There are a few things to keep in mind when you buy a USB flash drive, and we also have some tips for using them.
Capacity: To decide how much space you need, first check the size of the folder or file you want to copy. Each USB drive in our guide has a stated capacity, but usable storage will be a little less than that because the device's firmware needs the space.
Speed: USB standards are always improving and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, but higher is better. Although USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is important to check the manufacturer's published read and write speeds for each drive. If you primarily transfer data, you'll want to look for a drive with high speeds write speed. If you plan to launch software on your computer via the drive (such as video games), you'll want a model with high speed. read speed. Manufacturers will state average speeds, but most drives transfer large files much faster and tend to transfer small files much slower.
Compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device with the relevant port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use the drive with an Android device or one of the Latest iPhone 15 seriesit will require USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USBOTG. You will receive a notification when you insert a flash drive with options included File transfer. You can try USB OOT testing application to confirm support if you are unsure. Apple's previous iPhones and iPads don't support USBOTG, but you can install a companion app for the drives, such as SanDisk's iXpand line.
Connector: Most flash drives have a USB-A connector, 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, connect one flash drive to both types of necessary connectors. You can also buy a USB hub with multiple ports or an adapter, but pay attention to the supported standard, otherwise it may limit your data transfer speed. This Anker USB-A to USB-C adapterfor example: is USB 3.0.
Protect: Remember that USB drives can cause security problemsespecially for businesses and you should never plug in random drives you find around. If you plan to keep sensitive data on your flash drive then consider biometric or passcode protection and consider the level of encryption it provides. There are software services that provide encryption and allow you to password-protect your files on any USB flash drive.