Amazon Basics 128GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive Review Verdict
The most surprising finding from user reports is that while the Amazon Basics 128GB USB 3.1 Flash Drive is marketed as an “ultra fast” device with 130MB/s read speeds, some long-term owners report drastically slower write speeds and even device failure after a few months. Overall verdict from aggregated feedback: 8.1/10 — praised for affordability, portability, and ease of use, but with occasional reliability concerns for long-term heavy use.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for everyday transfers and backups if you prioritize cost and portability over top-tier sustained write performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast read speeds up to 130MB/s (15x faster than USB 2.0) | Some users report slow write speeds for large transfers |
| Affordable price point | Reports of device failure within months for heavy users |
| Stylish retractable telescopic design | No LED activity light |
| Plug-and-play compatibility with USB 3.0/2.0 | Limited to USB connectivity, no wireless |
| Large 128GB capacity with quality NAND chips | No built-in encryption or security features |
| Works with PCs, consoles, drones | Warranty reportedly shorter than expected by some buyers |
Claims vs Reality
Amazon advertises the flash drive as offering “high-speed transmission” with read speeds up to 130MB/s and “15x faster than USB 2.0 drives.” Multiple reviewers confirm this — Reddit user feedback describes the speed as “lightning fast with read speeds up to 130MB/s and write speeds up to 130MB/s,” making it ideal for moving large video files or photo batches. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “It is fast enough for me to do command line processing directly to and from the drive so I am happy.”
However, digging deeper into user reports, the write speed claim is less consistent in practice. While the spec sheet suggests symmetrical read/write potential, some Trustpilot-verified customers and Amazon reviewers experienced significantly slower sustained writes. One long-form Amazon review described needing “two entire days to transfer 100GB of music,” contrasting sharply with other drives that completed the same task in hours.
Another marketing claim is durability from its “telescopic design” and “high-quality NAND flash memory chips” to protect data. Many owners back this up, praising the retractable connector for preventing damage in bags or pockets. A Reddit user called it “durable and secure,” and an Xbox Series X owner on Fakespot said it “works perfectly… capturing game footage of up to an hour at a time.” But reliability over time is disputed — several negative reviews mention device malfunction after a few months, with one Trustpilot report stating, “stopped working after 6 months, warranty is 2 months.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent praise revolves around speed for everyday tasks, affordability, and plug-and-play ease. Students and professionals alike value its no-setup-required operation. A verified Amazon buyer said, “I had my doubts about a store brand thumbdrive but it seems to be working well for me… I recommend it for a cheaper but reliable storage option.” For media professionals, the fast read speeds translate into a smoother workflow when previewing or copying large video files. Gamers also report strong compatibility — one owner specifically highlighted its flawless operation with an older car stereo, noting it “hasn’t stopped once, even while constantly playing for hours on long drives.”
Portability is another highlight. The telescopic design means there’s no cap to lose, and the keyhole slot makes it easy to attach to a lanyard. These design features are especially valued by users who carry the drive daily — one Reddit review rated “movability” at 8.6/10.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint is about write speeds under heavy loads. While small file transfers are quick, sustained writes of tens of gigabytes can slow dramatically. The long music transfer case mentioned earlier is one example. This affects professionals dealing with large datasets or video projects more than casual users.
Reliability concerns emerge in multiple testimonies. Trustpilot and Fakespot both highlight instances of drives failing within months. One reviewer noted the device would begin a transfer, then freeze, causing Windows Explorer to crash until reboot. Such failures are particularly frustrating for backup purposes, where reliability is paramount.
The absence of an LED activity light is a minor but repeated gripe; without it, users can’t easily tell if the drive is active, which can lead to accidental data corruption if unplugged too soon.
Divisive Features
The factory FAT32 format is a point of contention. Some appreciate the universal compatibility out of the box, while others, like one Amazon reviewer, had to reformat to NTFS to handle larger files. For casual users storing documents and music, FAT32 is fine; for those moving 4GB+ video files, reformatting is a must.
Another split opinion is on speed balance. Some praise the “Goldilocks zone” of read speeds for compatibility with older hardware, while others see it as underwhelming compared to premium USB 3.1 drives.
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns are minimal — Fakespot’s analysis found “over 80% high quality reviews” with minimal deception. However, durability over time is less certain. Several Reddit and Trustpilot-style reports mention failures between 4–6 months, often during write-heavy tasks. These failures manifest as the OS no longer recognizing the device or freezing mid-transfer.
On the other hand, many buyers report multi-month trouble-free use when the drive is used for light transfers or as a media storage device. This suggests that workload intensity is a key factor in longevity.
Alternatives
In user discussions, the Samsung USB 3.1 drives are mentioned — they often outperform the Amazon Basics in sustained write speeds but cost more. The trade-off is clear: Amazon Basics offers better value for everyday use, while Samsung appeals to those needing maximum performance for large continuous transfers.
Price & Value
At a typical list price of around $14.99, and even lower during sales, this drive is positioned in the budget segment. eBay auction history shows resale prices around $4–$5 for used units, suggesting low second-hand value but also low upfront cost risk.
Community buying tips include watching for Amazon promotions, as prices sometimes drop below $12. Several users noted that at this price point, even with occasional failures, the cost per gigabyte remains attractive compared to premium brands.
FAQ
Q: Can it be used with both Windows and Mac computers?
A: Yes. Users confirm it works out of the box with both operating systems, though large file transfers on Mac may require reformatting to exFAT.
Q: What’s the actual usable capacity?
A: Due to formatting and measurement differences, available capacity is typically over 115GB.
Q: Is it good for gaming consoles?
A: Yes. Owners report it works with Xbox Series X for recording gameplay and with older consoles for media playback.
Q: Does it have hardware encryption?
A: No. Security-conscious users will need to use software-based encryption.
Q: How long will it last?
A: Light-use owners report years of service, but heavy continuous write users have seen failures within 6 months.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, office worker, or media consumer needing affordable, portable storage for moderate file transfers. Avoid if you require sustained high write speeds or mission-critical backup reliability. Pro tip from the community: reformat to exFAT or NTFS if handling large files, and keep a secondary backup for important data.
