Leef Bridge 3.0 (16GB) Review (2024)

Sharing files with mobile devices has never been so good. Between cloud storage services, wireless sharing apps, and a number of hardware options, like microSD cards and USB adapters, there are plenty of ways to get files from your PC to your phone and back. But while there are a lot of options, they aren't all simple, and that's why I like the latest dual-function flash drives, like the Leef Bridge 3.0 ($17.99). It offers basic storage, with both USB and micro USB connectors built in, making it simple to shuttle files back and forth, pull up those important documents on whatever device is nearby, and enjoy all sorts of media without overwhelming your data plan. But Leef isn't the only company that has improved its mobile-friendly storage, and the Kingston DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 (64GB)($25.78 at Amazon) edges ahead slightly as our Editors' Choice for dual-function flash drives.

Design and Features
The Leef Bridge 3.0($29.99 at ThinkGeek) is a direct update to the USB 2.0-equipped Leef Bridge (16GB)( at Amazon), and while that small drive was already very good, the new Bridge 3.0 is even better, with USB 3.0 speeds and a more refined design. The drive has two connectors: a full-size USB 3.0 plug on one end, and a smaller micro USB plug on the other.

A sliding cover helps protect both plugs
when not in use, but the sliding mechanism has been improved with a push-button lock. The new lock is far easier to use than the stiff push-to-slide mechanism of the previous iteration. The addition of a button makes the sliding function easier to use, and reduces the possibility of accidentally breaking the housing.

The drive itself is also smaller, measuring just 0.85 by 1.52 by 0.3 inches (HWD). Where the previous iteration had trouble with adjoining ports being blocked, the Bridge 3.0 does not, and the shorter overall length makes it less cumbersome when using it plugged into a phone or tablet. A white indicator LED glows when the drive is connected.

The design still has its flaws, like the fact that the cover doesn't do anything to keep out moisture or dirt, and the placement of an anchor point on the drive cover makes it a little difficult to connect a keychain or lanyard. Despite these flaws, however, the improvements do a lot to make the Bridge 3.0 a more elegant solution to sharing storage between different devices.

Formatted to FAT32, the drive will work out of the box with all major PC operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS), and when connected via micro USB, the drive is accessible by most current smartphones and tablets (Android 4.1 and up). Obviously, with only a micro USB for mobile connectivity, the Leef Bridge 3.0 is not compatible with Apple iPhone and iPad devices.

The one caveat for phones and tablets, however, is that they must offer USB OTG (On The Go) support, which most current devices do, though it may not be enabled by default on your device. You may also need to download some sort of file manager. Many current devices include one, but for those that don't, Leef recommends ASTRO File Manager.

Pricing and Performance
Our 16GB review model sells for a list price of $17.99, working out to $1.12 per gigabyte. The larger capacity models are slightly less expensive, with the 32GB model ($25.99) selling for 81 cents per gigabyte, and the 64GB model ($64.99) selling for $1.01 per gigabyte. These prices aren't bad for any flash drive, with or without a micro USB connector, but it is slightly more expensive than the comparable Kingston DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 (64GB), which sells for 78 cents per gigabyte.

In timed data transfer tests over USB 3.0, the Leef Bridge averaged read speeds of 35MBps, and write speeds of 8MBps. By comparison, the Kingston DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 had faster average speeds of 38MBps (read) and 12MBps (write). The difference is slight, but will have a noticeable effect if transferring larger files like movies.

Under USB 2.0, the Bridge 3.0 averaged 31MBps (read) and 7MBps (write), again falling ever-so-slightly behind the Kingston DataTraveler Micro Duo 3.0, which tested at 31MBps (read) and 9MBps (write). This does, however, present a significant improvement in read speed over the previous USB 2.0-equipped Leef Bridge, which offers only 17MBps (read) and 8MBps (write). Things slowed down over micro USB, but the amount varied significantly from one device to the next. Reading media files directly from the drive is relatively smooth and painless, but the slower speeds are evident when copying media files to and from the drive.

Conclusion
All things considered, the Leef Bridge 3.0 is a significant improvement over the previous model, the Leef Bridge, thanks to a smaller physical size, improved push-button lock, and faster USB 3.0 performance. The Bridge 3.0 is a better drive all around, and while it doesn't quite beat out the more affordable and faster-performing Kingston DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 (64GB), our Editors' Choice, it does get our recommendation for mobile friendly USB storage.