There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for USB flash drives, and we also have some tips for using them.
capacityTo 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 specific capacity, but the usable storage space will be slightly less than that, because the device’s firmware requires space.
speedUSB standards are advancing all the time, and we recommend using USB 3.0 as a minimum, although higher is better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is essential to check the read and write speeds declared by the manufacturer of each drive. If you’re primarily transferring data, you’ll need to look for a high-speed drive He writes Speeds. If you plan to run a program on a computer through the drive (such as a video game), you’ll need a high-performance model He reads Speeds. Manufacturers will indicate 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 equipped with the relevant port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a drive with an Android device or one of the latest iPhone 15 range, it will require USB On-The-Go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will get a notification when you insert the flash drive with the options it should include File transfer. You can try USB OTG Checker application To confirm support if you are not sure. Previous Apple iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for 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, get one that has both of the required types of connectors. 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, USB 3.0.
protection: 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 to keep sensitive data on your flash drive, consider biometric or passcode protection, and see what 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.