It took me 2 days to find a good USB stick for tails. From searching on Amazon to darknet marketplaces, I’ve spent hours finding the right thing.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight what 3 main points you should consider before buying a USB stick for tails. Plus, I’ll give out a few recommendations to help you pick something good.
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a USB Stick for Tails
#1 – Pick USB 3.0 over USB 2.0
A USB 3.0 is 10X faster than the 2.0 version. The transfer rate of USB 2.0 is around 480 MBPS. On the other hand, the 3.0 version transfers at the speed of 4.8 GBPS.
#2 – A Stick with Locked Sleeve
If you’re doing something shady on the darknet or have something to do with darknet marketplaces, I’d recommend you getting a USB stick with a locked sleeve. While recommending USB sticks, I’ll show you what it looks like.
#3 – Durability of the Stick
As far as I’ve seen, there’s plastic and metal USB sticks. Make sure you buy metal because plastic ones get broken from the front end. What’s the point of spending money on something that won’t last long.
5 Best USB Sticks for Tails
#1 – Secure Drive
When it comes to privacy protection, Secure Drive is one of the best USB sticks for darknet users. The price range of this USB stick is between $140-$300, depending on the storage.
Key Features
- Certified to meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requirements
- Compliant with TAA, HIPAA, and CMMC standards
- Utilizes robust XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Multiple authentication options: Keypad, Smartphone, or Apple Watch
- Compatible with both iOS and Android platforms
- Features a reboot delay for convenient use as a boot device
- Protection against brute force hacking with automatic deletion of hardware key after 10 failed attempts
- Remote wipe, PIN recovery, and biometric unlocking available through the dedicated phone app
- Read-only mode ensures data integrity and prevents accidental modifications
- Inactivity and step-away auto lock for enhanced security in physical environments
- Managed drives offer self-destruct and recovery PIN options
- No need for additional drivers, seamless compatibility with Windows, MacOS, and Linux
- Keypad designed to resist wear, maintaining security patterns over extended usage
- Epoxy coated cryptologic module adds an extra layer of protection for encryption keys
Storage Available: 16, 32, 64, and 128 GB
#2 – Kingston IronKey Keypad 200
Ironkey 200 from Kingston comes with a military-grade security protection. What else do you need for Tails? I can say it’s as safe as the Secure USB.
The price range of IronKey Keypad 200 ranges from $60 to $165, depending on the size of the USB stick.
Key Features
- USB 3.2 Gen 1: Read speed of 145MB/s and write speed of 115MB/s for 8GB to 128GB capacities
- USB 2.0: Read speed of 30MB/s and write speed of 12MB/s for 8GB capacity, and read speed of 30MB/s and write speed of 20MB/s for 16GB to 128GB capacities
- Certified waterproof and dustproof with an IP57 rating
- Operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 50°C
- 3-year warranty and free technical support
- Compatible with a wide range of systems, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and any other system that supports a USB mass storage device
Storage Available: 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 GB.
#3 – Aegis Secure Key 3.0
The makers of Aegis Secure Key claim that it’s a 100% hardware encrypted USB stick. More importantly, it has a software-free setup and operation which makes your work even easier.
As far as the price range is considered, this USB stick might cost between $128-$1K. The more storage you buy, the more you have to pay.
Key Features
- Self destruct pin
- Brute force defense
- Create data recovery PIN
- Super Speed USB 3.2 (Backwards compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1)
- Works well with Mac, Linux, Windows, Android, and Symbian Systems, or almost any OS
- Separate admin and user mode
- 3 year warranty
Storage Available: 16, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB
#4 – Cryptex
Here’s a pendrive for Tails that doesn’t even look like one. When I first looked at it, I thought it’s all about the looks. But, when I paid attention to its performance, I could say this is one of those sticks that I can put on my top 3 list.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty metal with a solid feel, measures 6.5 x 2 x 2 cm
- 32GB capacity for storing digital files like mp3s, images, apps, games, programs, and movies
- Fast connections for easy downloads and uploads of important files
- Position the rings to remove the USB, which requires a secret code for access
- Inspired by The Da Vinci Code, modeled after the Cryptex used to hide secret messages
- High-quality aluminium alloy construction, advanced smart chips for durability
- Wide compatibility with operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Built-in key ring for convenient attachment to key rings or carabiners
Storage Available: 32, 64 GB
#5 – SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive
Although this USB stick doesn’t have super cool features like others, this can fit in most people’s budget. The only thing that will be compromised here is the extra hardware encryption protection. Otherwise, the speed is similar to the expensive ones.
Key Features
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac OS X v10.9+, and Linux
- Retractable design with dual microUSB and USB 3.0 connectors
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance with up to 130MB/s file transfer (Write speeds vary by capacity)
- 0°C to 35°C operating temperature
- 5 year limited warranty
Storage Available: 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 GB.
Which USB Stick is Best for Tails?
If you have a good budget and you want extra protection from the outside world, I’d recommend you to stick with either Cryptex or Aegis Secure Key.
Just in case you don’t want to invest that much or you live alone, I’d suggest you to go with SanDisk Ultra M3.0.
Choose something that can last long and keep you secure.
Hey there, I’m a dark web geek who’s been around for the last 8 years. More precisely, I’m livedarknet’s senior content writer who’s been writing about darknet marketplaces, tutorials, and cybersecurity stuff for educational purposes.