How do you choose a good flash drive?

The USB is the most popular type today. You too may be looking for the best USB flash drives for teachers because you need to store, copy, and transfer different files on multiple computers with peace of mind.

Your goal is to go for speed, convenience, and accessibility, correct? Well, in this post, I’ll show you how your type of USB flash drive can help achieve what you’re aiming for. How? By bringing your work with you.

So let’s talk about specific USB flash drives that people are raging about and what to look for when choosing a new one.

Why is a USB Drive A Must-Have For Teachers

Aside from providing a lot of storage capacity due to their size and portability, USB flash drives also have a robust design that will last you for many years. They backup data, including academic records, commercial records, and personal files like images of the family.

What is perfect about USBs is how it allows you to move data from one computer to another with minimal to no fuss. It’s as quick as plugging the device into a computer and it starts working on your file. With today’s busy type of needs plus the USB technology improving, it’s no surprise that USB flash drives are the best match for the need to carry around massive amounts of data.

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<<Are you in a hurry? Take a peek!

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Our 5 Editor’s Pick for Best USB Flash Drives

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How to Choose the right USB flash drive

A USB Flash Drive typically features a capped design with a sliding collar that typically comes with an integrated loop so you can attach the device to your backpack or key holder. It is removable, rewritable, and super portable. This type is a lot smaller than an optical disc weighing about 30g or less. Cute!

1) Storage Capacity: What size do you need?

You basically know the size of files you need to store in your USB flash drive. So for a sure option, it’s essential that you know the different variety of sizes because this has to do with the cost of your USB flash drive.

Flash drive capacities range from under 1 GB to over 1 TB. While there is no “right or wrong” size; how much space you need depends on the amount of data you want to store. Would you need a regular size for simple files or a gigantic type for large projects? Choose from 1GB up to a large  2TB  (that’s 2000GB).

The 1GB typically is enough for basic Word or Excel files. But if you want to back up all your files, the 500GB might be for you. A Windows 10 backup file, for instance, needs a size of around 8 – 10GB. If your goal is to store large video files, then this requires a bigger storage capacity of about 100GB+.

For the perfect size, evaluate your data so you can determine how much space you require. Again, note that the more storage you need the pricier your device can get.

2) Transfer Speed: A USB 2.0 or a 3.0 Flash Drive?

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) is the most common type of computer port responsible for creating the interaction between devices. It is where you connect keyboards, mice, scanners, audio, game controllers, printers, digital cameras, and flash drives, just to name a few.

• USB 2.0 is the old and most common version of the USB standard. Also referred to as Hi-Speed USB, it has a maximum transfer speed of up to 480 Mbps (megabits/s (60MB/s).
• USB 3.0 is the newer version that has gradually become the new standard for its better speed performance. It has a transfer rate of 5Gbps ( Gbit/s(625MB/S) which is 10 times faster than the 2.0 USB standard.

Generally, a 16GB file video project transfers at a speed of less than 1 minute with a 3.0 but takes more than 5 minutes of transfer time using the 2.0 version.

So basically, a USB 3.0 is a lot better choice for teachers because you might be adding more files in the future. After all, having too much space is not a waste of money, but extra storage ready at any time you need it.

Also, note that the USB type you choose will also depend on the port you’re using and the device you’re transferring data from. Try to determine the type of standard USB ports on your computer support.

To distinguish which is a USB 2.0 from a USB 3.0 – note that 2.0 has white or black inside connectors, while the latter is blue.

3) Are you getting it from a reputable name or brand?

A reputable brand always matters. Like any hardware, USB flash drives can also fail. While a storage device is great for saving files, its lifespan is limited. It may be able to write between 2,000 to 100,000 times before failing (which can last for a few years), but there are still certain factors that can cause them to break down.

Examples of this are an electrical failure, mount/eject failure, or when you remove it while still in communication with the computer. It’s a basic step to only get a good-quality USB flash drive so you get the best components.

You should purchase a product that offers you the security of post-purchase support or a warranty. The benefit of purchasing a warranty is that, in the event that a problem arises, the company has a friendly customer service department that can assist in resolving the situation.

4) How secure is your flash drive?

In the teaching profession, you typically transfer files between various computers and archive crucial data. Your data may be lost as a result of security events that may occur throughout this process.

This calls for a need to protect the device and your files from data breaches and security events. One option is entering a PIN to use the drive, or you can encrypt a USB flash drive using Windows.

This may not be required for some users, especially when only transferring small files. Nevertheless, this is crucial for teachers. Data security does increase the price of your USB, but paying a little extra for safety is wiser than the expense you would incur if your drive ended up in the wrong hands.

Here’s a video about 15 Incredibly Useful USB Flash Drive Tips

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The best flash drives for teachers

1) PNY 256GB Turbo Attaché 3 USB Flash Drive 

PNY is a manufacturer of USB flash drives and other memory devices that turned into a key player in the USB market. The Turbo 256GB USB drive is one of their best USB drives.

