Kingston DataTraveler Max 256GB USB-A Flash Drive – USB 3.2 Gen 2

1,000MB/s Read · 900MB/s Write

SSD Speed in a Pocket-Sized Stick

Most USB sticks write at 30 to 150MB/s, which is why copying a folder of photos or a film to them can take long enough to make a coffee. The DataTraveler Max is in a different class: up to 1,000MB/s read and 900MB/s write, the kind of speed normally associated with an external SSD. In practice that turns large transfers — a camera card’s worth of RAW photos, a 4K video project, a backup of a work folder, an OS installer — from a wait into a moment. It is equally quick reading the files back, so you can open large documents or edit media directly from the drive. To get those speeds, plug it into a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port; most recent desktops and laptops have at least one, often marked with SS10. On older USB 3.0 ports it still works and is still quick, but the port caps the speed; on USB 2.0 it runs at USB 2.0 speed.

Ridged Casing · Sliding Cap · Keyring Loop

Built to Be Carried Every Day

Kingston gave the DataTraveler Max a distinctive ridged casing that is easy to grip when pulling it out of a port, and a sliding cap design that protects the USB-A connector when it is not in use — there is no separate cap to lose. A keyring loop lets you keep it on your keys, a lanyard or a bag zip, which is the simplest way to make sure the files you need are always with you. At around 14 grams it adds almost nothing to a keyring. The drive needs no software or drivers: plug it into a Windows, macOS, Linux or ChromeOS computer and it appears as a normal drive, ready to drag and drop. It comes formatted out of the box and can be reformatted to suit the systems you use, for example exFAT for sharing between Windows and Mac.

256GB · USB-A · Discontinued

Who It Suits — and the Stock Situation

256GB is a practical size for working files, a large photo library or a full backup of a laptop’s documents, and the USB-A connector fits the full-size ports found on most desktops, many laptops, docks, TVs and games consoles. If your laptop only has USB-C ports, use a small USB-C to USB-A adapter, or look for a native USB-C drive. Kingston has moved its range on and the Type-A DataTraveler Max is no longer widely available in the UK — major retailers list it as end of life or out of stock. The units we hold are brand new, sealed in Kingston retail packaging, and sold while stock lasts. Like all flash storage, it is a convenient way to move and carry files, not a substitute for a proper backup — keep a second copy of anything you cannot afford to lose.

Right choice if you…

✔ Move large files — video, RAW photos, backups — and hate waiting
✔ Have a computer with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) USB-A port
✔ Want SSD-class speed in something that lives on your keyring
✔ Want a fast drive that is now hard to find in the UK

Consider something else if…

✘ Your devices only have USB-C ports — you will need an adapter
✘ You only move documents occasionally — a standard USB 3.0 stick is far cheaper
✘ You only have USB 2.0 ports — the drive’s speed will be capped by the port

Kingston DataTraveler Max 256GB — Technical Specifications

In the Box

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get 1,000MB/s on my computer?

Only from a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) USB-A port. On USB 3.0 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports the drive still works quickly but the port limits the speed, and on USB 2.0 it runs at USB 2.0 speed.

Does it work with a Mac or a USB-C laptop?

Yes with macOS, Windows, Linux and ChromeOS. The plug is USB-A, so a laptop with only USB-C ports needs a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Do I need to install software?

No. It is plug-and-play and appears as a normal drive. It can be reformatted, for example to exFAT, to share files between Windows and Mac.

Is this model still made?

Kingston has discontinued the Type-A DataTraveler Max in the UK and most retailers have sold out. Our units are brand new and sealed, sold while stock lasts.

What is the warranty?

It is covered by Kingston’s manufacturer warranty.

Condition

Brand New — Sealed Retail Packaging

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty (Kingston)

Delivery

4–5 Working Days · Fully Tracked

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