A photo stick is a trademarked term for a device similar in shape and mechanics to a flash drive, but explicitly designed to scout through your files at the click of a button and collect all your media in one place.
This updated guide lists all of the best photo sticks for computers out there. Each photo stick stands its ground in terms of VOM, storage, and style.
Let’s get into it:
The Best Photo Sticks For Computers — Our Top 7 Picks
Top Picks | Rating | Space |
1. Picture Keeper 8GB Portable Photo Stick (Editor’s choice) | 4.5 | 8Gb |
2. PrairieIT ThePhotoStick 128GB Photo Stick | 4.5 | 128Gb |
3. iDisk MFi Certified 128GB Photo Stick | 4.3 | 128Gb |
4. EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 512GB Photo Stick | 4.2 | 512Gb |
5. Elefull 256GB Photo Stick for Windows Computer | 4.2 | 256Gb |
6. Paraben Consumer Software Photo Backup Stick | 3.6 | 32Gb |
7. Wansenda 256GB Micro USB Photo Stick | 4.2 | 256Gb |
1. Picture Keeper 8GB Portable Photo Stick
If you’re someone looking to get a photo stick with the sole purpose to save just a couple of excess photos and videos, without having to break the bank, then the Picture Keeper 8GB Portable Photo Stick is the way to go.
Coming in at only $20, this photo stick provides the best service in terms of value for money and functioning. 8GB capacity holds upwards of 3500 media files and is simple in its use as well. You can use the Picture Keeper 8GB Portable Photo Stick anywhere, anytime, and without having to worry about a stable internet connection.
2. PrairieIT ThePhotoStick 128GB Photo Stick
While the PrairieIT ThePhotoStick 128GB Photo Stick might be a heftier buy for some, it justifies its price point by being well ahead of its fellow competitors in terms of performance and style. Photo sticks typically come in pretty generic styles. However, the PrairieIT ThePhotoStick 128GB Photo Stick stands out among them by being stylish and sleek.
That’s not all. The photo stick can hold 60,000 media files and is super easy to use – no software installations, no passwords. PrairieIT is prepared to offer customers a thirty-day money-back guarantee just in case. However, odds are you wouldn’t need to fall through on that offer.
3. iDisk MFi Certified 128GB Photo Stick
Most iPhone users are plagued by low storage due to the thousands of pictures on their phones. But with iDisk Photo Stick, you can easily transfer your photos without a cable to this USB in a matter of seconds. It has a storage capacity of 128GB and connects directly to the lightening port so you can transfer your pictures on the go.
The USB also works the other way around, and lets you play movies and import pictures directly to your phone without connecting it to your Mac. On the other end of the stick is a USB 3.0 port, which offers blazing transfer speeds of up to 50MB/s.
4. EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 512GB Photo Stick
If you’re someone who doesn’t solely want to have his or her photos safely uploaded onto a backup, but instead retain the quality of those images without having to compress files, then the EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 512GB Photo Stick is the way to go.
This photo stick has been tested ever since photo sticks were first introduced, and it’s held up with numerous competitors throughout the years. The instant plug-and-play feature allows you to sit back and watch the EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 512GB Photo Stick go through your files all on its own to save upwards of tens and thousands of media files.
5. Elefull 256GB Photo Stick for Windows Computer
If you’re willing to go slightly over budget for a photo stick that is worth every penny, we’d tell you to go ahead and order the Elefull 256GB Photo Stick. The photo stands distinct for its unique design, features, and consumer guarantee. The company is willing to offer consumers a 100% risk-free guarantee – in the world of technology, that’s a huge leap.
It has it all: It’s compatible with cellular devices, has a high transmission speed, and has dual storage. The elefull 256GB Photo Stick for Windows Computer’s feature is unbeatable. We would recommend you go ahead with this if you want a photo stick that’s compatible with any device, any speed, and any design.
6. Paraben Consumer Software Photo Backup Stick
The Paraben Consumer Software Photo Backup Stick has something not many photo sticks have – style. Paraben has come out with a stylish and timeless design. The fact that the photo stick does not compromise on quality either is just racking it in.
