- Our top picks
- Comparison table
- ThePhotoStick Omni
- Omega DataCube
- ThePhotoStick
- MemorySafeX
- ThePhotoStick Mobile
- Picture Keeper
- AlbumSaver
- Things to consider
- Faq
- Our recommendation
Everything is digitized these days, and that, unfortunately, makes our data more vulnerable. When you’re trying to save all your data, you also need to be careful not to save it to a computer with malicious software, viruses, or one that is constantly crashing.
Our smart devices are always receiving new data like photos, videos, important documents, etc. and losing all of those things can be a pain in the ass.
Many people will buy brand new external hard drives and manually search their files and then copy them to the HDD. This is all fine, but what if you don’t have the time and patience to do all that. All of that sounds too exhausting.
This is where photo sticks come in. They are small USB thumb drives with software inside them that will automatically search and copy all your media files for you.
There are multiple options when choosing the best photo stick, so we decided to make this TOP 7 list to help you pick the best one for your needs.
All the Photo Sticks you find in this list are under $100, yeah I know that’s expensive for a USB drive, but you need to understand that you’re mostly paying for the software, which does all the tedious work for you.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Editor’s pick
Omni is the ultimate all-in-one backup device. The software is easy to use, and it works with all devices.
Runner up
With Omega DataCube, you can charge and back up your favorite photos and videos at the same time.
Comparison of the Best Photo Sticks
| Product | ThePhotoStick Omni | Omega DataCube | ThePhotoStick | MemorySafeX | ThePhotoStick Mobile | Picture Keeper | AlbumSaver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3th | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th |
| Minimum Price/Storage | $59.99 32GB | $59.99 32GB | $34.99 8GB | $59 64GB | $64.99 32GB | $29.99 4GB | $31.99 8GB |
| Maximum Price/Storage | $149.99 256GB | $149.99 256GB | $79.99 128GB | $59 64GB | $120.99 128GB | $129.99 32GB | $69.99 128GB |
| Where to Buy | Official site | Official site | Official site | Official site | Official site | Amazon | Amazon |
| Storage Capacity (GB) | 32, 64, 128, 256 | 32, 64, 128, 256 | 8, 64, 128 | 64 | 32, 64, 128 | 4, 8, 16, 32 | 8, 64, 128 |
| Windows App | Yes | Yes | Yes | No, you have to manually search photos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MacOS App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | No | Yes, manually using the File manager | Yes | No | No |
| USB Transfer Speed | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Skip Duplicates | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back Guarantee | Yes 30 days | Yes 30 days | Yes 30 days | Yes 30 days | Yes 30 days | Yes 30 days | Yes 14 days |
| Read Review | ThePhotoStick Omni Review | Omega DataCube Review | ThePhotoStick Review | MemorySafeX Review | Photostick Mobile Review | Picture Keeper Review | AlbumSaver Review |
1. ThePhotoStick Omni
First up on this list is the original version of the photo stick called ThePhotoStick.
Yeah, I know, its basically the same name, but that’s the original brand name. ThePhotoStick Omni comes in 4 different options: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB size.
The Photo Stick Omni is easy to use. All you have to do is plug it into your smartphone or computer. Then, in the case of a phone, download the app, open it and press the GO button to start the backup process.
After it finishes, all your precious memories will be backed up for safekeeping. The stick’s software can skip duplicate files and have multiple backups so that it won’t delete your preexisting photos and videos.
The 128GB model can store up to 60,000 photos and videos. It’s compatible with iOS devices that use the lightning and Type-C port, Android phones that use Micro-USB and Type-C port as well as Windows and Mac that use standard Type-A port.
If you’re wondering if you need to install the software on your computer, don’t worry because it runs straight from the USB stick, but only when using it on a computer. If you’re trying to use it with a phone, you’ll need to download the app. It’s a simple plug-and-play device. The Photo Stick Omni can find nearly all media files, including ICO, GIF, JPEG, MOV, WMV, TIFF, PNG, Camera Raw, Photoshop, AVI, PCT File, MPEG4, and BMP. All their devices come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which starts on the day it ships.
I found a detailed photo stick user guide on their official website, which shows how to use it on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Suppose you’re planning on buying the photo stick Omni. In that case, I highly recommend you check out this pdf guide because it highlights some amazing options like skip duplicates, consolidating all photos to a single directory, and so on.
For more about the Photostick Omni, read our full review where we talk about all the intricacies of this device.
Note: Do NOT delete the software contents of the USB drive. If you do that, then the Photo stick becomes just a regular thumb drive.
ThePhotoStick Omni Pros
- The transfer of media files is super fast.
- One-click backup.
- Compatible with all devices
- Portability.
- Multiple GB sizes.
- Easy to use.
ThePhotoStick Omni Cons
- Unable to organize media files.
