Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Whether you’re gaming, recording video, or snapping pics, save your data on these expert-recommended memory cards.

Despite many devices coming with high levels of built-in storage these days, microSD cards remain an in-demand accessory for many electronics enthusiasts. These memory cards allow users to add more storage to various electronics, to save data separate from a host device, and to transfer data from one machine to another. Install yours in your camera, drone, video game console, smartphone, and more. For their small size, microSD cards are one powerhouse accessory. I selected ten microSD cards for different devices and use cases to help you find your ideal option.

Capacity: These days, capacity options range from 16 gigabytes to 1 terabyte, but what capacity you need depends on your use case. A microSD card with a smaller storage capacity might be ideal for an Android smartphone that just needs a little extra storage or an infrequently used point-and-shoot camera for quickly transferring images to your computer. Meanwhile, a microSD card with more storage might be ideal for a DSLR camera or a professional-grade drone.

Many average users can play in the 128- to 512-gigabyte space. It’s rare that you will need to go beyond that unless you’re a professional who knows what you’re doing or you’re willing to spend the money on more capacity.

Speed Classes: The Speed Class refers to the write speed of a microSD card, or how long it takes for a file to save to the card. The current standard is C10 (Class 10), which offers a minimum write speed of 10 megabytes per second. Practically speaking, today’s microSD cards far exceed this amount. Higher rates are U1 and U3. Lower rates are virtually obsolete at this point.

The Video Speed Class is a newer standard for write speed that allows for the highest resolution images and video. There are five Classes—V6, V10, V30, V60, and V90—offering write speeds between 6 to 90 megabytes per second. V30 and higher, which support 4K and 8K video, tend to be more common.

More Data Storage Solutions: The Best External Hard Drives • The Best SSDs for Faster Load Times • Hard-Drive Disks for Your PC

Application Performance Class: The Application Performance Class determines how fast and well a microSD card can communicate with and transfer data to and from a device. This metric is especially important for electronics that use apps, such as smartphones and computers. The ratings are A1 and A2, with the latter performing more than twice as fast as the first standard.

Formats and Transfer Speeds: There are other nuances in microSD cards to consider, such as SDHC versus SDXC formats. MicroSDHC stands for Secure Digital High Capacity; this format includes lower capacity cards, up to 32 gigabytes. MicroSDXC stands for Secure Digital Extra Capacity. As you might guess, this format is for cards with higher capacity, between 32 gigabytes and 2 terabytes. It’s not simply a matter of capacity, though. Certain tech is only compatible with certain card types, so make sure your microSD card will work in the device you need it to. MicroSDXC cards are more common, though microSDHC options are often still available and can often be cheaper.

You can also look into whether you want a UHS-I or UHS-II microSD card. These are additional speed metrics. UHS stands for Ultra-High-Speed, and UHS-I denotes a transfer speed of 104 megabytes per second. UHS-II denotes a transfer speed of 312 megabytes per second. This is overall just another upgrade in the standard, and what you choose might simply come down to how much you want to spend.

To recommend the best microSD cards, I prioritized models from the top and most respected brands on the market. Because there are a variety of microSD cards with different read and write speeds, Speed Classes, and format types, I considered what ways users are most likely to use a microSD card and found models to meet those needs.

The Samsung Pro Plus microSD card is the brand’s latest professional-grade storage update for cameras and other high-quality video devices, such as GoPros and DJI drones. The card is available in three high capacities, has fast read and write speeds, and can store images or video captured in 4K Ultra HD. The durable design is damage-resistant against water, temperature, x-ray, magnets, drops, and regular wear and tear. The included SD adapter gives you more flexibility when it comes to device compatibility.

The Samsung Evo Select can support several mediums, including video games and VR, cameras, camcorders, and smartphones. The microSD card is available in four storage options and can read and write data up to 130 megabytes per second. With a similar damage resistance and capture profile for images and video as the Samsung Pro Plus, the Evo Select makes sure your everyday data stays safe.

The Delkin Devices Power is well known for its speed—including both its maximum read and write functions, as well as its Speed Class ratings. Ideal for professional photographers and videographers, the memory card can capture in 8K, 4K, 3D, and HDR. It can also support large files, such as raw, GPS data, and time-lapse. Unfortunately, the memory is only available in 32- and 64-gigabyte capacity options, and both will cost you.

For Android smartphones and tablets, trust the Ultra and its high Speed Classes to transfer up to 1,000 photos per minute. SanDisk designed this microSD card to optimize various functions for Android devices, such as image capture, Full HD video, and app performance. Nine storage sizes give you plenty to choose from, and each is shock-, temperature-, water-, and x-ray–resistant.

This SanDisk microSD card is licensed specifically for the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite and is available in four medium and large capacity options. Its read and write speeds—up to 100 and 90 megabytes per second, respectively—are ideal for the handheld console to execute functions such as downloading games and storing screenshots and video captures.

Related: The Best Nintendo Switch SD Cards

The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is a top microSD card for drones and action cams, featuring high transfer speeds and several superior Speed Class ratings. Choose from four capacities that all supports Full HD and 4K UHD capture and transfer as well as fast app performance. This card’s damage resistance includes temperature, shock, vibration, and x-ray protection.

The Extreme Pro from SanDisk is a well-known and trusted storage option that comes in a whopping seven sizes, up to 1 terabyte. With top Speed Class ratings for 4K UHD, Full HD, UHS, and video, this microSD card is ideal for action cams, drones, and high-end photography, as well as Android smartphones and tablets. It also includes software, such as its RescuePRO Recovery Software, which provides automatic data protection, and its SanDisk Memory Zone for easy file organization. Damage resistance for this card covers temperature, water, shock, and x-ray.

PNY offers a massive data repository in its Pro Elite microSD card, starting at 256 gigabytes of capacity up to this 1-terabyte monster. Who can benefit? Android smartphone and tablet users, as well as anyone with action or surveillance cameras, drone operators, or even computer users. The memory card’s read and write speeds support HD image capture and 4K Ultra HD video and the easy transfer of videos, photos, music, and other files. Plus, this card is resistant to magnetic, shock, temperature, and water damage.

The Lexar 1000x works well for high-end still and video cameras, action cams, drones, as well as high-end smartphones and tablets. The memory supports Full-HD, 3D, and 4K video. Its Speed Class ratings ensure high quality and compatibility.

With a speed and ratings ideal for professional creators, this microSD card works well for GoPros, drones, and other action cams. It boasts an incredibly fast transfer speed of up to 285 megabytes per second and an equally impressive recording speed up to 165 megabytes per second. Accordingly, it’s capable of capturing both high-speed still shots and video in 4K and 8K Ultra-HD.