If you wish to add space for storing to a Nintendo Swap, GoPro or Raspberry Pi, you want a microSD card. However whereas a number of playing cards shall be quick sufficient for many use circumstances, some cheap choices will carry out higher than others. We lately put a dozen fashions by means of a variety of benchmark assessments that will help you discover the very best microSD playing cards to your wants.
What to search for in a microSD card
Capability
The very first thing to determine when shopping for a microSD card is how a lot house you want. Trendy playing cards are normally obtainable in sizes starting from 32GB to 512GB, whereas a handful supply 1TB fashions as nicely. 2TB playing cards are theoretically doable however nonetheless within the prototype stage.
For many, a 128GB or 256GB mannequin ought to be the candy spot between worth and capability. However for those who want extra room – say, for stashing a bunch of video games on a Steam Deck – a 512GB card might make extra sense and sometimes offers a greater cost-per-GB ratio. Lately, yow will discover an honest 128GB card for round $15 or much less, an honest 256GB card for lower than $30 and (with gross sales) an honest 512GB card may very well be as little as $40 (although most price nearer to $50 or $60). There’s a starker enhance if you go as much as 1TB playing cards, which usually price round $100.
Word {that a} microSD card’s efficiency might differ relying on what capability you purchase. SanDisk says its 128GB Excessive card delivers sequential write speeds as much as 90 MB/s, for instance, whereas the higher-capacity fashions in the identical line supply as much as 130 MB/s.
After we discuss microSD playing cards immediately, we normally discuss with playing cards that use the microSDXC (eXtended Capability) customary, which have a capability between 32GB and 2TB. Your gadget must assist this for it to work with a microSDXC card. This can virtually by no means be a problem nowadays, however some older units (a Nintendo 3DS as an example) are solely appropriate with microSDHC (Excessive Capability) playing cards, which vary from 2GB to 32GB.
Learn and write speeds
MicroSD playing cards are primarily judged on their learn and write speeds, that are normally measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Usually talking, most microSD playing cards have sooner learn speeds than write speeds. These metrics can then be damaged down into sequential and random efficiency. Sequential learn and write speeds matter if you’re making an attempt to entry or save lengthy, fixed streams of information, similar to opening a big video or copying an enormous batch of recordsdata from a PC. If you wish to use a microSD card for media storage, that is notably necessary.
Random efficiency, in the meantime, is about how shortly a card can learn and write small recordsdata scattered all through the gadget. Since random learn/write speeds are a lot decrease than sequential ones, storage gadget makers have a tendency to not promote them as loudly. However they’re necessary for those who use a card with a gaming gadget or a single-board pc just like the Raspberry Pi, the place it usually has to quickly save and entry small bits of information in random areas.
SD Affiliation
Pace scores
When you take a look at a microSD card, you’ll see a buffet of numbers, letters and symbols. Most of those discuss with the cardboard’s velocity class and efficiency scores, that are decided by the SD Affiliation.
A card’s Video Pace Class, or V-rating, particulars its minimal sequential write velocity, which is very necessary when recording video from a digital camera. 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 not less than 30 MB/s. This ought to be sufficient to assist as much as 4K video at decrease bitrates. Increased-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 methods. 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 A logo, is an indicator of random learn/write speeds. That is measured in IOPS, or enter/output operations per second, somewhat than MB/s. There are two classes right here: A1 playing cards supply 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 pair of,000 IOPS, respectively. Each scores additionally assure sequential write speeds of not less than 10 MB/s.
Most individuals ought to search for a card with V30, U3 and A2 scores. It’s completely doable to get a strong card with out these: A U1 card is likely to be price it for those who simply want an inexpensive choice with a excessive capability to carry recordsdata, for instance. V60 and V90 playing cards are price a glance for those who’re severe about taking pictures high-resolution photographs and video as nicely. However typically talking, playing cards with the certifications above ought to present the very best mix of worth and efficiency immediately.
It’s necessary to emphasise that these scores are baselines. Many V30 playing cards supply considerably increased write speeds than 30 MB/s, as an example, and a few A1 playing cards can outperform some A2 fashions in follow. The speeds marketed by producers aren’t all the time 100% correct, both: Typically the cardboard shall be slower in real-world use, different occasions it might really be a bit sooner.
UHS bus speeds
The opposite spec to notice is the cardboard’s bus interface. Most microSD playing cards obtainable immediately are UHS-I, which have 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 more moderen UHS-III customary exists as nicely however hasn’t seen extensive adoption simply but.) These are labeled on the cardboard with a Roman numeral I or II.
Absolutely the quickest microSD playing cards proper now are UHS-II playing cards, they usually’re normally those with V60 or V90 scores. When you shoot plenty of 4K to 8K video or steadily use burst mode to seize extremely high-res photographs, the efficiency features of a superb UHS-II card can prevent time.
