The best USB memory sticks and flash drives also need to be dependable, so they don’t fail or break, making your data vanish into thin air. This means the best flash drives feature a strong. These are the best MacBook Air accessories you can buy. As well as your iPhone, iPad, and any other USB-C accessory you might have. Another accessory you might need is a USB-C flash drive.
The best flash drive for iPhone looks like a regular flash drives but performs better with a range of Apple devices. There are some that are wireless flash drives while others connect through micro USB and USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports. The speed of transfer is dependent on the device the flash copies data to and from. Most of these flash drives are compatible with various operating systems that include Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android and iOS. They work with computers, smartphones, PCs and tablets. These drives mostly connect with tablets with on-the-go technology.
They enable the quick and easy freeing up of memory from devices. These flash drives also store all types of files. You can even play the files from the flash drive or stream the content from them without internet.
The capacity of these devices range and the best drive for you depends on how much space you need. All the same, it is better to go for drives with large capacity. They expand memory and make it limitless. Table of Contents. #1.
![Best usb flash drive for iphone Best usb flash drive for iphone](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125382945/311307854.jpg)
Techkey USB Flash Drive This a large capacity flash disk that has 32 gigabytes in storage space. It works with various operating systems among which include Windows, Mac OS and Linux. It is easy to use and all the user needs to do is to plug it in. It is made to rotate so as to protect its interface.
It makes a great gift considering that it does not require external power. SanDisk Connect 32GB Wireless Flash Drive It is a high quality disk that makes it easy to wirelessly store music, files and videos.
It works with multiple devices at the same time. It is small enough to fit in your pocket and provides convenience.
You are able to access files without internet, cable or connectors. It has a SDHC slot that enables the storage of quality content for cameras.
SanDisk iXpand 64GB Mobile Flash Drive IXpand Flash Drive is easy to use especially when transferring photos and videos from or to your iPad, PCs, iPhone and Mac computers. It also automatically copies photos and videos from the camera when connected. The best thing is that it plays common music and video files from the drive. It is durable, and its connector is flexible to even work with the iPad or iPhone cases. The best thing is that it plays common music and video files from the drive.
It is durable, and its connector is flexible to even work with the iPad or iPhone cases. Techkey OTG USB Flash Drive This flash drive has a lifetime guarantee and two connectors. One connector is a micro USB while the other is the normal USB 2.0 to provide convenience. It therefore works with all micro USB smartphones and tablets. It also easily transfers content between tablets and computers.
The transfer speeds are acceptable but this mainly depends on the host device. It works with Android, Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Techkey OTG USB Flash Drive It is a high quality flash drive that has a large capacity of 16 gigabytes. It works with micro USB devices such as smartphones. It also works with tablets, PCs and computers.
It makes data transfer easy for backup and exchange of files. This drive further works with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and Windows. It has a stylish design that also protects its interface. Furthermore, it is a plug and play device. Omars 32GB USB Flash Drive This flash drive has good sync and charge performance.
It works with Apple’s iOS devices. It also has a lightning connector.
This device has 18 months warranty. It is lightweight and easy to use. This flash drive has a large capacity and further works with Windows and Mac devices. Hitcake i-Flash Drive This flash drive has a large capacity of 32 gigabytes. It stores various files such as images and videos between Mac, PC and Apple devices. It also contains additional features such as a document viewer, text editor and voice recorder.
It has a micro USB and normal USB 2.0 port to work with computers, iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. IDiskk USB Drive for iPhone, iPad and iPod This flash drive stores files in all file formats.
It is also compatible with Apple devices, and has an iPhone USB drive together with another USB super speed. It has a simple interface which makes it easy to use.This device supports exFAT and files larger than 4 gigabytes. Lightning Flash Drive This flash drive makes it easy to transfer videos and images between Macs, PCs, iPad and iPhone.
It works excellently with Apple devices. It has a fast port and allows you to watch videos straight from the drive.
In addition, it encrypts files for secure transfer. It frees up memory in your device in a matter of minutes. It has an admirable design and is made from polished metal. Techkey OTG USB Flash Drive This flash drive frees up 64 gigabytes of space from your devices. It also comes with a life warranty that eliminates worries during the purchase. It works with micro USB devices, PCs and tablets. This device is compatible with Windows, Android, Linux and Mac OS.
