Storing data, documents, files, photos, and multimedia content in the cloud is certainly convenient, but some people are concerned about hackers gaining access to their files, or not being able to access their own files themselves if their internet connection fails. The PNY Duo Link V3 2TB on-the-go (OTG) flash drive offers a local storage solution that’s relatively fast, portable, and convenient.
And because this flash drive features a dual port (USB Type-A and USB Type-C) design, the PNY Duo Link V3 provides a simple way to transfer content between computers and mobile devices without requiring an internet connection. While it’s not waterproof or designed for use in rugged or harsh climates, this flash drive features a durable metal body and can be carried in a pocket.
The folks at PNY sent me a review unit of the Duo Link V3 (2TB) OTG flash drive to test, so I tried it with Windows and MacBook Pro laptops, an Android smartphone, and my Apple iPad Pro. While I tested the 2TB version, a lower cost 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB version of this flash drive is also available.
PNY Duo Link V3 Flash Drive
Keep reading to learn more about this portable flash drive’s performance, and discover why you should consider using it as an affordable local storage or file transfer solution.
Specifications
- Price: $160.
- Capacity: 2TB (Smaller capacities available.).
- Port Compatibility: USB Type-A and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Dual Connectors).
- Read Speed: Up to 1,000MB/s.
- Write Speed: Up to 800MB/s.
- OS Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android.
- Dimensions: 1.5 inches long x 0.63 inches wide x 0.25 inches thick.
- Weight: 0.53 ounces.
- Water Resistant: No.
Pros
- Extremely portable.
- Large capacity (up to 2TB).
- Fast read/write speeds.
- Dual ports for maximum device compatibility.
Cons
- Not water resistant.
- No integrated encryption or security features.
- No way to protect both flash drive ports during transport.
PNY Duo Link V3 FLash Drive Features and Functions
The concept of a flash drive is not new. However, the PNY Duo Link V3 is fully compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices, so you can use it as a local backup solution or to transfer content between your computers and mobile devices with ease. My two favorite features of this particular OTG (on-the-go) flash drive are that it has two built-in ports (USB Type-A and USB Type-C) and it’s possible to switch between them with a simple rotation.
The PNY Duo Link V3 also offers an impressively fast read speed (up to 1,000MB/s) and write speed (up to 800MB/s). This means that thanks to support for USB 3.2 Gen 2, data flows between the flash drive and your computer or mobile device (or vice versa) fast and reliably.
I like that the main body of the PNY Duo Link V3 is made from a sturdy metal material. But what I am not thrilled with is that there’s no way to protect both the USB Type-A and USB Type-C port at the same time. Only one fits within the metal body, so during transport, there is a risk of damage, especially if the USB Type-C port is the one exposed. It would be nice if the device also came with a protective port cover, which it does not. And unlike some competing flash drives, this one has no simple way to attach it to a keychain, for example.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I found that the PNY Duo Link V3 with its 2TB storage capacity is convenient to use. Once it’s plugged into the USB port of whichever computer or mobile device it’s being used with, it’s immediately identified as a storage drive. Files can be copied or drag-and-dropped between the device you’re using and the flash drive. With an Android smartphone or tablet, the operating system offers a built-in feature for quickly backing up the entire device’s contents all at once. An option app, such as Files by Google can be used to transfer and backup individual files, folders, or albums.
Keep in mind, while you can encrypt data stored on this flash drive by using optional software, a feature already integrated into your computer or mobile device’s operating system, or an optional app, this is not something the flash drive itself handles on your behalf.
Again, the PNY Duo Link V3 is not designed to be used in extreme temperatures, nor is it waterproof. If you need a portable storage option that can withstand being dropped, crushed, or submerged in water, check out the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Pro Portable SSD ($200 on Amazon). Physically, it’s a bit larger and heavier than the PNY Duo Link V3, but is far more durable, IP65 rated for water and dust resistance, and has a read and write speed up to 2,000MB/s. So for some users, the SanDisk may provide a better local storage and file transfer solution that does not require the internet.
I’ve been using a SanDisk 4TB Extreme Port SSD with my MacBook Pro and the 2TB version with my iMac for years. I like that it offers a password protection and an automatic data encryption feature. It also performs well in any environment.
Who Will the PNY Duo Link V3 Flash Drive Appeal To?
Someone who is generally “anti-cloud” when it comes to storing their data, files, photos, documents, videos, and other content will appreciate the 2TB storage capacity and convenient portable size of the PNY Duo Link V3. This flash drive provides a reliable local storage solution whether you’re at home, at the office, or on the go.
The PNY Duo Link V3 is also a reliable option for transferring files between computers and/or mobile devices without needing the internet, so for some people, this is an attractive feature. The read/write speed of the device is impressive, but certainly not the fastest on the market. It is affordably priced, however. This makes it a good value for students, remote workers, business people, creatives, or anyone else who needs a convenient and local way to store or transfer content.
My Experience Using the PNY Duo Link V3 Flash Drive
As soon as I removed the PNY Duo Link V3 from its packaging and inserted it into my Asus Zenbook windows laptop, it was immediately recognized as an available drive and allowed me to copy files to it. The same was true with my MacBook Pro.
My Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers the ability to backup the device via Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or perform an External Storage Transfer using a USB storage device. As soon as I accessed this feature in Settings, I was able to perform a full phone backup in about 20 minutes. (However, the time would vary based on the amount of data being transferred).
Individual files and other content could be selected and transferred to the flash drive from the smartphone using an optional file management app (available from the Google Play Store). To try this, I used the free Files by Google app and it worked flawlessly with all sorts of files going back and forth between the flash drive and the smartphone’s internal storage.
Finally, I inserted the PNY Duo Link V3 into the USB Type-C port of my Apple iPad Pro and used the preinstalled Files app to copy content between the tablet and flash drive (and vice versa). Any type of content that’s accessible from Files could be copied to the flash drive (or vice versa). Plus, individual photos and albums could also be copied directly from the Photos app using the Share feature, selecting Save to Files, and then choosing the flash drive as the destination. Similar functionality is available from the iPhone.
PNY Duo Link V3 Flash Drive
My Final Thoughts: Is the PNY Duo Link V3 Worth It?
Is the PNY Duo Link V3 the perfect local backup and data storage solution for everyone. Probably not. However, for most computer and mobile device users, it provides an affordable way to backup or store important data, documents, files, photos, videos, and other content locally and with relative ease.
It’s not hard to find similar flash drives for sale on Amazon or eBay from no-name brands that cost less money. That said, I personally prefer using technology from known brands with a solid reputation, especially if the device is being used to store important data and files. And reliability and convenience this is what you get from PNY and its Duo Link V3 flash drive.
 portable flash drive. With a USB Type-A and USB Type-C port, you can use this storage device with a Windows or Mac computer, and your Apple and Android mobile devices. Check out this comprehensive review.){kind=link}