The most effective microSD playing cards in 2025

Most microSD playing cards are quick sufficient for reinforcing space for storing and making easy file transfers, however some present somewhat extra worth than others. If you happen to’ve acquired a tool that also accepts microSD playing cards — whether or not it’s an older gaming handheld, the brand new Nintendo Switch 2, a touch cam, a drone or an Android tablet — we’ve scoured the market and put shut to twenty high contenders by plenty of benchmark assessments. You’ll find our suggestions for the very best microSD playing cards under, alongside some basic buying recommendation before you purchase.

Desk of contents

Finest microSD playing cards of 2025

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Pace courses: U3, V30, A2, Class 10 | Guarantee: 10-year restricted

Storage costs are likely to fluctuate, nevertheless, and the Samsung Pro Plus — our former “finest for many” decide — remains to be value contemplating for those who see it obtainable for a number of {dollars} lower than the Silver Plus within the capability you need. Its sequential learn and (particularly) write efficiency was slower than Lexar’s card throughout the board however nonetheless on par with or higher than practically each different UHS-I card we’ve examined. Its random reads and writes have been typically second to the pricier Samsung Pro Ultimate, however solely by somewhat, so it’s well-suited for a conveyable recreation console or another setup the place it’d be requested to entry tiny bits of information scattered all through a tool. It’s held up completely high-quality in our long-term testing as properly. That mentioned, the Silver Plus is the higher card when it’s in the identical worth vary, plus Samsung’s has a shorter 10-year guarantee.

If you happen to do find yourself grabbing one, although, be sure to get the most recent mannequin with learn speeds rated at 180MB/s. An older-generation mannequin with slower sequential reads and random efficiency should still be hanging round at some on-line retailers, so keep away from that one. Samsung additionally sells Sonic the Hedgehog-themed versions of the Professional Plus with similar efficiency rankings, however these often value a couple of dollars further. 

Professionals

• Fast sequential and random speeds
• Available at trusted retailers
• Has a 1TB possibility

Cons

• Slower than our high decide, particularly with sequential write efficiency
• 10-year guarantee is not the longest

$20 at Amazon

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Storage capability: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (“new era” mannequin solely) | Pace courses: U3, V30, A2, Class 10 / (64GB) U1, V10, A1, Class 10 | Guarantee: 10-year restricted

The Samsung Evo Select is a transparent step behind our high picks, significantly with regards to sequential write speeds (slightly below 70 MB/s on CrystalDiskMark). So we don’t advocate it for any form of digital camera. Nonetheless, it’s completely usable for easy storage enlargement, and its sequential and random learn speeds have been nonetheless respectable in our benchmarks.

Most significantly, it’s often cheap: We have beforehand seen the 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB fashions fall as little as $13, $18, $33 and $70, respectively. The latter two capacities might be significantly high-quality values for those who simply need a large chunk of house from a good model on a budget. That mentioned, it is best to nonetheless seize the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus or Samsung Professional Plus as a substitute if both one is anyplace shut in worth.

Professionals

• Typically discounted
• Acceptable efficiency if worth is chief concern
• Has a 1TB possibility

Cons

• Slower than different high picks, significantly in sequential write and random efficiency benchmarks
• 10-year guarantee is not the longest

$13 at Amazon

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB | Pace courses: U3, A1, Class 10 | Guarantee: Lifetime restricted

Let’s be clear about this: Until you intend to personal a Nintendo Switch 2 within the close to future, you nearly actually don’t want the SanDisk microSD Express Card, or another microSD Specific card, simply but. Other than Nintendo’s new handheld, units that natively assist this customary are exceedingly unusual proper now, and this explicit card is extremely costly, beginning at $56 for 128GB.

As a result of microSD Specific units aren’t widespread but, you will possible want to purchase a appropriate adapter to see the improved speeds on a pc, which tacks much more onto the underside line. The SanDisk reader we used for testing, for instance, costs a whopping $112. The reader we used for Lexar’s Play Professional, one other new Specific card, prices $100. At that time, you’re higher off shopping for a portable SSD for those who simply need to stash and transfer recordsdata. To additional that time, SanDisk’s card is simply obtainable in 128GB or 256GB capacities.

