Dogzily.com – For the needs of transferring data on a computer, practical external memory is needed. A flash drive or USB flash drives is an external storage device that is relatively practical for storing and transferring data. In the market there are various types of USB flash drives with different specifications and features.
We will give you tips on choosing a good USB flash drives. The best flash drive products from brands such as Toshiba, Kingston, Transcend, to Western Digital are in our recommendations. This article has been reviewed by a software engineerus, Yosua Surojo. Watch this article till the end and find the best flash drive according to your needs!
Collaborating With Experts: How To Choose A USB Flash Drive
Before buying a good flash drive, you should pay attention to the following important things. USB version, version and terminal compatibility, terminal shape, transfer speed and security features are things you need to consider. For further explanation, please read our presentation below.
① Choose by USB version
The USB version is growing as the transfer speed increases. Starting with USB 1.0 which was released in 1996, USB 2.0 and version 3.0 which were widely circulated in the market, USB forms became more diverse.
USB4 which is the latest USB version has appeared on the market. The following are several versions of USB along with the maximum data transfer speed.
- USB 1.0 transfer rates up to 12 Mb/s
- USB 1.1 transfer rates up to 12 Mb/s
- USB 2.0 transfer speed up to 480 Mb/s
- USB 3.0 transfer speed up to 5Gb/s
- USB 3.1 transfer rates up to 10 Gb/s
- USB 3.2 transfer rates up to 20 Gb/s
- USB4 transfer speed up to 40Gb/s
To allow for maximum transfer rates, the terminals used must also be compatible. In essence, a USB that has high features will not work optimally if the terminal used is not compatible. So, make sure to also check the specifications of the available terminals.
② Also check the shape of the terminal
Basically, USB can only be used if the shape matches the shape of the terminal on the device to be connected. Several forms of USB terminals on the market are:
- USB Type A, has a square shape with wide dimensions. This type of USB is compatible with USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.1 ports.
- USB Type B, has a connection to a square-shaped port. USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.1 are compatible with this USB connector.
- USB Type C, oval and symmetrical in shape. USB type compatible with USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and USB4 ports.
- Micro USB, very small in size and has a wide and flat shape. This USB is usually for Android. This type of USB is compatible with USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.1 versions.
- Lightning, usually used specifically for iOS or macOS systems. This type of USB is only compatible with devices from Apple.
If your USB version differs from the terminal shape of your device, you can still use it by using a conversion cable. However, it may happen that the transfer speed will be slower than when plugging in the same version and shape of the terminal.
③ Pay attention to the compatibility between the USB version and the terminal
USB versions and USB ports on gadgets have different shapes. However, the USB flash drives can still operate normally even if it is plugged into a port with a different version. It’s just that the resulting functionality and performance will follow the lower version.
For example, you can still use USB 2.0 memory on a USB 3.0 terminal. However, the resulting transfer speed is based on USB 2.0 memory speed. Vice versa, if a USB 3.0 memory is inserted into a USB 2.0 terminal, the transfer speed is USB 2.0 speed.
If you look inside the terminals, USB 2.0 is usually black or white, while USB 3.0 is blue. Little information, USB versions 1.1 to 3.1 are actually compatible with each other.
④ Find out the actual transfer speed
The flash transfer speed is actually different from what is written in the product description. The numbers listed in the product description are usually only theoretical values or maximum speeds that can be generated. The average reading speed and storage speed of a USB Flash Drive is 10 Mb/s.
If you want to know the actual transfer speed of a product, you can read the product reviews. These reviews sometimes include detailed data regarding specific product benchmarks.
⑤ Make sure the capacity of the flash disk is larger than the amount of data you will store
The flash memory capacity you need may vary depending on the format of the data to be stored. To store small files such as documents, a 4 GB flash drive is sufficient. Meanwhile, if you want to store large files such as movies and music, you should choose a flash drive of 16 GB or more.
We recommend that you do not use the flash capacity until it is completely full. This can result in decreased flash performance or data not being stored in full.