2. Omega DataCube
The Omega DataCube is a small backup device that looks like a power brick for smartphones. But don’t let the looks deceive you because Omega can automatically back up all your data while you’re charging your device.
Instead of using internal memory capacity, Omega DataCube relies on microSD cards which you hot-swap whenever you like. They say the smallest 32GB storage capacity can hold around 60,000 photos, and the largest around 500,000. Because it uses microSD cards, you can upgrade the capacity to store even more photos and videos.
Using the Omega DataCube is straightforward:
- Connect the Omega to your phone charger.
- Plug your phone into the Omega DataCube using the charging cable. Make sure to use a cable capable of charging and transferring data.
- Open up the app on your device and start the automatic backup process.
If you compare it to a cloud service, you’ll see why this device is better. For example, cloud service requires monthly payments, whereas Omega DataCube is a one-time payment device. In addition, cloud services can get data breached by hackers, while Omega DataCube can’t because the backed-up data is not on the internet but instead on the device itself.
If you have any questions about Omega DataCube, you can ask them directly at:
- [email protected]
- Prairie IT
- 206 N Colorado Ave
- Haxtun CO 80731
Omega DataCube Pros
- You can charge your phone and backup data at the same time
- Compact
- Upgradable storage
- Compatible with all devices
Omega DataCube Cons
- It says no internet is required, but you need an internet connection to download the app
3. ThePhotoStick
When it comes to the best backup device for computers, you can’t go wrong with ThePhotoStick. When I first said that Omni was the original, I was talking about the brand itself. ThePhotoStick is the first device they released.
The device uses a USB type-A port to connect to your Windows PC or Mac. The software that comes preinstalled on the thumb drive is super easy to use. When you open it up, you’ll see a big green button that says “Go!”. Press it, and it automatically backs up all your photos and videos.
The software can find all your lost photos by searching through every nook and cranny of your computer. It also skips any duplicates it finds, so you don’t have to manually look through your data to delete the duplicates.
ThePhotoStick is sold in three memory capacities, 8, 64, and 128GB. Weirdly, they’re selling the 8GB because that’s too low for memory by today’s standards. You can store around 3,500 photos on the 8GB model, and the 128GB can hold up to 60,000.
ThePhotoStick Pros
- Easy to use
- It works on PC and Mac
ThePhotoStick Cons
- It does not support mobile devices
4. MemorySafeX
MemorySafeX is the third option in this list, and like with others, it can save photos, videos, and documents. The USB itself is sturdy enough to withstand drops on the ground. It’s compatible with Windows PC, Mac OS, Android, and iOS. The memory safe x can store up to 60,000 images and videos.
The cool thing about it is that the USB port transforms into a Micro USB port.
This photo stick does NOT come with proprietary software for finding photos, and while others have different GB sizes, MemorySafeX only has one 64GB version.
One thing this photo stick has that others don’t is that it can save images directly to the USB stick immediately after taking a photograph.
For more information about this photo stick read our MemorySafeX Review.
Note: Android does NOT require an app to function. On the iPhone, it will prompt you to download a third-party app.
MemorySafeX Pros
- Easy to use considering there is no software for Computers and Android
MemorySafeX Cons
- The third-party app on the iPhone is sketchy
- Limited in memory size compared to the rest
- No one-click backup software for desktop
5. ThePhotoStick Mobile
ThePhotoStick Mobile was the first device they released that could work with mobile devices. This was way before they introduced Omni. The device is sold in two versions, one for iOS devices that use the lightning port and the other for android devices that use the micro-USB port.
If you have an old Android phone that still has the micro-USB port, then you’re in luck, but if it’s a newer phone with the Type-C port, then tough luck. Fortunately, iPhone devices still use the lightning port, but that might change soon with the release of the iPhone 15 with Type-C. This is precisely why they created the Omni so that you can connect all devices.
Don’t get me wrong. The device works great if you have a phone with an older USB port. All in all, I think this device is amazing if you have an older android phone, but if not, then I suggest you go with ThePhotoStick Omni, which has all USB connectors.
If you have any questions about ThePhotoStick Mobile, you can ask them directly at:
- [email protected]
- Prairie IT
- 206 N Colorado Ave
- Haxtun CO 80731
ThePhotoStick Mobile Pros
- the automatic backup software works on computers and phones
- It’s easy to use
ThePhotoStick Mobile Cons
- It doesn’t have a Type-C connector
6. Picture Keeper
Picture Keeper is another photo stick that can save your photos, videos, and contacts. It can do all that without an internet connection, which is a good thing. It’s available for Desktop, iPhone, and Android.
The device has a version for computers and a version that works with all devices called Picture Keeper Connect. The connect is the only one where you can choose what color you want, whereas the standard version only has one.
