There are a few things you need to keep in mind when purchasing USB flash drives and we have some tips for using them too.
Ability: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 will be slightly less than that, because the device’s firmware requires space.
Speed:USB standards are advancing all the time and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, though the higher the better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it’s critical 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 speed. write speeds. If you plan to run software on a computer through the drive (such as a video game), then you will need a model with high speed. read Speeds. Manufacturers quote 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 corresponding 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 models, you’ll need USB On-The-Go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You’ll get a notification when you insert a flash drive with options that should include File TransferYou can try the USB OTG Checker App to confirm compatibility if you’re unsure. Older 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 your computer, buy one with both necessary types of connectors. You can also buy USB hubs with multiple ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standard or you may limit your data transfer speeds. Anker USB-A to USB-C Adapterfor example, it is USB 3.0.
Security:Remember that USB drives can cause security issues, especially for businesses, and you should never Plug in any USB drive you find lying around. If you plan to store sensitive data on your flash drive, consider using biometric or password protection and look into 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.
