Digital storage is always at the forefront of a photographer’s mind. And that’s why they need the best microSD card. It’s one of those items that isn’t fun or glamorous, but it’s 100% essential.
But which microSD card is best for you? Do you need a large storage capacity? Or are you looking for a microSD card with the best video speed class? Or do you need a specialist gaming SD card? No matter what you’re looking for, you will find it in this article.
The SanDisk Extreme 128 GB microSDXC UHS-I is our top pick. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that photographers and videographers can use. It comes with different storage capacity sizes. And it’s extremely reliable, giving you peace of mind. But if that’s not the microSD card for you, keep reading to see more.
What Is the Best MicroSD Card?
The best microSD card needs to meet your needs as a photographer, content creator, or gamer. Some SD cards are great all-rounders. They provide reliable storage for photos, videos, and other data. And they are compatible with a wide range of devices.
Other microSD cards have more specific strengths. Some SD cards are made for endurance, others for high-res video, and some cards specialize in storing game information.
Compatibility is always important with memory cards. Whether you’re using a camera, camcorder, computer, or gaming device, you need to know the microSD will work with it.
Then you have to consider the amount of storage you need. If you’re a casual photographer using low-to-medium resolution cameras, a 32 or 64 GB card will serve you well. But RAW files from a high-resolution camera need a large amount of storage space.
You also have to look at UHS Speed Class and Video Speed Class. These two specs tell you what level of data the cards can handle. The higher the speed class grade, the better quality info it can handle. We look at these in more detail later in the article.
Below, you can see a roundup of the best microSD cards. We look at each microSD card in more detail in the following section. And there’s an FAQ section at the end with more information to help you find the right one for you.
- Available with capacities from 32 GB to 1 TB
- U3 UHS Speed Class and V30 Video Speed Class
- Sustained video capture of 30 MB/s
- Compatible with wide range of devices, including cameras, action cameras, and drones
- Store massive files and load games quickly
- Superfast U3, class 10 transfer speeds
- Resistant to water, high temperatures, and magnets
- Comes with a 10-year limited warranty
- Compatible with cameras, drone, smartphones, tablets, and games consoles
- Available in sizes from 32 GB to 512 GB
- U3 and V30 Speed Class ratings
- 1500 read IOPS and 500 IOPS for apps on phones and tablets
- V60 Video Speed Class rating for 4K+ video recording
- Potential maximum read speed of 250 MB/s
- Equipped with ProGrade Digital Refresh software
- UHS-II compatibility for faster reading and writing speeds
- High level of durability
- V30 rating for dealing with 4K or 5.3K video footage
- Max write speed of up to 140 MB/s and read speed of up to 200 MB/s
- A2 class gives you better performance with smartphone apps
- Ideal for dash cams, body cams, helmet cams, and CCTV
- 140,000 hour life span
- Quick and smooth data transfer to other devices
- Shock-proof, waterproof, and freeze-proof down to -40 C
- 1 TB of data storage
- U3 and V30 Speed Class ratings
- Compatible with cameras, camcorders, tablets, and gaming devices
- Durable and comes with 5-year limited warranty
- Compatible with most devices, including cameras, camcorders, smartphones, and laptops
- U3 and V30 Speed Class ratings
- Waterproof, freeze-proof, and X-ray-proof
- 5-Year limited warranty
- High-speed read up to 150 MB/s for quick loading
- Large 1 TB capacity for storing multimedia files
- Ideal for gaming devices, smartphones, and tablets
- A2-rated performance for faster app loading
9 Best MicroSD Cards
Our list includes all the top digital storage brands, like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar. Most of the memory cards listed are compatible with cameras from top brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm. They’re also compatible with other digital devices, such as computers and game consoles.
1. SanDisk Extreme 128 GB MicroSDXC UHS-I
| Brand |
Brand
SanDisk
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
128 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
32 GB, 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Action cameras, digital cameras, tablets, smartphones, and drones
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers and content creators who need a reliable microSD card
|
The people at SanDisk are digital storage experts. And the popularity of the SanDisk Extreme 128 GB microSDXC UHS-I speaks volumes about its reputation in the creative industry. It’s a reliable microSD that performs well in a wide range of devices. It’s the perfect place to start if you need more digital storage.
As a microSDXC card, it’s compatible with Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras. You can also use it with Micro Four Thirds cameras. And it’s also ideal for the best action cameras, like the latest GoPro.
