Comparison of file transfer between devices – modern WebRTC technology versus traditional USB flash drive
Transferring files between devices is an everyday need – whether you're sharing photos from phone to computer, sending documents between laptop and tablet, or transferring large files between two computers. The traditional solution is a USB flash drive, but modern technologies offer alternatives like InstDrop.
What are the differences and which method is more suitable for your use case?
InstDrop is a web application for fast one-time file transfer between devices using WebRTC technology. It works directly in the browser without the need for installation, login or registration. Data is transferred directly between devices (peer-to-peer) and is never stored on any server.
A USB flash drive is a physical storage device that connects via USB port. Files are copied to it, the drive is disconnected and connected to another device, where the files are copied back.
Winner: InstDrop – for speed and convenience in everyday use
Typical speed: 10-50 MB/s
Constant speed independent of network
Note: For smaller files (tens to hundreds of MB), InstDrop's time savings in convenience of use is more significant than the difference in transfer speed.
Winner: USB 3.0 flash drive – for large files (several GB and more)
Winner: InstDrop – universal compatibility without worries
Winner: Draw – depends on the type of threat you're concerned about
Winner: InstDrop – no initial investment
Ideal for files up to 1-2 GB
Winner: USB flash drive – for large data volumes and backups
Winner: USB flash drive – for offline use
Carbon footprint: ~0.01-0.1 g CO₂ per transfer (500 MB file)
Total footprint: ~12 kg CO₂ over lifetime
How many times do you need to transfer files with InstDrop to match the savings versus buying a USB drive?
Break-even: First transfer already!
InstDrop is more ecological from the first use, because it doesn't require manufacturing new hardware and uses existing infrastructure.
Scenario: Regular use (50 transfers/year of 500 MB each)
InstDrop:
250,000 transfers
= 375 kg CO₂
~19 trees
USB drives:
1000 drives × 12 kg
= 12,000 kg CO₂
~600 trees
Savings: 11,625 kg CO₂ = 32× lower emissions with InstDrop
USB flash drives contain:
Recycling rate: only ~20% in most countries
Most end up in landfills or illegally in Africa/Asia.
InstDrop (1 GB transfer)
~0.0002 kg CO₂
Only energy consumed during transfer
USB drive (lifetime)
~12 kg CO₂
Manufacturing, transport + energy consumption
Note: Direct comparison of energy consumption of one transfer vs. total manufacturing footprint of USB drive isn't entirely fair, but illustrates the fundamental difference in environmental impact.
Winner: InstDrop – significantly more ecological in all aspects
Best solution? Combination of both:
InstDrop's speed for 90% of cases + USB drive's reliability when you need it
| Criterion | InstDrop | USB flash drive |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ||
| Transfer speed | ||
| Compatibility | ||
| Security | ||
| Cost | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Offline use | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Carbon footprint |
InstDrop is a modern solution for everyday file transfers – fast, convenient and universal. It's ideal for most common scenarios when you need to send a document, photos or a smaller video.
USB flash drive remains irreplaceable for large data volumes, offline use and situations where you need 100% reliability without internet dependency.
For most users in 2025, InstDrop will cover 80-90% of file transfer needs, while USB flash drive will serve as a backup solution for specific cases.
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