Best Micro SD Cards

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 4, 2024
Keep only good memories with the best microSD Cards in your phone and camera. Enjoy our guide and review of 5 great models and find out for yourself, what differences there are between them. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Memory Format
Memory Capacity
Best For
Speed
Speed Class
Protection
Warranty
 
PROS

The product is compatible with the SanDisk Memory Zone application (available in the Google Play™ store). Using the app, you will be able to organize, browse, and, back up files on any Android-powered device. The app enables you to automatically move every file from your Android gadget to the memory card to free up space.

CONS

Low average writing speed with files heavier than 10 gigabytes. 

OUR VERDICT

SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card is probably the most well-balanced card on the list. It will prove particularly suitable for Android-powered smartphones and tablets. The affordable price doesn't hurt too.

detailed parameters
Memory Format

Micro SDXC (SDXC adapter included)

Memory Capacity

400 GB (16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 200 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB)

Best For

Android-based smartphones and tablets, Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras 

Speed

Up to 100 Mbps / up to 60 Mbps

Speed Class

Class 10 / UHS-I (A1 rated)

Protection

Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, X-ray-proof

Warranty

10 years

PROS

The Samsung MB-ME128GA is based upon UHS-III bus which is the latest and fastest specialization that can provide an absurd amount of speed and 128GB of memory capacity to store everything you ever wanted to.

CONS

Some users claimed to have issues with recording small files of up to 2MBs.

OUR VERDICT

The newest addition to the Samsung memory card line is here and it has exceeded everyone's expectations. If you're looking for the fastest card with enough storage space at an acceptable price, this is the one to look out for. 

detailed parameters
Memory Format

Micro SDXC (SDXC adapter included)

Memory Capacity

256 GB (32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 512 GB)

Best For

Smartphones (mobile gaming and music)

Speed

Up to 100 Mbps / up to 90 Mbps

Speed Class

Class 10 / UHS-III

Protection

Can withstand up to 72 hours in seawater, extreme temperatures, airport X-ray machines, magnetic fields

Warranty

10 years

PROS

The card's 160 Mbps read speed means far shorter wait times when transferring files. Its 90 Mbps write speed will let you capture fast action in full detail. It is able to record and shoot much faster with C10, U3, and V30 and it will take far less time to load apps with its A2 performance rating.

CONS

Inserting and removing the card from the SDXC adapter can be difficult.

OUR VERDICT

SanDisk Extreme MicroSD UHS-3 is the best card on the list. Its performance is much better across the entire board. It is great for all micro SD card purposes but especially for high-end camcorders and action cameras.

detailed parameters
Memory Format

Micro SDXC (SDXC adapter included)

Memory Capacity

128 GB (32 GB, 64 GB, 256 GB, 400 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB)

Best For

4K UHD camcorders, action cameras

Speed

Up to 160 Mbps / up to 90 Mbps

Speed Class

Class 10 / UHS-I (A2 rated)

Protection

Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, X-ray-proof

Warranty

30 years

PROS

The model's been rigorously tested for resistance against magnets (up to 15k gauss, which is equal to MRI), X-rays (up to 50 Roentgen, very much equal to standard airport X-ray machines), water (up to 3 days in seawater, IEC 60529 & IPX7), and operating temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C. 

CONS

The maximum writing speed is relatively limited. 

OUR VERDICT

Samsung PRO Endurance is about as durable as micro SD cards come. You can entrust the model with the most important and/or precious data. It is perfect for dash cams, surveillance and security cams, CCTV, body cams, and other always-on applications.

detailed parameters
Memory Format

Micro SDXC (SDXC adapter included)

Memory Capacity

64 GB (32 GB, 128 GB)

Best For

Video monitoring cameras (dash cams, surveillance and security cams, CCTV, body cams)

Speed

Up to 100 Mbps / up to 30 Mbps

Speed Class

Class 10 / UHS-I

Protection

Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, X-ray-proof, magnetic-proof

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The cards have been designed even more durable than what SanDisk usually presents, enabling reliable loop recording and making them especially suitable for hidden cameras and dash cams. They're also pretty good at transferring thousands of small files without dragging the process. 

CONS

The speed will occasionally drop when copying files from the card. 