A few other Express cards will supply extra room for much less money, however most of these have been both simply launched or aren’t but obtainable; we plan to check them for a future replace. Plus, even for those who do get a Change 2, the costs in the present day are most likely as costly as they’ll ever get. It additionally stays to be seen if the console will even enable for vital efficiency variations between playing cards. So for those who can maintain out, it is best to.

Right here’s hoping the Change 2 does lead microSD Specific to turn into extra extensively accepted although, as a result of this factor is miles quicker than any conventional card available on the market. Sequential reads checked in slightly below 900 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark and ATTO, which was in step with SanDisk’s 880 MB/s score and a good methods above the Lexar Play Professional. Sequential writes topped out round 650 MB/s, proper as marketed. These write speeds solely apply to the 256GB mannequin we examined, although; SanDisk says they’re going to peak at 480 MB/s with the 128GB variant.

Sustained efficiency isn’t all the time on par with these most speeds: With our bigger take a look at file, we seen that write speeds would begin round 530 MB/s then dip nearer to 210 MB/s till the switch was full. Certain sufficient, SanDisk advertises minimal sustained write speeds of 210 MB/s for the 256GB mannequin and 100 MB/s for the 128GB model. (Lexar’s microSD Specific card behaved equally, possible as a result of these playing cards’ tiny frames can solely deal with a lot earlier than they need to throttle issues down.) Nonetheless, this was fast sufficient to maneuver the 12GB file to the cardboard in 52 seconds on common. It took a mere 20 seconds to learn the file again to our PC. The write take a look at with our smaller 1.15GB take a look at folder, in the meantime, averaged simply 4.5 seconds. 

All of it provides as much as a card that is no less than twice as quick as the very best UHS-I fashions we’ve examined when it comes to sequential learn and write speeds, with three or 4 instances the efficiency in some instances (significantly with the 256GB mannequin). The gulf in random reads and writes was comparable, and in some benchmarks even better.

That mentioned, solely these with a Change 2 pre-order in place, money to burn and/or a deep curiosity in new applied sciences ought to think about the SanDisk microSD Specific Card proper now. It’s a real leap ahead, however you’ll need to pay for it.

Professionals

• Simply the quickest microSD card we have examined, by any metric
• Lifetime restricted guarantee
• Appropriate with Nintendo Change 2

Cons

• Gadgets that assist microSD Specific apart from Change 2 are extraordinarily restricted
• Costly, and requires an expensive reader to attain full efficiency on most units
• Solely obtainable in 128GB or 256GB

$54 at SanDisk

Different notable microSD playing cards

Lexar Play Professional microSD Specific Card

The Lexar Play Pro is the second microSD Specific card we’ve examined, and you may consider it as a “1A” decide subsequent to SanDisk’s mannequin. It doesn’t are available in a 128GB configuration, however the 256GB mannequin is less expensive at $50, plus it’s obtainable in 512GB and 1TB capacities. It’s quicker with regards to sequential writes, measuring round 720 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark and 700 MB/s in ATTO. It additionally managed to write down our bigger take a look at file in roughly 35 seconds in sure runs, which was notably faster than the SanDisk card.

Nonetheless, its sequential reads have been fairly definitively slower — even when they’re nonetheless much better than the remainder of the market — and people are extra vital for decreasing load instances with the Change 2 in idea. The improved sequential writes have been additionally considerably inconsistent: Generally it’d take nearer to 50 seconds to complete our real-world take a look at, bouncing between the low-200 MB/s vary and the high-400 MB/s vary alongside the way in which. At that time, it is solely marginally quicker than the SanDisk card. Random speeds, in the meantime, weren’t massively totally different, so each must be equally adept at preserving bigger video games like Mario Kart World operating clean.

Ultimately, the Change 2 is the one actual cause to purchase a microSD Specific card proper now, and we are able to’t say for certain how totally different fashions will carry out on that system simply but. The “finest” possibility could find yourself being whichever one is most cost-effective. However, the Play Professional is value grabbing for those who should purchase an Specific card in the present day and need greater than 256GB of house.