It is easy to use and readily transfers data between devices. HooToo iPhone Flash Drive This flash drive is super fast when it comes to file transfer. You will transfer your photo, movies and music to and also from your PC.
It is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and extra 4mm extension will ensure that your connector will work with thick base. It has premium aluminum build and so you can enjoy durable as well as superior. You will enjoy longer videos and take more photos and even do things you most love with this flash drive. Flash Drive USB 3.0 Key The iPlugmate will support major videos, music format, and allow you to watch your favorite movies and also listen to your music from the drive. It has strong back storage and you will instantly free up your iPad and iPhone memory with this 32GB of backup space and no need of having iCloud or cable.
It will also restore your contacts will only one click. You can take photos at anytime/anywhere and save them to your flashdrive. It has password and also ID protection which is a nice feature.
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Get ready to watch your popular video on that iPad or iPhone of yours. It will also transfer content from your phone to PC and secure file storage across your iPad, iPhone and computer and it will automatically backup your contacts, and also back up your videos and photos from your camera.
You will take all videos and photos the way you want with this drive and you will always be ready to capture more. It includes password protection software to protect your files. USB 3.0 Flash Drive This flashdrive will be 100 percent compatible and work smoothly with your iPad, iPhone and iPods. It will be easier way to transfer your important content between your devices and you will free up your memory space just in seconds. It features light and compact design for convenient storage when you want to take it.
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The one touch backup function will enable you back up your content, videos and photos from your albums in that iPhone with only one click. It works with iPhone 6s Plus, iPad (4th generation), iPhone 6, iPad mini 3, and more. 3 In 1 i-Flash Drive The 32GB will enable you just plug and play your favorite music and videos. It will free-up your memory space without making you to use iCloud or cable and you can manage your music, movies, photos and more directly on your Android device. It will make file transmission easier on the go and he vibrant aluminum body casing will enhance durability of the flash.
Its lightweight design will fit into your bag or pocket and enable you get your flash drive instantly when you need it. IPhone Flash Drive Adapter 64GB The user friendly and versatile app will allow you shoot picture and also videos then save them directly to your flash drive. The ecryption capability will keep your content secure with the touch ID or password protection. It will speed up your memory capacity in seconds and allow you transfer file from and to your laptop or PC without using iTunes, iCloud or cable! It is compatible with iPhone, iPod and iPad and you won’t get any problem when using it. New i Flash Drive Card Reader This card reader is small and light and it will work well on your iPhone. It is also easy to lose and cost effective.
You can record video and it will offer you more room to do your things and save your time. It is tiny and practical and you will be taking it along with you when you want to take videos and photos. You can even watch movies and music while traveling. This is the card which you will be satisfied and if you wish to get the best card reader which is versatile and durable, then you better grab this one.
IPhone USB Flash Drive If you are there worried about that inner storage of your new Android or iPhone which has never been enough for you, then let this flash drive be your solution. This thing has three connectors and you can use it to transfer your documents in all series of product for iPad, iPhone, Android and computer. It is versatile and mini-sized for easy portability. The large storage capacity will give you enough space for keeping your videos, music, movies and more. IPhone Flash Drive If you have been craving where to get the best flash drive which is shockproof, dust proof and water proof, then this is what you need. For safety purposes you can lock iFlash via password or fingerprints. It is convenient and easy to use and it will install free upload as well as download data in the onboard storage, cloud drives and iFlash drive and it comes with tutorial to make easy to use of your drive flash.
This is the right drive flash for you. Swivel Flash Drive It will now be easily to transfer those files from devices to another one.
You can now watch those favorite photos and videos directly from your drive. It is compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac computers and PCs. It support file encryption and you can lock your file by using your own passcode and safeguard your videos and photos. It will ensure 100 percent compatibility with any of your lightning devices and no annoying error message.
The compact design will ensure convenience of your drive. Filed Under: Reader Interactions.
