Best SD Cards for Your Devices in 2024
SD cards are a ubiquitous product used in various devices, from cameras to phones to drones. These small storage devices are essential for storing photos, videos, and other important files. When it comes to purchasing an SD card, there are several factors to consider, including speed, capacity, and compatibility.
The first thing to consider when buying an SD card is its speed. The speed of an SD card refers to how quickly it can read and write data. This is especially important for cameras and other devices that require high-speed data transfer. The speed of an SD card is measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) and can range from a few MB/s to over 300 MB/s.
Another critical factor to consider when purchasing an SD card is its capacity. The capacity of an SD card refers to how much data it can hold. SD cards come in various sizes, ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. It’s essential to choose an SD card with enough capacity to store all your files without running out of space.
Finally, compatibility is an essential factor to consider when purchasing an SD card. Not all SD cards are compatible with all devices. It’s crucial to ensure that the SD card you choose is compatible with your device before making a purchase.
When choosing the best SD card, it’s important to consider all of these factors to ensure that you get the right product for your needs. In the next section, we will review the top SD cards on the market and provide our recommendations based on our research and testing.
Best SD Cards
We understand the importance of having reliable and high-performance SD cards for your devices. With the abundance of options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best SD cards on the market. Our team of experts has extensively tested and researched each product to ensure that we only recommend the best of the best. Whether you need an SD card for your camera, phone, or other device, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
1) Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable memory card for your devices, the Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card is a great option to consider.
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We’ve been using this memory card for a few months now, and it has not disappointed. It works seamlessly with our smartphones, camera, and laptop, allowing us to store and transfer files with ease. The read and write speeds are fast, making it perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
The memory card is also durable and reliable, with its shockproof, waterproof, temperature-proof, X-Ray-proof, and magnetic-proof features. We can rest assured that our data is safe and secure even in extreme conditions.
One thing to note is that the actual storage capacity may be less than what is indicated on the product label. However, this is a common issue with most memory cards, and it’s always best to check your device’s compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card for its wide compatibility, high-quality storage, and fast read and write speeds. Plus, it’s affordable and comes with a full-size adapter, making it a great value for your money.
2) SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I Card
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performance SD card, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I Card is an excellent choice.
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We recently used the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I Card for a photo and video shoot, and we were impressed by its performance. The card’s read speeds of up to 200MB/s allowed us to transfer media quickly and easily, saving us valuable time.
In addition, the card’s shot speeds of up to 90MB/s and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) made it easy to capture high-quality video. We were able to shoot 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography without any issues.
However, it’s worth noting that the SanDisk QuickFlow Technology is only available for certain capacities, so you’ll need to check the specifications before purchasing. Additionally, Full HD and 4K UHD video support may vary based on the host device and other factors.
Overall, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I Card is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance and reliable SD card.
3) Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC UHS-II Memory Cards
We highly recommend the Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC UHS-II Memory Cards for professional photographers, videographers, and enthusiasts who require high-speed performance for capturing and transferring 1080P full-HD, 3D, and 4K video.
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These memory cards are a reliable and efficient choice for professional photographers and videographers who need to capture and transfer high-quality video quickly. The UHS-II technology ensures that you can work efficiently and effectively, while the large capacity options allow you to shoot for longer periods of time without interruption. However, the cards are relatively expensive compared to other options on the market, and some users have reported compatibility issues with certain cameras and devices. Additionally, the limited lifetime warranty may not cover all types of damage or failure. Overall, we believe that the Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC UHS-II Memory Cards are a solid investment for those who require high-speed performance and reliability.
4) SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card
If you’re looking for a high-performance SD card for professional photography and videography, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card is an excellent choice.
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We’ve been using the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card for several months now and have been impressed with its performance. The super-fast write speeds help clear the buffer quickly, making it ideal for continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording. We’ve also been able to record 8K, 4K, and Full HD video without any issues.
The sustained V90 video speeds and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) ensure that the SD card is capable of delivering cinema-quality video recording. This is important for professional photographers and videographers who need to ensure that their work is of the highest quality.
The SD card is also shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof, making it ideal for travel from studio to location. We’ve taken this SD card on several shoots and have never had any issues with it.
