4GB right out of the box, since that needs a reformat first.
Pros and cons
- Retractable design protects the connector when not in use
- 256GB holds roughly 64,000 photos or over 16 hours of 1080p video
- Keyhole loop lets it clip onto a keychain or bag
- Ships FAT32, which caps single files at 4GB until reformatted
- No LED to confirm a transfer is in progress
- Write speed (30MB/s) trails read speed by a wide margin
Performance notes
Rated speeds of 130MB/s read and 30MB/s write apply only on a USB 3.0 or 3.1 port; on an older USB 2.0 port it still works but drops to that standard's slower ceiling. Real-world speed also shifts with file size and the host device.
Specifications
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
|---|---|
| Model | LS21USB256G1 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 0.02 pounds |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GBhigher than 75% of 88 usb flash drives |
| Write Speed | 30 megabytes_per_second |
| Construction & materials | |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Hardware Interface | USB 2.0, USB 3.0 |
| Hardware Connectivity Technology | USB Type A |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Compatible Devices | USB Enabled Devices |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Other details | |
| Flash Memory Type | USB |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | LS21USB256G1 |
| Additional Features | Lightweight |
Closest rivals on specs
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive 256GB- Item Weight 0.02 vs 0.01 pounds (+100%)
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C 128GB- Memory Storage Capacity 256 vs 128 GB (+100%)
JOIOT Dual USB-C and USB-A Flash Drive 128GB- Memory Storage Capacity 256 vs 128 GB (+100%)
Frequently asked questions
Does the Amazon Basics 256GB flash drive work with a USB 2.0 port?
Yes, it is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, though transfer speed drops to that standard's lower ceiling instead of the rated 130MB/s.
Why does this drive show less than 256GB of usable space?
Operating systems report storage using a different measurement standard than the label, and the manufacturer states available capacity runs above 230GB, which is normal.
Can I copy a large video file straight onto this drive?
Only up to 4GB per file out of the box, since it ships formatted in FAT32; for larger files, reformat it to exFAT or NTFS first.