It’s so versatile you can even use it with camera drones. And, of course, this type of microSD card can be used to boost storage in your smartphone.
The SD card highlighted above has a storage capacity of 128 GB. This is a good mid-level option for enthusiasts. But you can get the same card with 32 or 64 GB, which is enough for casual and beginner photographers. And at the other end, you have 512 GB and 1 TB options for professionals.
With a UHS Speed Class of U3, the card has a 30 MB/s minimum sequential write speed. That means you get fast and smooth performance when recording, reading, and transferring info. And it can store anything from Full HD to 8K video footage. That’s good news for videographers.
You also get the SanDisk adapter. This allows you to use the microSD card with devices that only accept standard SD cards. That’s a really handy accessory.
The SanDisk Extreme 128 GB MicroSDXC UHS-I is also well-priced. The actual price varies depending on which size you pick. A card with a larger capacity will cost you more. But even the 1 TB cards are affordable compared to some competitors.
2. Samsung EVO Select 256 GB MicroSD SDXC
| Brand |
Brand
Samsung
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
256 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
64 GB, 128 GB, 512 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Cameras, drones, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles
|
| Best For |
Best For
Cameras and Android smartphones
|
The Samsung EVO Select 256 GB MicroSD SDXC is another great all-around memory card. The performance specs give you a smooth experience. The card is reliable. And you can use it with a variety of different devices. It’s at its best when paired with an Android smartphone and the EVO Plus adapter.
It’s also a great option for interchangeable lens cameras from Nikon to Canon and many other top brands. And you can use it with drones and gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
We’re displaying the 256 GB option. But you also have 64, 128, and 512 GB microSD cards to choose from.
When it comes to storage, 256 GB gives you plenty. It can hold thousands of digital images, even large RAW files. And you can shoot up to 15 hours of 4K video footage before you’ve maxed it out. That’s a lot of high-quality media in one microSD card.
The Samsung EVO Select 256 GB MicroSD SDXC is a durable little memory card. It’s waterproof and will even work after sitting in seawater for hours. It works in hot and freezing temperatures. And it’s also magnet-proof, so you don’t need to worry about losing your data if a big magnet comes close.
Samsung also gives you a 10-year limited warranty on their EVO Select memory. This doesn’t cover loss, so keep your cards safe in a memory card case. But it does give you coverage for some types of damage and malfunction.
3. Lexar 128 GB MicroSD SDXC UHS-I
| Brand |
Brand
Lexar
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
128 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
32 GB, 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Cameras, drones, smartphones, tablets, game consoles
|
| Best For |
Best For
Content creators looking for an affordable and reliable microSD card
|
The Lexar 128 GB MicroSD SDXC UHS-I is another excellent option for photographers and video makers. It’s compatible with cameras, phones, and consoles for gaming. And it delivers fast and reliable storage of high-quality data.
It’s a highly competent piece of kit. With U2, Class 10, and V30 classifications, it has no problem storing high-res images or 4K video. It delivers a read speed of 100 MB/s and a write speed of 30 MB/s for data transfer. That saves you time when transferring media to other devices.
Different sizes are available for this microSD card. But we’ve opted for the 128 GB option, which is perfect for intermediate photographers. That many GB amounts to six hours of 4K footage, 20 hours of Full HD footage, or roughly 37,000 images.
It’s a durable little memory card. It can survive long periods underwater. It’s freeze-proof down to temperatures of -2 C. And it’s even radiation-proof. On top of that, Lexar gives you a 10-year limited warranty on the microSD card.
The Lexar 128 GB MicroSD SDXC UHS-I is also great for smartphones and tablets. It has an A1 classification, which gives you 1500 read IPOS and 500 write IOPS. That means your apps run faster and more smoothly, and they use less of the device’s storage.
4. ProGrade 256 GB UHS-II MicroSD Card
| Brand |
Brand
ProGrade
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
256 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
None
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V60
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Cameras and camcorders
|
| Best For |
Best For
High-quality video production
|
The ProGrade 256 GB UHS-II is the best microSD card for high-end video recording. It has plenty of memory for stills photography. And the standard reading and writing speeds are great. But not many microSDs match it when it comes to video data.
Most microSD cards are limited to a Video Speed Class of V30. That’s great for Full HD and 4K video recording. But thanks to the ProGrade’s V60 rating, it can handle anything up to 8K quality. That’s cinema-quality footage.
