13 best memory cards

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Memory cards are useful accessories for all owners of mobile devices. They are necessary for smartphones, tablets, hybrid computers, cameras, MP3 players, video recorders and other devices, whose internal storage capacity is poor.

We've compiled a list of 13 of the best memory cards that will prove useful for any electronics.

How memory cards differ from each other

Memory cards are a whole class of external storage devices. And, of course, individual models differ among themselves not only by the manufacturer and the volume. Maps are classified as follows:

1. By format (MicroSD, CompactFlash, Secure Digital HC);

2. By generation (MicroSD, MicroSDHC, MicroSDXC);

3. By speed class (Class 2-10, UHS I-III).

Let's take a quick look at these key differences as they affect drive and mobile device compatibility.

Memory card formats

The card format determines its hardware compatibility with the mobile device. Cross-compatibility does not exist, so you should choose an external drive based on the technical characteristics of the device in which you plan to use it.

So, MicroSD drives are used in most modern mobile devices – smartphones, tablets, hybrid computers, even laptops, DVRs, etc. This format is compatible with SD, but only with a dedicated adapter.

CompactFlash is often used in cameras due to its high speed of both sequential and random recording.

Secure Digital HC (SDHC) is similar to MicroSD, only it is larger. In principle, if desired, such a memory card can be replaced with a MicroSD card with an appropriate adapter, but it is worth considering that in this case the write speed may drop.

Generations of memory cards

The generations of MicroSD cards determine the size of this external storage. So:

1. MicroSD (MicroSDSC) – maximum capacity up to 4 GB;

2. MicroSDHC – up to 32 GB;

3. MicroSDXC – up to 2 TB.

The compatibility between these generations is just the opposite. So, if the device supports MicroSDXC, both HC and SC can be installed in it. However, if the device is only compatible with MicroSDHC, it simply won't 'see' the memory card on the XC.

Memory card speed classes

The class of the drive determines the maximum write speed to this external drive. So:

1. Class 2 – up to a maximum of 2 megabytes per second, suitable for small files;

2. Class 4 – up to 4 MB / s, for video and music;

3. Class 6 – up to 6 MB / s, for high definition video;

4. Class 10, UHS I – up to 10 MB / s, for video with a frame rate of more than 30 fps and photos in HDR;

5. UHS III – up to 30 MB / s for 4K video at 120 fps.

Thus, it is recommended to choose a speed class based on your needs.

Rating of the best memory cards

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best MicroSDHC memory cards	1	SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSDHC UHS Class 1	RUB 1,590
	2	Samsung MicroSDHC EVO Plus 95MB / s + SD Adapter	627 RUB
	3	SanDisk Ultra MicroSDHC Class 10 UHS-I	393 r
	4	Transcend TSUSDHC10U1	RUB 1,250
Best MicroSDXC Cards	1	SanDisk Extreme MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS Class 3 V30 90MB / s	–
	2	Samsung MicroSDXC EVO Plus 100MB / s + SD Adapter	1 355 RUB
	3	Kingston SDCA10 / 64GB	RUB 2 195
	4	Samsung MB-MC256GA	RUB 5 529
Best Compact Flash Cards	1	SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash 160MB / s	RUB 3450
	2	Transcend CompactFlash (TSGCF800)	RUB 2 210
Best Secure Digital HC Memory Cards	1	Transcend TSSDHC10	RUB 300
	2	SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC	990 RUB
	3	Sony SF-G32	RUB 4,590

Best MicroSDHC memory cards

SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSDHC UHS Class 1

Rating: 4.8

Why first place: High-speed and secure memory card.

Description: The SanDisk Extreme Pro series includes high-speed memory cards that deliver more performance than class-rated. So, for example, the MicroSDHC UHS Class 1 model can write data at 90 megabytes per second (maximum with sequential filling of blocks), and read information at 95 megabytes per second. This is 9 times higher than the specified minimum speed threshold in the class – and the highest performance in our ranking.

The card is executed in a protected configuration. She is able to survive shocks of static electricity, shaking, falls, short drowning and contact with dust. In addition, it is protected from X-rays, so that data will not be damaged even during airport security checks.

There are two versions of this drive on the market, differing in volume – 8 GB and 16 GB.

