USB-C and OTG flash drives have a USB-C connector, or two connectors (USB-C and USB-A), so they plug straight into phones, tablets and newer laptops without an adapter. Our range includes over 200 models, mostly from SanDisk, along with Verbatim, Delock, Hama and Kingston.
How to choose a USB-C flash drive
Connector. If you will only use the drive with a phone or tablet, a USB-C-only model is enough. If you also move files to an older computer, choose a dual-connector model (USB-C and USB-A). Our range includes quite a few of these.
OTG support. Check that your phone supports OTG, meaning it can power and read an attached storage device. Most current phones with a USB-C port do, but on some cheaper models the feature may be missing or switched off.
USB version and speed. Many of the drives in our range that list a version are USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly called USB 3.1 Gen 1). That is usually enough for documents, photos and films. USB 3.2 Gen 2 models copy files faster, which helps with large videos and backups. Your device's own port also limits real speed, so look at the stated read and write figures.
Capacity. Our range runs from 32 GB to 1 TB, with 64, 128 and 256 GB the most common sizes. 32 GB is fine for documents, while 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB make more sense for copies of phone photos and videos.
Body style. A capped drive protects the connector, but the cap is easy to lose. Capless drives with a sliding or swivelling connector are always ready to use, though the mechanism is a moving part. If the drive will live in a pocket or on a key ring, protection from dirt matters more than looks.
Brands we carry
- SanDisk: the largest brand in our range here, known for dual-connector drives made for phones and computers.
- Kingston: a maker of memory modules and SSDs, and the company behind the DataTraveler drive series.
- Verbatim: a storage media manufacturer with a history going back to optical discs.
- Transcend: a Taiwanese company making flash drives, memory cards and SSDs, known for its JetFlash series.
- ADATA: a Taiwanese manufacturer of memory and SSDs.
- Swissbit: a Swiss maker of industrial-grade flash storage, built for more demanding working conditions.
- Delock and Hama: German-known suppliers of computer accessories, cables and adapters, so their drives are easy to match with other accessories.
Also in our range: Team Group, MediaRange, PNY Electronics and Emtec.
Frequently asked questions
What is an OTG flash drive?
An OTG flash drive is a USB drive you can plug directly into a phone or tablet, with no computer needed. The device must support OTG and the drive needs a suitable connector, usually USB-C. You then manage files through the device's file app.
Will a USB-C flash drive work with a computer that only has USB-A ports?
Yes, if the drive has both connectors (USB-C and USB-A) or you use a USB-C to USB-A adapter. A drive with only a USB-C connector will not plug directly into a USB-A port. If you do not replace computers often, a dual-connector model is the more convenient option.
What capacity of flash drive should I choose?
For most people 64 or 128 GB is enough for documents, photos and music. If you copy videos from your phone or move large projects, go for 256 GB or more. You cannot expand a flash drive later, so it is better to buy a little more than you need today.
Does a USB-C flash drive work with an iPhone?
Yes, if the iPhone has a USB-C port, which means the iPhone 15 or a newer model. You can plug it into a USB-C flash drive and copy files through the Files app. Older iPhones with a Lightning port need a different drive or an adapter.