The UHS Speed Class is U3, giving you a sustained minimum write speed of 30 MB/s. And thanks to the UHS-II compatibility, it has a potential max read speed of 250 MB/s. That reduces transfer times considerably.
Equipped with the ProGrade Digital Refresh software, the card has maintained high processing speeds for years. It won’t lose performance over time like other SD cards. And it helps to restore corrupted files without any third-party software.
The ProGrade 256 GB UHS-II MicroSD Card comes with a 3-year limited warranty. That’s on the short side compared to other SD cards on our list. But it still gives you peace of mind when investing in new gear. It is pricier than most other 256 GB microSD cards. But it’s the best option for high-quality video.
5. SanDisk Extreme PRO 256 GB MicroSD UHS-I
| Brand |
Brand
SanDisk
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
256 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
64 GB, 128 GB, 512 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Cameras, action cameras, drones, smartphones
|
| Best For |
Best For
Action cameras and drones
|
The SanDisk Extreme PRO 256 GB MicroSD UHS-I is a great option for any device. But due to its durability, video capabilities, and fast read and write times, it’s great for action cameras and drones.
Like all the best action cameras, the Extreme Pro is highly durable. It’s waterproof, so it can survive dips underwater. It’s shockproof, allowing you to use it for extreme sports. And it works in sub-zero temperatures, so it’s a great choice for your skiing or snowboarding camera.
Thanks to the V30 Video Speed Class rating, it can read and store high-quality video data. It’s a good choice for all the best 4K cameras. But it’s also capable of dealing with the 5.3K footage of the GoPro Hero 12.
When dealing with 4K UHD footage, the microSD card can achieve write speeds up to 140 MB/s. And thanks to the SanDisk Quickflow Technology, performance is optimized to give you max read speeds of up to 200 MB/s. That gives you quick access to your data. And it also improves transfer times.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO 256 GB MicroSD UHS-I also has an A2 rating for apps, giving you better performance when using it in a smartphone. You get a smoother smartphone experience, and the apps use less of your phone’s memory.
6. Samsung Pro Endurance 256 GB MicroSDXC
| Brand |
Brand
Samsung
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
256 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Cameras, dash cams, body cams, tablets, drones, smartphones
|
| Best For |
Best For
Filming video for long periods
|
If you need to record video for long periods of time, the Samsung Pro Endurance 256 GB MicroSDXC is what you need. It’s ideal for long-duration videos, like a dash cam, helmet camera, body cam, or CCTV footage.
It can handle 4K video footage thanks to the V30 rating. But this microSD card is better suited to recording for long periods at lower resolutions. You can leave your camera recording without having to change the memory card all the time.
One problem with large video files is the slow transfer speeds. But the Pro Endurance has a max read speed of 100 MB/s and a max write speed of 40 MB/s. This means moving and loading the data onto other devices is quick and smooth.
The Endurance name also relates to its physical durability. It’s shock-proof, so it can take a few knocks and scrapes. It’s also waterproof. And it will continue to work in temperatures as cold as -40 C. That means you can use it for outdoor cameras in sub-zero conditions.
The Samsung Pro Endurance 256 GB MicroSDXC also comes with a 5-year limited warranty. That gives you more faith in the microSD card. And you know your data will be safe, no matter what you’re filming.
7. Silicon Power 1 TB MicroSD Card U3 SDXC
| Brand |
Brand
Silicon Power
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
1 TB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
64 GB, 265 GB, 512 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Cameras, tablets, smartphones, game consoles
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who need a large-storage microSD card
|
You should try the Silicon Power 1 TB MicroSD Card U3 SDXC if you need a memory card with a large storage capacity. It has 1 TB of digital memory, which is staggering for a microSD card. And despite the large capacity, it’s still relatively affordable.
It’s compatible with a wide range of devices. It’s a good choice for any photography camera, whether mirrorless or DSLR. And it’s also great for 4K video cameras and camcorders. It also gives you good performance when used with tablets and smartphones.
It isn’t a specialist gaming microSD card. But it is compatible with consoles like the Nintendo Switch. And the large storage capacity allows you to play for hours without having to change the memory card.
Thanks to the V30 video speed rating, it can handle large quantities of 4K or Full HD footage without issue. And the U3 UHS Speed Class classification means it can store and read large RAW files. Transfer times aren’t the quickest. But you definitely wouldn’t consider them slow.
