How to Source Reliable 1GB Pendrives for Legacy Systems

The 1GB pendrive has undergone a significant transformation in 2026, shifting from a generic storage device to a high-value industrial and regulatory tool. While general consumers use high-capacity drives, the 1GB segment is seeing a structural resurgence driven by the need for legacy system compatibility (CNC/medical machines) and new EU secure data handoff directives Alibaba.

Market demand currently outstrips supply, with NAND flash costs doubling recently and major manufacturers reporting stockouts through the end of 2026 Alibaba Axios. Pricing for these units in bulk now ranges from roughly $0.43 to over $7.00 depending on the form factor—such as the popular credit card and metal swivel designs—and the inclusion of USB-C dual-interfaces Alibaba.

Detailed insights on pricing shifts, industrial use cases, and strategic sourcing recommendations are provided in the report below.