The Best MicroSD Card for 2023
Peruse our list to get you the best MicroSD card, with reliable speed and the capacity to meet all your storage needs.
When microSD cards first came into play, they were a game-changer. The ability to add storage to devices that previously had none was incredible. As we move into the future, staying up-to-date on the latest technology is important. The microSD card is one of the most important technologies for many people today.
Nowadays, MicroSD cards are used in many devices, such as phones, laptops, and cameras. They provide extra storage space for files, photos, games, and videos. MicroSD cards come in different sizes, speeds, and brands. It is a hustle to keep track of all the different options and figure out which one is best for you. However, we’re here to help. We’ve researched and comprehensively reviewed the best microSD cards for you to choose from, depending on your needs.
How We Picked
Speed
The speed of a MicroSD card is determined by its class. The classes range from Class 0-Class X, with Class 0 being the slowest and Class X being the fastest. You will want to choose a card with a higher class if you are using it for activities that require quick transfer speeds, such as recording video.
Capacity
Capacity refers to how much data the MicroSD card can hold. The capacity is measured in gigabytes(GB). The higher the capacity, the more data the card can hold. If you plan to store a lot of data, you’d want to choose a card with a higher capacity.
Warranty
The warranty protects you in case the card fails or is defective. Many companies offer a limited warranty of around two to five years. Choosing a card with a good warranty is important to ensure you get a replacement if it fails or stops working properly.
Cost-Effectiveness
The price of a microSD card can vary depending on the brand, capacity, speed, and warranty. When choosing a microSD card, it is wise to balance price and quality. You don't want to spend a lot of money on a card that isn't of good quality or too little and end up with a flimsy one.
Our Top Picks
Our Top Pick
SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch
Large storage capacity and fast write and read speeds.
The SanDisk MicroSD Card has a large capacity and is fast enough to keep up with the demands of high-resolution video recording and gaming.
This microSD card is pricier than others, but its performance is unmatched.
Our Runner-Up
The Samsung EVO Select
Decent storage capacity and transfer speeds.
The Samsung EVO Select is a good option for people who need extra storage space but are not keen on getting exceptional file transfer speeds.
Decent speed for seamless file transfers.
Most Cost-Effective
PNY Pro Elite MicroSD Card
A high-speed card with an attractive price tag.
The PNY Pro Elite is a good choice for people looking for a high-speed card but who don't need much storage space. It also favors people looking for a cheaper option.
It can be used in action cameras, drones, smartphones, and tablets to capture adventures in Full HD and 4K Ultra HD
Everything We Recommend
Our Top Pick
SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch
Large storage capacity and fast write and read speeds.
$17.48
Most Cost-Effective
PNY Pro Elite MicroSD Card
A high-speed card with an attractive price tag.
$19.98
Who This Is For
This review is for anyone looking to buy a microSD card or struggling with storage on any of their smart devices.
Difference between SD and microSD cards
The main difference between SD and MicroSD cards is the form factor. SD cards are larger, while MicroSD cards are smaller.
Does my device need a special slot for a microSD card?
No, your device does not need a special slot for a microSD card. All devices that use SD cards have a slot compatible with MicroSD cards or an adapter that can be used with MicroSD cards.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have years of experience in the tech industry and have reviewed hundreds of products. We also work closely with experts in the field to get their input and feedback on our reviews. We are also users of SD cards, and we only recommend the best, since we use the best.
How We Picked
It is quite a hustle to choose the best microSD card with so many companies now offering them. To make things easier for you, we have gone through the trouble of finding fakes, testing the top models, and weeding out the underperformers to come up with a list of what we believe are the best yet affordable microSD cards.
We considered speed, which indicates the minimum transfer speed of each microSD card. The speed class is denoted by a number from 0-X. Class 0 is the slowest, and Class X is the fastest. We evaluated the capacity measured in gigabytes(GB) to ensure you had enough space. The higher the capacity, the more data the card can hold. We then picked various sizes for tests to ensure they are not too big or too small for handling purposes and are compatible with various devices, from digital cameras to laptops and smartphones.
The cards’ durability and performance were stringently evaluated in our tests to affirm their reliability. On the other hand, each company’s warranty matters a lot for security. The best microSD cards have a warranty of at least five years, assuring you of replacement or repair in case they fail to function as they are supposed to. During our research, we compared various microSD cards within the same price range for functionality and vice-versa to ensure you get value for your money.
Our Picks For You
Our Top Pick - SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch
Our Top Pick
SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch
Large storage capacity and fast write and read speeds.
The SanDisk MicroSD Card has a large capacity and is fast enough to keep up with the demands of high-resolution video recording and gaming.
Who It's For
The SanDisk MicroSDXC card is a great option for videographers and gamers. It has a large capacity and is fast enough to keep up with the demands of high-resolution video recording and gaming.
Why It's Great
This card can withstand extreme temperatures, water, and shocks. The SanDisk MicroSDXC card is compatible with game consoles, action cameras, tablets, and even phones. SanDisk offers a lifetime warranty on this MicroSD card.
