There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for USB drives, and we also have some tips for using them.
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 listed capacity, but usable storage will be slightly less than that because the device’s firmware requires space.
Speed: USB standards are constantly evolving and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, although a higher level is preferable. Although USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is crucial to check the read and write speeds listed by the manufacturer for each drive. If you’re primarily transferring data, you’ll want to look for a high-speed drive. to write speeds. If you plan to run software on a computer through the player (such as a video game), you will need a model with high read speeds. Manufacturers list average speeds, but most drives are much faster for transferring large files and tend to be much slower for transferring small files.
Compatibility: Many USB drives work with any device with the corresponding port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a player with an Android device or one of the latest iPhone 15 rangeit will require USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will receive a notification when you insert a USB drive with options which should include File transfer. You can try the USB OTG Checker app to confirm support if you are unsure. Older Apple iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for the 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 USB drive with your smartphone and computer, buy one with both types of connectors required. You can also purchase USB hubs with multiple ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standard, otherwise it could limit your data transfer speeds. This Anker USB-A to USB-C Adapterfor example, is USB 3.0.
Security: Remember that USB drives can cause security issuesespecially for businesses, and you should Never plug in random drives you find lying around. If you plan to store sensitive data on your USB drive, consider biometric or password protection and review the level of encryption it offers. There are software services that offer encryption and allow you to password protect your files on any USB drive.