Picture Keeper is one of the quickest and easiest ways to free up storage for Android, iPhone, iPad, PC, and Mac. So back up all your photos without being nervous if you’re going to run out of storage on your smartphone.
It is compatible with all iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices and is designed for comfort and flexibility. After you back up your files, you will have a lot of free space on your device.
Picture Keeper Pros
- No internet required
- You can pick between 4 different colors
Picture Keeper Cons
- It can’t select specific files for backup
- Only one memory size
- The software can only be used on iOS devices
7. AlbumSaver
And finally, the last one on this list is the Album Saver. This photo stick is also capable of saving images and videos using their one-click backup software.
As with the rest, you don’t have to install the software. It comes on the USB stick pre-installed, so all you have to do is open it.
The Album Saver comes in 3 variants, Android, iPhone, and Computer.
The iPhone and Android versions have the same storage size: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, and the one for the Computer has 8GB, 64GB, and 128GB.
Album Saver is compatible with Windows 7 and later, Mac OS X version 10.13 and later, iOS 12.3 or later, and Android Lollipop 5.0 or later.
As with the original ThePhotoStick, Album Saver is also made and assembled in the USA.
The Album Saver 64GB version claims to backup up to 70,000 photos, but that might be just a marketing tactic considering its exactly 10,000 more than the original ThePhotoStick.
For more information about this photo stick read our Album Saver review.
Note: Even though you can use the Album Saver on multiple computers, it’s recommended you use it on one because of the way it arranges the files as they are on the first computer its been used on.
Album Saver Pros
- Simple to use software
- Compatible with iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC
Album Saver Cons
- Only available on their official website
- It takes 2-3 days for the support to answer questions
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Photo Stick
After reading all that information about photo sticks, it’s time to tell you what you should look for when buying the best photo stick. Each photo stick mentioned in this list had its ups and downs but still managed to be in the TOP 7. The next thing is the features and benefits you should look for when deciding which one to buy.
Compatibility
It’s essential to know if the photo stick you are buying is compatible with your device. Some photo sticks work with Windows XP and up, and some don’t. That’s why you need to know which one is the correct one to purchase so you don’t get a headache when you try to plug it in, to only find out that it’s not compatible.
Memory Capacity
Having ample storage is important when saving your precious memories. When it comes to photo sticks there are 4 standard memory sizes and they are 8GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. The 8GB thumb drive can hold around 3,500 photos if you take into calculation that each image is 2MB, and the 128GB can store in the ballpark of 60,000 images. I didn’t take videos into consideration because they vary in size so it wouldn’t fit into that number.
You need to know what you are planning to transfer to the photo stick and how much of it so you can better decide how much storage space you need.
USB Speed
Photo sticks can differ in speed by a lot. For example, some have the older 2.0 speed and some newer 3.0. The USB 2.0 has a transfer rate of 480 Mbps, and the USB 3.0 has 4.8 Gbps, that’s 10 times faster, which is insane.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use the Photo Stick Omni to transfer photos and videos safely. All you have to do is download the app from the Apple Store and then insert the Omni USB into the iPad. After that open up the app and press the Backup Files Now button.
Using the photostick omni to backup all your images and videos is simple. Download the app and insert the USB inside the iPhone. If prompted, press the OK button to give access to the files. Another prompt will show up telling you to select your Omni device. To do that, tap the Settings button and choose the option that says PHOTOSTICK, and then tap the Done button. Now you can go back to the Main Menu and tap the Backup Files Now button.
It will fit around 3,500 photos if you take into consideration that each photo size is 2MB. This is the approximate size of a jpeg image taken by a 8MP camera.
ThePhotoStick will by default transfer all your photos and videos into a single folder. It stores it in the following directory path: <ThePhotoStick Omni drive>\My_Files\<your_computer_name>.
Yes, there is. ThePhotoStick Omni has an option that is turned on by default called “Skip Duplicates”.
What We Recommend For The Best Photo Stick
There are many options when buying a photo stick; some are more expensive than others, and some have better compatibility. All the information in this article is here to help you determine which photo stick is the right one for you.
Because there is too much information regarding the photo sticks, we created a data table at the beginning to help you decide from the get-go which one is the best from our research. Our choice for the best photo stick is, no question about it, the ThePhotoStick Omni.
The one-click software they made is fantastic, it’s easy to use, and if you want, you can explore the unique and advanced features and not to mention all the USB connectors.
The runner-up on this list is the Omega DataCube, and the only reason it didn’t win is that it has to be connected to a charger in order to work.
Nerko is a writer for Zoopy, and he's been working there since 2019. He loves to ride his motorcycle and bicycle, especially in the summertime! He also enjoys watching science fiction movies, and his favorite movie is Interstellar. Nerko is also a competitive gamer - so if you're looking for a good competition, he's your man!