9 Best Micro SD Cards in 2023

With many brands offering micro SD cards, it isn’t hard to get lost. Which one to choose? Which features to look for? How to identify a strong performer?

Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and made this list of the 9 best micro SD cards in 2023! Keep reading to compare them and find the one for your next project. The gear world may look complicated at first, but not if you keep educating yourself. Check our guide to camera equipment and find all the basics there.

Samsung Evo Plus microSD card

This memory card by Samsung can handle the needs of almost any device with its top-notch speed class and read speed. You can buy it in several different capacities between 64GB and 512GB, and its read and write speeds are both high and efficient, ensuring uninterrupted and smooth transfer. The Evo Plus card can also withstand working in extreme environments, being water, shock, and temperature-proof.

Key specs:

• Speed UHS-I U3 A2, V30, C10
• Maximum read: 130MB/s
• Maximum write: 130MB/s
• Durability: Water / Shock / Temperature / Drop proof
• Warranty: 10 years
  

Capacity: 128 / 256 / 512GB

Pros:

• Good value
• Ideal for high-resolution recording

Cons:

• Write speeds slower than claimed
  

SanDisk Extreme Plus microSD card

The SanDisk Extreme Plus card is made for those who seek both speed and performance. The Extreme Plus microSD cards come in different capacities and deliver astonishingly fast read speed. The price is a little higher than for competing cards, but considering what you get in the package, this card is definitely worth the investment.

Key specs:

• A2 / UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
• Maximum Read Speed: 170 MB/s
• Maximum Write Speed: 90 MB/s
• Durability: Shockproof, Temperature Extremes, Waterproof, X-Ray Proof
• Records Full HD, 3D, and 4K Video
  

Capacity: 32 / 64 / 128GB

Pros:

• Very fast speeds
• Good at writing small files

Cons:

• Cheaper alternatives are available
  

Lexar 1066x microSD card

The Lexar 1066x is a competitively priced micro SD card with fast write and read speeds and several capacity variations. The 1066x is great for capturing and transferring 4K video, can perform in extreme weather conditions, and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Key specs:

• Speed ratings: Class 10, U3, UHS-I, A2
• Read speed: up to 160MB/sec
• Write speed: up to 120MB/sec
• Durability: Water / Shock / Vibration / X-Ray Proof
• Includes UHS-I microSD to SD Adapter
  

Capacity: 64 / 128 / 256 / 512GB

Pros:

• Broad capacity options
• Decent transfer speeds

Cons:

• UHS-I standard
  

Integral 512GB microSDXC Class 10 Memory Card

The Integral micro SD card for 512 GB guarantees a minimum of 10MB/s sequential writes which is enough for plenty of 4K video footage. With decent read and write speeds, and extreme weather features, this card is a compelling option on the market for its price, but if you’re up for a serious game, consider some stronger alternatives.

Key specs:

• Read speed: 100MB/s
• Write speed: 80MB/s
• Durability: Shock / Water /  X-ray / Temperature proof
• Warranty: 5 years
• Shoots 4K UHD video

Capacity: 512GB

Pros:

• Large capacity
• Good speeds

Cons:

• Slow speeds for video
  

SanDisk MicroSD Nintendo Switch

The SaDisks’s micro SD for Nintendo Switch is a lovely choice for game storage with a lifetime warranty. The Nintendo brand gives the price a little boost compared to other non-branded alternatives, but with equivalent specs, the SanDisk memory card is a compelling option. Class 10 speed means this little yellow friend is a no-slouch as well.

Key specs:

• Speed class: Class 10 / U1
• Read speed: Up to 100MB/s
• Write speed: Up to 90MB/S
• Durability: Water / Shock / X-Ray / Temperature proof
• Warranty: Lifetime

Capacity: 64/128/256GB

Pros:

• Officially licensed
• Lifetime warranty
• Fast speeds
  

Cons:

• Limited capacity options
  

SanDisk Ultra 512GB Memory Card

The SanDisk Ultra will check almost any box - add more storage to Nintendo Switch (hello to our previous micro SD on the list), boost the storage on your phone, laptop, or GoPro. It’s an affordable option that comes with decent speeds and weather resistance features.

