running ubuntu 20.04 from usb

I have a desktop system set up as a non-production (a test environment before i move anything off to my dedicated server). every time i start something up i want a fresh install. its alot of work to test different apps and doing a fresh install every single time. I looking for a easier method.

first thing i was thinking is install and run from usb. make multiple images of the same usb and swap.

is there any other method anyone can recommend