The Very Best MicroSD Cards
MicroSD cards are almost identical to SD cards in every way, except they’re smaller and instead of being used in point-and-shoot cameras and DSLRs, they’re more common in devices like smartphones, tablets, action cameras like the GoPro, and portable gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, where you may need more storage than what’s provided onboard.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Memory Card
SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC
PNY U3 Pro Elite 512GB MicroSD Card
SanDisk 256GB Extreme Memory Card with SD Adapter
Our top picks :
Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Memory Card
This microSD card can handle the needs of nearly any device and any type of user, and it offers the fastest speeds and highest storage of the cards we considered while keeping a low price tag. It has a faster read speed than all the other cards in our list except for the SanDisk Extreme, which costs much more for less storage and comes with an SD adapter that many people may not need. The write speed isn’t provided on the Samsung spec sheet for this microSD card, which isn’t uncommon — manufacturers often focus on read speed instead because it’s where you’ll notice a lag if there is any. A previous version of this card had a write speed of 90 MB/s, so this one is likely in the same range or a notch higher. It’s also shockproof and waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures, which makes it suitable for action cameras like a GoPro.
SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC
Although Joseph Palma at B&H Photo likes Nintendo’s official SD card, which has read speeds of up to 120 MB/s and write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, he actually recommends saving a little money and buying this 128 GB card from SanDisk. SD cards in gaming devices are mostly “used to store the game info and read the game, not write beyond save files and installation,” he says, so the extra speed is unnecessary. This card may have a lower read speed and write speed than our best pick overall (so you may not want this card for your camera if it supports microSD cards), but it still has plenty for typical gaming. It’s what Palma uses for his own Switch.
PNY U3 Pro Elite 512GB MicroSD Card
Where write speed really comes into play is when you’re recording video. That’s also when you’ll want to pay attention to the video class, which measures the minimum levels of write speed for recording video. The video class on a microSD card can range from V6 to V90; Palma says V30, like this PNY microSD card has, should be sufficient for shooting ultrahigh-definition 4K video. It should also have the ultra-high-speed class designation, which tells you what type of video, HD or UHD, the card can handle. Ultra-high-speed class is a number inside a U on the front of the card. A U1 card should be able to handle 1080p recording without any issues, but if you want to record 4K, get a U3 card like the PNY Pro Elite, which comes recommended by the Verge.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme Memory Card with SD Adapter
Bob Sacha, a photographer and associate professor of video storytelling at the Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, recommends getting a card like this one, which includes an adapter to make it compatible with devices that use standard SD cards. He shoots with many different cameras and likes to have a microSD card that can work with all of them. Then, for cameras that take standard SD cards, “I often will put that microSD card into an SD-card adapter and then use it in my DSLR or video cameras,” he says. “It’s a great trick to have one set of cards that will work in all the cameras I use.” This microSD card is also shockproof, waterproof, and able to withstand high temperatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the realm of microSD cards to find the very best options requires careful consideration of various factors and features. With a plethora of choices available, determining the most suitable microSD card for your needs can be a daunting task.
This article aimed to simplify the decision-making process by highlighting crucial elements. Whether it's the storage capacity, where striking the right balance between space and affordability is key, or the read and write speeds, emphasizing the importance of optimal performance for smooth data transfer, each aspect contributes to the overall functionality of the microSD card.
The discussion on card classes, UHS speed classes, and application performance class provided insights into the technical specifications that define a microSD card's capabilities. Additionally, considerations such as durability, compatibility with devices, and brand reputation were explored to ensure a comprehensive understanding of what makes a microSD card the very best in its category.
Ultimately, the conclusion reinforces that the very best microSD cards, despite their compact size, can offer exceptional storage solutions with reliable performance. The advice provided aims to instill confidence that the selected microSD card will meet your specific requirements, whether for expanding smartphone storage, capturing high-resolution videos, or enhancing the capabilities of various electronic devices.
In the world of microSD cards, finding the optimal balance of capacity, speed, and reliability is essential. As technology advances, keep an eye out for updates on the latest and greatest microSD cards, and feel free to leave a comment for assistance in choosing the perfect card for your needs.
That concludes our guide to the very best microSD cards. Stay tuned for future updates, and make the most of your device's storage capabilities with a top-tier microSD card.
