The Best Memory Cards
Memory cards are a must-have item for any serious techie, and SD cards are quickly becoming the most popular kind you can find. These tiny cards have come to find a home not just in cameras but drones, video game consoles, tablets, phones, and much more. For speeding up your device and giving it room for all the memories you want to save, a memory card is essential, which is why we've compiled this list of some of the best you can find today.
What to Look For
Not all memory cards are created equal, so we came up with three central criteria a card had to meet for us to consider it worth your time: it has to be able to store a lot of data, it should be usable on many different devices, and it should be available at an appealing price point. We found many different cards that managed to stack up to our standards, from the Samsung-specific EVO card to the rugged and versatile Micro Center card from Inland. Inland also offers some of the best bang for your buck, so there are deals to be found. Whatever your memory needs, there’s a card on this list to match, so read on and get ready to press “record.”
SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC
Strength and speed
Don’t let its mini size fool you: this SD memory card packs a real wallop when it comes to both speed and storage space. Holding up to an impressive 128 GB, this memory card was originally intended for the storage and transfer of high-res pictures and video, but it can be used to add memory to your Nintendo Switch as well. Plus, this card carries a very appealing price tag considering how much it stores and how quickly it loads. For the visually-minded techie, this memory card is unbeatable when it comes to storing images, be they moving or still (or player-controlled).
Pros:
- The write-speed is really fast, so it works well for recording videos on cameras.
- The Nintendo Switch comes with a notoriously low amount of storage space out of the box, so for gamers, this card is practically essential for saving all your favorite titles.
- This memory card is also compatible with many phones, and the extra storage it provides can improve their operational speed many times over.
Cons:
- The tiny size makes this card easy to lose if you’re not careful about storing it.
32GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card from Inland
Bytes on a budget
If you need a quick, cheap storage solution that you can depend on for transferring high-quality imagery, this INLAND card provides the best bang for your buck. Reaching up to Class 10 speeds, this memory card is as fast as they come. And the fact that they come in packs of two makes an already fantastic value even better. If you can deal with the relatively small storage space and range of compatible devices, this card is a great choice for zero-hassle transfers.
Pros:
- Each card comes in an individual storage case, which is an unusual (and appreciated) quality of life consideration for cards like these.
- They’re very hardy for their small size, making them able to withstand falls, accidental trips in the washing machine, and other potential mishaps.
Cons:
- They can take a long time to format, so some patience concerning troubleshooting may be required.
Samsung EVO Select 128GB MicroSDXC
Serious storage
Samsung products are everywhere these days, so it makes sense that the tech giant would design a line of memory cards that are custom-made to work with their own devices. With an impressive 128GB storage limit and read/write speeds of 100/60 MB per second, this memory card has an incredible amount of space for data. This card also comes with an adapter that allows it to be used in many older Samsung devices as well and can withstand harsh weather and accidents. If you regularly use a Samsung PC or Android phone, you’ll find this memory card hard to top.
Pros:
- This can be used on non-Samsung devices, as well, so you can swap the card to and from your devices.
- Counterfeit SD cards are all too common, so getting one from a reliable brand like Samsung guarantees an extra level of security for the buyer.
- Considering its massive storage space, high speeds, and versatility with Samsung devices, this memory card is an extraordinarily good value.
Cons:
- You may pay a couple of bucks extra for the brand name, though the reliability is worth it for most folks.
Micro Center 32GB Class 10 Micro SDHC from Inland
A card for all devices
If you’re the type of techie that needs reliable memory for your drone excursions as well as your phone, this memory card from Inland will be right up your alley. It’s rare to find cards that can work well with such a wide variety of brands and devices, especially at the low price touted by this one. And since this card is made to work with drones, it’s also designed to be more rugged and suitable for the outdoors than much of the competition. For the outdoorsman or even those who just want one memory card to use across many different kinds of tech, this card makes an optimal choice.
Pros:
- These cards perform at a comparable level to products many times their cost.
- They come in packs of two, making an already fantastic value even better.
- We love that they come with two adapters in case you need to read the microSD cards on a standard SD card reader.
Cons:
- It can take a bit of research to find out which devices these cards are compatible with.
Silicon Power Elite 64GB microSDXC 2-Pack
Capture with confidence
There’s nothing worse than taking a great picture or video, only to upload it later and find that the data has been corrupted. That’s where the automatic error correction code feature from this Silicon Power Elite memory card comes into play: you can record with confidence knowing that this card is specially designed to guard against technical mishaps. Plus, since it comes in a pack of two and includes an adapter for multiple devices, this card grants you extra security for an impressive number of devices. If you want to take that extra step to protect your data without breaking the bank, this card is a must-have.
Pros:
- Few devices require formatting from these cards, making them usable on many products with little hassle. And if you do need to format them, they make the switch quickly.
- At 64GB, they offer a huge amount of storage for an affordable price.
Cons:
- The all-black coloration may make them easier to lose or misplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets SD cards apart from other memory cards?
SD cards tend to be incredibly tiny and are mainly utilized for capturing imagery and video. However, an increasing number of electronics have started becoming compatible with SD storage over the past few years, including the Nintendo Switch.
What should I look for with this style of memory card?
Counterfeit SD cards are unfortunately common. Luckily, software that can be used to authenticate the card in question is pretty easy to find and download. In terms of functionality, it’s easier than ever to find a fast card that holds a lot of data as well as is affordable, so make sure you’re not paying out the nose for something you might be able to find at a better price.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.