With ever-growing photo libraries, managing the media on our iPhones can quickly become a challenge. Running out of storage is frustrating, and losing photos to a damaged or failed device can be devastating. This is where photo sticks come in handy.
Photo sticks are portable flash drives explicitly designed for backing up photos and videos from your iPhone. Also called memory sticks, storage sticks, or flash drives, these handy devices provide extra storage space so you can free up room on your iPhone. More than just extra space, photo sticks keep your memories safe if your phone is lost, damaged, or stops working.
This guide covers the top 5 best photo sticks for backing up your iPhone photos and videos in 2023. We compared popular flash drive models across storage capacity, speed, durability, portability, and price. Whether you need lots of storage for photos and videos, maximum transfer speed for large files, rugged design for travel, or an affordable option for occasional backups, our top picks have you covered.
Read on for reviews of the top 5 photo sticks to ensure your iPhone photos are protected and preserved this year!
iDiskk 128GB MFi Certified Photo Stick for iPhone
The iDiskk 128GB MFi Certified Photo Stick for iPhone is a versatile and efficient storage solution for iPhone users. It offers a substantial 128GB of external storage, allowing users to free up space on their mobile devices without cables or iCloud. The photo stick is compatible with a wide range of iPhone models, from iPhone 5 to the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max, as well as iPads, MacBooks, and Windows PCs.
One of the critical features of this device is its ability to automatically back up photos and videos every time it’s connected. Users can take pictures or videos using the “iDiskk Max” App camera, and these files will be automatically stored on the flash drive. This feature ensures no precious memories are lost due to insufficient phone storage.
The disk Photo Stick also supports direct playback of movies and music stored on the flash drive, making it an ideal companion for trips and travels. It supports most video formats, including AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP, and audio formats like FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV.
The device uses USB 3.0 technology, ensuring fast and stable data transfers. For instance, transferring an HD movie of approximately 1GB only takes about 20 seconds. Additionally, the device has a unique app that allows users to manage, organize, and edit their photos, videos, and files in a sorted manner while keeping the original format for easier searching.
Despite its many advantages, some users have noted that the device does not automatically delete transferred files from the phone, requiring manual deletion to free up space. Also, there seems to be a limit to the file size that can be uploaded to the drive.
The iDiskk 128GB MFi Certified Photo Stick for iPhone is backed by a 24-month warranty and dedicated email customer support, providing users with peace of mind regarding their purchase.
iDiskk MFI Certified 256GB Photo Stick for iPhone
The disk MFI Certified 256GB Photo Stick for iPhone is a versatile and compact device that provides additional storage for various devices, including iPhones, iPads, Android phones, MacBooks, and Windows PCs. It has a 256GB storage capacity and features four different connectors: Lightning, Type C, USB 3.0, and Micro USB, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
This photo stick offers an easy and speedy way to transfer photos and videos between iPhones, iPad, and computers, allowing users to free up memory on their mobile devices without using a cable or iCloud. It also supports the transfer of various file types, including AVI, DIVX, FLV, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, VOB, WMV, 3GP for videos; BMP, TIF, TIFF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, NEF, GIF, HEIC for photos; MP3, WAV, M4A, AIFF, AC3, AAC CAF, FLAC, APE for music; and DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, KEY, NUMBERS, PAGES, PDF, HTML, TXT, RTF for documents.
The disk photo stick also has a unique feature that protects all data by password and touch ID, ensuring your privacy even if you lose the flash drive. It also supports automatic backup of photos and videos shot via the in-app camera and allows direct playback of music and movies from the photo stick itself.
The product is made of metal materials and has an 18-month worry-free guarantee. It is also worth noting that the supporting app for this drive has recently changed from iDiskk Pro to iDiskk Max, which may affect the user interface experience.
MFi Certified 128GB Photo-Stick-for-iPhone-Flash-Drive
The MFi Certified 128GB Photo-Stick-for-iPhone-Flash-Drive is a versatile and high-quality storage device designed for iPhone and iPad users. It is Apple MFi certified, which is always compatible with Apple devices regardless of updates. The device features the latest Lightning connector and chipset provided by Apple MFi, ensuring seamless compatibility.
This photo stick offers multiple functions, including taking and storing photos/videos, playing videos/music, managing and transmitting files, and backing up and restoring contacts. It boasts impressive transfer speeds, with the Lightning Connector reading at 15MB/s and writing at 10MB/s, while the USB-C Connector reads at 80MB/s and writes at 40MB/s.
The device is well-constructed with protective caps to safeguard the connectors. It also comes with the latest “JD Drive” App (1.0.28), which supports the latest iOS iPadOS version.
Jiangda manufactures the product under the JSL JDTDC brand with model number JD008. It weighs 1.09 ounces and has dimensions of 2.52 x 0.63 x 0.31 inches. The device is silver in color and was first available on September 21, 2022.
The flash drive offers a one-click backup and encryption function through the JD Drive app, allowing users to easily back up their entire album or contacts with a single click. It also supports many iOS devices and has an 18-month warranty.