Samsung Professional Final

The Samsung Pro Ultimate was the closest competitor to the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus throughout our benchmark assessments, nevertheless it’s tangibly worse when it comes to sequential write speeds, sometimes prices extra and doesn’t supply a 1TB possibility. The Samsung Professional Plus is a bit slower for sequential reads, nevertheless it’s shut sufficient in any other case and often simpler to search out at a cheaper price.

Lexar Skilled Gold

We have not used it ourselves, however for those who’re prepared to pay for a extra highly effective UHS-II card constructed for heavy-duty video recording, the Lexar Professional Gold has tested well elsewhere and will ship considerably quicker sequential write speeds than our UHS-I picks above. It’s one of many few UHS-II playing cards we may really discover in inventory, nevertheless it’s expensive, with a 128GB mannequin usually priced within the $35 to $40 vary.

SanDisk Excessive

The SanDisk Extreme successfully matched the Professional Plus in just a few of our sequential assessments, however that was partly as a consequence of us solely having the ability to safe the 256GB mannequin, which is higher-rated than the 128GB model. It’s a high-quality selection for those who see it on sale at a good vendor, nevertheless it’s broadly slower than our high decide and infrequently prices extra.

SanDisk GamePlay

The SanDisk GamePlay performs equally to the SanDisk Excessive however prices a very good bit further as of our newest replace. We couldn’t get it to achieve its marketed speeds with the corporate’s personal “Professional” card reader or different third-party choices, so it fell wanting our high picks.

SanDisk Pokémon

The SanDisk Pokémon does outperform its marketed learn and write speeds, however not by sufficient to outpace the Lexar Silver Plus or Samsung Professional Plus. It basically fees further for having an image of Pikachu (or Gengar, or Snorlax) on a product you’ll by no means have a look at.

SanDisk Excessive Professional

The SanDisk Extreme Pro is an in depth analog to the Samsung Professional Final however, as of this writing, is both unavailable at most trusted retailers or priced too excessive by comparability. The Lexar Skilled Silver Plus has quicker sequential write speeds as properly.

PNY XLR8 Gaming

The PNY XLR8 is an inexpensive card that comes with as much as 512GB of house. Its sequential and random writes speeds checked in somewhat bit above these of Samsung’s Evo Choose, plus it comes with a lifetime guarantee. However its sequential reads have been a lot, a lot slower, placing it out of rivalry.

PNY Elite-X

The PNY Elite-X usually goes for reasonable and wasn’t too far off the random learn/write efficiency of Samsung’s Professional Plus in CrystalDiskMark. Just like the XLR8, it’s additionally barely above the Evo Choose in write speeds. However its sequential reads have been too far behind all of our high picks, and it not seems to be obtainable in capacities above 256GB.

What to search for in a microSD card

Capability

The very first thing to determine when shopping for a microSD card is how a lot space for storing you want. Fashionable playing cards are generally obtainable in sizes starting from 32GB to 512GB, with a number of fashions now obtainable in 1TB or 1.5TB capacities as properly. The primary 2TB cards from major brands have began to reach in latest months as properly, which is thrilling, however these are nonetheless pretty uncommon (and really costly) by comparability.

For many, a 128GB or 256GB mannequin must be a candy spot between worth and space for storing. However for those who want extra room — say, for stashing a bunch of video games on a Steam Deck — a 512GB card or better may make extra sense and infrequently gives a greater cost-per-GB ratio. Nowadays, you could find an honest 128GB card for round $15, a very good 256GB card for lower than $30 and a stable 512GB card for round $40 (with quicker fashions priced somewhat larger). There’s a starker improve while you go as much as 1TB playing cards, which frequently value nearer to $100, although we’ve seen some fall into the $70 to $80 vary extra often during the last yr. The primary wave of 2TB playing cards are a fair larger leap: the 2TB SanDisk Extreme, for instance, now has a listing worth slightly below $250.

