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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 slightly extra worth than others. For those who’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 splash cam, a drone or an Android tablet — we’ve scoured the market and put shut to twenty prime contenders by way of quite a few benchmark checks. Yow will discover our suggestions for the most effective microSD playing cards under, alongside some common procuring recommendation before you purchase.

Lexar

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Pace 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 most effective worth of those we’ve examined. Paired with Lexar’s USB card reader, it persistently delivered quicker sequential reads and writes than another UHS-I mannequin throughout our benchmark checks. 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 prime picks. It successfully tied the Professional Final to guide all UHS-I playing cards we’ve tried in studying that check file again to our PC. (That one averaged about 67 seconds, in the event you’re holding rating at residence.) Each Samsung playing cards and some others beat the Silver Plus in some random efficiency benchmarks, although it was nonetheless a lot aggressive in that regard. Both method, it has all of the requisite scores — 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 system 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 purchase individually or as a part of a bundle — is a bit giant, nevertheless it 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 on the market for $15, whereas the 256GB, 512GB and 1TB variants have been going for about $22, $40 and $85, respectively. These aren’t the most affordable costs we’ve ever seen, and the maths will change a bit if you want to consider a card reader, however they both undercut or match rivals just like the Professional Plus, Professional Final or SanDisk Excessive regardless of the Silver Plus being the extra performant card general. So, to recap: It’s quick, it’s sturdy and it’s moderately inexpensive. That’s the recipe for a simple advice.

Professionals

  • Quickest sequential learn/write efficiency of any UHS-I card we have examined
  • Cheaper than many slower options
  • Has a 1TB possibility
  • 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 | Pace lessons: U3, V30, A2, Class 10 | Guarantee: 10-year restricted

Storage costs are inclined to fluctuate, nevertheless, and the Samsung Pro Plus — our former “finest for many” choose — remains to be value contemplating in the event you see it out there 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 have been typically second to the pricier Samsung Pro Ultimate, however solely by slightly, so it’s well-suited for a transportable sport console or another setup the place it’d be requested to entry tiny bits of knowledge scattered all through a tool. It’s held up completely wonderful in our long-term testing as properly. That mentioned, the Silver Plus is the higher card when it’s in the identical value vary, plus Samsung’s has a shorter 10-year guarantee.

For those who 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 equivalent efficiency scores, however these normally price a couple of dollars additional. 

Professionals

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

  • Slower than our prime 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 era” mannequin solely) | Pace 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 prime picks, significantly with regards to sequential write speeds (just below 70 MB/s on CrystalDiskMark). So we don’t suggest it for any form of digicam. Nonetheless, it’s completely usable for easy storage growth, and its sequential and random learn speeds have been nonetheless respectable in our benchmarks.

Most significantly, it’s normally 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 may very well be significantly wonderful values in the event you simply desire a big chunk of area from a good model on a budget. That mentioned, you must nonetheless seize the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus or Samsung Professional Plus as an alternative if both one is anyplace shut in value.

Professionals

  • Usually discounted
  • Acceptable efficiency if value is chief concern
  • Has a 1TB possibility
Cons

  • Slower than different prime picks, significantly 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 | Pace 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 nearly definitely don’t want the SanDisk microSD Express Card, or another microSD Categorical card, simply but. Except for Nintendo’s new handheld, units that natively help this commonplace are exceedingly unusual proper now, and this specific card is very costly, beginning at $56 for 128GB.

As a result of microSD Categorical units aren’t widespread but, you will 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 in the event you simply need to stash and transfer recordsdata. To additional that time, SanDisk’s card is barely out there in 128GB or 256GB capacities.

A few other Express cards will provide extra room for much less money, however most of these have been both simply launched or aren’t but out there; we plan to check them for a future replace. Plus, even in the event you do get a Change 2, the costs in the present day are in all probability as costly as they’ll ever get. It additionally stays to be seen if the console will even permit for important efficiency variations between playing cards. So in the event you can maintain out, you must.

Right here’s hoping the Change 2 does lead microSD Categorical to change 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 just below 900 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark and ATTO, which was according to 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 will 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 seen that write speeds would begin round 530 MB/s then dip nearer to 210 MB/s till the switch was full. Positive 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 must 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 most effective UHS-I fashions we’ve examined by way of 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 related, and in some benchmarks even larger.

