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One of the best 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 just a little extra worth than others. When you’ve bought 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 means of quite a lot of benchmark assessments. You could find our suggestions for the very best microSD playing cards under, alongside some basic procuring recommendation before you purchase.

Lexar

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Velocity lessons: U3, V30, A2, Class 10 | Guarantee: Lifetime restricted

A superb UHS-I card is fast sufficient for most individuals’s wants, and the Lexar Professional Silver Plus is the very best worth of those we’ve examined. Paired with Lexar’s USB card reader, it constantly delivered quicker sequential reads and writes than every other UHS-I mannequin throughout our benchmark assessments. It’s rated for learn speeds as much as 205 MB/s and write speeds as much as 150 MB/s, each of that are comparatively excessive to start with, however we discovered the latter to achieve into the 180-190 MB/s vary in artificial benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark, ATTO and AJA.

Our 12GB check folder wrote to the cardboard in 76 seconds on common, which was roughly 30 seconds faster than the Samsung Professional Plus and Samsung Professional Final, our two earlier high picks. It successfully tied the Professional Final to steer all UHS-I playing cards we’ve tried in studying that check file again to our PC. (That one averaged about 67 seconds, when you’re conserving rating at dwelling.) Each Samsung playing cards and some others beat the Silver Plus in some random efficiency benchmarks, although it was nonetheless lots aggressive in that regard. Both method, it has all of the requisite rankings — U3, V30, A2 — and it’s greater than speedy sufficient for working with 4K movies or shifting recordsdata between units with out main delays (as long as you may have a reader and/or host gadget that may allow these max speeds).

The cardboard itself is waterproof with an IPX7 score, and Lexar backs it with a lifetime guarantee. Sizes vary from 128GB to a spacious 1TB. The optional reader — which you should buy individually or as a part of a bundle — is a bit giant, but it surely conveniently contains each USB-A and USB-C ports, so that you shouldn’t want any dongles to attach it to a telephone or PC.

What places the Silver Plus excessive is its value. On the time of writing, a 128GB mannequin is out there for $15, whereas the 256GB, 512GB and 1TB variants had been going for about $22, $40 and $85, respectively. These aren’t the most cost effective costs we’ve ever seen, and the maths will change a bit if you could consider a card reader, however they both undercut or match opponents just like the Professional Plus, Professional Final or SanDisk Excessive regardless of the Silver Plus being the extra performant card total. So, to recap: It’s quick, it’s sturdy and it’s fairly reasonably priced. That’s the recipe for a simple suggestion.

Execs

  • Quickest sequential learn/write efficiency of any UHS-I card we have examined
  • Cheaper than many slower options
  • Has a 1TB choice
  • Lifetime restricted guarantee
Cons

  • Wants USB reader to achieve most speeds (as anticipated)

$40 at Amazon (512GB)

Image for the large product module

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

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

Storage costs are inclined to fluctuate, nonetheless, and the Samsung Pro Plus — our former “greatest for many” choose — remains to be value contemplating when you 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 almost each different UHS-I card we’ve examined. Its random reads and writes had been typically second to the pricier Samsung Pro Ultimate, however solely by just a little, so it’s well-suited for a transportable recreation console or every other 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 stated, the Silver Plus is the higher card when it’s in the identical value vary, plus Samsung’s has a shorter 10-year guarantee.

When you do find yourself grabbing one, although, be sure to get the latest 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 bucks further. 

Execs

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

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

$20 at Amazon

Image for the large product module

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Storage capability: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (“new technology” mannequin solely) | Velocity lessons: 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, notably relating to sequential write speeds (slightly below 70 MB/s on CrystalDiskMark). So we don’t advocate it for any kind of digicam. Nonetheless, it’s completely usable for easy storage growth, and its sequential and random learn speeds had 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 could possibly be notably high-quality values when you simply need a big chunk of area from a good model on a budget. That stated, you need to nonetheless seize the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus or Samsung Professional Plus as an alternative if both one is anyplace shut in value.

