Portable storage in our range covers USB flash drives, memory cards, USB-C and OTG flash drives, external drives, encrypted USB drives and security keys. It suits anyone who needs to carry files, expand a phone or camera, or keep a backup of important documents. Brands include SanDisk, Transcend, Kingston and ADATA, with over 2000 products to choose from.
How to choose portable storage
Device type. Use a USB flash drive to move files between computers, a memory card for cameras, drones, dashcams, phones and consoles, and an external drive for larger backups. Memory cards come in different sizes, so check whether your device takes SD or microSD before ordering.
Capacity. Our flash drives run from 16 GB up to 512 GB, and 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB are the sizes you will see most often. 64 GB is enough for documents and photos, while 256 GB or more makes sense for video, large libraries or full backups.
Interface and speed. Most flash drives in our range use a USB Type-A plug, and a smaller group offers USB Type-C or both connectors. Many are USB 3.2 Gen 1, which is far quicker than USB 2.0 when you copy large files, though some USB 2.0 models remain for light use. Speed only matters if your computer port supports it.
Form factor. Cap, capless, slide and swivel designs are all available. A capless or swivel drive removes the risk of losing a cap, while a slide design keeps the connector protected inside the body. A drive on a key ring is best suited to a drive that stays in a bag.
Security. If the drive will hold client files, financial records or personal documents, look at the encrypted USB drives, which protect data if the drive is lost. Security keys are a separate product: they are used for two-factor login to online accounts, not for storing files.
Brands we carry
- SanDisk: one of the best-known names in flash storage, with a large selection of memory cards and USB drives.
- Transcend: a Taiwanese manufacturer behind the JetFlash USB drive series and a long-running line of memory cards.
- Kingston: known for the DataTraveler range of USB flash drives, which covers basic to high-capacity models.
- ADATA: a Taiwanese memory and storage maker that also produces external drives and SSDs.
- Lexar: widely used for memory cards in cameras, with a focus on photo and video shooters.
- Verbatim: a long-established maker of storage media, from optical discs to USB drives and memory cards.
Also in our range: Intenso, Philips, Hama, Emtec, GOODRAM and MediaRange.
Shoppers will find the largest groups in USB flash drives and memory cards. There are smaller sections for USB-C and OTG drives, external drives, encrypted USB drives and security keys.
Portable storage FAQ
What size flash drive do I need?
A 64 GB flash drive is enough for most people who carry documents, photos and some music. Choose 128 GB or 256 GB if you move video files or want a full backup of a laptop folder. Drives of 16 GB and 32 GB are fine for installers and small files.
Is USB 3.2 worth it over USB 2.0?
Yes, if you regularly copy large files. A USB 3.2 Gen 1 drive transfers data much faster than a USB 2.0 drive, provided it is plugged into a USB 3 port. For occasional small documents, the difference is hardly noticeable.
Can I use a flash drive with my phone?
You can if the drive has a connector your phone supports. Many Android phones and tablets work with USB-C or OTG flash drives, and some drives have both USB-C and USB Type-A plugs. Check that your device supports USB OTG before buying.
What is the difference between a flash drive and a memory card?
A flash drive has a built-in USB connector and plugs straight into a computer. A memory card is made for devices such as cameras and phones, and usually needs a card reader or slot to connect to a computer. Both store data on flash memory, so the choice depends on the device you are using it with.