Advantages

• High speed. Can be used with cameras and camcorders; Secure configuration;

• Relatively fast random writing of small files.

disadvantages

• Relatively high price;

• Poor equipment;

• Drop in performance when copying small files.

Samsung MicroSDHC EVO Plus 95MB / s + SD Adapter

Rating: 4.7

Why the second place: Slower write speed than the leader of the rating, lack of protection.

Description: Samsung EVO Plus, which has a UHS I speed class, is a good drive for almost any mobile device. Writing to this drive is carried out at 20 megabytes per second, and reading – already at 95 megabytes per second. At the same time, the drop in speed during random recording is minimal. The card is also compatible with older devices that do not support the UHS bus. On such devices, it works at the speed class Class 10, there is no drop in performance.

The storage capacity is 32 GB – the maximum for the microSDHC standard. The device runs in a 'minimally protected' configuration – survives falls into dust and electrostatic discharges. This is sufficient for most users.

The set, in addition to the memory card itself, includes an adapter specially optimized for use with this drive for the form factor SD. With it, there is no drop in performance.

Advantages

• Reliability (Samsung is a leader in flash cards production);

• High speed of reading and writing;

• Optimal price-performance ratio.

disadvantages

• A drop in speed during random recording is still observed, albeit insignificant;

• Noticeable heating when used in some card readers;

• There is no protection against X-rays, it is better not to use scanners at airports.

SanDisk Ultra MicroSDHC Class 10 UHS-I

Rating: 4.6

Why third place: High reliability, but relatively low speed.

Description: Unlike top-rated memory cards, SanDisk Ultra drives are not chasing top speed. This model supports 'classic' Class 10 and high performance UHS-I bus. Therefore, the maximum data transfer for writing is about 20 megabytes per second with sequential access to segments, and for reading – about 45 megabytes per second. The card is compatible with devices that record Full HD – video with a frame rate of about 30 fps.

The card is executed in a 'partially protected' configuration – it undergoes short drowning, falls into dust and static electricity. There is no contour to prevent exposure to X-rays.

The device comes complete with a special adapter for the SD form factor. When using it, read and write speeds are preserved.

Advantages

• Reliability, manufacturer's warranty – 8 years;

• High speed of reading and writing;

• Variety of model range (capacity from 8 to 32 GB).

disadvantages

• Noticeable drop in speed with random recording;

• Counterfeits are common;

• Sensitive to aggressive use and environmental influences.

Transcend TSUSDHC10U1

Rating: 4.6

Why the fourth place: High read and write speed, but relatively low reliability.

Transcend TSUSDHC10U1 is part of the brand's high-speed Ultimate line, making its performance comparable to the leaders in the rating. So, sequential writing to this drive goes at 45 megabytes per second, sequential reading – at 90 megabytes per second. With random access, performance drops noticeably, but not noticeable in everyday use.

There are no protection systems in this memory card. Therefore, you need to use it carefully. Ideally, install in one device and remove it only when the power is off. Only with this use will it last a long time.

The card is compatible with the traditional high-speed bus Class 10 and modern UHS-I. The package includes an adapter for the SD form factor. Available in the market sizes – 8, 16 and 32 GB.

Advantages

• High speed of reading and writing;

• Adapter for SD form factor included;

• Low price.

disadvantages

• Requires careful handling;

• The standard manufacturer's warranty is 24 months;

• A noticeable drop in performance with random recording or with heavy use.

Best MicroSDXC Cards

SanDisk Extreme MicroSDXC Class 10 UHS Class 3 V30 90MB / s

Rating: 4.9

Why First Place: Video Speed ​​V30 Protected Memory Card

Description: High-performance memory card that is certified according to the Video Speed ​​Class V30. This allows it to record 4K videos up to and including 120fps. The drive can be used in camcorders and other mobile devices.

Sequential write data transfer to this memory card using the UHS bus is 45 megabytes per second minimum. Reads – 90 megabytes per second. Included with the memory card is an SD adapter, which does not reduce the data transfer of work during use.

The model runs in a secure configuration. She survives static electricity, can sink briefly and fall into dust. Also, the memory card is protected from the effects of X-rays, which are used, for example, at airports during security checks.

The device is presented in one configuration – 64 GB.