Execs

  • Typically discounted
  • Acceptable efficiency if value is chief concern
  • Has a 1TB choice
Cons

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

$13 at Amazon

Image for the large product module

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB | Velocity lessons: U3, A1, Class 10 | Guarantee: Lifetime restricted

Let’s be clear about this: Except you propose to personal a Nintendo Switch 2 within the close to future, you virtually actually don’t want the SanDisk microSD Express Card, or every other microSD Categorical card, simply but. Apart from Nintendo’s new handheld, units that natively assist this normal are exceedingly unusual proper now, and this specific card is extremely costly, beginning at $56 for 128GB.

As a result of microSD Categorical units aren’t widespread but, you may doubtless 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 Categorical card, prices $100. At that time, you’re higher off shopping for a portable SSD when you 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 had been both simply launched or aren’t but obtainable; we plan to check them for a future replace. Plus, even when you do get a Change 2, the costs at the moment are most likely as costly as they’ll ever get. It additionally stays to be seen if the console will even enable for important efficiency variations between playing cards. So when you can maintain out, you need to.

Right here’s hoping the Change 2 does lead microSD Categorical to develop 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 keeping 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 at all times on par with these most speeds: With our bigger check file, we observed 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 Categorical card behaved equally, doubtless as a result of these playing cards’ tiny frames can solely deal with a lot earlier than they should 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 check with our smaller 1.15GB check folder, in the meantime, averaged simply 4.5 seconds. 

All of it provides as much as a card that is a minimum of twice as quick as the very best UHS-I fashions we’ve examined by way of sequential learn and write speeds, with three or 4 instances the efficiency in some instances (notably with the 256GB mannequin). The gulf in random reads and writes was comparable, and in some benchmarks even better.

That stated, 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 Categorical Card proper now. It’s a real leap ahead, however you’ll should pay for it.

Execs

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

  • Units that assist microSD Categorical in addition to Change 2 are extraordinarily restricted
  • Costly, and requires a dear reader to realize full efficiency on most units
  • Solely obtainable in 128GB or 256GB

$54 at SanDisk

A red microSD Express card sits on top of a small black microSD card reader, on top of a brown wooden table, next to a white stone drink coaster.A red microSD Express card sits on top of a small black microSD card reader, on top of a brown wooden table, next to a white stone drink coaster.

The Lexar Play Professional on high of Lexar’s RW540 microSD Categorical card reader. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

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

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

Ultimately, the Change 2 is the one actual purpose to purchase a microSD Categorical card proper now, and we will’t say for certain how totally different fashions will carry out on that system simply but. The “greatest” choice might find yourself being whichever one is least expensive. Nonetheless, the Play Professional is value grabbing when you should purchase an Categorical card at the moment and wish greater than 256GB of area.

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

We’ve not used it ourselves, however when you’re keen 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 may ship considerably quicker sequential write speeds than our UHS-I picks above. It’s one of many few UHS-II playing cards we may truly discover in inventory, but it surely’s dear, with a 128GB mannequin usually priced within the $35 to $40 vary.

The SanDisk Extreme successfully matched the Professional Plus in a couple of of our sequential assessments, however that was partly as a result 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 when you see it on sale at a good vendor, but it surely’s broadly slower than our high choose and infrequently prices extra.

The SanDisk GamePlay performs equally to the SanDisk Excessive however prices an excellent 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.

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.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro is a detailed 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.

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

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 had been too far behind all of our high picks, and it not seems to be obtainable in capacities above 256GB.

The very first thing to determine when shopping for a microSD card is how a lot space for storing you want. Trendy 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 current months as properly, which is thrilling, however these are nonetheless pretty uncommon (and really costly) by comparability.