OUR VERDICT

SanDisk MicroSD HC Ultra UHS-1 Memory Cards will primarily fit people with two devices that work with micro SD cards. With these cards, you'll be able to capture more pics, record more Ultra HD videos, and play more lossless music. You'll also be able to transport more multimedia content. 

detailed parameters
Memory Format

Micro SDXC (SDXC adapter included)

Memory Capacity

2 x 128 GB (2 x 32 GB, 2 x 64 GB) 

Best For

Android-based smartphones and tablets, Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras 

Speed

Up to 100 Mbps / up to 60 Mbps

Speed Class

Class 10 / UHS-I (A1 rated)

Protection

Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, X-ray-proof 

Warranty

10 years

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SanDisk Ultra

Best MicroSDHC Card for Android

SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card is probably the most well-rounded product on the list. It doesn't necessarily excel in too many categories but, as an overall micro SD card, it is about as good as they get in this price range.

What really sells this particular model, as far as we're concerned, is the fact that the model is compatible with the SanDisk Memory Zone application (available in the Google Play™ store). Using the app, you will be able to organize, browse, and, back up files on any Android-powered device.

The application will let you put every file in order. It will allow you to immediately access the right image, music file, document, etc. Plus, the app is able to automatically move every file from your Android gadget to the memory card to free up space.

Other than that, the model is good but not necessarily excellent. You'll be able to choose anywhere between 32 and 400 gigabytes. We would recommend going with the 128-gigabyte version or higher since the 32gb model's read speed is limited and 64 is just not that much storage space these days in general.

The 128gb (and higher) card's read and write speeds cap at 100 Mbps/60 Mbps respectively. That's not bad at all. With these speeds, you will be able to move up to 1200 photos in a minute.

Review of SanDisk Ultra MicroSD UHS-I Memory Card (Up to 100MB/s)

Optimized for Applications

Generally speaking, the model's performance will not disappoint. However, the 60 Mbps maximum write speed will not always be there with files heavier than 10 gigabytes. Sure, it will be able to move these files but it will take the card some time to do so.

The model's app-related performance rating, however, will always be there. Rated A1, the model is optimized for applications, delivering much faster app launch and performance that leaves you with an overall better smartphone experience.

Its class 10 speed rating is another little detail that makes this micro SD card such a well-balanced product. You'll have no issues shooting full HD videos and high-quality photos.

Apart from that, there isn't much to add here. This is SanDisk we're talking about, so the model's rugged design and durable composition go without saying. The card is very much shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof. As it is usually the case, it is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Again, SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card is, in many ways, the most well-balanced card in this selection. That being said, the model will prove particularly suitable for Android-powered smartphones and tablets. The affordable price doesn't hurt too.

SanDisk Ultra MicroSD UHS-I Memory Card (Up to 100MB/s) in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $59.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B074RNRM2B

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The size of the card for the price is very nice.

Features

The build quality of the SD Card seems to be very strong and the included adapter is a nice touch.
 

Samsung EVO Select

Another One From Samsung

Samsung is one of the biggest conglomerates in the world. And while they are known in South Korea for their involvement in virtually every part of the market, ranging from life insurance to real estate, the Western world is more familiar with their brand thanks to their publicly traded consumer electronics subsidiary known as Samsung Electronics. 

It makes sense considering that this particular subsidiary also happens to be the second largest information technology company by revenue in the entire world. Whether you wish to purchase a semiconductor for your desktop, a refrigerator for your kitchen or a flat-panel television to enjoy your favorite TV show, you can rest assured knowing that there is a quality Samsung product waiting for you online or in your nearest electronics supermarket. 

Naturally, such seemingly small but nonetheless important item as an SD card is also being produced under the Samsung brand. The next addition to their memory card line, the Samsung MB-ME128GA, has recently hit the market and this is exactly what we're here to talk about. 

Review of Samsung EVO Select MicroSD UHS-3 Memory Card (100/90 MB/s)

Savor the Moment

With stunning speed and reliability, the Samsung 128GB MicroSDXC EVO Select memory card lets you get the most out of your devices. Feel like recording a family vacation with some spectacular scenery in the background in order to enjoy it later in a 4K ultra high definition resolution? For a device like this one, with a reading & writing speed up to 100MB/s & 90MB/s respectively, it's going to prove no more than a walk in the park. The Samsung 128GB EVO Select lets you transfer a 4GB video to a compatible device of your choosing in less than a minute.