This photo stick is straightforward in its use. You do not need to have an active WiFi connection for it to install – there is no installation. Just plug it right in and watch the device scout through your folders on its own.
7. Wansenda 256GB Micro USB Photo Stick
The Wansenda 256GB Micro USB Photo Stick is a pioneer when it comes to photo sticks. It’s one of the oldest and most trusted devices created to store media files with several unique features. With 256GB of space, this photo stick can save upwards of 60,000 images and media files.
Another key feature that differentiates it from several competitors is that it comes with a micro-USB slot as well. The Wansenda 256GB Micro USB is a dual photo stick that can connect with your phone alongside your PC. Nonetheless, the device is straightforward in its use. All you have to do is plug it in and press the button – that’s it! Did we mention that there’s a one-year warranty as well?
Buyer’s Guide:
Now that you’ve come so far, it’s time to assess what works best for you. The photo sticks mentioned in this list have all stood their ground in terms of performance and uniqueness. At this point, you need to determine which one of them is the most suited to your needs.
For that, we’ve compiled a list of standard features and benefits common to photo sticks. This is going to be a deciding factor on what sort of product you’re going to end up getting.
Speed:
What separates a photo stick from your regular flash drive is the fact that’s much more cause-specific and, as such, pretty fast. The entire process takes upwards of a few seconds, but not more than ten minutes. All you have to do is press ‘go’ on the pop-up that comes on your screen once you plug it in.
However, several photo sticks differ based on the speed of performance. Contrary to what most might believe, bigger storage photo sticks aren’t necessarily slower ones. It has much more to do with compatibility. Some photo sticks are compatible with most media files and assess every folder, whereas others might have to compress your files.
Storage:
Understandably, storage matters. That’s the very reason you even decided to look into getting a photo stick in the first place. There are three standard storage capacities for photo sticks: 8GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB.
For an 8GB photo stick, you’re looking at saving around 3500 media files, 128GB would equate to 60,000 records and 256GB upwards of 132,000 data. However, these are in no way definite quantities. It’s pretty common knowledge that the amount of storage an image takes is far lesser than a video. Hence, you can not expect an 8GB photo stick to save 3500 files right on the dot.
It’s crucial to analyze your needs and buy your photo stick accordingly. It would be recommended to buy a photo stick you feel would help you in the long run as well. Maybe right now you think you need one with less storage, but maybe there’s a wedding coming up?
Compatibility:
Photo Sticks are devices that save images from your computer into one storage space – almost like a cloud, without a $9.99/month subscription fee. However, some photo sticks are compatible with specific devices, and some might require upgrades.
Usually, photo sticks are compatible with Windows software upwards from Windows 10. However, some also require added updates to function. Similarly, not all photo sticks have micro-USB, which may be a hit or miss for some users.
FAQs:
How tech-savvy do I need to be?
A photo stick requires no technological understanding besides how to click a button. All you have to do is plug it into your USB port and press ‘Go’ on the first pop-up that comes onto your screen. After that, the device will show you a timer and all you have to do is wait.
Isn’t this the same as a USB drive?
This is a common misconception. A photo stick is markedly different than a USB device. A USB device can store files of any sort (including documents, etc.), whereas a photo stick is directed explicitly towards saving media files. Additionally, a photo stick saves images and videos on its own without external aid.
Would I have to compress images and videos?
It depends. You might not need to compress anything if your photo stick holds the capacity to store them. However, for this, you would have to check how many images and videos you have saved and factor in the possibility that your photo stick will find a couple of hundred pictures added to it then buy one with storage space accordingly.
Can my photo stick find images I can not?
Yes. This is one of the significant pros of owning a photo stick. Once you connect it and it starts doing its job, you will come across the device, finding images that you completely forgot you ever had stored on your computer. The photo stick searches through everything!
What separates this from cloud storage?
Simple money. The photo stick is much more of an investment compared to cloud storage that is just an advertisement for the real deal, which costs money. Photo sticks cut back on monthly expenses by being a one-time buy. If you purchase a photo stick for $20 today, it saves more money in the long run.