There was a time when USB storage drives or pendrive They were very similar in terms of speeds and type of connection offered. The only differentiating element between them becomes the storage capacity they offer.
This has changed considerably since new USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 or even USB Type C connection ports emerged. As the specification standard increased, so did the transfer speed supported.
In this way, now we not only have to look at the data of the storage capacity, but also we must take into account the type of USB connection used, its read and write speeds supported, and the security and encryption measures.
You can check in this other article a list of the best external hard drives and SSD if what you need is a greater storage capacity.
In an era in which cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or iCloud prevail, among others, there are times when it is still necessary to have physical access to your files without relying on an Internet connection.
It is also the case that pendrive current or memories flash USB supports large file sizes that many cloud services resist. And no less important is the security factor, especially if we handle company documents.
There are also other factors to consider, such as the design, its size, or the type of support used. We talk about all these factors in the compilation we have made of the best USB flash drives of 2019.
If it turns out that you bought one of these memories to back up Windows 10, Check out this article where we teach you to make a backup of your files and system.
Storage capacity
Because the storage flash It has become cheaper, we have reached a point where buying a USB memory of 16 GB is just 15, so it is not worth buying pendrive of lower capacity.
You should keep in mind that if you want it to create operating system startup units, transfer videos in 4K quality or similar, or high resolution photos of RAW format, you should spend a little more.
You can find in the market models with capacities of up to 2 TB, but it seems obvious that for quality and price ratio, the range of 64, 128, or 256 GB is the most demanded by users, with prices that do not exceed 60.
USB Formats
USB 3.0 is currently the industry standard, so we recommend that you at least consider this data when buying a new one. You will still find USB 2.0 drives in stores, and they will work fine, but if you have a last generation computer, the transfer speed will be altered.
And to take advantage of the speeds offered by each specification (USB 3.1 for example), you must use the USB memory next to a port that is compatible. If the port is blue, that means it is compatible with USB 3.0 speeds.
Some memory devices support USB 3.1 which is faster. Basically, it is twice as fast as that offered by USB 3.0, so if you can afford it and your equipment supports it, opt for this choice.
Within the range of USB sticks, you will also find devices that have USB-A and USB-C connectors so that you can access the same files from a larger variety of devices, either from your mobile or from a computer. There are even Lightning type to connect to the iPhone or iPad.
Do you need an extra USB port, a card reader, an HDMI connector or a LAN adapter? Read on to know what a hub is, what it is for and what are the keys to consider before buying a multiport hub.
Transfer speeds
Without a doubt, it is a fact to take into account. But reality tells us that there is a lot of variation between different storage units flash from each manufacturer. Also even among the different ranges that the same brand can offer.
It is important to consider reading speeds if you plan to play files from devices. They are useful if you want to see a movie that you have saved in the pendrive. In contrast, write speeds count if you transfer a large number of files.
We used the CrystalDiskMark 6.0 program to test the read and write speeds of each USB memory drive. This tests both the sequential speed (reading and writing of large blocks of data), and the performance when transferring small files.
one. SanDisk Extreme Go USB 3.1 Flash Drive
Physically the SanDisk Extreme Go unit It does not have an elegant or compact design. Anyone will say that it is years ago, however, the slide switch system that is operated with the finger to hide or remove its USB 3.1 connector remains very practical.
The USB memory supports read speeds of up to 200 MB / s taking advantage of its compatibility with the latest connection standard. The Extreme Go can be found in capacities of 64 GB (25.99), 128 GB (46.71) or 256 GB (172.99).
two. Toshiba TransMemory U365
If you are looking for a large capacity USB memory drive, the Toshiba TransMemory U365 model can be a great option given its great track record in the field of NAND Flash memory manufacturing.
Its performance offers us a sequential read speed of 210 MB / s, among the fastest of those we have tried. For its part, the write speed drops to a value of just 33 MB / s.
The TransMemory U365 It uses the same sliding switch system to hide its connector, so that you do not forget the typical protection cover anywhere. Its size is more compact than that of SanDisk, another factor to consider.
3. SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB-C
The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive model It is one of the most sought after USB memory drives for its great versatility. As the name implies, it offers a double connection possibility: support for USB-A and connector for USB-C.
In this way, everything you have stored inside, you can handle instantly on a computer with a typical USB port, as with a smartphone or tablet that has a USB-C port, the new standard that handles the vast majority.
In terms of speeds, it is in line with the other USB 3.1 drives of other brands. Its capacities range from 16 GB to 256 GB, with a price for the 128 GB model quite interesting.
You can use the SanDisk Memory Zone application to manage the content you store inside and easily make backup copies of your smartphone
Four. PNY Duo Link OTG USB-C
Other unit flash which enters the category of compact with USB 3.1 and USB-C connectivity that guarantees the highest data transfer speeds. To use it, simply slide the control to either end and select the desired port.
We tested the 32 GB PNY Duo Link version that has a fairly economical price. Aided by the Crystal Disk Mark program, we get read speeds of 133 MB / s, slightly above what is indicated by the brand specifications.
5. SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive
The design of memory units flash commented here can be directly linked to the use you will make of it. In this way, SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 It is designed to connect to a computer and leave fixed, so that it fits its storage capacity.
It is inserted into the USB port and barely slightly protrudes, enough so that you can pull it and remove it at any given time. It is the closest thing to the typical Bluetooth adapter that usually accompanies wireless mice or keyboards.
With a USB 3.1 interface and read speeds of up to 130 MB / s, it is capable of writing up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives. You can move a 1.2 GB movie in just over 30 seconds.
6. Kingston Duo DataTraveler Bolt
This memory model flash USB is designed for users of iOS devices (see iPhone or iPad) that have a Lightning connection, since on the one hand we have a USB 3.1 port and on the other the usual Apple devices.
You can find the Duo DataTraveler Bolt with usual capacities of 32, 64 or 128 GB, with a starting price for the lowest figure of 31.93. With Bolt, all those iOS devices that have limited capacity, can supply storage with this unit.
Connect it, download the Bolt application from Kingston and launch the camera mode of your iPhone. Check how it is possible to store captured photos and videos here to free your phone's memory or tablet. This app works with versions of iOS 9.0 and up.
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