iPhones come in fixed storage configurations, with the most affordable versions offering lower storage. Even though the current generation iPhone 15 Pro starts at 128GB, many older generation iPhones start at 64GB. iOS itself takes up upwards of 10GB of storage. To ensure you don’t run out of storage on your great iPhone, you can either to opt for a higher storage capacity variant or buy an iCloud subscription with extra cloud storage space.
However, if you do not want to buy an iCloud subscription and have tried every trick to free up space on your iPhone, the next best option is investing in an external portable storage device. If you have an iPhone 14 series phone or earlier, you can’t just buy any external storage drive, you will need Lightning connector compatibility. iPhone 15 models and newer can use any USB-C flash drive. Here are the best external storage devices for your iPhone information, sorted by those that have USB-C ports, Lightning ports, and both.
If you see the terms MFi or Made for iPhone associated with a product, it means that Apple has certified its Lightning or USB-C connector for safety and quality.
Best external storage for USB-C iPhones
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Editor's choice
Samsung USB-C 256GB Flash Drive
Samsung's USB-C flash drive is the perfect way to add storage to your USB-C iPhone. It's fairly small, so it won't inhibit use of your iPhone while it is plugged in. Plus, it adds 256GB of space for extra files and photos.
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Best value
PNY 128GB Elite-X Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive
- Capacity
- 128GB
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
If you're looking for a simple and reliable USB-C flash drive for your iPhone, this PNY Elite X drive will do the trick. It has 128GB of storage in a thin form factor, adding a keyring hole at the top.
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External SSD
SanDisk Portable SSD
SanDisk's Portable SSD is a tiny way to add external storage to your iPhone. Plus, it's a great value option, offering 1TB of storage for under a hundred dollars. It features a tough rubber loop, drop protection, and USB-C as well.
Best external storage for Lightning iPhones
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Editor's choice
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Go
SanDisk's iXpand Flash Drive Go gives you 256GB of extra storage to use with your iPhone, and is compatible thanks to a built-in Lightning connector. There's also a USB-A connector on the other side that you can use to connect the drive with other devices.
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Best value
PNY Duo Link 64GB
This PNY Duo Link drive offers an unconventional design in the sense that the flat cable connecting the Lightning port to the USB 3.0 port can be bent. It has a strong metallic build, and the cable has a holder to keep it steady in the bent position.
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Hard drive
NewQ 2TB Hard Drive
The NewQ hard drive is a high-capacity option for the iPhone. The plastic build quality isn’t the sturdiest to look at, but the drive offers other basics, such as indicator lights, a power button, and an SD card slot for added versatility.
Best external storage for both USB-C and Lightning iPhones
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Editor's choice
SanDisk iXpand Luxe
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe comes in a sturdy metal casing, has a swivel design for the Lightning and USB Type-C interfaces, and weighs just 0.01 pounds. There’s a keyring hole and covers for the interfaces to keep the drive protected.
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Best value
BlanBok+ Lightning USB-C Flash Drive
BlanBok+ has a 128GB flash drive with both Lightning and USB-C connectors, making it perfect for all iPhones. You can get it in other configurations, too, all the way up to 512GB. Plus, it's MFi certified.
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Smaller capacity
SanDisk 64GB iXpand Flash Drive Luxe
If you liked the SanDisk iXpand Luxe but don't want to pay for 256GB of storage, you can get the 64GB variant instead. It's identical to the larger version in all other ways, and comes at a much lower price point.
Our top picks for the best external storage for your iPhone
There are plenty of ways to add extra storage to your iPhone, especially now that the best phones in 2024 support USB-C. That means you can grab any old USB-C flash drive and start using it with your iPhone if it's the 15 series or newer. If you have one of those phones, we recommend Samsung's USB-C flash drive due to its tiny and compact form factor. It also adds 256GB of extra storage, which is a game-changer at the price point Samsung is meeting with this drive.
Those who have an iPhone 14 series device or earlier need to look for a USB drive with a Lightning connector. Our favorite comes from SanDisk, which has a history of making great flash drives for iOS devices. They are all MFi certified, and some are even sold through official Apple Stores. Alternatively, you could pick a flash drive with two or more ports, like the SanDisk Luxe flash drive, which comes with both USB-C and Lightning. Whichever option you choose, you'll get extra storage for far less than buying a brand-new phone.
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