The Best MicroSD Cards of 2024

MicroSD cards typically offer adequate speeds to expand storage capacity and perform simple file transfers, although some stand out more than others in terms of value. If you have a device that supports microSD, such as a portable game console, a dashboard camera, a drone, or an Android tablet, a thorough market analysis has been conducted, and more than a dozen standout options have been tested through various performance evaluations. Below are the best recommendations and general tips for purchasing these cards.

What to Consider When Choosing a MicroSD

Capacity
When acquiring a microSD card, it's essential to determine how much storage space you need. Modern cards are usually available in capacities ranging from 32GB to 512GB, and an increasing number also offer 1TB options. Although there are already 2TB models from recognized manufacturers on the horizon, they are not yet common. For many users, the 128GB or 256GB options are the most balanced in terms of price and storage. However, if you require more capacity, such as for storing multiple games on a Steam Deck, a 512GB card or higher is a more suitable solution, as it generally offers a better cost per GB. Currently, you can find a 128GB card for around $15 or less, a 256GB one for under $30, and a 512GB one for under $40, although many can cost between $50 and $60. As for 1TB cards, the price usually hovers around $100.

It's crucial to keep in mind that the performance of a microSD card can vary depending on capacity. For instance, the SanDisk Extreme 128GB card offers sequential write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, while other higher-capacity models in the same line can reach up to 130 MB/s.

Currently, when referring to microSD cards, we usually mean those that utilize the microSDXC (eXtended Capacity) standard, which covers capacities from 32GB to 2TB. It's crucial that the device you are using is compatible with this standard for it to work with a microSDXC card. However, some older devices, like the Nintendo 3DS, are only compatible with microSDHC (High Capacity) cards, which range from 2GB to 32GB.

Read and Write Speeds
MicroSD cards are primarily evaluated based on their read and write speeds, which are measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Generally, the read speed is faster than the write speed on most cards. These metrics can be divided into sequential and random performance. Sequential speeds are relevant when accessing or saving large, constant data streams, such as opening a large video file or transferring a large batch of files between a PC and the card. This is crucial if you want to use the card for storing media. On the other hand, random performance measures how quickly a card can read and write small, scattered files on the device. Because random speeds are much lower than sequential ones, manufacturers don't usually promote them as heavily, but they are essential for gaming devices or single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, where quick access to small chunks of data in random locations is necessary.

Speed Class Ratings
When looking at a microSD card, you might notice a variety of numbers, letters, and symbols. Most refer to the speed class and performance ratings defined by the SD Association. The Video Speed Class, or V rating, indicates the minimum sequential write speed, which is critical when recording video from a camera. This rating ranges from V6 to V90. Most tested cards had a V30 rating, ensuring a minimum sequential write speed of at least 30 MB/s, sufficient to support 4K video at lower bitrates. Cards with higher ratings, such as V60 and V90, are ideal for recording in 8K, although they tend to be more expensive.

Another system, the UHS Speed Class (U), also indicates a minimum sequential write speed, with two variants: U3, which requires at least 30 MB/s, and U1, which is rated at 10 MB/s. The older Speed Class designation, marked with a "C," spans from Class 2 to Class 10, where the number indicates the minimum write speed. While this rating is less relevant today, you might encounter the "C10" logo on some cards.

UHS Performance and Bus Speed
Another specification to consider is the type of bus interface of the card. Most microSDs available on the market today are UHS-I, which have a theoretical maximum speed of 104 MB/s. There are also UHS-II cards, which have an additional row of pins on the back allowing them to reach speeds of up to 312 MB/s. The fastest UHS-II cards usually have V60 or V90 ratings. If you often record a lot of 4K to 8K video or use burst mode to capture high-resolution images, the performance of a good UHS-II card can save you time. However, they tend to be significantly more expensive than UHS-I cards.

Samsung recently announced the launch of a 256GB microSD card based on a different standard called SD Express, theoretically faster than the UHS-I or UHS-II options, achieving sequential read speeds of up to 800 MB/s. Although this standard has existed for a few years, its adoption has not been widespread, and it remains to be seen how this card will perform in practice and its cost.

Buying Warnings
Although many microSD cards are designed to be durable, it's advisable to opt for those that offer a guaranteed purchase extension. Most manufacturers provide warranties ranging from lifetime to limited 10-year coverage. However, "endurance" cards that are built for heavy use generally have shorter warranties.

Additionally, there is a recurring issue with counterfeit products in the memory card market. To avoid buying non-authentic products, it's best to purchase only from reputable brands and reliable retailers.

Thorough testing has been conducted on 13 microSD cards, evaluating their random and sequential performance through benchmarks and real-world usage tests with different files and applications. The standout cards in performance include:

• Samsung Pro Plus: With sequential write performance close to 130 MB/s, it is one of the fastest cards at a reasonable price.
• Samsung Pro Ultimate: It excels in faster sequential read speeds, although its price-to-value ratio might not be as attractive.
• Kingston Canvas Go Plus: Offers a solid balance of performance and price, standing out in sequential write speeds with a lifetime warranty.

Overall, when selecting a microSD card, it's crucial to consider the intended use, the type of device, and the balance between cost and performance you wish to achieve.