Best USB for Tesla Sentry Mode

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, getting the best USB for Tesla Sentry Mode can provide valuable protection and assurance. This list features the USB sticks and flash drives you can trust to record your Sentry Mode video in high resolution.

Our USB for Tesla Sentry Mode

SanDisk USB Flash Drive – Best Overall

With an ultra-compact design and impeccable customer feedback, this USB for Tesla Sentry Mode is the best value on the market. It somehow combines everything you need to record your video on a miniscule device that costs less than most alternatives.

What I love is this tiny thumb drive its size. You’re probably used to some that are about the size of a keyfob. It’s basically just the USB connector with a tiny little tab.

I’ve used SanDisk products for years. The name is trusted in the industry by consumers and professionals alike. They know what is needed to make a great digital storage device and have done a great job here.

This SanDisk USB Flash Drive has more reviews than 99% of any other product. And they are overwhelmingly positive. 

The only downside is that SanDisk doesn’t report the write speed. But many reviewers included screenshots of their tests and they were well over the Tesla recommendation for Sentry Mode video, which is a sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. The advertised 400 MB/s is the read speed, which is also more than enough for Tesla Sentry Mode purposes.

Pros

  • Amazing compact design
  • Unbeatable price with adequate storage
  • High customer satisfaction

Cons

  • Sustained write speed is not as high as other brands
  • Plastic USB port is not as solid as metal ones
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Samsung USB Flash Drive -Most Rugged

This Samsung USB is tough, sleek, and up to just about any task. The most impressive feature is its incredibly tough and rugged design. 

The body of this flash drive is waterproof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and X-ray-proof. I also like the modern metal look and shape it has, and it is available in dark gray or silver.

The Tesla recording system automatically deletes the old videos to make room for the new ones, so Tesla recommends 64 GB.

I recommend going with at least 128 GB, so that it retains more of the older videos before it needs to rewrite over them. You never know when they might come in handy. Other brands do offer more than the 256 GB maximum of this Samsung, but 128 GB or 256 GB is likely sufficient for most Sentry Mode needs.

This Samsung has an impressive 200 MB/s write speed. Samsung is another brand that you can trust.

Pros

  • Exceptional durability and protection
  • Fast read and write speeds
  • 5 year warranty

Cons

  • Largest option is 256 GB, smaller than competitor options
  • No cap to protect USB port opening
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PNY USB Flash Drive – Best Premium

PNY Pro Elite is a high-performance option that blows away other choices. It’s a versatile device that combines speed with durability and an ample capacity. The only downside is the premium features come with a price tag to match.

It’s wrapped in an elegant and durable metal case that doesn’t just look good, it is also functional. The case slides over the end when unplugged to protect the USB connector. 

But at the heart of this USB device is incredible speed. It’s rated with read speeds up to 600 MB/s and write speeds of 250 MB/s for the 256 GB version and a whopping 500 MB/s for the 1 TB version. Any choice you go with will have plenty of storage space and speed to make it one of the best USBs for Tesla Sentry Mode video recording.

I’d say it’s a little overboard for Tesla Sentry Mode, but then again, it doesn’t hurt to go a little above and beyond when it comes to protecting your car. After all, catching one incident on video when your Tesla is parked can easily pay for this device and then some.

Pros

  • Ample storage space and speeds
  • Durable metal case with built-in USB port cover
  • The 256 GB option is still relatively affordable

Cons

  • It’s a premium product with a price tag to match
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Patriot USB Flash Drive -Fastest USB

For those that want an ultra-fast USB stick, the Patriot Supersonic Rage Prime is the right option.

It advertises an impressive 600 MB/s read speed and customer tests show the write speed is in a similar sky-high category. You’ll never have to worry about your USB for Tesla Sentry Mode being able to keep up.

Although it only has a plastic case, not metal like the other durable options, it still has a nice design. The case slides down over the USB port to protect it. And the company says it’s made to be tough and withstand the punishing conditions that USB drives can be put through. It also has a built-in thermal sensor to ensure longevity.

I like that it has a little loop for a keyring and the built-in cover. I usually keep my USB drive connected to the car for Sentry Mode recordings, but it’s always helpful to be able to move it around easily when the time comes to get videos off of it.

Pros

  • One of the fastest USB drives on the market
  • Comes from a brand well respected in the flash drive industry

Cons

  • Plastic case
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Transcend USB Flash Drive – Best Budget

Features a lightweight aluminum body that’s both durable and fashionable. This also is the only option on this list that comes with a separate cover that you take on and off, providing 100% coverage when the cap is on.

Moving on to the speed, and this hits high on the list once again. It is rated at up to 400 MB/s write speed and a nearly equal 420 MB/s read speed, both more than sufficient to handle Tesla Sentry Mode videos.

The capacity options are excellent, starting at 128 GB, which is the minimum I recommend. And the price for each size is quite reasonable.

On top of all that, this USB drive also comes with Transcend Elite data management software. It can help provide backup storage solutions, data encryption, and cloud integration much easier than other options.

Pros

  • All-around excellent choice 
  • Reasonable price for what you get
  • Included software program helps manage storage and backup

Cons

  • Removable cap might get lost
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Our Verdict

When you want to secure your Tesla Sentry Mode videos on a USB device, it’s important to get a high-quality option that will withstand the test of time. Any option on this list will do the trick, but the amazingly compact SanDisk Ultra Fit USB Flash Drive is my top choice.

To get the most out of Sentry Mode, you need a Premium Connectivity subscription. Head over to our post all about Tesla Premium Connectivity to see what it includes and how to get it.

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