Key specs:

• UHS-I / A1 / Class 10
• Read Speed: Maximum: 120 MB/s
• Write Speed: Minimum: 10 MB/s
• Durability: Magnet-Proof, Shockproof, Temperature Extremes, Waterproof, X-Ray Proof
• Warranty: 10 years

Capacity: 512GB

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Compatible across multiple systems

Cons:

• Transfer speeds are comparatively slow for USB 3.0
  

Integral Ultima Pro Premium High Speed

The Integral Ultima Pro is a versatile card compatible with almost any device and application. Its Class 10 classification guarantees a minimum 10MB sustained write speed per second, making it perfect for continuous high-definition video recording. When used with devices supporting the UHS-1 interface, write and read speeds can go as high as 60MB/s and 35MB/s.

Key specs:

• Speed ratings: Class 10, U3, UHS-I, A1
• Read speed: up to 180MB/s
• Write speed: up to 130MB/s
• Durability: Shock / Water / X-ray / Temperature proof
• Warranty: 5 years
  

Capacity: 64 / 128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB

Pros:

• Included card reader
• Fast transfer speeds
  

Cons:

• Full potential is not realized with the majority of current cameras

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus

Kingston’s high-performance micro SD card is fast enough for just about anything. The Canvas Go does its job just as superbly for a 4K action camera as it does for Android smartphones. With several capacity options, you’ll find the 128GB version is priced affordably, while higher storage options will come in a more expensive range.

Key specs:

• Speed ratings: U3, UHS-I, A2, V30
• Read speed: up to 170MB/s
• Write speed: up to 90MB/s
• Durability: Water / Shock / Vibration / X-Ray / Temperature proof
• Warranty: Lifetime

Capacity: 64 / 128 / 256 / 512 GB

Pros:

• Fastest UHS I MicroSDXC Card
• Lifetime warranty
• SD adapter included in the package

Cons:

• Pricey
  

PNY Elite-X (128 GB)

The PNY Elite-X is an excellent option when it comes to performance and speed. Equipped with Class 10, U3, and V30, it allows you to record Ultra HD 4K videos at the resolution of 4096x3072p at 60 or 120 fps and store up to 128GB of files. The applications run from the micro SD card are faster than the competing ones, and PNY made its card almost universally compatible, fitting tablets, smartphones, action cameras, 360 degrees cameras, dash cameras, computers, camcorders, laptops, and drones.

Key specs:

• UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10 / A1
• Max Read Speed: 100 MB/s
• Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s
• Records Full HD, 3D, and 4K Video
• Records 360° Video
• Water / Shock / Magnet / Temperature Proof

Capacity: 128GB

Pros:

• Fast reading speed
• Excellent performance for recording 4k videos
• SD adapter included

Cons:

• Can’t sustain heat
  

How we picked the best

Storage capacity

Most cards come at several capacity options, and we think - the more, the better. Some cards top at offering 512 GB, and some even have 1TB worth of storage. The bigger the storage, the more flexibility you’ll have with shooting as much content as you want, especially if we are talking 4K video.

Minimum expected performance

Micro SD cards are divided into classes that give an idea of the minimum performance to be expected. A Class 4 card will deliver at least 4MBps, while Class 10 normally surpasses 10MBps.

Transfer speed

There are certain standards when it comes to transferring speeds that directly influence the performance of your micro SD card. UHS-I has a maximum speed of 104MB/sec, UHS-II takes that up to 312MB/sec, and the latest UHS-III standard offers speeds of up to 624MB/sec in both directions simultaneously. The SD Express standard takes it up to a staggering 985MB/sec.

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