Buying a cheap USB stick is not without risk. However, if you have found out where to buy the best USB drive, you will not just come across faulty or counterfeit models.
Storage capacity
A USB key with a storage space of between 4 and 16 GB will suffice to contain a large number of documents can get 16GB USB flash drive online. To store images, audio, and video files, use models with a capacity of 32 to 64 GB. For storing digital files and software, using a 128 to 256 GB flash disk is recommended.Some manufacturers have implemented an encryption device to deter hackers and malicious people. Access to your data will be protected by a password of your choice. Some systems are able to block transfers and modification of data.
The most sought-after feature on a flash disk is still playing MP3 files. These devices will be equipped with a jack for headphones and headsets as well as keys: play, pause, fast forward, and rewind. The answer to the question of how to choose the best USB drives of 2021 is now in front of your eyes.
Transfer rate
The time it takes to copy a file will depend on the transfer speed of your USB drive. The USB 1.1 standard, which guaranteed a speed of 1.5 MB / s, gave way to USB 2.0. If we had to compare these two technologies, know that a USB 2.0 key offers a write speed of 60 MB / s. Nowadays, models equipped with a 3.0 connector are invading the market. In short, the transfer speed of these devices will be around 640MB / s.Being a purely theoretical value, this rate will vary according to the performance of the medium making the copy. To optimize the transfer time as much as possible, it will be necessary to ensure that the connection is compatible with the technology used by the key. In other words, a USB 3.0 port must only accommodate a 3.0 device and vice versa. That said, a USB 3.0 key can be plugged into a 2.0 or 1.1 port, hence the origin of the term backward compatibility.
Although motherboards that accept the USB 3.1 standard are not yet widespread, this technology is the future of these storage devices. Now that you have familiarized yourself with the 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1 standards, you should know which USB flash drive to choose.
One such USB stick that delivers incredible performance and lets you back up your data quickly & securely is InfinitiKloud. If you are looking for an in-depth buying guide for the product, this Infinitikloud USB review will answer all your questions.
The security functions
If you want to store sensitive data on your USB stick, you should consider the appropriate security functions. There are USB sticks with virtual passwords or fingerprint scanners.Virtual password: The most cost-effective way to save data on a USB stick is the virtual password. It can be used for many USB sticks in the lower price range and can be set as desired. So-called AES encryption with 256 bits is advisable. It makes it difficult to decrypt the password.
Fingerprint scanner: Secure the USB stick with your fingerprint is more expensive but safer. Occasionally, there are USB sticks with an integrated fingerprint scanner. They only release the stored data when the owner touches the scanner.
The file system
The file system of a USB stick defines how the storage medium organizes the data storage. It enables files to be saved, read out, changed, and deleted. File systems are also called formats or “formatting a USB stick.” Three file systems are mainly used for USB data carriers:FAT32: The FAT32 format is compatible with all operating systems and is supported by most devices. The disadvantage: Individual files can only be saved up to a maximum storage capacity of 4.29 gigabytes. Larger files can only be saved by dividing them into several files.
NTFS: The NTFS format allows you to save large files and achieves a faster data rate than FAT32. NTFS storage media can store files with a storage size of up to 16 terabytes. The disadvantage of the file system developed by Microsoft is that it is only supported by Windows operating systems.
exFAT: The exFAT format was specially developed for flash storage media. It allows a high transmission speed and the storage of larger files - about twice as much as the FAT32 format. The exFAT format offers high compatibility with computer operating systems. The disadvantage is that most other devices, such as televisions, car stereos, or Bluetooth boxes, are not compatible. You cannot read data from exFAT USB sticks.
The case
The first USB sticks in the 1990s all looked the same. They were rectangular and usually equipped with a protective cap for the USB port. Many modern USB sticks still look like this. There are also USB sticks in almost every imaginable shape and color. Most models are made of plastic. There are occasional metal housings. There are also USB sticks combined with additional functions such as:- Flashlight
- Bottle opener
- Laser pointer
- Memory card reader
- Mechanical combination lock for the housing
- Pen
- Belt clips
- Wristwatches