I feel old saying this, but having used computers since before external hard drives existed, I can say with certainty that buying a hard drive is easier today than it’s ever been before. For traditional drives, prices are low, options are numerous, and capacities are so high that your only choices are “enough space,” “more than enough space,” and “way more than enough space.” I could point you towards a and end this article without another paragraph. Since Apple doesn’t even sell a Mac with that much disk space, you could back up five (or more) computers to that drive without running out of room. Or you could store a decade worth of digital photos alongside a giant media library.
But buying an external hard drive isn’t necessarily that simple. There are a bunch of factors worth considering before making a purchase, including everything from reliability to portability, design, capacity, speed, and connectivity. Some hard drives are really cheap but have a higher chance of failing after a year or two of heavy use. So in this How-To, I’m going to discuss the big issues you need to consider, and guide you towards the best external hard drive for your needs Quick Overview Most hard drives are guaranteed to work for one to two years no matter what you do with them, ranging from occasional backups to continuous video streaming. They’ll generally last much longer if you don’t use them every day. However — and this is really important — if you keep a typical drive mechanism running 24 hours each day for two years, it’s going to burn out. Hard drive longevity used to be measured with an estimate of “Mean Time Before Failure” (MTBF).
Each year has 61,320 hours, so a drive with a MTBF of 300,000 hours would promise to last 4.9 years if actively used 24 hours each day. Desktop drives typically promised higher MTBFs than laptop drives, but there were exceptions. Unfortunately, MTBF numbers were only predictions — and often inaccurately high. Consumers complained. So drive makers switched to a different but even less useful metric: Annualized Failure Rate (AFR), which estimates the percentage of total drives made that will fail in a year due to manufacturing defects. All an AFR of “0.73%” suggests is that 7,300 of 1,000,000 drives will likely develop problems in year one due to defects rather than abuse.
That low percentage may seem reassuring, but it obscures the reality that heavy drive use increases failures over time, and some drives are much better-suited to heavy use than others. My advice: purchase your drive with a specific purpose in mind. If you’re backing up precious photos, home videos, or important files, buy a name brand, desktop-sized hard drive from a company with a track record of reliability, and pay a little more for it. It doesn’t really matter how the drive looks, just that it will work for a long time. But if you’re just using a drive to store apps, games, or iTunes movies that you can easily re-download at any time, or only intermittently turn a drive on for backups, you can feel comfortable going with something cheaper, more portable, or fancier-looking.
Capacity + Pricing It’s easy to pick the right hard drive capacity these days: most external drives now offer at least as much space as a standard Mac (1TB) — and there are — and you can get an. Most people will find that that 4TB is more than enough to hold years of accumulated photos, media files, and data, but there’s no wrong answer to the capacity question: it’s mostly a matter of personal preference right now.
That said, there are sweet spots. Expect to pay around,. By “basic,” I mean the popular and consumer-grade desktop drives shown above from Seagate, a major (but not top) drive manufacturer with a good (but not great) warranty. The are similar up until the 4TB mark, where the price doubles. Generally, 3TB to 5TB would be the sweet spots between capacity and pricing, but of the 3TB Expansion mirror comments I’ve seen elsewhere online: Seagate’s 3TB units had lots of problems.
You’re better off considering 2TB, 4TB or 5TB units instead. Don’t be surprised that longer-lasting drives can cost twice as much as basic models. They’ll typically last longer, which is worth something. Similarly, don’t be surprised if a solid state drive (SSD) costs much more and offers lower capacity than a mechanical drive. SSDs are just beginning to become mainstream internal drives for computers, and their capacities aren’t yet at the “more than enough space” point. Reliability Since MTBF and AFR are such sketchy measures of hard drive reliability, I suggest that you focus on two more tangible factors: the reputation of the manufacturer, and the length of the drive’s warranty. A three-year warranty is the best you can expect from a consumer-grade external drive from a top vendor, regardless of whether it’s a.
(Only the very best internal SSDs now offer and, though notably with much less storage space than the drives covered in this article. See my How-To guides to, and.) If reliability is your major concern, as it generally is mine, I’d suggest you look most seriously at (featuring ultra-reliable Hitachi hard drive mechanisms) and, all of which have three-year warranties. I G-Tech’s excellent for 9to5Mac, and have trusted their earlier drives for many years without any issues. Was covered in my, and while it’s more expensive and lower-capacity than the G-Drive USB, it has no moving parts to worry about. Go with a G-Drive if you need a large reliable drive, or T1 if you want something small and reliable. Portability + Design There are five major types of external hard drives:,. The first two use 3.5″ hard drive mechanisms and are effectively non-portable: they sit on your desk, depend on wall power, and aren’t easy to carry in typical bags. Flash drives are keychain-sized but relatively limited in capacity and crazy expensive when they begin to approach laptop drive capacities.
