Anika Begay
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a USB flash drive and here are some tips for using them.
Capacity: To decide how much capacity you need, first check the size of the folders or files you want to copy. Each USB drive in our guide has a stated capacity, but the usable storage space will be slightly less, because the device’s firmware requires space.
Speed: USB standards are constantly advancing, and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, although the higher the better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s stated read and write speeds for each drive. If you’re primarily transferring data, you’ll want to look for a drive with high write speed. If you’re planning on running software on a computer through the drive (such as a video game), then you’ll want a model with high Light speed. Manufacturers will list average speeds, but most drives are much faster at transferring large files and tend to be much slower at transferring small files.
Compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device with the appropriate port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a drive with an Android device or one of the latest iPhone 15s, it will require USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will be notified 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’re unsure. Earlier Apple iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for drives like 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 your computer, get one with both types of connectors. You can also buy USB hubs with more ports or adapters, but be careful about which standard they support or it may limit your data transfer speed. This Anker USB-A to USB-C adapter, for example, is USB 3.0.
Safety: Remember that USB drives can cause security issues, especially for businesses, and you should Never plug in random drives you find lying around. If you plan on storing sensitive data on your flash drive, then consider biometric or passcode protection and look at 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.
