The best memory cards are highly versatile, quick and spacious little storage devices. They are adopted widely in the tech market, with compatibility appearing on everything from smartphones and laptops to drones and gaming consoles. Matching their broad application is a broad selection of memory cards, with options coming in formats, sizes and speeds.
One of the most general applications for memory cards is smartphones and tablets. With the addition of a memory card, these devices gain extra storage space for more music, photos and video. The same goes for small and affordable laptops, notebooks and Chromebooks - such portable PCs typically forgo large and heavy storage options, which can be tricky for anyone dealing with masses of files. A quick memory card expansion can solve this problem.
It’s a similar story with the Nintendo Switch. With its vast digital library, the 32GB internal storage of the Switch and Switch Lite soon fills up. Even the upcoming OLED model is likely to fill quickly, even with its upgraded 64GB internal storage. Thankfully, the Switch console supports microSD memory cards up to 512GB - that’s more than enough space for even the most dedicated Nintendo fan.
Then there are more specialist applications. Without one of the best memory cards, digital cameras, photographic drones and action cameras cannot perform to their fullest. In such applications, greater significance is placed on the speed, size and durability of a memory card.
Below, we have rounded up the best memory cards, with options suiting everyday smartphone use through professional photography applications.
What to look for in the best memory card:
Capacity
Capacity refers to the amount of storage space a memory card carries. The best size for you depends on how the card will be used and the maximum capacity a device can handle.
Capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB). 1GB can store roughly 130 photos taken by a 22MP camera or about 230 MP3 music files. 1TB is equal to 1,000GB.
Type
The type of memory card you need depends on the intended use and device compatibility. The three most popular types of memory cards are SD, SDHC and SDXC. These cards are also available in standard and 'micro' formats. We discuss the differences in detail at the bottom of the page.
Speed
A memory card is nothing without speed. The rate at which a card can read and write information will determine how useful it is. If you are looking to take burst photographs and film in 4K, higher speeds will prevent prolonged buffering. The read and write speeds of a memory card are measure in megabytes per second (MB/s).
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The Best Memory Cards
Sizes: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB A favourite among photographers, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC USH-I is a reliable, speedy and affordable memory card. Its shot speed of 90MB/s and max transfer speed of 170MB/s makes it capable of handling burst images and 4K video. Available in 64GB - 1TB capacities. api For intrepid shooters, the memory card is proofed against temperature, water, shocks, and x-rays. The little slider on the side sets the card to read-only, so files are protected during transfer to a PC or tablet.
Sizes: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB As the name suggests, the Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 2000x is a memory card that will appeal to pro and semi-pro applications. There are two reasons for this; first, the USH-II read/write speeds of 300-260MB/s are hugely attractive, and second is the price. The speed of the card makes light work of burst RAW files and 4K footage and helps speed up post-production. However, these excellent speeds result in a higher cost that lowers the appeal for casual and budget photographers. The 2000X is highly durable and available in 32GB, 24GB and 128GB capacities.
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Sizes: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB As a microSDXC UHS-I, this card from SanDisk provides Switch owners with a nippy performance on digitally stored games, thanks to the 100MB/s read speed. The 90MB/s write speed is handy, allowing screenshots and in-game videos to save smoothly. Available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, each size carries a different colour and Nintendo franchise icon. While it is a nice treat for any Nintendo fan to pick up branded products, the console can use standard microSD options just as well.
Sizes: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB For simple microSD needs, the Samsung EVO Plus is here. It has a read speed of 100MB/s and writes at 90MB/s, which is plenty for everyday purposes (including 4K video). Thereu2019s nice durability, including water and temperature proofing. Itu2019s affordable, and comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities.
Sizes: 32GB, 34GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, 1TB The SanDisk Extreme microSD card is a versatile card thatu2019s just as at home in a smartphone as in a drone. Its read and write speeds of 160/90MB/s make for a speedy performance across the board. The range of capacities (32GB - 1TB) means that youu2019re never overpaying - you can get the card thatu2019s just right for your requirement. The strong durability also provides peace of mind.
Sizes: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB Affordable and reliable, the Integral ultimaPRO micro SD is a good pick for anyone looking for cheap but functional memory. It has a slower write speed than other options listed here, sitting at only 50MB/s, but the read speed is solid, maxing out at 100MB/s. The durability is good, and it comes with an adapter, adding some welcome versatility.
Memory Card Types
SD and microSD (SD: Secure Digital)
SD cards are the oldest type of memory card and have a storage limit of 2GB. Though superseded, the term has lived on as a catch-all phrase for memory cards.
SDHC and microSDHC (SDHC: Secure Digital High Capacity)
SDHC cards can carry up to 32GB of storage.
SDXC and micoSDXC (SDXC: Secure Digital Extended Capacity)
SDCX cards can range in sizes up to and including 2TB. The fastest SDXC will carry a USH designation (USH-I, USH-II) which refers to the speed class, with USH-II being faster than USH-II.
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