Word {that a} microSD card’s efficiency could differ relying on what capability you purchase. SanDisk says its 128GB Extreme card delivers sequential write speeds as much as 90 MB/s, for instance, whereas the higher-capacity fashions in the identical line supply as much as 130 MB/s.

After we discuss microSD playing cards in the present day, we typically check with playing cards that use the microSDXC (eXtended Capacity) standard, which have a capability between 32GB and 2TB. Your system must assist this for it to work with a microSDXC card. It will nearly by no means be a problem lately, however some older units (a Nintendo 3DS, as an example) are solely appropriate with microSDHC (Excessive Capability) playing cards, which vary from 2GB to 32GB.

Learn and write speeds

MicroSD playing cards are primarily judged on their learn and write speeds, that are often measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Typically, most microSD playing cards have quicker learn speeds than write speeds.

These metrics can then be damaged down into sequential and random efficiency. Sequential learn and write speeds matter while you’re attempting to entry (learn) or save (write) lengthy, fixed streams of information, similar to opening a big video or copying an enormous batch of recordsdata from a PC. If you wish to use a microSD card for media storage, that is significantly vital. Random efficiency, in the meantime, is about how shortly a card can learn and write small recordsdata scattered all through the system.

Since random learn/write speeds are a lot decrease than sequential ones, storage system makers have a tendency to not promote them as loudly. However they’re vital for those who use a card with a gaming system or a single-board pc just like the Raspberry Pi, the place it usually has to quickly save and entry small bits of information in random areas.

Pace rankings

If you happen to have a look at a microSD card, you’ll see a buffet of numbers, letters and symbols. Most of those check with the cardboard’s speed class and efficiency rankings, that are decided by the SD Association.

A card’s Video Pace Class, or V-rating, particulars its minimal sequential write velocity, which is particularly vital when recording video from a digital camera. It ranges from V6 to V90. Many of the playing cards we examined had a V30 score, in order that they have a sequential write velocity of no less than 30 MB/s. This must be sufficient to assist as much as 4K video at decrease bitrates. Larger-rated V60 and V90 playing cards are often higher for capturing 8K, however they arrive at a a lot larger value.

The UHS Pace Class, or U-rating, additionally refers to a card’s minimal sequential write velocity. It is available in two varieties: U3, which mandates a minimal of 30 MB/s, and U1, which is rated for 10 MB/s.

The older Pace Class score overlaps with the opposite two techniques. It’s signified by a C image and goes from Class 2 to Class 10, with the quantity (once more) indicating minimal sequential write velocity. This score is much less related these days, however you should still see a “C10” emblem on some playing cards.

The Software Efficiency spec, marked by an A logo, is an indicator of random learn/write speeds. That is measured in IOPS, or enter/output operations per second, relatively than MB/s. There are two classes right here: A1 playing cards supply a minimal random learn velocity of 1,500 IOPS and a minimal random write velocity of 500 IOPS, whereas A2 playing cards bump these as much as 4,000 IOPS and a pair of,000 IOPS, respectively. Each rankings additionally assure sequential write speeds of no less than 10 MB/s.

To maintain it easy, most individuals ought to search for a card with V30, U3 and A2 rankings. It’s completely doable to get a stable card with out these: A U1 card is perhaps value it for those who simply want an affordable, high-capacity possibility, for instance. V60 and V90 playing cards are value a glance for those who’re critical about capturing high-resolution pictures and video as properly. However general, playing cards with the certifications above ought to present the very best mix of worth and efficiency in the present day.

It’s vital to emphasise that these rankings are baselines. Most V30 playing cards supply considerably larger write speeds than 30 MB/s, as an example, and a few A1 playing cards can outperform some A2 fashions in follow. The speeds marketed by producers aren’t all the time one hundred pc correct, both: Generally the cardboard can be slower in real-world use, different instances it might really be a bit quicker.