Worried about running out of memory and having to choose between deleting the digital footprint of some of the most treasured moments of your life? With the Samsung MB-ME128GA, you will never have to worry about space ever again. This Samsung device with 128 gigabytes of memory has enough storage for up to 6 hours of 4K videos, 17 hours of full HD video, 27,000 photos, or 11,500 songs. So go ahead and savor all of what life has to offer, the model's high capacity will let you keep it all.

Compatibility can prove to be a real issue when it comes to electronics. There is nothing more frustrating than purchasing some kind of a peripheral device only to find out that it wouldn't work properly with the main one. Fortunately, with the Samsung MB-ME128GA, this kind of issue is rather unlikely to arise. This memory card is compatible with a wide range of devices for both SD and micro SD, and the included SD adapter fits most devices under almost every brand name while preserving all of the Samsung MB-ME128GA's outstanding speed and performance.

Thanks to the 4-proof protection, this device is capable of withstanding up to 72 hours in seawater, extreme temperatures, airport X-ray machines and magnetic fields equivalent to an MRI scanner. But if something happens to your memory card anyway, Samsung provides a 10-year limited warranty. So go ahead and enjoy life leaving the rest of your worries to the Samsung MB-ME128GA.

Samsung EVO Select MicroSD UHS-3 Memory Card (100/90 MB/s) in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $41.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0887P21Z2

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

It has been working flawlessly, no speed difference between writing to internal drive or this memory card.

Features

A high-performance S10 class V3 MicroSD card (with SD adapter) that supports up to 90MB/s write speed for use in situation where fast write IO performance is required.
 

SanDisk Extreme

Improved Performance Rating

SanDisk is not the most diverse company out there. They make produce excellent flash memory products and drives in general but that's about it. We're not saying that's an issue though. Take SanDisk Extreme MicroSD UHS-3, for example. The model is noticeably better in just about every category than your average micro SD card on the market today.

As far as we're concerned, it all starts with the read and write speeds. A good micro SD drive will give you somewhere around 100 Mbps on the read speed front and 30-60 Mbps in the write speed department. That's not the case here.

The model's 160 Mbps read speed means far shorter wait times when transferring files. Its 90 Mbps write speed will let you capture fast action in full detail. It is the write speed that makes the card so good for action cameras and even suitable for 4K UHD camcorders. It will not be skipping frames.

But being the fastest micro SD card isn't the only feature that separates the product from its competition. What really makes the card stand out is its performance rating. Compared to just about any A1 micro SD card on the market right now, the model is able to record and shoot much faster with C10, U3, and V30 and it will take far less time to load apps with its A2 performance rating.

Review of SanDisk Extreme MicroSD UHS-3 Memory Card (160/90 MB/s)

Built to Hold Its Own

Other than that, it is the less significant but still important details that sell this product. The model is compatible with USB 3.0 and backward-compatible with USB 2.0. With USB 3.0, you will be able to transfer files 10 times faster compared to its predecessor.

Performance aside, the card is really durable. It is about as shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof as they come. You'll be able to take it with you anywhere. This thing is built to hold its own under just about any condition and/or in just about any environment.

As far as we're concerned, there is only one issue here and it does not necessarily pertain to the card in particular but rather the product in general. Though it makes sense considering the model's performance, the price is relatively steep.

All things considered, SanDisk Extreme MicroSD UHS-3 is the best card on the list. Its performance is much better across the entire board. It is great for all micro SD card purposes but especially for high-end camcorders and action cameras.

SanDisk Extreme MicroSD UHS-3 Memory Card (160/90 MB/s) in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $22.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FCMKK5X

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Speeds are incredible and transfers are smooth. Perfect for the GoPro!

Features

I purchased 4 of these to use in my GoPro Fusion and GoPro7 cameras, and I couldn't be happier.
 

Samsung PRO Endurance

It is All About Endurance

Samsung PRO Endurance does not fail to deliver on that "endurance" premise. First and foremost, the model is particularly rugged and durable. From awful weather conditions to extensive wear and tear, this card is able to stand up to many severe real-world situations.

As it is usually the case with Samsung, it's been rigorously tested for resistance against magnets (up to 15k gauss, which is equal to MRI), X-rays (up to 50 Roentgen, very much equal to standard airport X-ray machines), water (up to 3 days in seawater, IEC 60529 & IPX7), and operating temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C. The rugged exterior that protects the circuitry under any conditions is what makes the card perfect for outdoor gear.