So if you need a portable hard drive with respectable storage capacity at a reasonable price, you’ll most likely pick a laptop-class drive with a 2.5″ hard drive mechanism inside. Owned by Seagate, boutique drive maker LaCie’s lineup nicely illustrates the relative size differences between the categories of external drives, though there are even smaller laptop and slim laptop drives out there now. In January, I both, the world’s thinnest external mechanical hard drive, and, a boxy mirrored drive with twice the capacity. Both use USB 3.0 for data and power, with no need for an external power supply. Either one can easily fit into a laptop bag, backpack, or purse, but Seven is much, much smaller. If you want a portable, reliable hard drive at a low price with minimal design frills, consider, which have a. But if you’re looking for something with a distinctive design — and willing to compromise a little on long-term reliability — are definitely the best around. Pick the one that appeals to your personal taste.
Speed, Connectivity, iOS Compatibility, and Apple’s AirPort Time Capsules A lot could be said about each of these topics, but I’ll save you some time and cut to the chase: recent developments mean that most people will be best off with USB 3.0 wired drives, except under one of three circumstances: you need incredible speed for Mac video editing, you want to stream video to your iOS devices, or you want to do automated wireless backups. If you’re planning on doing 4K or other disk-intensive Mac video editing, Thunderbolt hard drives such as or can deliver dramatically better speeds than drives that share your Mac’s USB bus. They’re much more expensive than comparably capacious USB drives, but they’re built for professional use, and priced accordingly.
That said, USB 3.0 drives tend to outperform prior-generation FireWire 800 drives, which were adequate for pre-4K editing, so most users will have no need to look for faster options. If you’re concerned about real-world speeds for a USB drive, check the manufacturer’s stated “up to XXXMB/second transfer rates” claims and subtract around 10-20% for real world performance. If you want to use your hard drive to store content that can also be streamed to your iOS device, consider or, which offer integrated Wi-Fi streaming, a built-in battery for completely wireless operation, and USB connectivity for synchronization. I’ve tested both, and while Seagate’s version has the edge on pricing, speed, and battery performance, My Passport Wireless has an SD slot built in to back up your digital photos on the road. IOS users will have a better experience with the Wireless Plus, while Mac users and digital photographers with infrequent iOS needs may prefer My Passport Wireless. Go with the one that best suits your needs. Last but not least, if you want to do automated wireless backups, consider — but think carefully about — an.
I currently use the latest version of Time Capsule, which has been completely redesigned and has fast 802.11ac wireless with your choice of a or hard drive. On a positive note, it works completely as expected, and although the initial Time Machine backup process for a large Mac hard drive is incredibly slow, incremental backups later on are fine. My concerns are mostly in reliability and pricing. I’ve had two prior-generation Time Capsules experience hard drive issues, and though Apple may have fixed those problems with the new model, it’s very easy to go out and buy a standalone drive for much less.
I’m not a big fan of wireless drives right now, but continue to hope that wireless technology will catch up with the demands of current machines. All of my important files are on a wired, and they will probably stay there for the foreseeable future. Author, lawyer, and award-winning restaurateur Jeremy Horwitz started his journalism career in the early 1990’s, covering video games as a freelancer for numerous publications before creating and running Ziff Davis’s Intelligent Gamer magazine. A graduate of Cornell Law School, he previously ran editorial for the Apple-centric site iLounge and created the historic iLounge Pavilion at CES before joining 9to5Mac and 9to5Toys as a Senior Editor. A lifelong consumer electronics expert and gourmet, he now focuses on the changing ways people work, play, eat, and travel. His Spanish restaurant Aro Bar de Tapas won Best New Restaurant (Opened 2015-2016), Best Charcuterie, Best Craft Cocktails, and Best Desserts awards.