Which is better for a USB drive: ExFAT or FAT32?

General
1

I’m reformatting my USB drive and I’m torn between using ExFAT or FAT32. I need to know which option would work best for transferring files and compatibility with devices. Can someone help me out with their experience or advice?

2

ExFAT vs. FAT32? Oh, the eternal struggle of USB formatting. Let’s break it down for you.

FAT32:

  • Been around forever, like the grandpa of file systems.
  • Works on basically every device, even ancient ones from the early ‘00s.
  • BUT—you hit that 4GB file size limit wall, and oh boy, it’s frustrating if you’re transferring big stuff.

ExFAT:

  • The cool modern cousin. No 4GB file limit, so you can move your blockbuster movie collection around like a champ.
  • More compatible than NTFS but not as universally supported as FAT32 (some really old stuff might not recognize it).

So which one’s better?
If you’re juggling compatibility needs with older devices, go FAT32. If you’re dealing with bigger files or newer tech, go ExFAT. Just depends on what hoops you want to jump through—or avoid.

3

If you’re torn, let’s cut to the chase—ExFAT feels like the future but not without some gotchas. Sure, it’s got no file size limits, so all your 15GB 4K videos will slide over like butter. But, and here’s the kicker, ExFAT doesn’t get the universal love FAT32 does. Case in point: I tried using ExFAT on my friend’s ancient car audio system… no dice. It just stared back at me like I handed it a floppy disk. FAT32, on the other hand, works on everything from 2001 DVD players to smart TVs, though it’ll make you scream if you ever need to transfer something bigger than 4GB.

@kakeru’s point about compatibility is spot on, but honestly, I can’t deal with FAT32’s outdated baggage anymore. If all your devices are reasonably current (like, don’t require you to play tech archaeologist), ExFAT is probably where you’ll land. That said, if you care about being able to plug in absolutely anywhere, maybe compromise by splitting your USB into partitions—one FAT32, one ExFAT? Just watch tutorials on that mess; it’s not for the faint of heart.

At the end of the day, ask yourself this: Do I prize modern convenience (ExFAT), or do I want to keep the peace with tech dinosaurs (FAT32)? Choose wisely, because nobody likes reformatting when they switch devices!