Skip to main content
TEAMGROUP 256GB S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.1/3.0) Up to 140MB/s Flash Thumb Drive, External Data Storage Memory Stick Compatible with Computer/Laptop/Desktops/PC,Type-A,COB Tech,Hang Hole
TEAMGROUP

TEAMGROUP 256GB S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.1/3.0) Up to 140MB/s Flash Thumb Drive

Bottom line: The TEAMGROUP 256GB S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Up to 140MB/s Flash Thumb Drive: USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface rated up to 140MB/s read speed; main trade-off: type-A only, so USB-C laptops and tablets need an adapter.

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For external drives and portable storage, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface rated up to 140MB/s read speed
  • ✓ COB chip-on-board build encapsulates memory and controller
  • ✓ Hang hole for keyring or lanyard attachment
  • ✓ Plug-and-play on computers, laptops, desktops, no drivers

Cons

  • ✗ Type-A only, so USB-C laptops and tablets need an adapter
  • ✗ 140MB/s is a read ceiling, not a guaranteed write speed
  • ✗ COB molded body cannot be opened for data recovery attempts
  • ✗ TEAMGROUP defers final specs to its official website

Manufacturer description

The TEAMGROUP S5 256GB flash drive is a pocket-size Type-A thumb drive built for people who move files between machines all day rather than archive them. It runs on USB 3.2 Gen 1 (backward compatible with USB 3.1 and 3.0) and is rated for read speeds up to 140MB/s, so a folder of photos or a portable app library transfers in a fraction of the time a USB 2.0 stick would take. There is no software to install and no external power to connect: plug it into a computer, laptop, desktop, or PC and it mounts as plug-and-play storage. TEAMGROUP builds the S5 with COB (chip-on-board) construction…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored TEAMGROUP 256GB S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Up to 140MB/s Flash Thumb Drive using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. TEAMGROUP's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the TEAMGROUP S5 256GB drive?

TEAMGROUP rates the S5 at up to 140MB/s over its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. That figure is the read ceiling; real-world speed varies with your port, file sizes, and host system.

Will it work in an older USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port?

Yes. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface is backward compatible with USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 ports, and the Type-A connector fits standard legacy ports, though older ports cap throughput below 140MB/s.

Does it work with a USB-C MacBook or tablet?

Not directly. The S5 is a Type-A drive, so a USB-C port requires a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a hub. It is listed as compatible with computers, laptops, desktops, and PCs.

What is COB technology and why does it matter?

COB (chip-on-board) mounts the memory and controller directly on the board and seals them in one molded body. TEAMGROUP cites it as comprehensive protection, which suits a drive carried loose in a bag.

Is 256GB the only capacity available?

TEAMGROUP lists the S5 line with multiple storage options; this listing is the 256GB version. Check the product listing for other capacities and for current warranty terms.

Key Features

  • Compact & Plug-and-Play
  • Practical Hang Hole Design
  • Ample Storage Options
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
  • Comprehensive Protection from COB Tech
  • ※Refer to the latest version on the official website. In case of discrepancies, the official website prevails.

Full Specifications

BrandTEAMGROUP
ColorBlack
Read Speed140 Megabytes Per Second
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberTS53256GB01
CompatibilityPC
Mfr Part NumberTS53256GB01
Special FeatureLightweight
Flash Memory TypeUSB
Hardware InterfaceUSB, USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1
Additional FeaturesLightweight
Warranty DescriptionLIFETIME Services
Connectivity TechnologyUSB
Memory Storage Capacity256 GB
Hardware Connectivity TechnologyUSB Type A, USB Type B
Full listing titleTEAMGROUP 256GB S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.1/3.0) Up to 140MB/s Flash Thumb Drive, External Data Storage Memory Stick Compatible with Computer/Laptop/Desktops/PC,Type-A,COB Tech,Hang Hole

Ready to buy?

TEAMGROUP 256GB S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.1/3.0) Up to 140MB/s Flash Thumb Drive, External Data Storage Memory Stick Compatible with Computer/Laptop/Desktops/PC,Type-A,COB Tech,Hang Hole is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Check price on Amazon →

Related External Storage

More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all articles & guides →

More reviews from the SpecPicks archive

Browse all reviews →

Earliest SpecPicks reviews

Browse full archive →