The Silicon Power 1 TB MicroSD Card U3 SDXC has a high level of durability. It can withstand being submerged in water for long periods. It’s shockproof against knocks and bumps. And it’ll work in any temperature between -40 C to 85 C. The 5-year limited warranty gives you even more peace of mind when buying this microSD card.
8. Gigastone 128 GB MicroSDXC Card
| Brand |
Brand
Gigastone
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
128 GB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
156 GB, 512 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Smartphones, cameras, tablets, camcorders
|
| Best For |
Best For
Casual photographers and video makers who want a multi-purpose SD card
|
The Gigastone 128 GB MicroSDXC Card is a great all-rounder for casual creators. It doesn’t have the fastest speeds available. But it’s an affordable option that comes in a double pack.
With U3 and V30 classifications, you know it can support hefty RAW file photos and 4K video footage. And while a read speed of 95 MB/s and a write speed of 40 MB/s are not record-breaking, it’s still solid and reliable.
You can use these cards with cameras and camcorders. But they are also compatible with tablets, computers, and smartphones. They’re a reliable option for pretty much any digital device.
Durability is another highlight of the Gigastone 128 GB MicroSDXC Card. It’s waterproof, even after long periods in wet conditions. It has a large temperature range, even working in sub-zero conditions. And it’s even X-ray-proof. It’s a great microSD card option if you want something versatile, reliable, and affordable.
9. Lexar PLAY 1 TB MicroSDXC UHS-I
| Brand |
Brand
Lexar
|
| Storage Size |
Storage Size
1 TB
|
| Other Available Sizes |
Other Available Sizes
128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
|
| UHS Speed Class |
UHS Speed Class
U3
|
| Video Speed Class |
Video Speed Class
V30
|
| Compatible Devices |
Compatible Devices
Game consoles, tablets, smartphones
|
| Best For |
Best For
Gaming devices
|
If you’re a hardcore gamer, the Lexar PLAY 1 TB MicroSDXC UHS-I is the best microSD card for you. It has been specially optimized for game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ASUS ROG Ally.
We’ve opted for the 1 TB version of this card. It gives you an incredible amount of digital storage, allowing you to play games for hours without needing to worry about memory. If 1 TB is overkill, smaller sizes are available.
With a max read speed of 150MB/s, you get superfast loading times. There’s no waiting around for saved games to load. And there’s no extra buffering when the game auto-saves. You get smooth play-through at all times.
The A2 rating also gives you fantastic performance when used with a smartphone. Apps load and run faster. And your phone uses less memory to run the apps, giving you a smoother smartphone experience.
The Lexar PLAY 1 TB MicroSDXC UHS-I is not compatible with cameras and camcorders. It’s a dedicated gaming microSD card. That limits its versatility. But if you need a gaming SD card, this is the one you need. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
FAQs on the Best MicroSD Cards
MicroSD cards and digital storage are complicated topics. There’s a lot of technical jargon to understand before you can make an educated purchase. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
What Do Speed Class, UHS Speed Class, and Video Speed Class Mean?
Speed Class, UHS Speed Class, and Video Speed Class refer to the absolute minimum sustained write speed for an SD or microSD card. They identify how fast they operate and what quality of data they can store and read.
Standard Speed Class is only found on older memory cards. Most modern cameras require SD cards with a minimum of a UHS Speed Class U3 rating. But if you do see an older memory card, you’ll see the Speed Class denoted with a “C” and a number.
The standard Speed Class classifications are as follows:
- Class 2 (C2): Minimum write speed = 2MB/s
- Class 4 (C4): Minimum write speed = 4MB/s
- Class 6 (C6): Minimum write speed = 6MB/s
- Class 10 (C10): Minimum write speed = 10MB/s
UHS (Ultra High Speed) Speed Class is more common on modern memory cards, especially those optimized for photography. Even so, they can still record high-resolution video, including 4K.
You have two UHS Speed Class ratings:
- UHS Speed Class 1 (U1): Minimum write speed = 10 MB/s
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3): Minimum write speed = 30 MB/s
UHS Speed Class SD cards also have much faster transfer speeds than standard Speed Class cards. That’s down to the UHS bus interfaces that drive performance. There are two types of UHS bus interfaces.
- UHS-I: Theoretical max transfer speed = 104 MB/s
- UHS-II: Theoretical max transfer speed of 312 MB/s
Therefore, a memory card with a UHS-I U3 rating has a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s and a potential maximum read and write speed of 104 MB/s. But of course, the device you use the card in has to support the UHS-I bus interface. Older cameras might not support it.
