Known for providing a variety of storage solutions for desktop and mobile devices, SanDisk continues its trend of easy-to-use storage devices supporting multiple connector standards with its new Dual USB Drive Type-C. Taking aim at the growing use of USB-C in the tech industry, the Dual USB Drive includes connectors for both USB-A 3.0 and USB-C that allow users to transfer files between a traditional USB-supporting computer and a machine like Apple's new 12-inch Retina MacBook that uses the new USB-C standard.

While similar to the company's iXpand Flash Drive line -- which pairs a USB connector with a Lightning connector for a more mobile-friendly storage solution -- the Dual USB Drive is definitely lighter and slimmer than the iXpand line. The new drive is actually part of the line of SanDisk's "Dual" USB Drives, the other two of which focus on a more Android compatible transfer process. Only coming in a 32GB option, the Dual USB Drive Type-C has plenty of storage for all kinds of files, from music and photos to documents and slideshows.

SanDisk Drive 2
I've spent the past week or so testing the Dual drive, but as with any other basic flash drive, it either works hassle-free or it doesn't. Thankfully, SanDisk's new USB-C supported solution is a breeze when it comes to data storage and transfer. The drive took essentially the entire contents of my new 12-inch MacBook and in a few seconds had successfully pasted copies of the files into its 32GB storage.

Admittedly, I don't have a ton of music (about 6GB), and even less space taking up documents and photos, but with many of us having had frustrating experiences with shoddy flash drives, it's nice to know this one works. The USB 3.0 end of the flash drive probably doesn't need much mention, but works sufficiently as well. The 3.0 connector allows for fast transfer speeds, even for large files, and is of course backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports, as well.

SanDisk Drive 3
SanDisk has also created a Google Play mobile app, called "SanDisk Memory Zone," for the new Type-C drive, allowing customers with USB-C smartphones to monitor storage and organize files when plugging the drive directly into their mobile device. The big downside here, of course, is that not many people have a USB-C smartphone, because they're quite rare this early in the game. As such, I can't speak to the app's UI and efficiency claims, but screenshots on the app's Google Play storefront promise dense information statistics with individual storage percentages and back-up statuses.

SanDisk Drive 4
The svelte drive comes designed with a rotating cover that hides whichever connector is not currently in use, which will constantly leave one end of the drive open and vulnerable. It may not be a deal-breaker, but it's worth noting for those liking to keep their USB drives dust-free. The top end of the drive also includes a small opening for adding the device to a key chain for better ease-of-use, although the previously mentioned lack of full-device protection may cause some to rethink that option.

SanDisk Drive 5
Perhaps the Type-C drive's biggest negative is its price: $64.99 on SanDisk's official online store and more like $49.99 through other outlets like Amazon. It's unquestionably steep for 32GB of memory given many name-brand drives can be had for $10-$20 and even SanDisk's regular USB 3.0 flash drives retail in the $35 range, but options are still fairly limited for users who need USB-C compatibility. SanDisk's somewhat premium pricing coupled with the dual USB/USB-C abilities available on the new drive no doubt contribute to the higher price tag.

There's not much else that can be said about the Dual USB Drive Type-C by SanDisk, beyond the confirmation that it does its job, and does it well with flexibility to connect to both the widely-used USB-A standard and the upcoming USB-C standard. The lack of smaller or larger storage options that some of SanDisk's other drives provide is unfortunate, but those looking for a basic file transferring system may not need more than the standard 32GB.

SanDisk Drive 6
The Dual USB Drive Type-C can be purchased from the SanDisk online store, and from various retailers, for $64.99. A number of retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg are currently selling it for $49.99, so be sure to shop around for the best pricing.

Tags: SanDisk, USB-C

Top Rated Comments

DanTheAppleMan Avatar
131 months ago
Ugh. So many standards. Can we pick one and stick with it, please?

USB 3, Thunderbolt, USB C, Lightning... they all do the same freaking thing (data and power transfer)! Pick one and stick with it!
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cheesyappleuser Avatar
131 months ago
It's cool to see the thumb drive is actually thicker than the computer
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
131 months ago
Ugh. So many standards. Can we pick one and stick with it, please?

USB 3, Thunderbolt, USB C, Lightning... they all do the same freaking thing (data and power transfer)! Pick one and stick with it!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
teslo Avatar
131 months ago
"I've spent the past week or so testing the Dual drive, but as with any other basic flash drive, it either works hassle-free or it doesn't."

not a great selling point as i've really had no problems with sticks unless they simply die outright. are problems that common for many others?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lincolntran Avatar
131 months ago
I'm waiting for a 1TB usb-c stick
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iconoclysm Avatar
131 months ago
Ugh. So many standards. Can we pick one and stick with it, please?

USB 3, Thunderbolt, USB C, Lightning... they all do the same freaking thing (data and power transfer)! Pick one and stick with it!
Thunderbolt and USB 3 are both part of the make up of USB Type-C, which does more than just power and data but also video. Consider Type-C to be what everything is converging into rather than looking at it like another standalone format. This time, things are really going the way they were meant to.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Lower Logo Feature 1

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Monday June 30, 2025 1:08 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are less than three months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max in September this year. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models:Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an...
A18 Pro Chip

New MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Spotted in Apple Code

Monday June 30, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
Apple is developing a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, according to findings in backend code uncovered by MacRumors. Earlier today, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. The machine is expected to feature a 13-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, and color options that include silver, blue, pink, and yellow. MacRumors...
iPhone Car Key WWDC 2025

Apple Announces 13 Automakers Planning to Offer iPhone Car Keys

Friday June 27, 2025 11:42 am PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. During its WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple said that 13...
maxresdefault

Five Features Coming to AirPods Pro 3

Friday June 27, 2025 10:52 am PDT by
Apple hasn't updated the AirPods Pro since 2022, and the earbuds are due for a refresh. We're counting on a new model this year, and we've seen several hints of new AirPods tucked away in Apple's code. Rumors suggest that Apple has some exciting new features planned that will make it worthwhile to upgrade to the latest model. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Heal...
macbook air spacegray purple

Apple Planning to Launch Low-Cost MacBook Powered By iPhone Chip

Monday June 30, 2025 3:20 am PDT by
Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In an article published on X, Kuo explained that the device will feature a 13-inch display and the A18 Pro chip, making it the first Mac powered by an iPhone chip. The A18 Pro chip debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year. To date, all Apple silicon Macs have contained M-series...
anker power bank recall

PSA: Anker Recalls Multiple Power Banks Due to Fire Risk

Friday June 27, 2025 4:16 pm PDT by
Popular accessory maker Anker this month launched two separate recalls for its power banks, some of which may be a fire risk. The first recall affects Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks sold between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022 in the United States. Anker says that these power banks have a "potential issue" with the battery inside, which can lead to overheating, melting of plastic...
Chase Sapphire Reserve Apple Perk Feature

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Introduces New Perk for Apple Customers

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:08 pm PDT by
Chase this week announced a series of new perks for its premium Sapphire Reserve credit card, and one of them is for a pair of Apple services. Specifically, the credit card now offers complimentary annual subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music, a value of up to $250 per year. If you are already paying for Apple TV+ and/or Apple Music directly through Apple, those subscriptions will...
replay all time playlist apple music

Apple Music Debuts All-New Personalized Playlist

Monday June 30, 2025 7:16 am PDT by
As part of its 10-year celebrations of Apple Music, Apple today released an all-new personalized playlist that collates your entire listening history. The playlist, called "Replay All Time," expands on Apple Music's existing Replay features. Previously, users could only see their top songs for each individual calendar year that they've been subscribed to Apple Music, but now, Replay All...