USB 2.0 flash drives are small plug-in memory sticks for carrying documents, photos, music and installation files between computers, TVs, car stereos and other devices. Our range has over 80 models in cap, slide, swivel and capless designs, from brands such as GOODRAM, Intenso, Emtec and ADATA.
How to choose a USB 2.0 flash drive
Capacity. Most drives in our range hold 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB, with 8 GB and 128 GB also available. Documents, music and a few thousand photos fit comfortably on 16 GB or 32 GB, while 64 GB and 128 GB make sense for larger photo libraries or a full set of installers.
Speed and purpose. USB 2.0 has a theoretical limit of 480 Mbit/s, and real-world transfers are well below that, especially when writing. Copying a few files is quick, but filling a large drive can take a long time, so choose a high capacity only if you can live with the wait. For regular transfers of big video files, a USB 3.0 drive is the better tool.
Device compatibility. USB 2.0 drives work in USB 3.0 and newer ports, so they suit both old and new equipment. They are a sensible match for car stereos, TVs, printers, routers and older laptops. Some of these devices only read the FAT32 file system or limit the drive size, so check the manual before buying a very large drive for them.
Form factor. Cap designs are the most common in our range and protect the connector, but the cap can get lost. Slide models retract the connector into the body, swivel models fold a metal or plastic cover over it, and capless drives have nothing to lose at all. For a drive that lives on a keyring or in a bag, a slide or swivel design is usually more practical.
Colour. Black, white, blue, silver, yellow and red are available. Colour does not affect performance, but it helps you tell drives apart when you keep separate ones for work, home or the car.
USB 2.0 flash drive brands we carry
- GOODRAM: a Polish memory brand with one of the largest selections of USB 2.0 sticks in our range.
- Intenso: a German brand best known for affordable USB sticks and memory cards sold across Europe.
- Emtec: a French storage media brand with a long history in flash drives and memory cards.
- ADATA: a Taiwanese memory and storage maker that also produces its own flash chips and SSDs.
- MediaRange: a German brand known for recordable discs and low-cost storage accessories, including USB sticks.
- Kioxia: the company formed from Toshiba's memory business, which invented NAND flash memory.
- Transcend: a Taiwanese manufacturer focused on memory cards, drives and storage products.
- SanDisk: one of the best-known flash storage brands, owned by Western Digital.
Also in our range: Philips, HP and Silicon Power.
USB 2.0 flash drives: frequently asked questions
Are USB 2.0 flash drives still worth buying?
Yes, if you mostly move documents, photos and music, or use the drive with older devices. USB 2.0 drives work in almost any USB port and are a simple fit for car stereos, TVs and printers. If you often move large video files or whole folders, a USB 3.0 drive will save you time.
Can I use a USB 2.0 flash drive in a USB 3.0 port?
Yes, USB 3.0 and newer ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 drives. The drive will still run at USB 2.0 speed, because the slowest part of the connection sets the limit. The reverse also works: a USB 3.0 drive in a USB 2.0 port runs at the slower speed.
How much capacity do I need on a USB 2.0 flash drive?
For documents and everyday files, 16 GB or 32 GB is enough. Choose 64 GB or 128 GB for large photo collections or several installers. Keep in mind that the slower USB 2.0 speed makes filling very large drives a lengthy job.
What is the difference between cap, slide and swivel flash drives?
The difference is how the USB connector is protected. Cap drives use a removable cover, slide drives push the connector in and out of the body, and swivel drives rotate a cover over it. Capless models leave the connector exposed. Slide and swivel designs avoid a lost cap, while cap designs are the most common.