All the top modern SD cards have a Video Speed Class rating. This classification was developed for high-resolution video recording—something previous cards weren’t able to deal with. These cards can handle 8K video, 360-degree video, VR content, and multi-camera streaming.
The Video Speed Class ratings are as follows:
- Video Speed Class 6 (V6): Minimum write speed = 6MB/s
- Video Speed Class 10 (V10): Minimum write speed = 10MB/s
- Video Speed Class 30 (V30): Minimum write speed = 30MB/s
- Video Speed Class 60 (V60): Minimum write speed = 60MB/s
- Video Speed Class 90 (V90): Minimum write speed = 90MB/s
SD cards with a Video Speed Class rating are the fastest. They are able to record and store the highest level of video media.
However, the UHS-I bus interface can only support cards rated from V6 to V30. And the UHS-II interface supports cards from V6 to V90.
The standard Speed Class is now obsolete. Casual photographers and vloggers won’t have a problem using faster UHS Speed Class cards. But pro photographers and videographers should be looking for cards with at least a V30 rating.
Which MicroSD Card Is Best for Video?
The Video Speed Class rating is the best indicator of how an SD card performs with video media. A card with a higher Video Speed Class rating can handle better-quality video footage.
A card with a V30 classification is great for 4K videos or even long-form Full HD video recording. They can even support the 5.3K footage of a GoPro Hero 12.
But if you’re shooting in cinematic 8K, you need an SD card with a V60 or V90 rating. Unfortunately, microSD cards are limited due to their size. And it’s hard to find many with anything higher than a V30 rating.
However, hope is not lost. There is the ProGrade 256 GB UHS-II MicroSD Card with a V60 rating. That’s impressive for a microSD card. It allows you to record long-form 4K videos. The 5.3K resolution of a GoPro is no problem. It can even record, read, and store 8K video. That’s why it’s the best microSD card for video.
Which MicroSD Card Is Best for Long-Form Video?
If you’re recording video for long periods of time, as you would with CCTV, dash cams, and body cams, you need a microSD card that can cope.
The Samsung Pro Endurance 256 GB MicroSDXC is the best for that type of video recording. You can still use it for 4K or Full HD movies and vlogs. But it’s the best microSD card for low-res shooting for long periods.
That means you can let your camera film for large chunks of time before you have to change the memory card. That’s ideal for dash cam or security recording.
It’s also durable in a physical sense. It’ll continue to work in wet and freezing conditions. That’s good to know if you work in cold conditions.
Which MicroSD Card Is Best for Gaming?
The Lexar PLAY 1 TB MicroSDXC UHS-I is our top recommendation for gamers. This card isn’t the most versatile, as it’s not compatible with cameras. But when it comes to game consoles, it’s the best there is.
Specifically optimized for gaming, it has a 150 MB/s read speed. This gives you smoother gameplay with no buffering or jerky movements.
It is compatible with smartphones and tablets. And the A2 rating means you get better performance when using smartphone apps. There’s no lagging, and your phone runs more smoothly, even for day-to-day stuff.
How Do I Transfer Data From a MicroSD to Another Device?
We recommend using a card reader to transfer your data to other devices. Some laptops now have built-in card readers. But if you don’t have one of those, you need a specialist card reader.
The SanDisk Professional Multi-Card Pro-Reader is the best option for microSD cards. It supports various memory cards, including microSDHC and microSDXC. And this includes UHS-I and UHS-II cards.
If that’s not the right card reader for you, check out our full list of the best SD card readers. And if you need to keep your SD cards safe, here’s our article on the best memory card cases.
Conclusion: The Best MicroSD Card
Digital storage is now a top consideration for photographers, videographers, and content creators. But it’s also important for smartphone users and gamers. That’s why it’s worth investing in the best microSD card.
Some microSD cards have a large storage capacity. Others have fast read and write speed. And some are specialist SD cards for recording high-quality videos. But no matter what you need it for, there’s a microSD card to suit your needs.
The SanDisk Extreme 128 GB MicroSDXC UHS-I is our top recommendation. It’s a versatile memory card that’s compatible with everything from cameras to consoles. It’s available with a variety of storage capacities. And it’s a durable card that can withstand tough handling. It’s hard to find fault with this microSD card.