The device is functional and stylish, making it an ideal gift. It can be used without internet or Wi-Fi, making it perfect for vacations or trips. It supports various media formats and allows easy transfer of files between different operating systems. However, it’s important to note that due to DRM, music or video files in iTunes or downloaded by the 3rd APP cannot be transferred to this external storage.
Photo Stick for iPhone, USB Flash Drive for iPhone
The Photo Stick for iPhone, USB Flash Drive for iPhone is an MFi Certified Apple Photo Stick, an external storage device for iPhones, iPads, and computers. This device, also known as an iPhone-Thumb-Drive or iPhone-Memory-Stick, offers 128GB of additional storage space, effectively addressing concerns about insufficient memory on your iPhone or iPad.
This photo stick supports all iOS models with a Lightning port, provided they are running iOS 9.0 or above. It has a USB 3.0 interface, ensuring fast and stable data transfers. For instance, transferring one HD movie (approximately 1GB) only takes about 20 seconds.
The device is user-friendly, offering plug-and-play functionality. Users can enjoy movies or music stored on the flash drive while on the go and quickly transfer videos and photos from their iPhone or iPad to a MacBook, Windows PC, or laptop. The device also allows users to share pictures directly on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
One of the key features of this photo stick is its security measures. It supports file encryption, allowing users to encrypt the entire USB photo stick via fingerprints or passwords or lock selected files. This ensures the safety of your data and protects individual privacy.
The product comes in various colors and storage capacities, including 128GB and 256 GB. It is compact and portable, with dimensions of 0.59 x 0.2 x 1.97 inches. Patianco manufactures the product, and comes with a 24-month warranty.
Before using the device, iPhone and iPad users need to download an app from the App Store. Android users with Type-C connectors must ensure their phones support and enable the OTG function. Due to DRM (Digital Rights Management), music or video files in iTunes or downloaded by third-party apps cannot be transferred to this iPhone memory stick.
256GB Apple MFi Certified iPhone-Photo-Stick, 3 in 1 USB3.0 iOS-Flash-Drive
The 256GB Apple MFi Certified iPhone-Photo-Stick is a 3-in-1 USB3.0 iOS Flash Drive designed by JSL JDTDC. This device has a memory storage capacity of 256GB and a hardware interface that includes USB and USB 3.0. It has a write speed of 80 Megabytes per second and is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
This photo stick is MFi certified and comes with three different connectors: a Lightening Connector for iPhones and iPads, a USB-C Connector for Android Type-C phones and MacBooks, and a USB-A Connector for Windows computers. This broad compatibility allows for seamless file transfer across various devices. However, it’s important to note that the Beta Version of iOS 16 is not supported.
The device also offers high-speed data transfer, with a read speed of 80MB/s and a write speed of 40MB/s for the USB 3.0 port. For the MFi Lightening Port, the read speed is 15MB/s and the write speed is 10MB/s. This high-speed performance ensures quick and efficient backup of large files.
One of the key features of this photo stick is its one-click backup and encryption function. You can instantly back up your latest photos and videos by using the “JD memory” free App on your iPhone or iPad. The device also supports file encryption for added security.
The photo stick is compatible with many iPhone models, from the iPhone 6 to the latest iPhone 14 series. It also supports iPads, MacBooks, and PCs with lightning, USB-C, and USB-A ports. The product comes with an 18-month warranty.
In addition to its primary function as a storage device, the photo stick allows for direct playback of movies and music and automatic real-time storage of photos and videos taken from the in-app camera. This feature eliminates the need for an internet or Wi-Fi connection, providing a hassle-free way to carry and store pictures and videos without taking up your phone’s space.
However, there are certain limitations to the use of this device. For instance, it cannot transfer music or video files in iTunes or be downloaded by third-party apps due to DRM (Digital Rights Management). Also, if you’ve used iCloud before to back up your files, you’ll need to download the files from iCloud to your iPhone or iPad before copying them to the USB flash drive.
EATOP USB Flash Drive 1TB iPhone Memory Stick Storage
The EATOP USB Flash Drive is a versatile storage device with a capacity of 1TB, designed to provide ample space for storing photos and videos. This compact flash drive is compatible with various devices, including iPhones, iPad, Android, and computers. It features a USB 3.0 hardware interface, ensuring high-speed data transfers with a writing speed of 30 MB per second.
One of the critical features of this flash drive is its multi-plug model, which allows it to support different devices. To use this flash drive, IPhone and iPad users must download an app called “Y-Disk” from the App Store. Android users must ensure their phones have OTG functions to utilize this device.
The EATOP USB Flash Drive also offers a one-click backup feature, providing a quick and easy way to transfer photos, videos, and files. This eliminates tedious selection, copying, and pasting, saving time and memory space.
In terms of privacy, the flash drive has a file encryption function that allows users to encrypt some or all files using Touch ID or a password. This ensures that personal files are protected from potential leaks. The encrypted files will not be displayed on the computer, enhancing the safety and convenience of usage.
This flash drive is also designed to free up memory space on mobile devices. Users can store their favorite movies, music, and images on the flash drive and access them while traveling. They can also capture memorable moments and save them directly into the flash drive, making sharing on social media easier.