Potential Flaws
This card is listed among those on the expensive side. It might also be a drawback if you consider one of GoPro's recommended cards, since the SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch is not yet listed.
Other Features
The SanDisk MicroSDXC card for the Nintendo Switch has fast read and write speeds of 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively. That makes it ideal for recording high-resolution video and gaming.
The SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch we evaluated is available for 128 GB, giving you adequate storage space to store all your videos, photos, and games. The SanDisk MicroSDXC card for Nintendo Switch is also A-rated for durability.
When you purchase the SanDisk MicroSDXC card for the Nintendo Switch, you will get the card and an adapter that you can use with devices that even contain full-size SD card slots. The adapter is also great for transferring files from your computer to the microSD card. This MicroSD card is very efficient. It is very fast at transferring data.
Our Runner-Up - The Samsung EVO Select
Our Runner-Up
The Samsung EVO Select
Decent storage capacity and transfer speeds.
The Samsung EVO Select is a good option for people who need extra storage space but are not keen on getting exceptional file transfer speeds.
Who It's For
The Samsung EVO Select is a great microSD card for those looking for fast read and write speeds and a high storage capacity.
Why It's Great
The Samsung EVO Select has read and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively. It has a 4-proof protection system that guards your data against water, extreme temperatures, x-rays, and magnets. It has excellent 4K UHD video performance and broad compatibility across multiple applications and devices.
Potential Flaws
The MicroSD card is available with a capacity of up to 256GB. However, the one reviewed is 128 GB and is great for storing large files such as videos and high-resolution photos. The Samsung EVO Select also has a class-leading warranty of up to ten years. Its cost per GB is higher than some of the other microSD cards on this list.
Other Features
The microSD card is compatible with multiple devices with both SD and MicroSD card slots. It comes with an SD adapter that fits devices from almost every brand while preserving EVO Select's outstanding speed and performance. It is effective because you can even capture detailed 4K UHD video and have excellent performance on various gadgets.
Most Cost-Effective - PNY Pro Elite MicroSD Card
Most Cost-Effective
PNY Pro Elite MicroSD Card
A high-speed card with an attractive price tag.
The PNY Pro Elite is a good choice for people looking for a high-speed card but who don't need much storage space. It also favors people looking for a cheaper option.
Who It's For
The PNY Pro Elite is a great microSD card for those looking for a durable, high-performance card that does not cost a lot. It is a perfect card for Android app stores.
Why It's Great
The microSD card works with 4K Ultra HD, Full HD & HD enabled devices across various brands. However, it does not have the fastest read and write speeds.
Potential Flaws
The microSD card has read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively. This means it's not the fastest card on this list, but it's still pretty fast for most uses. The PNY Pro Elite's capacity is 128 GB, so it is spacious enough for data storage.
Other Features
The PNY Pro Elite comes with a USB Type-C and USB Type-A adapter so that the microSD card offers good performance for tablets, smartphones, drones, surveillance cameras, action cameras, and gaming consoles. With its capacity, you can store and transfer data without worrying about running out of space.
Almost Made The Cut - Lexar Professional 1066x
Almost Made The Cut
Lexar Professional 1066x
Great for recording video
The MicroSD card is fast and is available in various capacities, making it great for storing large files such as videos and high-resolution photos.
Who It's For
The Lexar Professional is a great microSD card for those looking for fast read and write speeds and a high storage capacity, especially when our first two picks are out of stock. The MicroSD card is fast and is available in various capacities, making it great for storing large files such as videos and high-resolution photos.
Why It's Great
It is compatible with multiple devices for both SD and MicroSD. It comes with an SD adapter that fits devices from almost every brand while preserving Lexar Professional's outstanding speed and performance. The card is shock and vibration-resistant up to a certain degree, and it has protection against X-ray exposure based on ISO7816-1 guidelines. That makes it an effective card to have.
Potential Flaws
The Lexar Professional has a shorter warranty than some of the other microSD cards on this list.
Other Features
The Lexar Professional has read and write speeds of up to 150MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively. It is available in a 128 GB capacity, although you can get up to 512 GB, making it one of the most spacious cards on this list. The Lexar Professional also has a warranty of up to three years.
Care and Maintenance
One way to keep your microSD card safe from damage is to keep it in a protective case or sleeve. This will help to protect the card from physical damage, such as scratches and bumps. You should also avoid exposing the card to extreme temperatures, as this can damage the circuitry. Finally, keep the card away from strong magnets, which can also damage the card.
When you’re not using your microSD card, it’s important to store it safely. Keeping the card in a protective case or sleeve is a good option. Such cases are designed to protect the card from physical damage, dust, and other contaminants. They are durable materials that will help extend your card’s life.
You can also store the card in a static-free bag, which will help to protect it from static electricity. If you don’t have a static-free bag, you can store the card in an anti-static container. You should also format your microSD card regularly to ensure it stays in good working condition. Depending on how often you use the card, you may need to format it as often as once a month or every few months.
When you format the card, all the card data will be erased. Therefore, before you format the card, back up any important files you don’t want to lose. Once the card has been formatted, you can then restore the backed-up files to the card.
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