This flash drive256GB capacity and a 3.0 interface that can hold for about 40,000+ songs. It fits USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports and is compatible with most computers, a Mac laptop, and desktop computers. It may not be the fastest in speed but it can transfer 10 times faster than a standard PNY USB 2.0 Flash Drives.

It reads and writes speeds of 80Mbps and 20Mbps making it the perfect solution for easily storing and quickly transferring all your large documents, high-resolution photos, HD videos, and more.

Get Yours On Amazon Now--->
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2) Netac Rotated 128GB Flash Drive

Adopt the Netac 128GB for saving and safeguarding your personal files, videos, music, photos, from data loss. This USB Flash Drive operates a storage temperature range between -20℃ and 60℃ to foster high-quality hardware and technology secure support.

With 128GB capacity and a 3.0 hardware interface, it has a super-speed transmission that reads speeds up to 90MB/s and writes speed up to 30MB/s. That’s a high-speed data transfer and file reading. Compatible with Windows, Vista, XP, ME, Unix, 2000, Linux, NT, and Mac Os.

This Netac flash drive is practically unique for its rotating design with a blue slot. Tiny but portable in its rugged ABS and metal housing. You will find the 360° rotation feature is easy to use. Simply plug the thumb drive then it will start working on your data.

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3) Kingston Digital 8GB USB Flash Drive

Another data traveler from Kingston with a managed model that allows you to enable a complete set of centralized administration tools.

The Kingston Digital 8GB supports safe SafeConsole management. It protects 100 percent of your stored data stored and enforces strict password protection against unauthorized access.

While its hardware interface is 3.0 it offers a mere 8 memory storage capacity and read speeds at 165 Megabytes per second.

It uses anti-virus protection from ESET to keep data safe from viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootkits, adware, and other threats. With AES Encrypted Vault Privacy, all your data is protected.

Also known as the Data Traveler Vault Privacy, this Kingston 8GB features a drive that locks down and reformats after 10 intrusion attempts.

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4) Patriot 128GB Supersonic Rage Elite USB 

The Supersonic Rage Elite caters to the needs of everyday users like mainly moving files between desktops. Also ideal for those simply looking for larger capacities and speedy transfers to save time.

Another flash drive with a durable slide feature to protect the Drive. Bold and durable with rubber-coated housing for added protection from water spills, moisture, drops, and daily abuse. Backward compatible with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB 1.0, and highly compatible with legacy, Windows, and Linux 2.

It has a memory storage capacity of 128GB USB and USB 3.0 hardware interface. /USB 3.0 Flash Drive up to 400MB/s read: up to 100MB/s write. Read speed is 400 Megabytes per second and up to 100MB/s.

Mainly used to move files between desktops – so I don’t have to repeat downloads from the Internet.

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5) iStorage datAshur Personal2

Safeguard your valuable data with iStorage datAshur Personal2. It is your other option that uses PIN code access using FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm with military-grade 256-bit hardware encryption.

Compatible with most systems that come with a USB port,  Personal2 is a 16GB storage capacity USB USB Type-A interface with a 3.0 interface. It delivers read speeds of up to 139 MB/s and writes speeds of up to 43 MB/s.

It works with all operating systems from Windows, Chrome OS, Linux, iPadOS, macOS, Android, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, Embedded System, Citrix, and VMware.

You’ll like the auto-lock feature that locks when unplugged from the host computer or when power to the USB port is turned off.

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6) Verbatim 128GB Pinstripe USB Flash Drive

Verbatim is another well-known storage and memory manufacturer from Japan. The Verbatim 128GB has a PinStripe USB Drive. It is designed with a push and pull feature for an easy slide movement to make sharing and transporting files simple. This slim and retractable design eliminates the need for a separate cap (and prevent from losing it) – a trademark that protects the USB when not in use.

It is lightweight and available in a wide variety of capacities and an ideal solution for all storage needs. Verbatim has 128GB capacity, 3.0 interface, and compatible with Linux kernel 2.6x and higher, Mac OS 9.x or higher, Windows 8, Vista, XP, and 2000.

Plugs in easily and the metal part retracts into the plastic part nicely if you want that.

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7) AXE MEMORY Superb 128GB USB 3.1 SuperSpeed Flash Drive

AXE Superb 128GB is designed for a very fast USB. It’s made in Taiwan with dustproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant features. The all-metal casing and superior chips are made perfect for desktops, laptops, game consoles, Smart TVs, car audio & other USB devices.

Supports multiple file types – backup, transfer, and share files including videos, music, pictures, and more. This flash drive writes speeds up to 115Mb, 200MB, and 300 Mb with optimal read speeds up to 400MB/s.

The very fast USB presents a 128GB memory storage capacity and 3. 1 hardware interface. You’ll love its 1-Gen superspeed Type-A Flash Drive and backward compatibility with USB 3.0 and 2.0. Compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, etc. along with Mac OS 10.X and later. 

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8) Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NX

Apricorn is another reputable name in the secure storage business. Its Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NX flash drive delivers an advanced security feature in data storage protection.