UHS bus speeds

The opposite spec to notice is the cardboard’s bus interface. Most microSD playing cards obtainable in the present day are UHS-I, which has a theoretical most velocity of 104 MB/s. There are additionally UHS-II playing cards, which have an additional row of pins on the again and may attain as much as 312 MB/s. (A UHS-III customary technically exists as properly however hasn’t seen broad adoption.) These are labeled on the cardboard with a Roman numeral I or II.

UHS-II playing cards are sometimes those with these larger V60 or V90 rankings. If you happen to shoot numerous 4K to 8K video or often use burst mode to seize extremely high-res pictures, the efficiency good points of a very good UHS-II card can prevent time.

Nonetheless, these are way more costly than UHS-I playing cards: This 128GB Lexar Professional Gold mannequin, as an example, is a relative discount at $35. Whereas that is lower than many UHS-II fashions we’ve seen up to now, it is nonetheless greater than double the widespread road worth of our high decide above. You want a tool that’s appropriate with the UHS-II interface to see any advantages, too, and inventory for UHS-II playing cards is usually spottier. For now, the upper speeds aren’t definitely worth the worth premium for most individuals, so we caught principally to UHS-I playing cards with our suggestions.

microSD Specific and the Nintendo Change 2

Absolutely the quickest microSD playing cards you should buy, nevertheless, are based mostly on a special interface referred to as SD Express. This has technically been around for a number of years and now includes its personal subset of speed classes, however the gist is that it is a lot quicker than UHS-I or UHS-II: SanDisk’s lately launched microSD Express card, one of many first commercially obtainable fashions, advertises sequential learn speeds as much as 880MB/s. That’s faster than some older SSDs.

It’s a considerable improve that has largely held up in our testing, however only a few widespread units natively assist SD Specific in the present day. The primary main exception is the Nintendo Switch 2, which is only compatible with the newer customary, because it’s wanted to maintain up with the efficiency calls for of recent handheld video games.

Moreover SanDisk, producers like Samsung, Lexar and PNY have already launched microSD Specific playing cards to go along with the console. The presumption is that having such a well-liked system embrace the tech will solely additional its adoption and drive costs down.

Nevertheless it’s nonetheless early days, and proper now all microSD Specific playing cards value way more than the very best UHS-I and even UHS-II choices. Past the Change 2, it’s doable to reap the benefits of these playing cards’ superior speeds with a devoted SD Specific card reader, however that provides much more to the ultimate value. It’s additionally value noting that SD Specific playing cards should not backwards appropriate with UHS-II (or UHS-III), so for those who attempt to plug one into a tool with a UHS-II slot, it’ll be restricted to UHS-I speeds. Nonetheless, they’re a should for Nintendo followers going ahead, and the tech ought to have loads of enchantment if extra devices that assist the interface do arrive.

A be aware on card readers and reaching marketed speeds

Whereas the UHS-I interface has a theoretical most of 104 MB/s, some UHS-I playing cards can exceed that velocity by proprietary extensions. Nonetheless, you want a appropriate card reader and host system to reap the benefits of that further efficiency. If you happen to discover a UHS-I card promoting speeds larger than 104 MB/s, that is what’s happening. You’ll be able to see these limits in motion with an unique Nintendo Change or Steam Deck: Both of those gaming units assist the UHS-I interface however don’t transcend its official velocity, flattening any sequential good points some playing cards could have elsewhere. (Variations in random learn and write speeds can nonetheless matter, although.) The identical factor will occur for those who plug a extra highly effective UHS-II or SD Specific card into a tool that doesn’t settle for these interfaces.

The takeaway: Your microSD card will solely be as quick because the slowest hyperlink in your chain.

Guarantee

Many microSD playing cards are designed to be sturdy, with safety from water, excessive temperatures, X-rays and drops. Nonetheless, in case of disaster, an extended guarantee is all the time good to have. Many producers supply lifetime or 10-year restricted warranties, although we’ve seen that “endurance” playing cards marketed to resist extra hours of writing are often coated for a shorter time frame. For instance, Samsung’s Pro Endurance, a mannequin aimed toward safety cameras and different monitoring units, comes with a five-year guarantee.

