Best SD Cards
So many files to keep, yet, so much less phone storage available. This is one of the most cumbersome situations that almost every individual has to deal with.
Few things like music, movies, games, or even memes, could be held responsible for eating up all our phone storage. However, certain apps offer cloud storage, but these apps require a sufficient memory space as well. The only option now left is to choose SD cards ( Secure Digital Cards ).
If you, too, want to increase the available space on your device, choose from a variety of SD cards available. Considering the storage capacity and SD card speed, memory cards are available in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
However, on average, most of the mobile phones supports memory expansion up to 32GB. Which eventually makes 32GB memory cards the right choice. Companies like Samsung, Strontium, Sandisk, Kingston, etc. make a good buy.
But which is the best SD card?
How must it be chosen?
What must be the pros and cons that should be looked into while buying?
Considering all of these questions and much more, here is a list of the Top 11 Best Memory Cards. We have mentioned the positive, as well as; the drawbacks of each card, which may help you in determining which is suitable.
Here you will also find the different types of SD cards along with a comprehensive buyers guide and a few FAQs.
Top 11 Best SD Memory Cards
SD Cards Speed Class
“Speed Class” is used to measure the speed of SD cards. Its the minimum rate in the worst-case scenario. The SD Association provides guidelines for linking rate with class.
SD cards are available in four different speed classes — 10, 6, 4, and 2. ten is the fastest, while two is the slowest.
Using Class 2 you can easily do standard definition video recording, Classes 4 and six are good enough for high-definition video recording, and Class 10 for Full HD video recording.
You can also find two Ultra High Speed (UHS) speed classes for professional use.
Types of SD Cards
Pro
These cards have a writing speed of 60MBPS to 90MBPS. PRO cards are perfectly suitable for recording Full HD 4K videos, DSLR camera photography, and other purposes that require continuous shooting or time-lapse. Such as used in sports photography, etc.
Plus
These SD cards have a speed up to 45MBPS and are primarily used for non-professional purposes. Such as landscape photography, single-shot, and movies up to Full HD resolution.
Standard
Having a speed limit up to 30MBPS, these SD cards are used in compact cameras. These are not suitable for recording 4K UltraHD movies.
Buyer’s Guide
Design and Proof Technology
The SD card should have a design that offers resistance against harsh conditions like water, shock, temperature, and magnet. This ensures the safety of your files and relevant data as it manages to keep them secure even in these conditions.
The proof technology prevents your SD card from getting damaged easily hence enhancing its durability, which is backed by a warranty.
Supports HD Recording
The SD card should support HD recording so that you can store and watch all your videos, movies, and more in HD quality. It will also enable you to store all your photoshoot images in HD quality so that you never have to compromise on the resolution and clarity of an image.
Read Speed
The read speed of the card should be up to 100 Mb/s. This enables the fast transfer of files, including movies, videos, images, music, and more from one device to another without the need for a WiFi signal.
Storage Capacity
SD cards are available in different storage sizes, including 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. Choose a size based on your requirements.
1. Samsung EVO Plus 32GB microSDHC
Samsung is a well-known South Korean multinational company who are ruling all over the world with its top quality products. They manufacture and provide you with television, washing machine, air conditioner, smartphones, SD cards at an affordable price range.
This Samsung EVO plus 32GB is a UHS (Ultra-high speed) SD card with over 95MB/S of speed. It comes with an adapter so that it can be used in many devices, and also the budget-friendly price makes it more worthy. It is compatible with most of the gadgets and comes with many protection layers.
- The compatibility of this SD card is increased by providing an adapter with it. It will work with any cell phones, android tablets, DSLR cameras, or tablet PC’s too.
- This Samsung EVO Plus sd card is available in different sizes i.e., 32GB, 64Gb, 128Gb, 256GB, and 512GB. You can buy any of these, depending on your needs and budget.
- This product comes with a 10-year limited warranty in case of any dispute or dysfunction.
- This can capture images or videos in a large amount. You don’t have to worry about running out of space again because this 32GB sd card is more than enough to record full HD videos for 4-5 hours, HD videos for 6 hours, and up to 7500 images as well.
- This is a UHS (Ultra-high speed) SD card from Samsung that will allow you to click non-stop pictures or shoot continuous videos without stopping. This will provide you with a read speed of up to 95MB/S, and the copy speed is incredibly fast (Up to 3GB video will be copied within 38 seconds).
- This SD card comes with 4-proof protection, and they are – waterproof, temperature proof, x-ray proof, and also magnet proof. This card will withstand any of this condition for up to 72 hours.
- The SD card is not long-lasting.
2. Kingston Canvas MicroSDHC
Kingston Technology is a computer company that is based in the United States. It is one of the leading companies in the world that manufactures keyboards, headsets, SSD, RAMs, and micro SD cards as well. The product quality is never compromised. Also, they provide all of it at an affordable price range.
This is a 16GB class 10 memory card that comes with an adapter. This can be used on various platforms, and also the durability of this product is pretty good. It is an ideal choice of product for everyday use. It can withstand a temperature from very low to very high and also water-resistant up to a depth of 1 meter.