For many, a 128GB or 256GB mannequin needs to be a candy spot between value and space for storing. However when you 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 supplies a greater cost-per-GB ratio. Nowadays, yow will discover a good 128GB card for round $15, an excellent 256GB card for lower than $30 and a strong 512GB card for round $40 (with quicker fashions priced just a little increased). There’s a starker enhance once you go as much as 1TB playing cards, which regularly value nearer to $100, although we’ve seen some fall into the $70 to $80 vary extra often over the past yr. The primary wave of 2TB playing cards are a fair greater leap: the 2TB SanDisk Extreme, for instance, now has an inventory value slightly below $250.

Be aware {that a} microSD card’s efficiency might 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 speak about microSD playing cards at the moment, we typically consult with playing cards that use the microSDXC (eXtended Capacity) standard, which have a capability between 32GB and 2TB. Your gadget must assist this for it to work with a microSDXC card. This may virtually by no means be a difficulty lately, however some older units (a Nintendo 3DS, for example) are solely appropriate with microSDHC (Excessive Capability) playing cards, which vary from 2GB to 32GB.

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 once you’re making an attempt to entry (learn) or save (write) lengthy, fixed streams of information, comparable 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 notably necessary. Random efficiency, in the meantime, is about how shortly a card can learn and write small recordsdata scattered all through the gadget.

Since random learn/write speeds are a lot decrease than sequential ones, storage gadget makers have a tendency to not promote them as loudly. However they’re necessary when you use a card with a gaming gadget 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 places.

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

A card’s Video Velocity Class, or V-rating, particulars its minimal sequential write pace, which is very necessary when recording video from a digicam. 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 pace of a minimum of 30 MB/s. This needs to be sufficient to assist as much as 4K video at decrease bitrates. Greater-rated V60 and V90 playing cards are often higher for capturing 8K, however they arrive at a a lot increased value.

The UHS Velocity Class, or U-rating, additionally refers to a card’s minimal sequential write pace. 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 Velocity 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 pace. This score is much less related these days, however you should still see a “C10” brand on some playing cards.

The Utility Efficiency spec, marked by an An emblem, is an indicator of random learn/write speeds. That is measured in IOPS, or enter/output operations per second, somewhat than MB/s. There are two classes right here: A1 playing cards supply a minimal random learn pace of 1,500 IOPS and a minimal random write pace 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 a minimum of 10 MB/s.

To maintain it easy, most individuals ought to search for a card with V30, U3 and A2 rankings. It’s completely attainable to get a strong card with out these: A U1 card is likely to be value it when you simply want an inexpensive, high-capacity choice, for instance. V60 and V90 playing cards are value a glance when you’re critical about taking pictures high-resolution photographs and video as properly. However total, playing cards with the certifications above ought to present the very best mix of value and efficiency at the moment.

It’s necessary to emphasise that these rankings are baselines. Most V30 playing cards supply considerably increased write speeds than 30 MB/s, for example, and a few A1 playing cards can outperform some A2 fashions in apply. The speeds marketed by producers aren’t at all times one hundred pc correct, both: Generally the cardboard will probably be slower in real-world use, different instances it could truly be a bit quicker.

The Samsung Pro Plus microSD card.The Samsung Pro Plus microSD card.

Samsung

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

UHS-II playing cards are sometimes those with these increased V60 or V90 rankings. When you shoot plenty of 4K to 8K video or often use burst mode to seize extremely high-res photographs, the efficiency positive factors of an excellent UHS-II card can prevent time.

Nevertheless, these are far more costly than UHS-I playing cards: This 128GB Lexar Professional Gold mannequin, for example, is a relative discount at $35. Whereas that is lower than many UHS-II fashions we’ve seen prior to now, it is nonetheless greater than double the widespread avenue value of our high choose 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 value premium for most individuals, so we caught principally to UHS-I playing cards with our suggestions.

Unlike traditional UHS-I cards, a microSD Express card like the SanDisk model on the right comes with a second row of pins to enable its improved performance.Unlike traditional UHS-I cards, a microSD Express card like the SanDisk model on the right comes with a second row of pins to enable its improved performance.

