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

There are a few things to keep in mind when buying USB flash drives, and we have some tips for using them.

Capacity: First check the size of the folders or files you want to copy to decide the capacity you need. Each USB drive in our guide has a specified capacity, but the usable memory will be slightly less than this because the device’s software requires space.

Speed: USB standards are constantly evolving and we recommend USB 3.0 as a minimum, although higher is possible. Although USB standards have different theoretical maximum speeds, it is important to check the read and write speeds listed by the manufacturer for each drive. If you primarily transfer data, you may want to look for a driver with a higher write speeds. If you plan to run software on your computer through the drive (like video games), then you may want a higher-end model. to read speeds. Manufacturers will report average speeds, but most drives are faster at transferring large files and slower at transferring small files.

Compatibility: Many flash drives will work with any device with the appropriate port, but check compatibility to avoid disappointment. If you want to use a driver with an Android device or one the latest iPhone 15 seriesit will require USB on-the-go (OTG) support. Most Android devices support USB OTG. You will receive a notification when you insert a flash drive with options to insert File Transfer. you can try USB OTG Checker software to confirm support if you are unsure. Apple’s earlier iPhones and iPads don’t support USB OTG, but you can install a utility for 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 flash drive with your smartphone and computer, connect one with both required connector types. You can also buy USB hubs with multiple ports or adapters, but pay close attention to the supported standard or it may limit your data transfer speed. This Anker USB-A to USB-C adapterfor example, it is USB 3.0.

Security: Remember this USB drives can cause security problemsespecially for businesses and you should never plug in random drivers you find lying around. If you plan to store sensitive data on your flash drive, consider biometric or password 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.