- This canvas select micro sd card is available in different sizes i.e. 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB. You can choose according to your needs.
- This MicroSD card from Kingston is compatible with many devices, and the compatibility can be expanded using the adapter that comes with it too. It can be used for smartphones, DSLR cameras, android tablets, etc.
- It is made to capture the cinematic experience in Full HD 1080P and 3D video as well.
- This micro SD card is protected from x-ray exposure.
- The transfer speed of this MicroSD card is unmatchable at this price range. This class 10 sd cards can transfer your images and videos to the laptop with over 8x speed than the normal sd cards.
- This Kingston class 10 micro sd card comes with a lifetime warranty. This means if this ever dysfunction, you can take it to the store to repair or come back home with a replaced one.
- This micro sd card from Kingston is pretty durable and will last longer.
- This sd card can withstand many things starting from water submersion of up to 30 mins at a depth up to 1 meter and also can resist temperature from -25 degrees to 85 degrees.
- It is pretty overpriced.
3. HP 16GB Class 10 MicroSD Memory Card
Hewlett Packard, or the HP company, is a leading America IT company that deals with the manufacturer of laptops, computers, and accessories related to them. The HP SD card comes with a high-speed flash memory of class 10 U1 allowing you to record and store content in HD quality.
Hp is considered to be the best sd card brand. This stored content can be easily shared between devices without the need for WiFi. Moreover, the card is resistant against water, shock, magnet, and temperature, ensuring the complete protection of your stored content.
- Available storage sizes: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB.
- Has a read speed of 100 Mb/s.
- It has a Class 10 U1 speed rate.
- Ideal for PC, smartphone, tablets and mobile devices.
- Designed to be waterproof, magnet proof, shockproof, and temperature proof.
- Weight of card: 5 grams.
- Ensures full HD recording so that you can store all your videos and images in HD quality.
- It helps in storing and transferring all mobile content, including music, images, videos, and more from one device to another.
- The design helps in protecting your data efficiently.
- Speed is less than what has been stated.
4. Strontium Nitro A1 32GB Micro SDHC Memory Card
Strontium Nitro uses A 1 rated technology for faster performance, and it is protected against tough conditions for added durability.
This is a versatile micro SD card that can be converted to a full-size SD card using the SD adapter that is provided with it. It also comes with a lifetime warranty making it a reliable option to consider going for
- Available sizes: 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB.
- It comes with a transfer speed of up to 100 Mb/s with a UHS- I U1 Class 10 specification.
- Uses an A1 rated technology.
- It has a 4 proof technology for working against temperature, x-ray, magnet and water.
- Compatible with smartphones, drones, tablets, action cameras, dash cams.
- It has an SD adapter included.
- Ideal for HD video recording and high-resolution photo shoots.
- The SD adapter allows you to use it as a full-size SD memory card for versatility.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Ensures faster app performance with less loading time.
- Has some reading issue.
5. Toshiba M203 128GB Class 10 Micro SD Memory Card
Toshiba is a leading Japanese multinational conglomerate that has brought us a diverse range of IT products, services, and communication equipment.
This SD card is suitable for extending the storage of Android mobiles, cameras, and tablets up to any of the available sizes. It comes with a shockproof and waterproof design that is backed with a 5-year warranty so that your data is always secure.
- Available sizes: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB.
- It comes with reading speed up to 100 Mb/s.
- Speed class UHS 1, class 10.
- Weight: approx 0.4 gram.
- Dimensions: 15 mm X 11 mm X 1 mm.
- Suitable for Android mobile devices, tablets, and cameras.
- It has a shockproof and waterproof design.
- The SD card meets with quality standards.
- Supports full HD recording.
- Ideal for quick transfer of data to PC with a higher speed rate and also offers a large capacity with BiCS Flash architecture.
- It has to be removed and re-installed every time as it gets lost in a file manager.
6. Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II 32Gb
This memory card from Lexar is one of the best in class UHS-II model. The highest speed recorded was as high as 150MBPS. Which is the best for any UHS-II card? This memory card is a blessing for professional photographers, especially in sports photography, where continuous shots are needed.
High-resolution images, 4K UltraHD videos can quickly be recorded on this card.
- Mentioned read and write speed of 150MBPS – 90MBPS.
- Actual read and write speed: 82MBPS and 75MBPS.
- Belongs to Class: 10 in UHS-II U3.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD recording
- Lifetime limited warranty.
- Recover files with Image Rescue software.
- Backward compatible with UHS-I devices.
- It is expensive.
7. Sandisk Extreme Pro UHS-II 32Gb Memory Card
This memory card is perfect for those seeking the best. There is no compromise in this card being one of the fastest. It perfectly fits the needs of people who make use of continuous shots very frequently and doesn’t want to miss on a moment.
Such as hunting, safari, sports photography, etc. People who focus on recording UltraHD videos in 4K can consider this as their best companion.
- Mentioned read and write speed: 280MBPS and 250MBPS.
- Actual read and write speed of 278.3MBPS and 247.8MBPS.