The EATOP USB Flash Drive is sold by EATOP and manufactured in China. It comes in purple and has a compact size of 1.6 x 0.6 x 0.16 inches, making it portable and easy to carry around. It supports various media formats, including AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP for videos and FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV for audios.
Due to digital rights management protection, the flash drive does not support media files downloaded from iTunes or other third-party applications. Also, removing the phone case before use is recommended to ensure proper connection. If the flash drive cannot transfer files, users may need to convert the format from FAT32 to EXFAT by formatting.
MFi Certified 256GB Photo-Stick-for-iPhone-Storage iPhone-Memory.
The MFi Certified 256GB Photo Stick for iPhone Storage is a product by JSL JDTDC that offers a convenient solution for expanding the storage capacity of your iPhone or iPad. With a USB and USB 3.0 hardware interface, this device provides an additional 256GB of external storage, allowing users to free up space on their machines quickly and efficiently.
One of the key features of this photo stick is its ability to organize photos and serve as a backup flash drive. It’s beneficial for traveling photographers who edit on iPads, eliminating worries about running out of storage space. The device has a write speed of 40x Megabytes per second, ensuring fast and stable transfer of large files.
The photo stick supports all Apple devices with a Lightning port and iOS 9.0 or above. It allows users to take and store photos/videos, play videos/music, manage and transmit files, and backup and restore contacts. The device has a USB 3.0 port with a read speed of 80MB/s and a write speed of 40MB/s and a Lightning port with a read speed of 15MB/s and a write speed of 10MB/s.
Users can watch movies, view photos, and play music directly from the iPhone flash drive without needing internet or WiFi. The device supports various video, audio, and image formats, making it a versatile tool for storing and playing media. It also allows for easy and fast backup of photos, videos, and contacts.
The photo stick is compatible with a wide range of iPhone and iPad models, excluding the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 11-inch iPad Pro with Type-c ports. It comes with an 18-month warranty and 24-hour online after-sales service.
In addition to its primary function as a storage device, the photo stick can be used to share photos, videos, and files with friends and family. It can also be a handy tool for business, allowing users to conveniently show documents/files to others. Users can also edit or rename folders or documents stored in the iPhone flash drive for easy reference.
The product dimensions are 0.51 x 0.35 x 2.56 inches, weighing 0.6 ounces. It is silver in color and was first available on June 27, 2019.
MFi Certified 128GB Photo-Stick-for-iPhone
The MFi Certified 128GB Photo-Stick-for-iPhone is a versatile storage solution for Apple users. It supports all Apple devices with a Lightning port and iOS 9.0 or above. This device offers a range of functionalities, including taking and storing photos/videos, playing videos/music, managing files, and backing up and restoring contacts.
The iPhone memory stick has Apple-certified quality chips and real full-capacity memory, ensuring stable and fast transfer speeds. The USB 3.0 port has a read speed of 80MB/s and a write speed of 40MB/s, while the Lightning port reads at 15MB/s and writes at 10MB/s.
This photo stick is an excellent tool for freeing up space on your iPhone or iPad, especially for traveling photographers editing on iPad. It allows you to store your favorite videos, audio, and music and play them directly from your iPhone or iPad without needing internet or WiFi.
The device also makes it easy to back up precious photos, videos, and contacts with one click from the app. It also allows for high-speed transmission of large-size files thanks to its USB 3.0 port.
However, there are some limitations. Due to Digital Rights Management (DRM), music or video files in iTunes or downloaded by third-party apps cannot be transferred to this iPhone storage. Also, it does not support the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 11-inch iPad Pro, which have Type-c ports.
The product is priced at $31.59 and comes from JSL JDTDC. It offers the unique feature of being an Apple MFi Certified iPhone photo stick, ensuring it always supports all kinds of iPhones and iPads with iOS 9 or above and a Lightning port.
In summary, the MFi Certified 128GB Photo-Stick-for-iPhone is a reliable and efficient storage solution for Apple users, offering a range of features to enhance the user experience.
EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 1TB Intended for iPhone iPad
The EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive is a versatile and high-capacity storage device designed for compatibility with a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and computers. It boasts a sleek, compact design in an attractive dark green color, making it portable and easy to carry around. The build quality is robust, featuring a sturdy construction that ensures durability and reliability.
This flash drive uses a USB 3.0 interface, which guarantees fast data transfer speeds, significantly reducing the time to transfer large files, documents, or backups. It supports various file formats, enhancing its compatibility with multiple media types.
One of the standout features of this flash drive is its extensive compatibility. It can seamlessly connect with devices on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it an excellent choice for users who work with multiple devices.
To enhance user experience, the EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive has a user-friendly app facilitating easy data management and file organization. The app allows users to back up photos, videos, contacts, and other files directly from their mobile devices. It also offers additional features like file encryption and direct data viewing from the drive.
With a generous storage capacity of 1TB, this flash drive provides ample space for storing vast data. Its competitive pricing compared to similar products on the market makes it an excellent value for money, especially for individuals requiring substantial storage capacity.
The EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive also prioritizes privacy protection, offering file encryption functions to prevent personal privacy leaks. Users can encrypt some or all files, ensuring a secure and safe usage experience.