© Kheng Guan Toh / Shutterstock.com
Key Points:
- FAT32 is considered to be the most compatible file system type in existence.
- exFAT’s file and partition size limits are so vast that they are considered realistically unlimited.
- FAT32 is for transferring smaller files from device to device and exFAT is for storing large files on external drives and flash storage devices.
exFAT vs FAT32: The Key Differences Explained
File systems are an integral component of the software of an operating system. Without them, there is no way to organize, transfer, or create files. File allocation tables, or FAT, have long been a primary method of file systems for computers and electronics.
FAT32 and exFAT are versions of the file allocation table file system. FAT32 was released in 1998 and may now be considered a legacy file system. It also happens to be the most compatible file system in existence as well as the most lightweight file system. The only deep drawback to using FAT32 is the file size limitation. FAT32 formatted storage can only transfer and store files smaller than 4 GB. This works excellent for documents, photos, and music, but the heavier applications and games used on desktops are usually much larger than just 4 GB. Some games such as Call of Duty are over 100 GBs on their own.
Microsoft set to work to create a FAT system with as much compatibility as they could make that was not limited by file size. The result was an extended file allocation table (exFAT). It is just a lightweight file system just as FAT32 before it, but can theoretically handle file sizes so large that they can not be realistically achieved. exFAT has since been adopted for use by popular modern technology like the PS5, Xbox One, and external drives.
©SashaMagic/Shutterstock.com
exFAT vs FAT32: Side by Side Comparison
| exFAT | FAT32 | |
|---|---|---|
| What It is | file system | file system |
| Primary Use | organize, archive, and manage files | organize, archive, and manage files |
| Name | extended file allocation table | file allocation table |
| Conceived | 2006 | 1990 |
| Initial Release | 2006 | 1998 |
| Influential Developers | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Open Format | Licensed, soon to be open | Yes |
| Technologies Influenced | HDD, SSD, PS5, Xbox One | Flash drives, exFAT, NTFS |
©Kheng Guan Toh/Shutterstock.com
What is FAT32?
File allocation table (FAT) 32 is the file system that was introduced with Windows 95 OSR2. It allows the default cluster size of 4kb and supports hard drive sizes up to 2 TB. FAT32 is considered to be the most compatible file system type in existence. This file system has been used for Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, GameCube, and Xbox 360. It has also been used for smaller format USB flash drives.
FAT32 Pros:
- Compatible with almost everything
- Incredibly common
- Efficient use of space
FAT32 Cons:
- Limited to file sizes smaller than 4 GB
- Slower transfer speed than NTFS when transferring small files that FAT32 is limited to.
- Limited to 16 TB storage size.
What is exFAT?
An extended file allocation table (exFAT) was released by Microsoft in 2006. Microsoft had already released NTFS in an attempt to take advantage of new technology with a smarter file system. However, there were many purposes that were better suited to FAT32, especially portable storage drives and task-specific hardware like video game consoles. Unfortunately, FAT32’s file size limits were being outpaced by the file size of new games, movies, and programs. This called for an improved version that could operate as efficiently as FAT32 with no file size limitations. Thus, exFAT was born. exFAT’s file and partition size limits are so vast that they are considered realistically unlimited.
At first, exFAT was allowing for up to 16 GB files on an exFAT file system. Now, exFAT supports 16 exbibyte file size with a maximum volume size of 128 pebibytes. The limit is so high that with today’s technology, it is unreachable.
exFAT Pros:
- Lightweight file system
- Compatible with many devices like Windows, PS5, Xbox One, Linux, Mac OS, and Android.
- Unlimited file and partition limit
exFAT Cons:
- No journaling or consistency quality checks
Technical Specifications
| exFAT | FAT32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Works with all versions of Windows and Modern versions of Mac OS X and Linux. | The most compatible file system in existence |
| Limits | No realistic file or partition size limits | Limited to 4 GB files and smaller, up to 16 TB partitions |
| Ideal Use | Perfect for external drives meant to use on multiple operating systems and offers larger file size and partition limits than FAT32. | Removable storage devices |
| File Size Limit | up to 16 exbibytes theoretically, limited by partition | 4 GB |
| Partition Limit | up to 128 pebibytes, or 144,115 terabytes | 16 TB |
©dennizn/Shutterstock.com
Both exFAT and FAT32 are very commonly used. The lightweight design of these file systems lends them to portable storage and small task-specific devices like smartwatches and DVRs. Both systems have been the standard for storage in use with popular entertainment electronics like the PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, Android, and others. The difference in use comes down to the size of files that need to be transferred.
When devices only need smaller files, FAT32 is the most efficient option to handle the job. However, gaming consoles like to push the limits. Some games are reaching near 200 GBs with downloadable content and Sims-players have long used more for mods and additions to their games. The 4 GB file size limit of FAT32 isn’t enough. Even digital cameras have full-size sensors that take raw images that can exceed the FAT32 limit.
When faced with the decision of choosing between FAT32 and exFAT, try to keep to these simple rules:
• FAT32 is for transferring smaller files from device to device.
• exFAT is for storing large files on external drives and flash storage devices.
Their use isn’t limited, but you may find your experience with formatting easier with these two rules. Luckily, most storage devices come pre-formatted out of the box and label compatibility plainly. You may never need to format a storage device unless you are attempting to recover a corrupted drive.
exFAT vs FAT32: 10 Must Know Facts
- FAT32 is the most compatible file system in existence.
- exFAT has a nearly infinite file size and partition size limitations.
- Both FAT32 and exFAT read/write speeds are nearly identical.
- exFAT is the preferred format for storage devices used with Linux, max OS, PS5, Xbox One, and Android.
- exFAT is faster at transferring larger files than NTFS.
- exFAT was meant to bridge the gap between FAT32 and NTFS by combining the lightweight sile system design of FAT32 with the infinite size limitations of NTFS.
- FAT32 was the standard for storage devices during the Era of the Xbox 360 and PS3.
- exFAT is the standard format for SDXC and large micro-SD used in Android devices.
- Certain Linux distributions require installing specific software to use exFAT.
- Storage devices can be formatted by connecting the device to either a Windows, Mac, or Android system. Select the device options. Select format. It will present the formatting options. Choose either exFAT or FAT32 depending on your use case.
Up Next…
Keep reading! We have plenty more articles about different ways to deal with files.
- How to Transfer Files from PC to PC. Its always good go know how to accomplish this efficiently.
- Learn How to Transfer Files from iPhone to iPhone Effectively. Ever try this one? Well, we have the best way to do it!
- How To Convert PDF To Word. More good information when dealing with troublesome files.
