The Best Micro SD Memory Cards
We compared four microSD cards on owner ratings, read and write speeds, and durability. The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card is our top pick for its balance of speed, capacity, and price.
Updated
The bottom line
The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card is our top pick for its combination of high capacity, fast read speeds up to 195MB/s, and a reasonable price of $45.88. It's optimized for app performance and includes a USB-A reader. The Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC is a close runner-up with similar capacity and read speeds up to 100MB/s, priced at $62.69. For those needing less capacity, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD Card offers high read speeds up to 245MB/s for $38.69, making it a budget pick. The SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSD Card is also great for those needing less storage but still wanting high performance.
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card $45.88
Best balance of speed, capacity, and price
The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card offers fast read speeds up to 195MB/s and a large capacity for $45.88. It's optimized for app performance and includes a USB-A reader. The tradeoff is its slightly higher price compared to the runner-up.
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Amazon Basics microSDXC Memory Card $62.69
High capacity and read speeds at a slightly higher price
The Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC offers read speeds up to 100MB/s and a large capacity for $62.69. It's durable and comes with a full-size adapter. The tradeoff is its lower read speeds compared to the top pick.
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SANDISK 128GB Extreme microSD Card $38.69
High read speeds for a lower price
The SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD Card offers read speeds up to 245MB/s for $38.69. It's durable and compatible with various devices. The tradeoff is its lower capacity compared to the top pick.
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SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSD Card Adapter $31.99
High performance for those needing less storage
The SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSD Card offers read speeds up to 245MB/s and is durable for $31.99. It's suitable for drones and cameras. The tradeoff is its lower capacity compared to the top pick.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card Best balance of speed, capacity, and price 9.0/10 $45.88 Amazon
- Amazon Basics microSDXC Memory Card High capacity and read speeds at a slightly higher price 8.5/10 $62.69 Amazon
- SANDISK 128GB Extreme microSD Card High read speeds for a lower price 8.0/10 $38.69 Amazon
- SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSD Card Adapter High performance for those needing less storage 7.5/10 $31.99 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
Owners of the SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card report fast app launches and smooth file transfers, thanks to its high read speeds and A1 app performance rating. The Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC is praised for its durability and reliable performance, though some owners note that the actual usable capacity is slightly less than advertised. The SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD Card is favored for its high read speeds and value for money, making it a popular choice for drone and camera users. The SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSD Card is noted for its high performance and ease of use with DJI drones.
Who should buy which
The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Card is best for users who need a high-capacity card with fast read speeds for app performance. The Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC is a good choice for those who prioritize durability and reliability. The SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD Card is best for budget-conscious users who still want high read speeds. The SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSD Card is suitable for users who need high performance but require less storage capacity.