Advantages

• High speed of reading and writing;

• 10 years warranty with full support from the manufacturer;

• SD adapter included.

disadvantages

• Comparative high cost;

• Rigid complete adapter;

• Just one memory configuration.

Samsung MicroSDXC EVO Plus 100MB / s + SD Adapter

Rating: 4.8

Why second place: Fast read and write speed, but no V30 certification and relatively expensive.

Description: One of the fastest memory cards from Samsung. The EVO Plus series offers sequential writes at 90 megabytes per second and reads at 100 megabytes per second! Nevertheless, with random access to memory segments, the performance is slightly reduced, but this card is intended more for video cameras, DVRs, cameras and similar devices. And they write mostly sequentially.

The card is equipped with a high-speed UHS-III bus, which guarantees a minimum sequential write speed of 30 megabytes per second. The drive runs in a 'partially protected' configuration that offers resistance to static electricity, unexpected shutdowns, water and dust.

The package includes a proprietary adapter for the SD form factor. The available configurations are 64, 128 and 256 GB.

Advantages

• High speed of reading and writing, in some cases higher than stated;

• 10 years of official manufacturer's warranty (maximum in the rating);

• Good combination of price and capacity.

disadvantages

• Fragile, must be inserted and removed with care;

• Slight performance degradation when writing to random segments and working with small files;

• The adapter reduces the transmission of read and write data.

Kingston SDCA10 / 64GB

Rating: 4.7

Why the third place: UHS-I bus, but high reliability.

Description: The Kington SDCA10 memory card does not offer a lot of modern technologies, like the two previous models from the rating. But it is highly reliable, so you can safely take it with you on tourist trips – even to the taiga. The device is certified for speed classes Class 10 and UHS-I, but at the same time, sequential writes are carried out at 45 megabytes per second, and reads at 90 megabytes per second.

The model is quite secure. It 'survives' unexpected extractions, static shocks, high and low temperatures, and falling into dust or dirt. It is also protected from X-ray radiation.

The card exists in one capacitive configuration – 64 GB. The package includes an adapter for the SD form factor, which does not reduce the data transfer rate.

Advantages

• High speed of reading and writing;

• Reliable and protected design;

• New type adapter included.

disadvantages

• Counterfeits with less reliability and performance are often found;

• Perceptible heating with active use;

• A noticeable drop in performance when copying small files and writing to random sectors.

Samsung MB-MC256GA

Rating: 4.

Why the fourth place: A very fast, but relatively expensive memory card.

Description: Samsung MB-MC256GA is one of the most expensive memory cards in the rating. But its cost is fully justified. First, the capacity of this card is 256 GB. Secondly, the speed of sequential write to it is 90 megabits per second. Reading is even higher – about 100 megabits per second. The card is certified according to the speed standards Class 10 and UHS-III. This means that it is quite possible to record videos at 4K 120 fps.

The ruggedized drive configuration prevents damage from unexpected removal, static electricity, contact with extreme temperatures, moisture and dust. A radiation shield is also present.

The package includes an adapter for the SD form factor. This is a new generation adapter, so the read and write speed does not change when used. This configuration has 256 GB of memory, but there are models for 64 and 128 GB.

Advantages

• Very fast, actual speed is higher than nominal;

• Five-year manufacturer's warranty;

• Strong and reliable base

disadvantages

• Gets noticeably warm when used in a card reader;

• Slight performance drop when writing to sectors with random access;

• Incompatible with UHS-II standard.

Best Compact Flash Cards

SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash 160MB / s

Rating: 4.9

Why first place: Maximum data transfer rate.

SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash format is suitable for professional cameras and camcorders that save footage in RAW or high bitrate. The drive has a sequential write performance of 150 megabytes per second and reads 160 megabytes per second. Actual baud rate is 1067x.

One of the possible scenarios of use speaks about the high performance of the memory card. The professional Canon EOS 5D Mark III can record up to 50 RAW images to this drive in lossless burst mode.

It should be noted that not every card reader is able to cope with such a speed (in fact, the highest in the rating). Therefore, when copying to or from a computer, the performance will be limited by the bandwidth of the interface.

The drive is available in five configurations – 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 GB.

