There are a few things to consider when buying USB sticks and we also have some tips for using them.
capacity: To determine 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 listed capacity, but the usable storage will be slightly less because the device’s firmware requires storage space.
speed: USB standards are constantly evolving and we recommend at least USB 3.0, with the higher the better. Although USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is important to check the manufacturer’s stated read and write speeds for each drive. If you primarily transfer data, you should look for a drive with high speed write speeds. If you plan to launch software from the drive on a computer (such as a video game), you will need a high-performance model read speeds. Manufacturers quote average speeds, but most drives are much faster when transferring large files and tend to be much slower when transferring small files.
compatibilityNote: Many flash drives work with any device with the appropriate port. However, check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a drive with an Android device or one of the latest iPhone 15 models, USB on-the-go (OTG) support is required. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will receive a notification when you insert a flash drive with options that should be included File transfer. If you are unsure, you can try the USB OTG Checker app to confirm support. Apple’s previous iPhones and iPads do not support USB OTG, but you can install a drive companion app, such as. B. the iXpand series from SanDisk.
Connections: Most flash drives have USB-A ports, but you can also get drives with USB-C, MicroUSB, and Lightning ports. If you plan to use a flash drive with your smartphone and computer, get one with both required connector types. 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. For example, this USB-A to USB-C adapter from Anker is USB 3.0.
Security: Remember that USB drives can cause security problems, especially for businesses, and you should never Plug in any drives you find lying around. If you plan to store sensitive data on your flash drive, you should consider biometric or passcode protection and look at the level of encryption it offers. There are software services that provide encryption and allow you to password protect your files on any USB flash drive.