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 contemplate the SanDisk microSD Categorical Card proper now. It’s a real leap ahead, however you’ll must 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 help microSD Categorical moreover Change 2 are extraordinarily restricted
  • Costly, and requires a dear reader to realize full efficiency on most units
  • Solely out there 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 prime 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 out there 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 jot down our bigger check 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 necessary for lowering load instances with the Change 2 in principle. The improved sequential writes have 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 vastly totally different, so each must be equally adept at holding bigger video games like Mario Kart World working clean.

In the long run, the Change 2 is the one actual cause 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 “finest” possibility could find yourself being whichever one is least expensive. However, the Play Professional is value grabbing in the event you should purchase an Categorical card in the present day and need greater than 256GB of area.

The Samsung Pro Ultimate was the closest competitor to the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus throughout our benchmark checks, nevertheless it’s tangibly worse by way of sequential write speeds, sometimes prices extra and doesn’t provide a 1TB possibility. The Samsung Professional Plus is a bit slower for sequential reads, nevertheless it’s shut sufficient in any other case and normally simpler to seek out at a lower cost.

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We’ve not used it ourselves, however in the event you’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 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, nevertheless it’s dear, with a 128GB mannequin usually priced within the $35 to $40 vary.

The SanDisk Extreme successfully matched the Professional Plus in a number of of our sequential checks, however that was partly attributable to us solely with the ability to safe the 256GB mannequin, which is higher-rated than the 128GB model. It’s a wonderful selection in the event you see it on sale at a good vendor, nevertheless it’s broadly slower than our prime choose and sometimes prices extra.

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The SanDisk GamePlay performs equally to the SanDisk Excessive however prices a very good bit additional 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 in need of our prime 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 additional for having an image of Pikachu (or Gengar, or Snorlax) on a product you’ll by no means have a look at.

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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.

The PNY XLR8 is an inexpensive card that comes with as much as 512GB of area. Its sequential and random writes speeds checked in slightly 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.

The PNY Elite-X typically 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 prime picks, and it not seems to be out there 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 out there in sizes starting from 32GB to 512GB, with a number of fashions now out there 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 value and space for storing. However in the event you want extra room — say, for stashing a bunch of video games on a Steam Deck — a 512GB card or larger may make extra sense and sometimes gives a greater cost-per-GB ratio. Nowadays, yow will discover an honest 128GB card for round $15, a very good 256GB card for lower than $30 and a strong 512GB card for round $40 (with quicker fashions priced slightly increased). There’s a starker enhance once you go as much as 1TB playing cards, which frequently price nearer to $100, although we’ve seen some fall into the $70 to $80 vary extra ceaselessly during the last yr. The primary wave of 2TB playing cards are an excellent greater leap: the 2TB SanDisk Extreme, for instance, now has an inventory value just below $250.

Be aware {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 provide as much as 130 MB/s.

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

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MicroSD playing cards are primarily judged on their learn and write speeds, that are normally 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 attempting to entry (learn) or save (write) lengthy, fixed streams of knowledge, equivalent to opening a big video or copying a giant batch of recordsdata from a PC. If you wish to use a microSD card for media storage, that is significantly necessary. 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 necessary in the event you use a card with a gaming system or a single-board laptop just like the Raspberry Pi, the place it typically has to quickly save and entry small bits of knowledge in random places.

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For those who have a look at a microSD card, you’ll see a buffet of numbers, letters and symbols. Most of those discuss with the cardboard’s speed class and efficiency scores, 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 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 velocity of a minimum of 30 MB/s. This must be sufficient to help as much as 4K video at decrease bitrates. Greater-rated V60 and V90 playing cards are normally higher for capturing 8K, however they arrive at a a lot increased price.

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 programs. 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” brand on some playing cards.

