There are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing USB flash drives and we also have some tips for using them.
Ability: To decide the capacity you need, first check the size of the folders or files you want to copy. Each USB drive in our guide has a set capacity, but the usable storage will be slightly less, because the device’s firmware requires space.
Speed: USB standards are advancing all the time and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, although the higher the better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is crucial to check the manufacturer’s stated read and write speeds for each drive. If you are primarily transferring data, you will want to look for a drive with high write speeds. If you plan to run software on a computer through the drive (such as a video game), then you’ll want a model with high read speeds. Manufacturers will list average speeds, but most drives are much faster for transferring large files and tend to be much slower for transferring small files.
Compatibility: Many flash drives work with any device with the corresponding port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a unit with an Android device or one from the latest iPhone 15 range, you’ll need USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will receive a notification when you insert a flash drive with options that should include File transfer. You can try the USB OTG Checker App to confirm support if you are unsure. Previous Apple iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for the drives, such as SanDisk’s iXpand series.
Connectors: Most flash drives have USB-A connectors, but you can also get drives with USB-C, MicroUSB, and Lightning connectors. If you plan to use a flash drive with your smartphone and computer, grab one with both types of connectors required. You can also purchase USB hubs with multiple ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standard or it may limit your data transfer speeds. This Anker USB-A to USB-C adapterfor example, it is USB 3.0.
Security: Remember that USB drives can cause security issues, especially for businesses, and you should never Plug in random units you find lying around. If you plan to keep sensitive data on your flash drive, consider biometric or password protection and consider the level of encryption it offers. There are software services that offer encryption and allow you to password protect your files on any USB flash drive.