However these are far more costly than UHS-I playing cards: This 128GB mannequin from ProGrade Digital, for instance, is a relative cut price at $55. You want a tool that’s appropriate with the UHS-II interface to see any advantages, too, and as we have been placing this information collectively, inventory for UHS-II playing cards was spotty. For now, the upper speeds aren’t definitely worth the worth premium for the overwhelming majority of individuals, so we largely caught to UHS-I choices.
Kris Naudus / Engadget
A observe on card readers, the Nintendo Swap and Steam Deck
Whereas the UHS-I spec has a theoretical most of 104 MB/s, some UHS-I playing cards can exceed that velocity by means of proprietary extensions. You want a appropriate card reader and host gadget to benefit from that further efficiency, although. When you discover a UHS-I card promoting speeds increased than 104 MB/s, that is what’s happening. You possibly can see these limits in motion with a Nintendo Swap or Steam Deck: Each of these gaming units assist the UHS-I interface and don’t transcend its official velocity, flattening any sequential features some playing cards might have elsewhere. The broader takeaway: Your microSD card will solely be as quick because the slowest hyperlink in your chain.
Guarantee
Many microSD playing cards are designed to be sturdy, with safety from water, excessive temperatures, X-rays and drops. Nonetheless, in case of disaster, an extended guarantee is all the time good to have. Many producers supply lifetime restricted warranties, although we’ve observed that “endurance” playing cards marketed to resist extra hours of writing are normally lined for a a lot shorter time frame.
Avoiding counterfeits
The reminiscence card market has had a selected downside with scammers promoting faux merchandise. To protect in opposition to this, solely purchase from a recognized model and a good retailer similar to Finest Purchase, B&H Photograph or Adorama. When you store at Amazon, solely purchase if the shipper and vendor is Amazon.com. (Although a handful of customers have reported receiving counterfeits even from Amazon instantly previously.) Keep in mind: If a worth appears too good to be true, it most likely is. Be cautious of any retailer providing considerably a cheaper price than others.
When you obtain a card, test its packaging for any irregularities. You possibly can run benchmark assessments like CrystalDiskMark or BlackMagic Disk Pace Check to confirm its speeds aren’t drastically decrease than what’s marketed (or doable, given its specs). It’s also possible to use software program that’s designed to confirm the true capability and efficiency of your card, similar to H2testw and FakeFlashTest.
How we examined
We put 12 microSD playing cards by means of a collection of assessments to confirm their sequential and random efficiency. These included benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark, BlackMagic Disk Pace Check, ATTO Disk Benchmark and AJA System Check, in addition to a couple of “real-world” assessments. We copied and pasted a small folder of photographs about 1.15GB in measurement to and from every card, then did the identical with a bigger 12.2GB folder containing a number of file varieties 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, Metallic Gear Rising: Revengeance and Apex Legends – then timing how lengthy it took to launch every recreation and cargo save recordsdata.
We used a Kingston USB 3.2 UHS-II reader to check every card on each Home windows 11 and macOS Ventura. For the previous, 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 the latter, we used a 2021 16-inch MacBook Professional with an Apple M1 Professional chip, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. To make use of our card reader on the MacBook, we used Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
We examined the 128GB model of every card wherever doable, although for a few playing cards – the SanDisk Excessive and Samsung Professional Plus – we have been solely in a position to take a look at their 256GB fashions. We additionally reformatted every card earlier than testing with the SD Affiliation’s Reminiscence Card Formatter device.
Finest for many: Samsung Professional Plus
The Samsung Professional Plus supplied nearly the very best sequential write efficiency of the playing cards we examined (round 130 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark) and topped all of them by way of random learn/write speeds, so it ought to work nice whether or not you’re shopping for for a digital camera, pill or gaming handheld. Unsurprisingly, it has all of the requisite scores: U3, V30 and A2. Its sequential learn efficiency isn’t fairly as fast as a few of our alternate picks beneath, but it surely’s not far behind. In our giant file switch take a look at, as an example, it was solely 4 seconds off the quickest fashions.
The Professional Plus initially began at $19 for 128GB, $30 for 256GB and $60 for 512GB, however latest gross sales have introduced these fashions as little as $12, $20 and $35, respectively. When it’s that low-cost, the Professional Plus makes most competing microSD playing cards irrelevant. Samsung additionally sells the cardboard with a USB reader that’ll assist it attain its most speeds for a couple of {dollars} extra. Both manner, the cardboard comes with a 10-year restricted guarantee.