But this is a sophisticated electronics piece we're dealing with here. It isn't just about the physical threats but digital too. That being said, the model does not slip up on that front too.

It will be able to continuously record for up to 25 times longer compared to the usual speed-focused cards, giving you long-lasting, best-in-class endurance that might just be able to work for up to 43,800 hours (5 years). As you would imagine, the model's durability makes it particularly suitable for video monitoring cameras (including but not limited to dash cams, surveillance and security cams, CCTV, body cams).

Review of Samsung PRO Endurance Micro SD UHS-I Memory Card (100/30 MB/s)

Shoot in High Quality

Needless to say, the model wouldn't be worth much if its performance was a far cry from the card's rugged build. Now, we're not saying that it is just as impressive but, overall, the reader does not disappoint on the performance front. Its read speed caps at 100 Mbs, so it is up there with the best micro SD cards. You'll be able to transfer ample data in a snap.

The write speed, on the other hand, is a little disappointing. Unable to go above 30 Mbps, it will take you some time to move the files from your device to the card. On the bright side, this is a class 10 card we're dealing with here. You'll have no issues shooting full HD videos and high-quality photos.

Now, there isn't much to add here. The card's maximum current consumption doesn't go above 800mA. Its frequency caps at 208 MHz. We like the usual Samsung micro SD card look but that's neither here nor there.

Long story short, Samsung PRO Endurance is about as durable and reliable as micro SD cards come. You can entrust the model with the most important and/or precious data. It is perfect for dash cams, surveillance and security cameras, CCTV, body cams, and other always-on applications.

Samsung PRO Endurance Micro SD UHS-I Memory Card (100/30 MB/s) in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $12.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07B9KTLJZ

 

SanDisk Pack

Two Cards This Time

People seldom worry that much about micro SD cards. More often than not, most users just buy anything that fits the broad description, with the description usually including nothing except the desired memory capacity. Still, there's more to these storage devices than most people know and there are considerable differences between middling micro SD cards and quality cards like the ones inside this pack from SanDisk.

First, even though this is the least important part, SanDisk cards look much more aesthetically pleasing than the competition, with the company's signature red and gray combination creating an almost imposing appearance. As small as these cards are, we can always appreciate nice-looking storage solutions, even when these solutions are usually hidden from sight.

But, back to the more important aspects, what the company offers here is an attractive 2-pack, letting you choose between two 32-gigabyte cards, two 64-gigabyte cards, or, surprise-surprise, two 128-gigabyte cards. The last option gives you 4 times the first option's capacity and costs only 2.5 times more, so we would probably recommend going with the 128-gigabyte pack. After all, multimedia files are not going to become any smaller, so even if you don't need that much memory now, you can always prepare for the future.

Review of SanDisk Pack MicroSD HC Ultra UHS-1 Memory Cards

Virtually Indestructible

When it comes to specs, SanDisk cards seldom disappoint and these ones are no exception. Between the 100 Mbps maximum reading speed and 60 Mbps maximum writing speed, the cards will enable quick and seamless data sharing. Having said that, the speed will occasionally drop when copying files from the card, meaning that you should not be expecting that 60 Mpbs speed every time you use the cards.

What you can expect is these cards working with Android-based smartphones and tablets as well as mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, not unlike most micro SDXC models. What you can also expect is these cards to be virtually indestructible, something that SanDisk always delivers. Spills, drastic temperature changes, drops from considerable heights, even X-rays, these micro SD cards can survive serious everyday abuse.

All in all, people who have multiple gadgets that can work with micro SDXC cards cannot go wrong with this 2-pack from SanDisk. They will also fit the majority of security cameras, including most dash cameras, surveillance cameras, CCTV, and body cameras.

SanDisk Pack MicroSD HC Ultra UHS-1 Memory Cards in the use
Last updated price $29.25
Stock In stock
ASIN B07YQ5M4V4

 

What Is a Micro SD Card?

MicroSD is the smallest variation of a Secure Digital standard for memory cards. To put it simply, this is a small chip encased in a plastic body that serves as data storage for your files just like a hard drive on any computer or notebook. A lot of phones and tablets come with a special microSD slot to increase their memory. In modern video and photo cameras, these cards serve as the only storage for your videos or photos.

All of the microSD cards have exactly the same dimensions but may come in a variety of memory size. According to the engineers' forecasts, the maximum possible capacity for an SD chip is 2 TB. But manufacturers are yet to create such card. That's why we are left with a market filled with cards of a memory capacity ranging from a few MB up to over hundreds of GB.