Not like conventional UHS-I playing cards, a microSD Categorical card just like the SanDisk mannequin on the precise comes with a second row of pins to allow its improved efficiency. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Absolutely the quickest microSD playing cards you should buy, nonetheless, are based mostly on a special interface known 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 not too long ago 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 common units natively assist SD Categorical at the moment. The primary main exception is the Nintendo Switch 2, which is only compatible with the newer normal, because it’s wanted to maintain up with the efficiency calls for of latest handheld video games.

In addition to SanDisk, producers like Samsung, Lexar and PNY have already launched microSD Categorical playing cards to go together with the console. The presumption is that having such a preferred gadget embrace the tech will solely additional its adoption and drive costs down.

Nevertheless it’s nonetheless early days, and proper now all microSD Categorical playing cards value far more than the very best UHS-I and even UHS-II choices. Past the Change 2, it’s attainable to reap the benefits of these playing cards’ superior speeds with a devoted SD Categorical card reader, however that provides much more to the ultimate value. It’s additionally value noting that SD Categorical playing cards should not backwards appropriate with UHS-II (or UHS-III), so when you 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 attraction if extra devices that assist the interface do arrive.

Whereas the UHS-I interface has a theoretical most of 104 MB/s, some UHS-I playing cards can exceed that pace by means of proprietary extensions. Nevertheless, you want a appropriate card reader and host gadget to reap the benefits of that further efficiency. When you discover a UHS-I card promoting speeds increased than 104 MB/s, that is what’s occurring. You’ll be able to see these limits in motion with an authentic Nintendo Change or Steam Deck: Both of those gaming units assist the UHS-I interface however don’t transcend its official pace, flattening any sequential positive factors some playing cards might have elsewhere. (Variations in random learn and write speeds can nonetheless matter, although.) The identical factor will occur when you plug a extra highly effective UHS-II or SD Categorical 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.

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 at all times good to have. Many producers supply lifetime or 10-year restricted warranties, although we’ve observed that “endurance” playing cards marketed to face up to extra hours of writing are often lined for a shorter time period. For instance, Samsung’s Pro Endurance, a mannequin geared toward safety cameras and different monitoring units, comes with a five-year guarantee.

The reminiscence card market has had a selected downside with scammers promoting faux merchandise. To protect in opposition to this, solely purchase from a identified model and a good retailer comparable to Greatest Purchase, B&H Picture or Adorama. When you store at Amazon, solely purchase if the shipper and vendor is Amazon.com. (That stated, a handful of customers have reported receiving counterfeits even from Amazon immediately prior to now, so train warning.) Bear in mind: If a value 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, verify 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 attainable, given its specs). You may as well use software program that’s designed to confirm the true capability and efficiency of your card, comparable to H2testw and FakeFlashTest.

A few of the microSD card readers we've used for testing.A few of the microSD card readers we've used for testing.

A couple of of the microSD card readers we have used for testing. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

We have put about 20 microSD playing cards by means of a sequence 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 a couple of “real-world” assessments. We copied and pasted a small folder of photographs 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 check 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. Nevertheless, if a card could possibly 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 consumers 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 had been solely capable of check higher-capacity fashions for a couple of choices. We additionally reformatted every card earlier than testing with the SD Affiliation’s Memory Card Formatter tool.

Might 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 Categorical playing cards. We’ve additionally added testing notes for the Lexar Play Professional microSD Categorical card and the extra normal 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 Categorical playing cards for a future replace, plus a couple of different current releases from Kingston, SanDisk, Lexar and PNY.

February 2025: We’ve up to date this information with a brand new high choose: the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus. The Samsung Professional Plus, our earlier suggestion, stays as a runner-up. We’ve additionally added SanDisk’s not too long ago launched microSD Categorical card as a choose for many who need absolutely the quickest card attainable, albeit with heavy caveats. This is without doubt one of the first microSD playing cards to make use of the SD Categorical 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 more moderen 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 not too long ago 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.

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