13 Best USB Flash Drives (2024): Pen Drives, Thumb Drives, Memory Drives
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 folders or files you want to copy. Each USB drive in our guide has a stated capacity, but the available storage space will be slightly less than that, as the device’s firmware requires space.
Speed: USB standards are constantly evolving, and we recommend using USB 3.0 at the minimum, although higher is better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it’s important 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 a higher speed. write speed. If you plan on running software on your computer via the drive (like video games), then you’ll want a model with high speed read Speed. Manufacturers will quote average speeds, but most drives are much faster at transferring large files and much slower at transferring small files.
Compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device that has 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 USB OTG. You will get a notification when you insert the flash drive with options including Transfer files. You can try USB OTG Tester App to confirm support if you’re unsure. Apple’s older iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for drives, like SanDisk’s iXpand line.
Connector: Most flash drives have a USB-A connector, but you can also buy drives with USB-C, MicroUSB, and Lightning connectors. If you plan to use the flash drive with a smartphone and a computer, buy a drive that has both types of connectors. You can also buy a multi-port USB hub or 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, USB 3.0.
Protect: Remember that USB drives can cause security issuesespecially for businesses, and you should never Plug in a random drive you find lying around. If you plan on keeping sensitive data on your flash drive, consider biometric or passcode 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.
