Lack of storage space is a common problem for iPhone and iPad owners, especially those from generations ago. Unlike Android device users, you don’t have a miniSD expansion card slot, so you depend on other additional solutions.
But don’t worry, the world doesn’t end. There is a whole host of solutions on the market that go beyond the need to free up space on the iPhone or iPad, remove apps you don’t use much, move files to the cloud, or delete content stored in its memory.
So, if by the time you purchased a low capacity model, the problem is likely to repeat itself cyclically every time you need to undertake an OS update or installation. A 32GB iPhone will always be a 32GB iPhone forever.
In this way, we have prepared a guide to the best external storage devices for iPad and iPhone so that you can use an additional source. You can also read our tips in this tutorial on how to free up storage space on iPhone.
The best external storage for iPhone and iPad
SSD needle SE800
The new SSD storage unit is extremely compact in size for users who want to carry large capacity anywhere, little more than the size of two lighters weighing less than 40 grams together.
Called SSD SE800, it comes with a capacity of 512 GB and USB C 3.2 generation 2 connectivity ensuring read / write transmission speeds of up to 1000 MB / s. Translated into real life, that means speeds up to 12.5 times faster than using a hard drive.
Other incentives to purchase this device are compatibility with IP68 standards which guarantees some resistance to exposure to water and dust, as well as compliance with MIL-STD-810G 516.6 for protect your data from bumps or drops.
It has, as we said, a USB C connector and includes some connection cables as standard (USB C to USB C to connect it to new computers or even to an Android smartphone, and another from the USB C to USB 3.0).
You will be surprised by the compact size it presents in exchange for granting a large storage capacity, with the possibility of connecting it to an iPhone or an iPad using the new cable that Apple provides as standard. from Lightninig to USB C.
You should also know that the available capacities of this Adata SSD model can also scale up to TB of storage.
Live iBridge 3
Although version 3 is now available, the original Leef iBridge was one of the first dual interface drives to include USB and Lightning interfaces for easily transferring files between Mac, PC and iOS devices.
Since then it has been updated with Leef iBridge 3, the latest addition to the family. It also has a USB 3.1 connection and Touch ID protection, ensuring fast and secure file transfers.
With the iBridge 3 version of the application, it is possible to access all the photos, videos and music stored on the device, freeing up memory on the iPhone or iPad, and that the files are protected by DRM or not.
In addition, the iBridge camera feature allows you to take photos and save them directly to the storage device, with the assurance that we will sync them to iCloud as well.
It is still possible to connect the iBridge unit to the Mac via the USB port to copy or move these images to our computer.
The iBridge 3 weighs only 12 grams, It can be carried like a keychain in any pocket, and the silicone material protects the memory from bumps or drops. It is compatible with iPhone 5 or higher, iPod Touch fifth generation, as well as iPad 3 or higher.
Connectivity: USB 3.1 and Apple Lightning
Leef iAccess iOS Micro SD
In addition to the dual iBridge interface, the Leef company offers another storage possibility for iOS devices. The iAccess is very similar to the iBridge, but instead of having its own built-in flash memory, it offers the user the option of inserting an SD memory card of different capacity to store files.
It was designed primarily to be able to transfer photos and videos from an action camera or drone to iPhone or iPad, but we have verified that the transfer process works both ways, it It is therefore possible to copy files in one direction or the other in a simple way.
Connectivity: 1 Lightning card reader and 1 microSD
Verbatim iStore ‘n’ Go
Like what is offered by the rest of the flash drives reviewed in this guide, the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go is a device with a full-size USB port on one end and a Lightning port on the other that allows for USB speeds. 3.0. order transfer.
This makes it extremely easy to share, copy, or move files between iOS devices, as well as with Mac or PC laptops, or even use your own. USB key to make backup copies.
We like the unit’s sturdy design, which is quite compact, although only one of the clear plastic ends is tied with a lanyard to prevent loss. The other can end up being forgotten anywhere.