- Belongs to Class: 10, UHS-II U3.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD recording as it a UHS-II U3 class.
- It can be used for taking continuous shots.
- It is ideal for recording high-resolution 4K videos.
- The product is a bit overpriced.
8. Transcend U3 UHS-I 32Gb
This can be used to record 4K videos, similar to any other card in the U3 UHS-I class. The Transcend memory card is also suitable for high-speed photography, which is mostly done in sports, jungle safari, hunting, and for a series of other purposes. These are suitable for Nik
- Reported read and write speed: 95MBPS and 85MBPS
- Actual read and write speed of 91.3MBPS and 82.8MBPS.
- Belongs to Class: 10 UHS-I U3.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD.
- Reported read and write speed: 95MBPS and 85MBPS
- Actual read and write speed of 91.3MBPS and 82.8MBPS.
- Belongs to Class: 10 UHS-I U3.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD.
- It can be used for a variety of professional purposes.
- Suitable for tasks demanding quick photography.
- Comparatively less writing and reading speed than the other ones.
9. Sandisk Extreme Pro UHS-I 32Gb
This card is suitable for situations where include continuous shots to be taken. Sandisk Extreme Pro UHS-I 32Gb card is incredibly fast in reading with a speed of 95MB/s, making file transfers to PC very fast.
It also has a fast writing speed reaching up to 84.5MB/s that allows operation with any cameras and camcorders. Excellent if used with SLR cameras.
- Reported read and write speed of 95MBPS and 90MBPS.
- Measured read and write speed of 95.02MBPS and 84.48MBPS.
- Belongs to class: 10, UHS-I U1-U3.
- Supports 4K Ultra HD recording.
- Lifetime limited warranty.
- Good reading and writing speed.
- Ability to quick record 4K videos.
- It has a high price tag.
10. Samsung SDA PRO+ 32Gb
The card introduces a brand new concept of using the MLC NAND-type, which enhances durability and performance, whereas the other cards use TLC. It is slightly faster than the preceding one in writing but is slower in reading.
However, with 75MBPS write speed, it can be utilized in recording 4K Ultra HD videos. It is also certified as UHS-I card, which makes it fast enough for use in Full HD 1080p videos.
- Mentioned read and write speed: 90MBPS and 80MBPS.
- Actual read and write speed: 87.4MB/s and 76.8MB/s
- Belongs to Class 10 UHS-I.
- MLC NAND-type technology which enhances durability and performance.
- Faster than the preceding one in writing.
- Slower in reading.
11. Sandisk Ultra SDHC 32Gb Class 10
This is a regular working card with a high price and excellent performance. But if you are looking for a ticket to be used for professional purposes, this is not the appropriate one.
This card has “basic” performance and hence is not suitable for those who make pictures in continuous shooting. Also, it is not appropriate for shooting videos at resolutions of 2K and 4K, superior to FullHD.
However, the SD card allows taking individual photos, with entry-level SLR cameras and resolution up to FullHD.
- Reported read & write speed of 40MBPS & 20MBPS.
- Measured read & write speed of 38.7MBPS & 16.4MBPS.
- Belongs to Class: 10, UHS-I U1.
- Low price.
- Good performance.
- You can’t record 4K videos.
- Is suitable only for everyday purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are SD cards and memory card the same?
An SD card means it is referring to a particular kind of memory card, whereas there are various kinds of memory cards are available in the market. For example, if you are referring to a specific car model suppose BMW, it will be called an sd card, and memory card here will be a car that covers it all.
2. What is the lifespan of an SD card?
A standard sd card usually lasts quite long. The lifespan of these products is generally calculated in write cycles. A decent quality sd card would last up to 100,000 write cycles, which are almost around 10-12 years.
If you are not unlucky then you won’t have to change an sd card because the current one isn’t working, it would be for upgrading the storage simply. Keep them in good condition and keep using them, you won’t face any difficulty at all.
3. What is an SD Card used for?
SD card is a small flash memory card that is used to enhance the storage capacity of different devices, including smartphones, tablets, drones, cameras, camcorders, audio players, etc.
It is designed to enable you to store all your files, including movies, videos, music, images, and essential documents in a small-sized card.
4. Are TF and SD cards the same?
Trans Flash or TF card and micro SD cards have no difference in terms of their functions. Both can be used in place of the other to store files and documents. However, the SD card supports SDIO mode, but a TF card does not.
5. How do I see what’s on my SD card?
To see what is on your SD card, you need to select the Apps icon to open your list of apps on the device. Go to ‘My Files’ whose icon resembles that of a folder. Find the SD card option, open it to see the details of your SD card along with the list of items stored in it.
Conclusion
The best SD cards are mentioned here, and you now have a bunch as to what you should look into while purchasing a memory card. Still, if confusion bothers you, here’s our opinion.
If you need to buy a card for professional purposes, it is advisable to go with HP 16GB Class 10 MicroSD
or with Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II 32Gb variant. Both these SD cards are best in class.
Further, for ordinary purposes, go for Samsung SDA pro+.
