14 Best USB Flash Drives (2024): Pen Drives, Thumb Drives, Memory Sticks

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a USB flash drive, and we’ve got some tips for using them

power: To decide on the capacity you need, first check the size of the folder or files you want to copy Each USB drive in our guide has a stated capacity, but usable storage will be slightly less than that, as the device’s firmware needs space.

speed: USB standards are advancing all the time, and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, although higher is better. While the USB standard has different theoretical maximum speeds, it’s crucial 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 higher drives write down Speed ​​If you plan to run software on a computer via the drive (such as a video game), you’ll want a higher-end model to read Speed ​​Manufacturers will quote an average speed, but most drives are much faster for large file transfers and much slower for small file transfers.

compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device with the relevant port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use an Android device or a drive The latest iPhone 15 rangeIt requires USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will receive a notification when inserting a flash drive that should be included file transfer. you can try USB OTG Checker App Confirm support if you are not sure. Apple’s earlier iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for drives like SanDisk’s iXpand series.

connector: Most flash drives have USB-A connectors, but you can also find drives with USB-C, MicroUSB, and Lightning connectors. If you plan to use a flash drive with your smartphone and computer, grab one with both required connectors. You can buy USB hubs with multiple ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standards or it may limit your data transfer speeds. this Anker USB-A to USB-C AdapterFor example, USB 3.0.

safety: remember USB drives can cause security issuesEspecially 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 look at 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.