The 7 Best Flash Drive Duplicators
This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in January of 2019. One of the most useful aspects of flash memory is its versatility and speed. Many organizations utilize thumb drives and other compact storage methods to distribute data, but manually copying each unit individually can prove to be a time-consuming endeavor, especially in large-scale operations. The right duplicator will make it easy and relatively quick to create as many copies as you need. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. StarTech Standalone
2. Aleratec Mini V2
3. StarTech 1-to-5
Editor's Notes
January 29, 2021:
Both the StarTech Standalone and StarTech 1-to-5 are still great choices, but the Aleratec Mini V2 takes the cake if you need mid-range capacity and are able to connect to a PC to source your data. Alternatively, the EZ Dupe 10V09B has a similar capacity and is completely standalone. If you need to copy an NVMe SSD, the Rocketek SK-ME921 is a handy dual-bay enclosure that can provide two separate USB drives in addition to its cloning capability.
February 04, 2019:
In a somewhat specialized category, it's important to be clear what you'll need a duplicator for. Some common uses include distributing creative media like music or videos, but also important are security-related purposes, like sharing PGP keys and signatures, as well as government contract data. For those uses, you'll probably want one with DoD-compliant erasure. The StarTechs both offer that, as does the AleraTec.
If you're working exclusively with USB-connectable media, one of those same StarTechs will likely get the job done, unless you need a large quantity of copies made, on a regular basis. In that case, the Systor is just about your only option, as it's one of the few high-volume models that we've found quality feedback on, and the last thing you want when disseminating sensitive data, is a poorly programmed, off-brand product.
If you're using the smaller, SD or microSD formats, rather than mess around with USB dongles, it will probably be easier to get the U-Reach, which is also relatively affordable, although it is limited to those SD formats only. The AleraTec works great for solid-state drives that exist in laptops, or external enclosures, and with right adapters, it can also duplicate and securely wipe M.2 and NVMe drives. If you're mainly archiving to optical discs, or preparing data for systems that lack USB functionality, the Acumen is the one you'll want, as it's made with whatever number of integrated DVD burners that you need.
4. EZ Dupe 10V09B
5. Systor USBD-31
6. Rocketek SK-ME921
7. U-Reach SD300
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.