The 10 best usb flash drives to buy in the UK
There are fewer devices more useful than a good USB flash drive. Suitable for storing and transferring data from device to device, these portable storage devices have many uses that make them a great buy for most people. To help you find the best USB flash drives for your needs, check out the handy buying guide below: It has all the info you need to find the perfect storage device:
What are usb flash drives?
A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that uses flash memory to store and transfer various types of files like photos, videos, music, documents etc. It plugs into the USB port in a computer and comes with varying memory levels, ranging from a few gigabytes all the way up to several terabytes, with more memory allowing you to store more files.
Why should you buy a good usb flash drive?
Given the massive role that computers play in our day to day lives, most people benefit from owning a great USB flash drive. The devices are small and portable yet have an impressive storage capacity, letting you store various files onto the drive like music, movies, tv shows, documents etc., making it suitable for all kinds situations, including work, school, or just watching stuff at home.
How to choose the right usb flash drive in 2024?
Here are some things to consider when you’re buying the best USB flash drives:
- Capacity: The higher the memory capacity the more data the flash drive holds, although it will also increase the price. Consider what you need to store on it to ensure you get a suitable capacity for your needs. For instance, a flash drive under 10GB is fine for music, photos, and a few movies, but if you plan on storing lots of large files (like films and TV shows) then a higher capacity is recommended.
- Speed: USB flash drives come in three specifications, each one impacting how quickly the device transfers data from a computer to the flash drive. USB 1.0 is the original specification and not that common these days, mainly due to its slower speeds, with USB 2.0 and 3.0 being the standard spec for most devices. USB 3.0 transfers files the quickest so is the most convenient, although it will cost more than USB 2.0.
- Security: USB drives are very convenient for file transfers but aren’t the most secure device, with the lower capacity making it hard to implement decent encryption software. Some devices come with better security, such as a pin code to access the device or built-in encryption software, although these will cost significantly more than standard devices. Consider how secure you need it to be - it may not be too much of an issue unless you are storing sensitive information.
What is the best kind of usb flash drive in the UK?
There are three types of USB flash drive specifications available:
- USB 1.0 Flash Drives: The original USB specification, USB 1.0 is mostly outdated but you can find some devices using this. Technically, an updated version called 1.1 knows the standard for this specification but offering transfer rate of 12 Mbps.
- USB 2.0 Flash Drives: This specification is found on most cheap USB drives, with the fastest USB 2.0 devices offering transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps.
- USB 3.0 Flash Drives: The best USB flash drives use USB 3.0, offering the fastest transfer speeds at up to 5 Gbps, while more recent devices use USB 3.1 that can offer transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. These devices are more likely to have encryption software for added security, although it’s not a given.
Top 10 list of usb flash drives in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their usb flash drives. Which usb flash drive is the best?
- Recover lost or corrupted files with a year’s subscription to RescuePRO
- Secure file encryption and password protection with SecureAccess software
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times fast than standard USB 2.0 drives
- Secure file encryption and password protection
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0
- Transfer speeds up to 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); up to 130MB/s…
- Recover accidentally deleted files with RescuePRO Deluxe software
- Password-protect files using a downloadable software
- Get space for your high-resolution photos, videos, and music, plus documents and…
- Unique and Beautiful AppearanceVery Small and Portable USB Flash Drive. Ideal for…
- Space expansionthe capacity of USB flash memory is 64 GB, which can perfectly solve…
- 64GB StorageYou can use the 64GB flash drive to back up your photos, record good…
- Password-protects and encrypts private files with SanDisk SecureAccess software
- Simple drag-and-drop access on your computer or mobile device
- Big storage capacity in a small, portable package
- 2 year free data-recovery service
- 2 year free UK-based support team
- 2 year manufacturer warranty protection - Product assembled in the UK
- Universal Compatibility: High speed SSK thunderbolt usb c storage compatible with…
- Safe & Reliable: SSK solid state external hard drive is made of high-grade zinc…
- Plug and Play: Ultra external solid state drives supports plug and play, without…
- Note: FAT32 is the factory default drive format which is read/write compatible with…
- Read speeds are based on internal tests conducted under controlled conditions; Actual…
- NOTE: Actual storage capacity shown by a device's OS may be less than the capacity…
- Up to 1, 000MB/s² read speeds
- Unique ridged casing with keyring loop
- Advanced USB 3.2 Gen 2 Drives
- Loop easily attaches to key ring
- Sleek matte black casing
- Moving cap design protects USB connector
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