When you decide to purchase the Professional Plus, ensure you get the latest-generation mannequin, which Samsung launched in April 2023. For the time being, the corporate remains to be promoting the prior iteration of the Professional Plus, which seems to be equivalent however isn’t as fast, particularly relating to random learn/write speeds. (Search for the mannequin with sequential learn speeds rated at 180 MB/s and sequential write speeds rated at 130 MB/s.) We examined the 256GB model of the Professional Plus as a result of inventory points with the 128GB mannequin on the time of testing, however this shouldn’t have a significant influence on real-world efficiency, as Samsung charges each playing cards identically.
Runner up: Kingston Canvas Go Plus
If the Samsung Professional Plus ever turns into unavailable, the Kingston Canvas Go Plus is a robust different. It is a U3-, V30- and A2-rated card backed by a lifetime restricted guarantee. It delivered the very best sequential learn speeds of any card we examined throughout CrystalDiskMark, ATTO and the BlackMagic Disk Pace Check, simply edging out SanDisk’s Excessive and Nintendo Swap-branded playing cards. It successfully tied with these two playing cards in our giant file switch take a look at. Its sequential write speeds (simply over 100 MB/s on CrystalDiskMark) are the place it lags behind the Professional Plus, however they need to nonetheless be fast sufficient for a lot of makes use of. Its random learn/write speeds have been solely bested by Samsung’s card, too, so it’s nonetheless a superb choice for apps and video games. It’s arduous to justify for those who see it priced increased than the Professional Plus, nevertheless.
Finest worth: Samsung Evo Choose
The Samsung Evo Choose is a step behind our prime picks, notably relating to sequential write speeds (just below 70 MB/s on CrystalDiskMark), so it’s not excellent for a digital camera. Nonetheless, it’s completely usable for a lot of use circumstances, and we have seen its 128GB, 256GB and 512GB fashions fall as little as $12, $18 and $35, respectively, previously. All of these are about on par with the SanDisk Extremely, a steadily advisable cheapo card, regardless of the Evo Choose having increased V30, U3 and A2 scores. The Professional Plus has been obtainable for round these costs, too, however the Evo Choose tends to sit down there extra repeatedly.
One other good choice: SanDisk microSDXC Card for Nintendo Swap
The SanDisk microSDXC Card for Nintendo Swap is one other worthwhile choice for those who ever see it obtainable for lower than the Professional Plus and Canvas Go Plus. Its sequential learn speeds have been about the identical because the Kingston card in our benchmarks, however its sequential writes have been barely slower (and farther behind the Professional Plus). Its random learn/writes have been a step behind in accordance with CrystalDiskMark, as nicely. The 128GB model of this card is normally priced round $20, however recently the 512GB model has gone for $10 or so lower than the Canvas Go Plus. SanDisk backs the cardboard with a lifetime guarantee, too. Word that we examined the Apex Legends model of the 128GB card. SanDisk additionally sells a Tremendous Mario mannequin, however we are able to’t communicate as to whether that one performs any in another way.
One other good choice: Lexar Skilled 1066x
Equally, the Lexar Skilled 1066x is an honest different to the Professional Plus for those who see it cheaper. It’s one other V30, U3 and A2 card, and like Samsung’s card, its sequential write speeds have been a bit sooner than the Canvas Go Plus and SanDisk Swap card in our benchmarks. These write speeds weren’t as fast as Professional Plus, and its sequential reads trailed all three playing cards. Random learn/writes additionally lagged behind the Professional Plus and Canvas Go Plus, and we observed its speeds peak and dip extra noticeably in our file switch take a look at. Nonetheless, it’s not gradual, so relying on its worth, it is likely to be a superb cut price if you’d like higher write speeds than the Kingston card can supply. It additionally comes with a lifetime restricted guarantee.
Different notable microSD playing cards
Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
We didn’t use it ourselves, however for those who’re keen to pay for a extra highly effective UHS-II card constructed for heavy-duty video recording, the Delkin Units Energy has examined nicely elsewhere and may ship considerably sooner sequential write speeds than our picks above. It’s one of many few UHS-II playing cards we might really discover in inventory, but it surely prices a ton, normally beginning at $55 for simply 32GB.
The SanDisk Excessive successfully matched the Professional Plus in a couple of of our sequential write assessments and delivered sequential reads about on par with the Canvas Go Plus, however that was partly as a result of us solely with the ability to safe the cardboard’s 256GB mannequin, which is higher-rated than the 128GB model. Its random efficiency was nicely behind the Samsung and Kingston playing cards, too, and it is sometimes price extra as of late. When you see it on sale from a good vendor, nevertheless, it’s one other high quality choice.
The SanDisk Excessive Professional, in the meantime, is rated for even increased speeds (as much as 200 MB/s sequential reads), but it surely seems to be both unavailable at most trusted retailers or priced considerably increased as of this writing.
The PNY Elite-X wasn’t far off the random learn/write efficiency of the Professional Plus and Canvas Go Plus in CrystalDiskMark, and it usually goes for reasonable, but it surely was nicely behind in our sequential assessments.