Advantages

• Maximum speed;

• Wide operating temperature range;

• Lifetime warranty.

disadvantages

• Relatively high price, especially for the 128 and 256 GB versions;

• No protection against water and dust;

• No X-ray protection.

Transcend CompactFlash (TSGCF800)

Rating: 4.8

Why the second place: Lower read and write speed than the leader of the rating.

Transcend CompactFlash (TSGCF800) is designed for semi-professional cameras and mid-range camcorders. The performance is lower than that of its predecessor – the maximum speed for sequential writes is 60 megabytes per second, reads – 120 megabytes per second. In practice, this means that this card can record Full HD – video with a bitrate of less than 20 MB / s (30 or 60 fps depending on the codec used) without the risk of dips.

If we talk about photography, then, for example, this memory card allows you to get up to 26 full-resolution HDR images on the Nikon D700 in 10 seconds. The indicator is good and sufficient for most operators.

The main advantage of the card is the presence of an ECC error correction system, which prevents failures while saving data on this medium.

The drive is available in five versions with capacities ranging from 16 to 256 gigabytes.

Advantages

• Optimum price-performance ratio;

• High write speed;

• Built-in error correction system.

disadvantages

• Limited Warranty (5 Years & 'Qualified');

  No protection against extreme temperatures;

  Comparative high cost.

Best Secure Digital HC Memory Cards

Transcend TSSDHC10

Rating: 4.8

Why # 1: The best combination of price and performance.

The Transcend TSSDHC10 is suitable for cameras, camcorders and similar entry-level recording devices. It is certified according to the speed standard Class 10, which means guaranteed recording at 10 megabytes per second. But with sequential saving, this parameter increases to 20-30 megabytes per second, and reading – up to 45 MB / s.

An important advantage of the memory card is its high reliability. It is well protected against unexpected removal, electrostatic discharge, dust and moisture. The manufacturer gives the memory card a limited five-year warranty.

The memory card is available on the market in four configurations with different memory sizes – 4, 8, 16 and 32 GB.

Advantages

• Fast data transfer rate;

• Reliability and durability;

• The best combination of price, volume and performance in the rating.

disadvantages

• 'Wear and tear' – over time, the write speed may start to drop;

• Limited five-year warranty (from SanDisk, for example, lifetime);

• A fragile case that can crack with frequent insertion and removal.

SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC

Rating: 4.7

Why second place: Faster, but at the same time more expensive memory card than the leader of the rating.

Description: Like other SanDisk memory cards in the Extreme Pro line, the SDHC model offers the highest read and write speeds. In particular, saving to this external drive goes at 90 megabytes per second (sequential), playback – at 95 MB / s. When writing randomly, performance drops slightly.

The device is certified for Class 10 and UHS-III standards. In addition, the V30 (Video Speed ​​Class 30) ensures that this drive can record 4K footage at 36 or 60 fps depending on the codec used.

The drive is suitable for use in extreme conditions. It can withstand high and low temperatures, short-term drowning and immersion in dust. It is also protected from X-rays, which are used for screening at airports.

The SDHC version card is presented in only one configuration – with 32 GB of memory.

Advantages

• High speed suitable for 4K UHD;

• Protected, shockproof housing;

• Lifetime warranty.

disadvantages

• Comparatively expensive

• Loose design of write lock;

• Noticeable drop in speed with random recording.

Sony SF-G32

Rating: 4.7

Why the third place: The highest speed in the rating, but unreasonably expensive.

Description: Sony SF-G32 is a memory card designed for professional photographers, videographers and operators using the appropriate equipment. It differs in the maximum data transfer rate – sequential writing is carried out at 299 megabytes per second, reading – at 300 MB / s. With random access to memory segments, performance drops – in fact, by 30%, but it still remains unsurpassed.

In addition, the memory card is made in a protected configuration: an impact-resistant case, waterproof plugs, a screen that prevents the penetration of X-rays. The operating temperature range of the drive includes both severe heat and severe frost.

The memory card comes with Sony proprietary software for recovering deleted or damaged files, as well as for scanning the drive in order to determine overwrite cycles.

Advantages

• Maximum read and write speed;

• Protected design;

• Useful software included.

disadvantages

• High cost;

• Limited Warranty;

• Frequent fakes.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.