Overall, we highly recommend the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card for professional photographers and videographers who need a high-performance SD card. If you’re a casual photographer or videographer, this SD card may be overkill and not necessary for your needs.
5) Lexar E-Series 128GB Micro SD Card 2 Pack
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-speed memory card for your smartphone, tablet, action camera, or drone, the Lexar E-Series 128GB Micro SD Card 2 Pack is a great option to consider.
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We’ve used this micro SD card in our action camera and smartphone, and it has performed really well. The transfer speed is fast, and we didn’t experience any lag or delay while recording or playing back 4K videos. The card is also very durable and can withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
One thing to keep in mind is that the actual speed may vary depending on the host device and environment, so it’s always best to check the compatibility and performance of your device before purchasing. Additionally, the actual available capacity may be less than the identifying capacity due to different capacity algorithms and partial capacity used for system files, management, and performance optimization.
Overall, we highly recommend the Lexar E-Series 128GB Micro SD Card 2 Pack for anyone looking for a reliable and high-speed memory solution for their devices. Plus, with the 10-year limited warranty for the SD card and 1-year limited warranty for the adapter, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
6) SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSD Memory Card + Adapter
If you’re looking for a high-performance microSD card that can handle 4K video and intensive gaming, the SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSD Memory Card + Adapter is a great option to consider.
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We’ve had a chance to use the SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSD Memory Card + Adapter in a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and drones, and we’ve been impressed by its performance and reliability. The fast read/write speeds make it easy to capture and transfer photos and videos quickly, while the large storage capacity ensures that you’ll never run out of space.
One of the standout features of this card is its durability. It can withstand water, temperature changes, X-rays, magnets, drops, and wearout, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs a reliable storage solution for their devices. And with a 10-year limited warranty, you can be confident that your data is safe and secure.
Overall, we highly recommend the SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSD Memory Card + Adapter for anyone who needs a high-performance, reliable storage solution for their devices. While it may be a bit more expensive than other microSD cards on the market, the performance and durability make it well worth the investment.
7) SP Silicon Power Superior Pro SDXC Memory Card
We highly recommend the SP Silicon Power Superior Pro SDXC Memory Card for anyone looking for a reliable and fast SD card for their high-end devices.
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We were impressed with the SP Silicon Power Superior Pro SDXC Memory Card’s performance and reliability during our testing. The V60 Video Speed Class ensured that our 4K Ultra HD videos were captured seamlessly without any dropped frames or compromised quality. The read and write speeds were noticeably faster than other UHS-I cards we have used in the past, making it ideal for burst-mode photography.
Additionally, the card’s compatibility with all the latest UHS-II enabled devices, including DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, drones, and cinema-quality video recorders, makes it a versatile choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
We also appreciated its waterproof, dustproof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof features, which make it suitable for use in extreme environments. The automatic error correction code (ECC) function provides additional peace of mind by ensuring reliable recording performance.
Overall, the SP Silicon Power Superior Pro SDXC Memory Card is a top-performing and reliable choice for those looking for a high-performance SD card for their high-end devices.
8) Gigastone 128GB SD Card V30 SDXC Memory Card High Speed 4K Ultra HD UHD Video Compatible with Canon Nikon Sony Pentax Kodak Olympus Panasonic Digital Camera, with 1 Mini case SD 128GB V30 1PK
If you’re looking for a reliable and fast SD card with enough memory to record large volumes of raw photos and videos, the Gigastone 128GB SD Card is definitely worth considering.
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Overall, the Gigastone 128GB SD Card is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and durable SD card with plenty of storage space. With a 5-year limited warranty from one of the best manufacturers and suppliers of memory cards, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality product that will last for years to come.
9) SP Silicon Power CFexpress Type B Memory Card
We highly recommend the SP Silicon Power CFexpress Type B Memory Card for professional-level performance and ultra-high capacities.
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Our team was impressed with the unparalleled performance of this CFexpress Type B card. With incredible read speeds up to 1,800MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s, we were able to capture high-quality footage with ease. The card’s high-speed PCIe Gen 3×2 interface delivers low latency, enabling smooth video capture on our devices in breathtaking 8K Ultra HD resolution.
