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10 Best USB Drives For Phones 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SanDisk 1TB Phone Drive with USB Type-C - for Smartphones, Tablets, and Computers - Up to 150MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 1 - Arctic White - SDIXS0N-1T00-GN6NE

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
34 reviews

Storage Capacity
Offers a vast amount of storage space, making it easy to save large files without breaking the bank.
Compatibility
Works flawlessly with the latest USB-C iPhones and Android devices, ensuring broad compatibility.
Transfer Speed
The device is truly plug-and-play, allowing quick and straightforward backups without complicated setup.
Durability
Performs efficiently without overheating, even during lengthy backup sessions, while maintaining reasonable power consumption.

The SanDisk 1TB Phone Drive with USB Type-C is designed to expand your phone’s storage without hassle, making it a great choice if you need to free up space or back up photos and videos quickly. With a large 1TB capacity, it offers plenty of room to store a huge amount of files, which is ideal for users who capture a lot of media or work with large documents. Its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface allows transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, so moving files to and from your phone, tablet, or computer feels reasonably fast, though not the absolute fastest available.

Compatibility is another plus, as it works well with USB Type-C phones and tablets, including many Android devices, and supports easy management through the SanDisk Memory Zone app. The drive’s slim and lightweight design makes it highly portable, and care should be taken to avoid damage since it is not designed with rugged or waterproof features. It offers data recovery options to help retrieve lost files but does not include advanced security features like encryption or password protection, which may be relevant depending on your security needs.

As a product from SanDisk, a trusted brand in storage solutions, it carries a reliable reputation and warranty support. This phone drive suits users looking for a straightforward, high-capacity external storage solution to complement their USB-C smartphones and tablets, especially if you prioritize storage size and ease of use over enhanced durability or security.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
34 reviews

Storage Capacity
Offers a vast amount of storage space, making it easy to save large files without breaking the bank.
Compatibility
Works flawlessly with the latest USB-C iPhones and Android devices, ensuring broad compatibility.
Transfer Speed
The device is truly plug-and-play, allowing quick and straightforward backups without complicated setup.
Durability
Performs efficiently without overheating, even during lengthy backup sessions, while maintaining reasonable power consumption.
#2

PNY 2TB Duo Link V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C & Type-A OTG Flash Drive Extreme Speeds Read/Write 1000/800MB/s External Mobile Storage Compatible with Smartphone/Tablet/Laptops/Desktops

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
161 reviews

Storage Capacity
Despite its larger size compared to typical flash drives, the massive 2TB capacity makes the trade-off worthwhile.
Compatibility
Dual USB 3.2 and Type-C connectors provide great flexibility, eliminating the need for extra adapters across different devices.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speeds consistently meet or even exceed the advertised rates, making it reliable for fast file movement.
Durability
The metal casing offers solid durability but can cause heat buildup when plugged near warm areas, which may reduce performance during large transfers.
Brand and Warranty
The drive is instantly recognized and maintains excellent performance even after prolonged use over years.

The PNY 2TB Duo Link V3 is a strong choice if you need a high-capacity USB drive that works well with both phones and computers. With 2 terabytes of storage, it can hold a huge amount of data, which is perfect for backing up photos, videos, or large files on the go. It supports both USB Type-C and Type-A connectors, making it versatile for newer smartphones, tablets, and traditional laptops or desktops. This dual connector design means you can easily transfer files between devices without extra adapters.

Transfer speeds are impressively fast—up to 1000MB/s for reading and 800MB/s for writing—so moving large files won’t take long, which is especially handy for busy users. The metal swivel case adds durability and keeps the connectors protected, making it suitable for carrying around daily. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that devices do not have cases blocking the Type-C port.

PNY is a reliable brand, and the drive comes with a 2-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind against defects. This USB drive is well suited for tech-savvy phone users who need fast, large, and flexible external storage. It may be less ideal for users who require built-in security features or have devices with uncommon port configurations.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
161 reviews

Storage Capacity
Despite its larger size compared to typical flash drives, the massive 2TB capacity makes the trade-off worthwhile.
Compatibility
Dual USB 3.2 and Type-C connectors provide great flexibility, eliminating the need for extra adapters across different devices.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speeds consistently meet or even exceed the advertised rates, making it reliable for fast file movement.
Durability
The metal casing offers solid durability but can cause heat buildup when plugged near warm areas, which may reduce performance during large transfers.
Brand and Warranty
The drive is instantly recognized and maintains excellent performance even after prolonged use over years.
#3

SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO Dual Drive - Up to 1,000MB/s, USB Type-C, and USB Type-A, High-Performance Flash Drive - SDDDE1-512G-G46

Rating
8.5
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
700 reviews

Storage Capacity
With 512GB of storage, it provides ample space for hundreds of photos and files, catering well to users needing large capacity.
Compatibility
The dual USB Type-C and Type-A connectors with a locking swivel mechanism offer versatile compatibility and secure handling.
Transfer Speed
The drive delivers exceptional transfer speeds, consistently exceeding 800MB/s, making large file transfers quick and efficient.
Durability
Its robust, heavy-duty metal construction gives a premium feel and durability that stands up well to everyday use.
Security Features
The dual USB Type-C and Type-A connectors with a locking swivel mechanism offer versatile compatibility and secure handling.

The SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO Dual Drive is a solid choice if you want a fast and reliable USB drive that works well with phones and computers. It offers very high transfer speeds—up to 1,000MB/s for reading and 900MB/s for writing—so moving large files like photos or videos won't take much time. Its dual USB Type-C and Type-A connectors make it super versatile, letting you plug it into most Android phones, tablets, and laptops without extra adapters.

The metal casing adds durability, helping protect your data when you're on the go. You also get built-in encryption to keep your files safe from unauthorized access, which is a nice security bonus. The SanDisk Memory Zone app simplifies backing up and organizing your files directly from your phone.

The 512GB capacity is generous for many users, and the product line supports up to 2TB for those needing more space, although that comes at a higher cost. Some might find the drive slightly larger or heavier than typical thumb drives, but that comes with the sturdy metal design. This drive is well suited for users who want fast, secure storage with broad device compatibility and are willing to invest a bit more for premium build quality and performance.

Rating
8.5
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
700 reviews

Storage Capacity
With 512GB of storage, it provides ample space for hundreds of photos and files, catering well to users needing large capacity.
Compatibility
The dual USB Type-C and Type-A connectors with a locking swivel mechanism offer versatile compatibility and secure handling.
Transfer Speed
The drive delivers exceptional transfer speeds, consistently exceeding 800MB/s, making large file transfers quick and efficient.
Durability
Its robust, heavy-duty metal construction gives a premium feel and durability that stands up well to everyday use.
Security Features
The dual USB Type-C and Type-A connectors with a locking swivel mechanism offer versatile compatibility and secure handling.

Buying Guide for the Best USB Drives For Phones

When choosing a USB drive for your phone, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. USB drives for phones, also known as OTG (On-The-Go) drives, allow you to expand your phone's storage, transfer files easily, and back up important data. Understanding the key specs will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your purchase.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the USB drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much content you can store on the drive. Storage capacities typically range from 16GB to 1TB. If you need to store a few documents and photos, a 16GB or 32GB drive may suffice. For larger files like videos and extensive photo libraries, consider a 64GB or 128GB drive. For heavy users who need to store a lot of data, 256GB or higher would be ideal.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the USB drive can connect to your phone. This is crucial because not all USB drives work with all phones. Most modern USB drives come with dual connectors, such as USB-A and USB-C or USB-A and Micro-USB, to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices. Check your phone's port type and ensure the USB drive you choose has the appropriate connector. Some drives also come with adapters to increase compatibility.
Transfer SpeedTransfer speed indicates how quickly data can be moved between the USB drive and your phone. This is important for efficiency, especially when transferring large files. Transfer speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). USB 2.0 drives offer speeds up to 60 MB/s, while USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 drives can reach speeds of 150 MB/s or more. If you frequently transfer large files, opt for a USB 3.0 or higher drive for faster performance.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the USB drive can withstand physical wear and tear. This is important for ensuring the longevity of your drive, especially if you plan to carry it around frequently. Look for drives that are shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof. Metal or ruggedized casings offer better protection compared to plastic ones. If you are prone to dropping things or need a drive for outdoor use, prioritize durability.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your data from unauthorized access. This is important if you store sensitive information on your USB drive. Some drives come with password protection, encryption, or fingerprint recognition. If data security is a priority for you, look for drives with these features. For general use, basic password protection may be sufficient, but for highly sensitive data, consider drives with advanced encryption.
Brand and WarrantyBrand and warranty refer to the reputation of the manufacturer and the guarantee they offer. This is important for ensuring product reliability and customer support. Well-known brands often provide better quality and customer service. Additionally, a good warranty can protect you against defects and malfunctions. Look for brands with positive reviews and a warranty period of at least one year.

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