Avoiding counterfeits

The reminiscence card market has had a specific drawback with scammers promoting faux merchandise. To protect in opposition to this, solely purchase from a identified model and a good retailer similar to Finest Purchase, B&H Picture or Adorama. If you happen to store at Amazon, solely purchase if the shipper and vendor is Amazon.com. (That mentioned, a handful of customers have reported receiving counterfeits even from Amazon straight up to now, so train warning.) Bear in mind: If a worth appears too good to be true, it most likely is. Be cautious of any retailer providing a considerably cheaper price than everybody else.

When you obtain a card, examine its packaging for any irregularities. You’ll be able to run benchmark assessments like CrystalDiskMark or BlackMagic Disk Speed Test to confirm its speeds aren’t drastically decrease than what’s marketed (or doable, given its specs). You can too use software program that’s designed to confirm the true capability and efficiency of your card, similar to H2testw and FakeFlashTest.

How we take a look at microSD playing cards

We have put about 20 microSD playing cards by a collection of assessments to confirm their sequential and random efficiency. These included benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark, BlackMagic Disk Speed Test, ATTO Disk Benchmark and AJA System Test, in addition to just a few “real-world” assessments. We copied and pasted a small folder of pictures about 1.15GB in measurement to and from every card, then did the identical with a bigger 12.2GB folder containing a number of file varieties and subfolders, timing the method every time. We additionally checked how every card carried out on the Steam Deck, downloading video games of various sizes — together with Stardew Valley, Aperture Desk Job, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Apex Legends — then timing how lengthy it took to launch every recreation and cargo save recordsdata. We do a number of runs of every take a look at to confirm our findings and account for potential outliers.

The place relevant, we used a Kingston USB 3.2 UHS-II reader to check every card on each Home windows 11 and macOS Sequoia. Nonetheless, if a card might be bundled with (or is particularly marketed to make use of) a proprietary reader, we primarily examined with that, since we determine that’s the one most patrons will find yourself utilizing. For Home windows testing, we used an Alienware gaming PC with an Intel Core i9-10900F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. For macOS, we used a 2021 16-inch MacBook Professional with an Apple M1 Professional chip, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. If a reader couldn’t join over USB-C, we used CalDigit’s TS4 dock to check the corresponding card on the MacBook.

We examined the 128GB model of every card every time we may, although we have been solely capable of take a look at higher-capacity fashions for just a few choices. We additionally reformatted every card earlier than testing with the SD Affiliation’s Memory Card Formatter tool.

Current updates

Could 2025: We’ve up to date this information to make sure our recommendation is correct and to mirror the brand new Nintendo Change 2’s use of microSD Specific playing cards. We’ve additionally added testing notes for the Lexar Play Professional microSD Specific card and the extra customary PNY XLR8. We’ve eliminated mentions of some playing cards which have seemingly been discontinued, together with the unique Kingston Canvas Go Plus, the Lexar Skilled 1066x and the 2021 Samsung Evo Choose. We plan to check extra new microSD Specific playing cards for a future replace, plus just a few different latest releases from Kingston, SanDisk, Lexar and PNY.

February 2025: We’ve up to date this information with a brand new high decide: the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus. The Samsung Professional Plus, our earlier suggestion, stays as a runner-up. We’ve additionally added SanDisk’s lately launched microSD Specific card as a decide for many who need absolutely the quickest card doable, albeit with heavy caveats. This is likely one of the first microSD playing cards to make use of the SD Specific bus interface, so we’ve included extra particulars on what that entails in our “what to search for in a microSD card” part. Lastly, we’ve eliminated our write-up for SanDisk’s Apex Legends card, because it seems to have been discontinued, and included testing notes for a few the corporate’s newer releases.

November 2024: We have checked again with this information to make sure our suggestions are nonetheless correct and made gentle edits for readability.

August 2024: We’ve up to date this information to notice the lately launched 1TB fashions for 3 of our high picks: the Samsung Professional Plus, the Kingston Canvas Go Plus and the Samsung Evo Choose. We’ve additionally made certain all pricing particulars are as updated as they are often.