The available flash capacity will also usually be lower than the capacity stated on the product. For example, a 4GB flash drive doesn’t actually have 4GB of memory, but only 3.78GB.
This can happen because of differences in calculations between manufacturers and computers. Just in case, if the data to be stored is around 20 GB, choose a 32 GB flash drive.
⑥ Also know the safety features
If your flash drive is lost or damaged, of course there are concerns that the data stored on it will be leaked or misused by people. Don’t let this happen, OK?
To prevent data leakage, you should choose a flash drive that is equipped with security features. Security features on USB flash drives can be in the form of password features, data encryption, antivirus, or fingerprint authentication methods.
If your flash drive is not equipped with a security function, consider installing the software separately on your computer. Adjust this security measure with the file type, level of data confidentiality, and so on.
10 Best USB Flash Drives Recommendations
Below, we will recommend ten of the best USB flash drives product. These products are carefully selected by considering product quality, buyer reviews, and the level of trust in the seller.
1. Western Digital Sandisk Cruzer Fit USB Flash Drive
This flash drive from Sandisk is designed to be very small in size. This flash drive will not interfere even if it is left attached to a PC port or other electronic device. You can even connect it to the audio system in your car or TV that provides a USB port.
You also don’t need to worry about the ability of this product to store data. This product comes with a choice of memory capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, up to 64GB. This product is really like a super small external hard disk.
2. Acome Full Metal High Speed USB Flash Drive Memory
If you’re looking for a compact portable flash drive made of metal, this product is the answer. The Acome flash drive cover is made of metal which is shock, dust and splash resistant. This makes this flash drive look sturdy, stylish and premium.
For matters of data transmission, this small flash drive can transfer data faster thanks to its hot plugging support. This flash drive uses a USB 2.0 interface with a read speed of 10–25 Mb/s. For write speed, this flash can read data from 6-12 Mb/s.
3. JOYSEUS OTG Rotating Flash Disk USB 2.0
JOYSEUS is one of the well-known brands of electronic products in Indonesia. This brand always provides practical and aesthetic products to its customers. One of JOYSEUS’ superior products is the OTG Rotating Flash Disk USB 2.0.
This flash drive has a relatively small storage capacity, which is a maximum of 64GB. However, the data storage can last up to ten years! This flash drive is suitable for those of you who rarely back up data.
4. Robot High Transmission USB USB Flash Drive RF
Do you want to have a lightweight and portable flash drive? USB Flash Drive Robot is the right choice. Apart from being lightweight, the design of this product is also compact which makes it easy to carry anywhere. The Plug and Play feature embedded in it makes it easy for you to use it on computers, laptops, smart TVs, even for car audio.
This flash drive has various capacity options to meet your needs, from 4GB to 32GB. The surface of this flash drive is made of a metal material that is smooth, strong, and not easily scratched. This product can transfer data quickly, namely read speeds of 10-25 Mb/s and write speeds of 6-12 Mb/s.
5. Lexar JumpDrive V40 USB 2.0 flash drive
If you’re looking for a good flash drive for PC or Mac, this product can be an option. This is because the Lexar flash drive is compatible with PC and Mac systems.
This flash drive can transfer, store and share important files easily. Not only that, this product is also reliable in storing and transferring photos, videos or other large capacity files. Weighing only 2.6 grams, this flash drive is compact and lightweight to carry in your pocket.
6. KIOXIA TransMemory U202
Maybe some of you have just heard the name KIOXIA USB Flash Drive. KIOXIA is a new brand from one of Toshiba’s business lines which was previously named Toshiba Memory.
KIOXIA TransMemory U202 comes with a large capacity to answer the needs of those of you who like to store videos. With a large capacity, this flash drive offers a compact design that is equipped with an additional protective cover. Simple and safe, huh!
7. HP V206W USB 2.0
The next recommended flash drive has an elegant design covered in scratch-resistant metal material. It’s slim in size so you can plug it into a nearby USB port without having to remove another flash drive.