You’ll see that it is uniquely built with an aluminum external case and polymer-coated rubberized buttons. This flash drive has been tested to stand against abrasion and ensure positive-click press confirmation.

The Aegis Key 3NX has a 4GB storage capacity with hardware-encrypted USB 3.2 flash keys feature a USB Type-A connector, with two read-only modes, and data recovery PINS.

It’s another flash drive that carries the FIPS 140-2 Level-3 validation which is an information technology security accreditation program that validates cryptography as compliant with security standards. The flash drive auto charges when inserted into a powered USB port.

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9) INNÔPLUS Secure 32GB Flash Drive

If it’s popularly used for government systems for privacy data, then the education sector can avail of this drive too! 

The Innoplus Encrypted Flash Drive carries the new encryption performance upgrade with the use of 256-bit AES-XTS Military Grade Encryption with a unique product ID. Now you will never lose your data even if you forget your password.

The drive has 32GB storage capacity, a U Disk USB 2.0, hardware. 

The Innoplus Drive works with any USB on-the-go device with strong compatibility with any OS like Windows, MAC, Linux, and other embedded systems.

With word and number combination in an alphanumeric keypad, PIN protection is easy to use. You’ll find the rechargeable battery feature convenient as full-charge means it could be on standby for about a month.

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10) SanDisk 512GB Ultra Dual Drive 

The top-end SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe lets you move files between your USB Type-C smartphone, tablets, Macs, and USB Type-A computers without interruption.

This one is an all-metal, 2-in-1 flash drive with a reversible USB Type-C and a traditional Type-A connector. Since it easily transfers files across your Type-C and Type-A devices, it automatically backs up photos and larger projects.

This Sandisk drive has 512GB memory storage capacity with a high-end USB 3.1, Gen 1 performance, and a reading speed of 50MB/s.

It’s a plus that the pivoting cover is durably stiff, so it won’t easily snap or accidentally rotate in your pocket as compared to the free spin of other drive covers. You’ll like the feature that has a loop so you can easily attach the device to chains or bags.

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Conclusion

In this age of technology, the goals are simple – to get things done quickly and save time. While flash drives are used as a storage device for important files and to provide easy access to these files, note that actual transfer speeds depend on a few factors. It could be the type of computer equipment used, the size of the file, the network system, the operation setting, and so on.

Not all USB flash drives are the same. What is confusing is how each drive may come different in many aspects. From the appearance, material, storage capacity, speed, usage, speed and ports, and many more.

FAQ

1) Why would you use a flash drive?

You probably have a lot of files as a teacher. From lessons, assignments, students’ names and records, grades, the things to do for the week, including pertinent records and information?

With a flash drive, you can create files, name each document, and save everything in a single device rather than printing and filing each file in physical folders and stock along with the books on your bookshelf.

You know the importance of a backup copy of any task you’ve completed. Creating a large project, for instance, making a backup file on your flash drive that you can save separately on your computer means ensuring your finished task is safe.

The document can be saved to your flash drive and opened for printing somewhere if you are writing a big file that you need to print but don’t have a printer. Are you and your team working on a project that calls for multiple computers? Bring a flash drive along.

2) How do flash drives work?

A flash drive is a small storage device. Working with it is a Windows basic that even an elementary child can manage how to use a flash drive.

Flash drives are the easiest way to save important files. They are an effective way to back up important documents too, bring the files with you, and open them on a different computer.

Amazingly, flash drives go by many other names, including USB memory, USB device, drive or stick, pen drive, thumb drive, and jump drive. Although flash drives are portable and lightweight, they may save all of your academic work for an entire year. They are small. One can be kept in your handbag, hung from your keys, worn as a pendant, or fastened to your teaching bag.

With today’s digital lifestyle — where USB ports are almost always found in most computers, cars, TV, and DVD, multimedia players, TV’s, and even photo frames — flash drives have become an essential accessory.

3) I am not sure as to the size of my files. How do I choose a Flash Drive?

Think long-term. Go bigger and faster than you think you’ll need. Regardless of whether you only need a USB for simple files, you never know if the next day you’ll be requiring a larger space for a giant project.

Think of this: Even though a higher-capacity USB Flash Drive can cost you more, you still can save jumping from 8GB to 16GB, for example, than when you need to buy a second 8GB drive when you need a bigger space.

The top flash drives are faster and bigger than ever. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take into account the prospect of adding more files in the future, regardless of how little storage you currently require. After all, having too much space is not a waste of money, but also a preparation when a need arises.

4) Can I still recover lost data from Flash Drive?

If you have deleted the data from your flash drive by mistake, immediately stop using the device. Avoid the urge to attempt recovering the files. It is strongly advised that you choose a trustworthy data recovery solution. Usually, they contain the necessary software. You have a better chance of quickly recovering your lost data if you have your own USB Data Recovery Software and are aware of what to do.

5) Is the price of a Flash Drive a guarantee of better performance?