Are you running out of storage on your iPhone but want a storage option aside from iCloud+? A minimalistic iPhone-compatible flash drive is all you need. Besides extra storage, it lets you back up your files and access them anytime without accruing costs—even without an internet connection. If you value your iPhone data as much as I do, here is a list of the best flash drives for your iPhone.
1. SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive – Editor’s choice
Are you looking for a portable, durable, top-quality iPhone-compatible flash drive within your budget? You might want to consider getting the SanDisk iXpand flash drive. Its unique design makes it fit into most iPhone cases. With different storage capacities ranging from 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB to 256GB, you have a wider storage choice.
Besides high-speed transfer, one of the features I find exciting about the SanDisk iXpand flash drive is its iOS app that lets you back up your files automatically. You’ll also find the auto-backup feature pretty handy.
The brand’s reputation in the storage market sets it in a top spot. And I’m pretty sure you would fall in love with it.
Pros
- Different storage capacity options are available
- Fits perfectly with most iPhone cases
- Automatic back-up available
- High-speed transfer
Cons
- The iPhone slot lacks a complete cover; this might introduce dust
2. PNY Duo Link Flash Drive – Most sophisticated
PNY is one of the most sophisticated flash drives for iPhone. Built with a storage capacity of 128GB and a duo link USB 3.0 OTG, it offers an excellent backup to save all your digital content. This one also bails you out if your iPhone cord goes missing, as you can use it to charge your iPhone while transferring data.
Besides its portability, a clip runs across the strap to keep the OTG end in place, making it handy to move about.
The PNY flash drive also features a multifunctional app that allows you to back up your contacts, make videos, take pictures, and save it directly on your flash drive. Transferring your files to your Mac is also easy, as it has an auto-detect feature for files copied from the iPhone.
Pros
- Requires no internet connection for streaming
- Provides an alternative to charge your iPhone while transferring your files
- Supports the storage of different file formats
Cons
- Comes in just one storage size option of 128GB
3. iDiskk Memory Stick – MFi-Certified
iDiskk iPhone memory stick is MFi-certified, meaning Apple approved it to use its devices. It is compatible with many file formats and can transfer files from and to your iPhone at ludicrous speed.
Further, the iDiskk flash drive allows you to play music or videos seamlessly when connected to your Apple devices. Asides from having an aluminum cap on the lightning connector end to prevent damage or dust, it also provides outstanding security features to safeguard your files.
Just when you thought it was over. The product comes with a 24-month warranty and access to customer support.
Pros
- Compatible with different file formats
- High transfer speed via USB 3.0
- Encrypted protection
- MFi certified
Cons
- Some users have reported technical issues while saving videos
4. TRYVAT Memory Stick – Customer care access
The TRYVAT iPhone memory stick is a multi-port flash drive that connects seamlessly with different devices. This product allows you to copy, save and share data at an average speed of 80 Mbps and comes in different storage sizes.
The TRYVAT external storage provides secure means to safeguard your data via password and touch ID. Hence, your data is safe even if you lose your drive. Additionally, you can save your files directly to the Flash drive while connected to your iPhone. And if you face any technical glitch, the brand provides 24/7 access to customer support.
Pros
- Multi-port support
- One-click back up
- Customer-support
Cons
- You may need to remove the phone casing to fully enjoy the product
5. Sunany USB Flash Drive – Supports multiple platforms
The Sunany flash drive offers a whooping 256GB external storage to save your pictures, videos, and other documents in one click. You also don’t need to worry about data security, as you can lock and unlock the flash drive using a fingerprint or password.
Besides giving you more storage, expect an average write speed of 40 Mbps at around 80 Mbps write speed. This transfer speed measures up to what you’ll find in most USB 3.0 flash drives, making it a handy tool for rapid file transfers and backups.
And if you need to exchange files on devices besides Apple products, the Sunany USB flash drive is platform-agnostic, supporting different operating systems, including Windows and Android. You don’t need a third-party app if you’re using it with an Android device. However, you’ll need to install the iOS app, LUV-Share, to use it on the iPhone.
Pros
- Super-fast one-click backup
- It offers 256GB of storage
- Multi-port support makes it platform-agnostic
- Fingerprint and password security are available
Cons
- The app can occasionally be tardy
6. JSL JDTDC USB Flash Drive – Up to 512GB storage
The JSL iPhone flash drive is an MFi-certified USB that’s both compact and easy to use. Its storage capacity is pretty impressive—starting from 128GB up to 512GB. You also get a fair transfer speed. With a write speed of 40 Mbps and a read speed of 80 Mbps on the USB 3.0 port and a read and write rate of 15 Mbps and 10 Mbps, respectively, on the lightning port, you’ll experience rapid and glitch-free transfer.
It has a two-way enclosure on the stick, making the JSL flash drive durable and comfortable. JSL also provides an 18-month warranty – should your flash drive break for some reason. Of course, an accompanying app, JD drive, is the interface for transferring between the drive and your iPhone.
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- Compact and durable
- High transfer speed
Cons
- Consistent and heavy file transfer heats up the units
7. MAKTAR Memory Stick – 2 TB storage
Do you usually deal with large files and need a decent backup? Then your search ends here. This flash drive is MFi-certified and boasts an incredible storage size of up to 2TB on a MicroSD Card. It provides a decent backup for your contacts and various media files. One of its unique features is its auto-backup, which triggers every time you charge your iPhone.
It also provides a backup for your social media accounts. It comes with an accompanying app, Qubii, which you’ll install separately from the App Store for sharing and storing files. Besides, it is compatible with multiple devices. While most flash drives have an average read speed of 80 Mbps, this one drive has a shocking read speed of 100 Mbps, giving it a superfast transfer speed. In addition to a 12-month warranty, the Qubii app gives you access to the brand’s customer service hotline.
Pros
- Auto-backup files
- Multiple device compatibility
- Access the customer representative hotline easily via the iOS app
Cons
- A bit bulky around the stick
8. AUAMOZ Memory Drive – Sufficient storage
The AUAMOZ USB 3.0 OTG flash drive has a compact and simple design. With a 1 TB storage capacity, it’s a suitable backup companion for files on your iPhone. Besides its rapid transfer speed, the USB stick is almost the size of the thumb, making it handy and wallet-friendly. Its short length gives it a firm grip on your phone while streaming directly from your flash drive.
The maker of the AUAMOZ flash drive also has privacy in mind, as it supports Touch ID and password protection. It’s also system-agnostic, supporting Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows operating systems. While you don’t need an extra app for Android, you’ll need to install Y-DISK, the iOS interface app, to use it with your iPhone.
Pros
- It’s compatible with many operating systems
- Compact, portable, and simple design
- Protect your data using built-in fingerprinting technology or password
Cons
- Navigating the app might prove difficult
Conclusion
Storage is essential to any smartphone or computer as we pile up memories and files. As you probably know, Apple decides its device prices based on storage space. For instance, a 64GB iPhone X costs lesser than its 256GB counterpart. Besides extra storage, going for a flash drive cuts down your budget.
While I’ve recommended the best flash drives for the iPhone in this article, when selecting a flash drive for your iPhone, consider some factors before choosing one. First, ensure that the flash drive is compatible with your iPhone. You need to consider how much storage you need. The transfer speed is also a factor that many users ignore. But this is also super-important.
Read more:
- Best USB-C to Lightning adapters
- Best USB-C power banks for iPhone
- Best external SSD for Mac
- How to determine file system of external drive on Mac
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