The Best 1TB Micro SD Cards

  • Chris Jones

A 1TB micro SD card is the perfect way to get a ton of storage out of a tiny product. These thumbprint-sized drives can hold an astonishing amount of data, and more digital products are making use of them every day. But not every 1TB micro SD card is the same, which is why we've compiled this list to help you get the best out of these miniature marvels. Read on and get ready to make your storage solution a whole lot smaller.

What to Look For

Each 1TB micro SD card on our list was chosen using three specific criteria: Does it read and write data swiftly and accurately? Can it be used with a variety of brands and devices without issue? Finally, does it come with any bonuses, such as its own case or cloud compatibility? Our top picks won their spots based on this set of musts. Our favorite 1TB micro SD card came from the venerable SanDisk, whose card offered incredible speed of data transfer and wide compatibility. Amazon Basics also came through with a card that provided all the quality of the best micro SD cards at a fraction of the cost. Keep reading to see which 1TB micro SD card should find a place in your devices today.

SanDisk 1TB Ultra Micro SD Card

Old reliable

As this micro SD card proves for both professionals and amateurs alike, there's no need to change what works.
Best Overall

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If you’ve ever shopped for a 1TB micro SD card, you’ve probably come across the name SanDisk. This is for good reason: they make cards that work reliably on tons of different devices and read and write data at excellent speeds. They’re particularly of use in phones, where they consistently induce apps to run at lightning speeds. If you’re stuck looking for a 1TB micro SD card, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.  

Pros 

  • It works consistently well as a Nintendo Switch memory card, which can’t be said of every 1TB micro SD card.
  • The fast write speeds make it ideal for using to record audio.

Cons

  • It can only transfer video of up to 1080p, meaning 4K users might be out of luck.

Amazon Basics 1TB Micro SD Card

The wallet-friendly choice

This no-frills-attached card proves the power of simple and affordable tech.
Best Value

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Amazon Basics continues to cover the basics with quality and affordability by way of this 1TB micro SD card. It’s incredibly fast and can read and write visual data in 4K, proving power and speed aren’t always mutually exclusive. It’s also incredibly durable, with the ability to withstand everything from high temperatures to X-rays and even more. Even if you don’t associate the Amazon Basics brand with their tech ware, this 1TB micro SD card might just change your mind.

Pros 

  • It includes an adapter that lets you use it with devices that may not ordinarily be micro SD compatible.
  • The durability of this 1TB micro SD card makes it ideal for travel or exploring the outdoors.

Cons 

  • It’s slightly slower than some other micro SD cards.

SanDisk Extreme 1TB Micro SD Card

Pros take note

The speed of this powerful micro SD card can't be beaten.
Best Speed

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SanDisk graces our list once again with a 1TB micro SD card that runs at truly astonishing speeds. With read- and write speeds of 160MB/s read and 90MB/s, respectively, few (if any) other SD cards can touch this one when it comes to sheer swiftness. It can also handle 4K without a hitch, making it perfect for users who won’t compromise on picture quality. Top-of-the-line speed is on offer with this 1TB micro SD card.

Pros 

  • The speed and compatibility range of this 1TB micro SD card make it a great choice for those who use digital devices professionally.
  • It comes with an adapter for devices that aren’t micro SD compatible.

Cons 

  • It can run hot when transferring larger files.

Teamgroup Go 1TB Micro SD Card

Hardcore hardware

Small doesn't always mean weak, as this high-capacity micro SD card proves.
Most Durable

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If you live a rough and tumble lifestyle, this will likely be the 1TB micro SD card for you. This rugged device is designed to protect against water, dust, x-rays, and cold weather, making it a near-impermeable card. And since it’s designed specifically for use with devices like GoPro and drones, it’s able to capably handle 4k transfers while keeping your data secure. It’s the ultimate 1TB micro SD card for those who want a strong build to go with their fast speeds.

Pros

  • It uses special printing technology to make it a less environmentally wasteful option than the typical 1TB micro SD card.
  • Owners of security cameras will appreciate how this card can preserve a clear picture.

Cons

  • The usable internal memory is slightly less than the advertised amount, though that’s to be expected with formatting.

Lexar Play 1TB Micro SD Card

Play on

Gamers will love the flexibility and speed of this ready-to-go micro SD card.
Best For Gaming

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More and more handheld gaming devices can utilize a 1TB micro SD card, so it’s good to have one suited to that purpose. This gamer-friendly card facilitates fast loading times, with a 150MB/s read time that can make even the largest games ready to play in no time. And since it has wide device compatibility, it can do as well for your phone games as your Nintendo Switch. Hardcore gamers on the go should feel safe picking up this 1TB micro SD card.

Pros

  • It has a pleasing visual design, which isn’t always the case with a 1TB micro SD card.
  • It’s just as good at storing high-quality audio and video as it is at loading video games quickly.

Cons

  • The card can get very hot while in use, which can reduce its speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 1TB micro SD card even if I don’t use much data?

You may be surprised at how many files you’ll want to store and save once you have access to storage that can allow for it. Many of the latest video game files, in particular, are getting larger, so a 1TB micro SD card is great insurance that you’ll be able to play everything you want to.

Should I focus on faster read speeds or write speeds for my 1TB micro SD card?

The “read speed” indicates how fast your card can access files, while “write speed” indicates how fast a file can be copied onto the drive. If you want your 1TB micro SD card to make load times faster, reading is more important, but if you need to transfer data quickly, writing should be a higher priority.

About the Author

Chris is a self-proclaimed geek who spends his time writing, learning about weird subcultures, and, of course, gaming. A gamer and a streamer, Chris loves connecting with the gaming community and understands that every gamer’s rig is unique. He wants to makes sure you have the equipment you need to for the most optimal gaming experience.

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