When connecting the device to the iPhone or iPad, you will be asked to download the associated free add-on app from the App Store so that you can even play the contents of the memory. paste. There is also a function to set backups or record photos directly from the camera.
You can purchase the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go with capacities of 16, 32 and 64 GB.
Connectivity: 1 USB 3.0 and Lightning port
Kingston MobileLite G3
In Kingston’s external device category, the MobileLite G3 known as MLWG3 acts as a versatile wireless adapter to which you can connect a variety of peripherals, including external storage you already have in your possession.
It has USB and SD slots for this so you can quickly plug in a USB key, memory card or external drive. Thanks to the MobileLite’s integrated WiFi, it is possible to give access to the iPhone or iPad to any connected device.
This particular model also stands out for its Ethernet port, which means you can use it as a handy portable router for devices that don’t have their own Wi-Fi, with the 64GB of storage that comes standard.
Connectivity: 1 USB 2.0, 1 SD card slot, 1 Ethernet and 802.11 n WiFi
Mophie Space Station
This convenient all-in-one device provides everything an iPhone or iPad user might need on the go. The Mophie SpaceStation combines flash storage of various sizes, a battery charger, as well as a rugged protective case for the iPhone.
A button on its side turns on several LEDs which give an idea of the load capacity of the unit. First of all, it is a charger with a capacity of 6000mAh, powerful enough to perform multiple iPhone charges.
It includes 32 or 64 GB internal memory for making backup copies or to be able to transfer files while the battery is charging. A device, which provides storage and power in one device.
Connectivity: Thunder clap
WD My Cloud
There are NAS (network) storage solutions on the market that provide iOS applications that allow the user to connect their mobile devices to the unit through their home network.
Particularly interesting are those associated with the WD brand for Mac and iOS with a great tradition in terms of products for Apple. They have advanced features and let you get the most out of them, like the My Cloud model with remote access and file exchange that can be shared with friends and family in complete safety.
These applications are available for most WD NAS drives, but as the drives become more connected, the possibilities are greater.
You can also purchase the unit with the chassis and interface, with no drives inside, in order to add your own storage drives.
Connectivity: 1 Gigabit Ethernet and 1 USB 3.0
SanDisk Connect USB 2.0 Flash Drive
SanDisk Connect is a compact device the size of a conventional USB drive, which can be purchased with various memory capacities ranging from 16 to 256 GB of storage.
You can use Wifi connection mode to connect from any iOS device, and with the help of the SanDisk app, you’ll have a backup handy that will automatically copy all new photos and videos from the device’s camera.
You can also log in Mac or PC using its full-size USB port. The only downside we find in this particular model is that its interface is USB 2.0, so you won’t be able to take advantage of the higher transfer speeds of the new specification.
Connectivity: USB 2.0 and WiFi 802.11n
SanDisk iXpand
In compact storage units, the iXpand features a format that other brands have adopted as well. Opt for a USB 3.0 connection on one end to connect to any Mac or PC. For the other, to connect to iPhone or iPad.
Its connection interface offers faster transfer speeds than wireless connections over Wifi for users who typically handle 4K video content.
Connectivity: 1 USB 3.0 port and 1 Lightning
Online storage
There are other alternatives to local storage or using external drives. The solution goes through one of the cloud storage services including Apple iCloud
Plus, you have other alternatives like Microsoft’s Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. All of them offer free options for small amounts of storage. This is how they attract new users.
In the case of Apple iCloud, the offer is 5 GB free for users of iOS devices, while Google allows a total of 15 GB. In these cases, the speed of the Wi-Fi connection is essential to be able to make instant backups.
Keep in mind that these types of services focus on syncing files with what you have stored locally (the device itself). This way, if you delete any file from your iPhone, that file will also be deleted from your cloud storage.
For these reasons, it is always advisable to have an additional external storage device that allows you to have a backup copy on hand of whatever you consider most important.
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