We also appreciate that this card is designed for high-end, next-gen devices such as cinema cameras and DSLR cameras, allowing us to leverage their maximum performance and capture the highest bit-rate and frame-rate RAW videos and photos. The card’s professional-level performance and ultra-high capacities make it a great choice for serious photographers and videographers.
While this card is backwards compatible with select XQD supported cameras, it does require a firmware update from the camera manufacturer. Additionally, the higher price point may not be necessary for casual or amateur photographers who don’t require such high performance.
Overall, we highly recommend the SP Silicon Power CFexpress Type B Memory Card for those who demand the best performance and capacity for their professional-level photography and videography needs.
10) SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-capacity SD card for your compact to mid-range point-and-shoot camera, the SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card is a great choice.
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We’ve been using the SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card for a few months now and have been impressed with its performance. The quick transfer speeds make it easy to move our photos and videos to our computer, and the large storage capacity means we don’t have to worry about running out of space anytime soon.
One thing to keep in mind is that this card may not be compatible with older devices that do not support SDXC cards. Additionally, it may be a bit pricey compared to other SD cards on the market, but we believe the performance and reliability make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a high-capacity and reliable SD card for your point-and-shoot camera, we highly recommend the SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an SD card, there are a few key features you should consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an SD card.
Capacity
The first thing to consider when choosing an SD card is its capacity. SD cards come in a range of sizes, from 2GB to 1TB or more. The size you choose will depend on how much storage you need for your files, photos, and videos. If you plan to use your SD card to store high-resolution photos or videos, you’ll need a larger capacity card.
Speed
The speed of an SD card refers to how quickly it can transfer data. This is important if you plan to use your SD card to store large files, such as videos. Look for cards with a high read and write speed, as this will ensure that your files transfer quickly and smoothly.
Compatibility
Not all SD cards are compatible with all devices. Before purchasing an SD card, make sure it is compatible with your camera, phone, or other device. Check the manufacturer’s website or the device’s manual for information on which types of SD cards are compatible.
Durability
If you plan to use your SD card in extreme conditions, such as in a dusty or wet environment, you’ll need a card that is durable and can withstand harsh conditions. Look for cards that are waterproof, shockproof, and temperature resistant.
Warranty
Finally, consider the warranty when purchasing an SD card. Look for cards that come with a warranty of at least a year, as this will protect you in case the card fails or becomes damaged.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best SD card for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top recommended SD cards for smartphone storage expansion?
When it comes to expanding the storage capacity of your smartphone, we recommend going for SD cards with high capacity and fast read and write speeds. Some of the top recommended SD cards for smartphone storage expansion include SanDisk Extreme Pro, Samsung EVO Plus, and Lexar Professional.
Which SD cards offer the best performance for high-end gaming?
For high-end gaming, we recommend going for SD cards with high read and write speeds and large storage capacity. Some of the top SD cards that offer the best performance for high-end gaming include SanDisk Extreme, Kingston Canvas React, and Samsung PRO Endurance.
What are the most reliable SD card brands for Android devices?
When it comes to reliability, some of the most trusted SD card brands for Android devices include SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston. These brands offer a wide range of SD cards with varying capacities and speeds, making it easier to find one that suits your needs.
What features should I look for in an SD card for professional photography?
For professional photography, we recommend going for SD cards with high capacity and fast read and write speeds. Look for SD cards that offer UHS-II or UHS-III speeds, as these are ideal for capturing high-resolution images and shooting in burst mode. Some of the top SD cards for professional photography include SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar Professional, and Sony TOUGH.
How do I choose an SD card that’s optimal for recording and playing 4K video?
When it comes to recording and playing 4K video, we recommend going for SD cards with high capacity and fast read and write speeds. Look for SD cards that offer UHS-II or UHS-III speeds, as these are ideal for capturing and playing back high-resolution video. Some of the top SD cards for recording and playing 4K video include SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar Professional, and Sony TOUGH.
Which SD cards are known to work best with GoPro cameras for action videography?
For action videography with GoPro cameras, we recommend going for SD cards with high capacity and fast read and write speeds. Look for SD cards that offer UHS-II or UHS-III speeds, as these are ideal for capturing high-resolution video at high frame rates. Some of the top SD cards that are known to work best with GoPro cameras include SanDisk Extreme, Lexar Professional, and Samsung PRO Endurance.