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.
capacity: To determine the required capacity, first check the size of the folder or file to be copied. Each USB drive in our guide has a stated capacity, but you’ll have slightly less free storage space available to you because the device’s firmware requires space.
speed: The USB standard is always improving, we recommend at least USB 3.0, but the higher the better. While USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is important to check the read and write speeds specified by the manufacturer for each drive.If you are mainly transferring data, you need to look for high Write speed.If you plan to launch software (such as video games) on your computer from the drive, you will need a computer with a high read speed.
compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device with the relevant port, but it’s worth checking compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use the drive with an Android device, you need USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG.You will get a notification when you insert a flash drive with options that should include file transfer. If you are not sure, you can try the USB OTG Checker app to confirm support. Apple’s iPhones and iPads do not support USB OTG, but you can install a companion app for the drive, such as SanDisk’s iXpand series.
Connector: 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, the easiest solution is to choose one of the two desired types of connectors. You can also buy a USB hub with multiple ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standards or it may limit your data transfer speed. For example, this Anker USB-A to USB-C adapter is USB 3.0.
Safety: Keep in mind that USB drives can cause security issues, especially for businesses, you should no way Insert the random drive you found. If you plan to keep sensitive data on a flash drive, consider biometric or password protection and look at the level of encryption it offers. There are software services that provide encryption and allow you to password protect files on any USB flash drive.