We tried to make an easy-to-understand guide and a quick review of 5 different microSD cards so that anyone could sort out, what unique features they have.

And if you are looking for a really large storage for your information, take a look at our picks of the best portable hard drives, external SSDs, and external hard drives. Finally, you might need to get a memory card reader to work with many microSD cards. Yes, we've already prepared a nice review of them for you as well.

What Features to Compare

First of all, we want to note that the following info is fully applicable to all SD and macroSD cards as well.

Memory Capacity

In most cases, consider your budget and go for the highest memory capacity available. However, this approach has a large pitfall, because not every microSD card is compatible with every device. All microSD cards have exactly the same dimensions, so there is no other way to check the compatibility with card's format, except to look through the characteristics of your device and compare them with the tags, written on a card. They may have the following marks:

  • SD – Secure Digital cards with a capacity from 1 MB up to 4 GB.
  • SDHC – High Capacity cards from 2 GB up to 32 GB are marked with it.
  • SDXC – eXtended Capacity for bigger than 32 GB cards. These have the largest amount of memory available.

Speed Class

The next compatibility parameter to look for is speed class. It refers to minimum data writing rate. Luckily, you can find the speed class marks directly on a card as well. Let’s skip the Class 2 as it became almost obsolete and take a closer look at the classes, that you may come across way more often:

  • Class 4 and Class 6 cards have 4 and 6 MB/s minimum writing speed accordingly. That’s the slowest for video recording in HD quality.
  • Class 10 has a minimum writing speed at 10 MB/s and maximum reading speed at 25 MB/s. It is enough for recording video in HD 1080p quality. Although it might not work fast enough with modern phone or tablet.
  • U1 class has a minimum writing speed at 10 MB/s as well, but the reading speed can reach up to striking 104 MB/s, because they are built with a different technology called UHS (Ultra Hight Speed bus for data transferring).
  • U3 class boasts 30 MB/s minimum speed and support recording video at 4K! The reading speed here can be up to 312 MB/s.

N.b. the U1 and U3 classes cards are compatible with Class 10 devices, but they will act at a speed of Class 10 card then. As a result, you might find Class 10 tag along with U1 or U3 at the same time.

Both SDHC and SDXC card formats can come with additional labels - UHS-I, UHS-II or just I and II Roman figures. Those refer to the UHS bus speed of the card, that in turn provide quicker reading and writing. The II cards are preferred, as they are faster, but again, not all devices are compatible with them.

In simple words, the closer to the bottom the better. Classes 4 and 6 are okay for most of the devices that don’t require super-fast data transferring speed: e-book readers, portable mp3 players, and mobile phones with up to 720p video recording. As for DSLR, P&S cameras or phones with video recording at up to 1080p, we recommend either Class 10 or U1 card with I or II Roman figure on it. For the professional camcorders or top-of-the-range DSLRs cameras, you might want to consider the U3 card with either I or II tag on it.

Extra Features

Never forget to check out extra features. As a rule, all of the microSD cards are supplied with SD adaptor. Water-resistant qualities would be welcomed if you love extreme sports. Furthermore, some manufacturers provide free software for data protection, creating backups or even restoring deleted information together with their cards. Finally, the long-term warranty is always appreciated.

In this review, we've picked up 5 different microSD cards for you to find out the best one for your device. Please, remember: you can find the very same models with different storage capacity.

Sources:

1. Nicole Cozma How to Choose the Right MicroSD Card for Your Android, CNET. April 4, 2016.

2. Chris Hoffman How to Buy an SD Card: Speed Classes, Sizes, and Capacities Explained, How-To Geek. May 29, 2014.

3. Andy Betts 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your Next MicroSD Card, MakeUseOf. October 23, 2015.

4. Richard Easton How to Choose an SD card - Class and Speed Ratings Explained, expertreviews. February 11, 2016.

5. Jack Schofield How Should I Decide Which Type of SD Card to Buy? The Guardian. December 19, 2013.

6. Will Greenwald Flash Memory Cards: What You Need to Know, PCMag. July 13, 2011.

7. Ryan Zanoni Memory Card Buying Guide, B&H. 2015.

8. Speed Class Standards for Video Recording, SD Association.

9. MicroSD vs. SD, TheyDiffer.com. September 25, 2015.

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