What capacities do USB flash drives come in?

USB flash drives range from 16 GB all the way up to larger capacities like 1 TB, meaning they're not just for storing old Word docs! Also known as thumb drives or memory sticks, USBs can be used to securely back up your favourite tunes, selfies, or even a gaming library (if that's your thing). With a compact design, they’re small enough to put in your pocket or attach to a keyring. Need more storage? Check out our range of external hard drives , which includes portable SSDs and desktop hard drives .

How do I know which USB to buy?

From capacity to transfer speed, shopping for a USB flash drive can be confusing! Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a USB:Storage – Consider what you will be primarily storing on the USB. Word and Excel files will take up less space than backing up large amounts of photos or videos. Speed – Read and write speeds will affect how quickly you can transfer or access files. If you want something high-performing, opt for a USB 3. 0 or above for higher transfer speeds. Connection – From USB-A and USB-C to Lightning connectors, consider what type of ports you’ll be plugging your USB into to ensure it’s compatible with your devices. Security – Small and compact, USBs can sometimes be dropped or misplaced. Prioritise features like password protection or a shock-proof design for peace of mind.

Can I use a USB flash drive with a smartphone or tablet?

Yes, but this will depend on what connector the USB has! Most standard flash drives have a USB-A connector but you can now get drives with a USB-C or Lightning connector, which allows you to easily transfer files, backup documents, or share photos with friends from your mobile phone or tablet . So, if you need more space on your i Phone or Mac Book but don’t want to use the Cloud, you can safely back up your data to a physical USB drive.