The Software 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, relatively than MB/s. There are two classes right here: A1 playing cards provide 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 couple of,000 IOPS, respectively. Each scores 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 scores. It’s completely attainable to get a strong card with out these: A U1 card may be value it in the event you simply want an affordable, high-capacity possibility, for instance. V60 and V90 playing cards are value a glance in the event you’re severe about taking pictures high-resolution photographs and video as properly. However general, playing cards with the certifications above ought to present the most effective mix of value and efficiency in the present day.

It’s necessary to emphasise that these scores are baselines. Most V30 playing cards provide 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 can 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 out there 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 might attain as much as 312 MB/s. (A UHS-III commonplace technically exists as properly however hasn’t seen vast 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 scores. For those who shoot numerous 4K to 8K video or ceaselessly use burst mode to seize extremely high-res photographs, the efficiency positive aspects of a very good UHS-II card can prevent time.

Nonetheless, these are far more costly than UHS-I playing cards: This 128GB Lexar Professional Gold mannequin, for example, is a relative cut price at $35. Whereas that is lower than many UHS-II fashions we’ve seen up to now, it is nonetheless greater than double the frequent avenue value of our prime 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 well 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.

In contrast to conventional UHS-I playing cards, a microSD Categorical card just like the SanDisk mannequin on the suitable comes with a second row of pins to allow its improved efficiency. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Absolutely the quickest microSD playing cards you should purchase, nevertheless, are primarily based on a unique 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 not too long ago launched microSD Express card, one of many first commercially out there 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 help SD Categorical in the present day. The primary main exception is the Nintendo Switch 2, which is only compatible with the newer commonplace, because it’s wanted to maintain up with the efficiency calls for of recent handheld video games.

In addition to SanDisk, producers like Samsung, Lexar and PNY have already launched microSD Categorical playing cards to go along with the console. The presumption is that having such a preferred system 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 price far more than the most effective UHS-I and even UHS-II choices. Past the Change 2, it’s attainable to make the most of these playing cards’ superior speeds with a devoted SD Categorical card reader, however that provides much more to the ultimate price. It’s additionally value noting that SD Categorical playing cards usually are not backwards appropriate with UHS-II (or UHS-III), so in the event 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 enchantment if extra devices that help the interface do arrive.

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Whereas the UHS-I interface has a theoretical most of 104 MB/s, some UHS-I playing cards can exceed that velocity by way of proprietary extensions. Nonetheless, you want a appropriate card reader and host system to make the most of that additional efficiency. For those who discover a UHS-I card promoting speeds increased than 104 MB/s, that is what’s occurring. You possibly can see these limits in motion with an authentic Nintendo Change or Steam Deck: Both of those gaming units help the UHS-I interface however don’t transcend its official velocity, flattening any sequential positive aspects some playing cards could have elsewhere. (Variations in random learn and write speeds can nonetheless matter, although.) The identical factor will occur in the event 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, a protracted guarantee is at all times good to have. Many producers provide lifetime or 10-year restricted warranties, although we’ve seen that “endurance” playing cards marketed to resist extra hours of writing are normally lined 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.

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 equivalent to Finest Purchase, B&H Picture or Adorama. For those who 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 instantly up to now, so train warning.) Bear in mind: If a value appears too good to be true, it in all probability is. Be cautious of any retailer providing a considerably lower cost than everybody else.

When you obtain a card, examine its packaging for any irregularities. You possibly can run benchmark checks like CrystalDiskMark or BlackMagic Disk Speed Test to confirm its speeds aren’t drastically decrease than what’s marketed (or attainable, given its specs). It’s also possible to use software program that’s designed to confirm the true capability and efficiency of your card, equivalent 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.

Just a few of the microSD card readers we have used for testing. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

We have put about 20 microSD playing cards by way of a sequence of checks 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 number of “real-world” checks. We copied and pasted a small folder of photographs about 1.15GB in dimension to and from every card, then did the identical with a bigger 12.2GB folder containing a number of file sorts 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 sport 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. Nonetheless, if a card may very well 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 each time we may, although we have been solely capable of check higher-capacity fashions for a number 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 replicate 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 commonplace 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 number of different latest releases from Kingston, SanDisk, Lexar and PNY.

February 2025: We’ve up to date this information with a brand new prime choose: the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus. The Samsung Professional Plus, our earlier advice, 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 likely 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 prime 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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