USB-C and OTG flash drives are pocket-sized memory sticks that plug straight into phones, tablets, laptops and other USB-C devices. Many also carry a USB-A connector for older computers. Our range covers USB-C only and dual-connector models from SanDisk, Kingston, ADATA and Lexar, for moving photos, documents and backups between devices.
How to choose a USB-C flash drive
Connector type. A USB-C only drive suits modern phones, tablets and recent laptops. A dual USB-A and USB-C drive costs little extra effort to use and also works with desktop PCs, TVs and car stereos that only have the older port. Both types are in our range.
USB version and speed. The connector does not decide speed, the USB standard does. Most drives in our range use USB 3.2 Gen 1, which is fast enough for documents, photos and music. Some use USB 3.2 Gen 2, which helps when you copy large video files or full folders often. Your device port must support the same standard to get the full speed.
Capacity. Models range from 32 GB up to 1 TB, with 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB the sizes most often listed. 64 GB is enough for documents and a phone photo backup. Choose 256 GB or more if you store video, offload a phone regularly or carry a large music library.
Build and form factor. Slide-out designs protect the connector without a loose cap to lose. Capped drives are simple and often smaller, while swivel and sleeve designs keep the plug attached to the body. Metal bodies cope better with being dropped into a bag or pocket. Operating temperatures for most drives in our range start at 0 °C and reach 60 °C, so avoid leaving one in a hot car.
Security. If you carry confidential files, look for a drive with hardware encryption, such as those from Apricorn. Standard drives rely on whatever software protection you add yourself.
Brands we carry
- SanDisk: the largest group in our range, known for dual-connector drives that pair USB-C with USB-A and for the Ultra and Extreme lines.
- Kingston: best known for the DataTraveler family, which includes USB-C models from basic to high-speed.
- ADATA: a Taiwanese manufacturer of memory and storage products, covering flash drives, memory modules and SSDs.
- Lexar: makes the JumpDrive line and is also widely known for memory cards.
- Samsung: known for flash drives with compact metal bodies that suit laptops and phones.
- Transcend: makes the JetFlash series and offers a mix of capped and slide-out designs.
- Apricorn: specialises in hardware-encrypted drives for people who must protect sensitive data.
Also in our range: Emtec, MediaRange, PNY, Patriot Memory and AgfaPhoto.
Frequently asked questions about USB-C and OTG flash drives
What is an OTG flash drive?
An OTG flash drive can be read directly by a phone or tablet, without a computer in between. OTG stands for On-The-Go, a USB feature that lets a mobile device act as the host. Most USB-C flash drives work this way on current Android phones, but check that your device supports it.
Can I plug a USB-C flash drive into my phone?
Yes, if your phone has a USB-C port and supports external storage. Most recent Android phones and iPhones with USB-C can open files from a flash drive. Some older or budget models need OTG switched on or do not support it, so check the manual.
Which capacity should I buy?
For documents and photos, 64 GB or 128 GB is usually enough. If you move video, back up a phone or keep large files on hand, 256 GB or more makes sense. Our range goes up to 1 TB.
Is USB-C faster than USB-A on a flash drive?
Not by itself, because speed depends on the USB standard and the drive's internal storage. A USB-C drive and a USB-A drive can both run at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds. Gen 2 models are quicker for large transfers, provided the port you plug into supports Gen 2.