If you’re looking for a flash drive compatible with Windows 7+ and macOS 10.3+ systems, don’t miss this product. In terms of quality, this flash drive has a data reading speed of at least 14 Mb/s. This flash drive is also accompanied by a Plug and Play feature, which means that the flash can be used directly without reconfiguring.
8. Kingston DataTraveler 100 G3 USB Flash Drive
Often lose the flash cover? You need to try the following Kingston USB Flash Drive. This flash drive has a completely black appearance which is equipped with a sliding cap. You are free to use this flash drive for everyday use without fear of losing the lid.
Kingston DataTraveler 100 G3 has USB 3.0 specifications but is also compatible for USB 2.0, even 3.1. With a choice of capacities up to 256 GB, this product allows you to store data in various formats.
9. V-Gen USB Titans 3.0
V-Gen is one of the well-known brands for external memory in Indonesia. The big name certainly cannot be separated from the quality of its products, including USB Titans 3.0.
This flash drive is claimed to be waterproof, anti-shock, anti-magnetic and anti-heat. You can use this flash drive without worrying that the flash drive will be easily damaged and your data will be lost.
10. Toshiba Mini 360 Duo Flash Drive
This flash drive from Toshiba has dual connectors, namely micro USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.Thus, you can connect this flash drive with your PC or smartphone. If you want the convenience of transferring data to a PC and smartphone at the same time, this product is the right choice.
This product is designed stylistically and compactly with a small link that you can add a key chain to. So, your flash drive is easier to see and not easily lost. In addition, you also don’t need to worry about the security side because this flash drive is equipped with password protection software. Your important data can stay safe.
How to Use The Correct USB Flash Drive
It’s best to understand how to use the USB Flash Drive correctly so that the product avoids damage or other problems. Let’s look at the main points that need to be considered regarding flash drive usage before unwanted things happen.
Reinstall the driver if the flash drive is not detected
A flash drive should be detected quickly and easily by plugging it into your computer or smartphone. However, it may happen that the flash drive is not detected.
This is most likely due to incorrect driver installation. If the flash drive still isn’t detected after several pluggings, try uninstalling the driver from your device’s control panel.
If you try to install the flash drive again, the driver will be reinstalled. Wait a few moments until the flash drive can be detected.
If the computer still doesn’t recognize the inserted flash drive, there may be a problem with the flash drive itself or the terminal on the computer. Check by trying your flash drive or computer with another device.
If I forget my password, do I have to reformat it?
The problem that usually occurs when you use the security function on a USB Flash Drive is when you forget the password. If you forget your password, you must format the flash drive and the data you have will also be deleted.
Previously it was discussed that the security function is intended so that the data in the flash is not leaked to other parties. Well, it’s a good idea to keep a record of the passwords used in case you forget them.
Prepare a backup because the flash drive also has a usage period limit
A flash drive is actually not meant to store files for a long time because this device has a limited lifespan. Flash disk lifetime ranges from 10,000 to 100,000 read and write processes or about ten years.
However, the life of the flash drive can also be shorter if it is used heavily and is not careful, such as frequent drops or exposure to viruses. Therefore, avoid storing data on USB flash drives for too long and immediately back up your important data on the HDD or cloud.
Is it natural for the flash drive to feel hot when used?
Have you ever worried about a flash drive getting hot while in use? Basically, USB flash drives can operate normally up to 70 °C. So, you don’t need to worry as long as the flash can still be held by hand.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you must have found a good flash drive. USB Flash Drive is an external storage that is useful for storing and moving data. In choosing a good flash drive, you need to consider its superior specifications and features.
In addition, you also have to pay attention to how to use the USB Flash Drive correctly. This is important so that the data you save is not lost. Hopefully this article can help you find the right flash drive.
The 5 Best USB Flash Drive Recommendations
- Western Digital ｜Sandisk Cruzer Fit USB Flash Drive
- Acome ｜Full Metal High Speed Pendrive Memory
- JOYSEUS ｜OTG Rotating Flash Disk USB 2.0
- Robot ｜RF USB Flash Drive USB High Transmission
- Lexar ｜JumpDrive V40 USB 2.0 Pendrive
Other recomendations:
