Best Memory Cards of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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Memory cards are small, portable storage devices that can hold a significant amount of data. They are commonly used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other electronic devices to store photos, videos, music, and other files. Memory cards come in various sizes and formats, including SD, microSD, and CompactFlash, and are available with different storage capacities. They are a convenient way to expand the storage of electronic devices and transfer data between devices. Memory cards are widely available and can be purchased online or in electronics stores.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics 128GB microSDXC Memory Card Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics 128GB microSDXC Memory Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC Memory Card Cover #TOP 2
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC Memory Card
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Memory Card Cover #TOP 3
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Memory Card
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Memory Cards

Amazon Basics 128GB microSDXC Memory Card

Amazon Basics
LSMICRO128GU3
Black
128 GB
Amazon Basics 128GB microSDXC Memory Card Cover
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter, A2, U3, Read Speed up to 100 MB/s, 128 GB, Black

This Amazon Basics microSDXC Memory Card is a high-quality storage solution perfect for high-resolution photos, Full HD/4K videos and any other data type. It is ultra-fast with a read speed of up to 100mb/s and it is compatible with a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, and more. The memory card is reliable with shockproof, waterproof, temperature-proof, X-Ray-proof, and magnetic-proof features. It also comes with an SD adapter.

What We Like
Excellent value for price
Fast read/write speeds
Wide device compatibility
Reliable performance
Included SD adapter
What We Don't Like
Write speed not fastest

SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC Memory Card

SDSDXXD-128G-GN4IN
Dark gray/Black
128GB
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC Memory Card Cover
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card - C10, U3, V30, 4K UHD, SD Card - SDSDXXD-128G-GN4IN

The SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC Memory Card features read speeds of up to 200MB/s with SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, shot speeds up to 90MB/s and is perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography. It comes with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) designations, which supports 4K UHD video recording and real-time video recording with enabled host devices. This memory card is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who require fast and reliable storage options.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds
Reliable performance
Durable build quality
Handles 4K video easily
Large storage capacity options
What We Don't Like
Slightly higher price
Occasional authenticity concerns

SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Memory Card

SDSQUAC-256G-GN6MA
Black
256GB
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Memory Card Cover
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 150MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, A1, MicroSD Card - SDSQUAC-256G-GN6MA [New Version]

The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Memory Card is perfect for storing Full HD videos, photos, and applications on Android tablets and smartphones. With up to 256GB of storage, you can store more hours of Full HD video. The transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s allow you to move up to 1000 photos per minute, while A1-rated performance helps you to load apps faster. It also has Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback.

What We Like
Ample storage capacity
Fast transfer speeds
Reliable performance
Versatile device compatibility
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Initial formatting takes time
Small size needs careful handling
#TOP 4

Samsung P9 Express 512GB microSD Card

MB-MK512T/AM
white
512GB
Samsung P9 Express 512GB microSD Card Cover
Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card, 512GB microSDXC Memory Card, Up to 800 MB/s, for Nintendo-Switch ™ 2, (MB MK512T/AM)

The Samsung P9 Express Card offers blazing-fast transfer speeds up to 800 MB/s, allowing you to launch your games up to four times quicker than standard microSD cards. This means less waiting and more playing. Its Dynamic Thermal Guard keeps the card cool during intense gaming sessions, preventing overheating and ensuring smooth performance. With a massive 512GB capacity, you can store all your games and downloadable content without worrying about running out of space or deleting files. Plus, the card is built tough with six types of protection and comes with a 3-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind while gaming on the go.

What We Like
Blazing fast transfer speeds
Reliable Samsung build quality
Excellent value for price
Seamless Switch 2 compatibility
Large storage capacity
What We Don't Like
Reported storage slightly less than 256GB
#TOP 5

Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Card with Adapter

Amazon Basics
LSMICRO256GU3-H
Black
256GB
Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Card with Adapter Cover
Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Card with Adapter, Read Speed Up to 200MB/s, 1-Pack

The Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC is a versatile storage solution compatible with many devices, including smartphones, cameras, and laptops, giving you the flexibility to keep your data handy across gadgets. It’s perfect for capturing high-quality Full HD, 4K, or even 5K videos and storing detailed photos, ensuring you don’t miss any moments. With fast read speeds up to 200MB/s and write speeds up to 150MB/s, you can quickly transfer files and enjoy smooth performance on your devices. Plus, it’s built tough—resistant to shocks, water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets—so your data stays safe no matter where you take it.

What We Like
Fast read and write speeds
Wide device compatibility
Large storage capacity options
Affordable price
Easy installation and use
What We Don't Like
Occasional durability concerns
Slight usable capacity discrepancy
#TOP 6

SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter

SDSQXAA-128G-GN6MA
Gold/Red
128GB
SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter Cover
SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 190MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, 5K, A2, Micro SD Card - SDSQXAA-128G-GN6MA

Upgrade your device's storage capacity with the SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card. This high-performance memory card is designed to save you time with its fast card offload speeds of up to 190MB/s. Whether you're transferring large files or shooting fast-action photos, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC can handle it all. With up to 90MB/s write speeds, you can capture high-quality photos and videos without any lag. Plus, it's 4K and 5K UHD-ready with UHS Speed Class 3 and Video Speed Class 30, ensuring smooth and seamless playback. And with its A2 rating, you can experience faster loading and in-app performance. Upgrade to the SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC and enjoy the convenience and benefits it brings to your digital life.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds
Reliable and durable performance
Handles 4K/5K video smoothly
Large storage capacity
Compact and portable
What We Don't Like
Higher price than some competitors
Installation can be tricky for some devices
#TOP 7

Amazon Basics 512GB microSDXC Card with Adapter

Amazon Basics
LSMICRO512GU3-H
Black
512GB
Amazon Basics 512GB microSDXC Card with Adapter Cover
Amazon Basics 512GB microSDXC Card with Adapter, Read Speed Up to 200MB/s, 1-Pack

The Amazon Basics 512GB microSDXC offers a huge storage capacity that works well with many devices like smartphones, cameras, laptops, and gaming consoles, giving you plenty of space for your files. It’s perfect for storing high-quality videos and photos, including Full HD, 4K, and even 5K content, so you can keep your memories in great detail. With fast read speeds up to 200MB/s and write speeds up to 150MB/s, you can quickly transfer and save your data without long waits. Plus, its durable design protects against shocks, water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets, making it reliable for everyday use and travel.

What We Like
Fast read/write speeds
Reliable performance
High storage capacity
Wide device compatibility
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Possible write speed variability
Minor durability concerns
#TOP 8

SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card

SDSQQNR-256G-GN6IA
Black
256 GB
SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card Cover
SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card with Adapter for Dash Cam and Home Monitoring systems - C10, U3, V30, 4K UHD, Micro SD Card - SDSQQNR-256G-GN6IA

The SanDisk High Endurance microSDXC Card is the ideal choice for dash cams and home monitoring systems. With its high endurance design, you can record for up to 20,000 hours without any worries. This microSD card is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it temperature-proof, waterproof, shockproof, and x-ray-proof. With capacities up to 256GB, you can save more videos and record and save more Full HD or 4K videos. Whether you're capturing important moments on the road or monitoring your home, this SanDisk microSDXC card provides the reliability and performance you need.

What We Like
Continuous recording endurance
High reliability
Fast file transfers
Handles 4K and 5K video
Heat resistance
What We Don't Like
Fewer large capacity options

KODAK 32 GB Premium Performance Memory Card

EKMSD32GHC10K
Black
32GB
KODAK 32 GB Premium Performance Memory Card Cover
Kodak SDHC Card 32GB UHS-I U1 V10 Premium, up to 85MB/s Read Speed, for Full HD Video and High-Resolution Pictures, Compatible with SDHC Standard - EKMSD32GHC10K

The KODAK 32 GB Class 10 UHS-I U1 SDHC/XC Premium Performance Memory Card is perfect for recording lots of full HD videos and taking high-resolution pictures without running out of space. With up to 85MB/s read speed, data transfer from the memory card onto your computer or any other SD compatible devices is easy. The card also has up to 25MB/s write speed and Class 10 speed ratings for full HD video recording and high-resolution pictures. It is compatible with all devices supporting SDHC and SDXC standards and its small, compact design makes it ideal for everyday use.

What We Like
Easy camera compatibility
Ample photo storage
Quick delivery
Simple to use
Good price-to-quality ratio
What We Don't Like
Possible device incompatibility
Shipping issues (rare)

SanDisk 256GB microSDXC-Card for Nintendo Switch

SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN
Yellow
256GB
SanDisk 256GB microSDXC-Card for Nintendo Switch Cover
SanDisk 256GB microSDXC-Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch - SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN

The SanDisk 256GB microSDXC-Card is officially licensed for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems, offering incredible read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s. It instantly adds up to 256GB of storage, giving you the ability to store all your downloaded games, screenshots, and video captures in one place. Spend less time waiting and more time playing with this microSD card.

What We Like
Easy installation
Reliable performance
Large storage capacity
Compatible with Nintendo Switch
Attractive themed design
What We Don't Like
Less usable space than advertised
Higher price than alternatives
Best Memory Cards Feature Image

Finding the Best Memory Cards to Meet Your Needs

Buying good quality memory card is as much important as the device itself. Because these memory cards keep all the data captured by our machine. When there are so many types with different features, capacity and speed are out there, how would you know which one is best for your device?

Well, it’s very important to specify the use of a memory card before buying one. You should buy a memory card Compatible with your camera, smartphone, or any other device. With compatibility, the size of the memory card is also very important to fit in your device. Memory cards are in three sizes: SD cards, mini SD cards, and micro SD cards. Make sure to buy the correct size along with all other important features.

Factors to consider before buying memory cards

  • Type

Memory cards are available in different types, including CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), microSD, Memory Stick (MS), XQD, SxS-1, SxS PRO+, P2, and microP2. These types can vary by capacity, type of interface, write speed, read speed, durability, & data protection capacity. These types are being used in camcorders, 3D printers, digital cameras, smartphones, and game consoles. Make sure to specify the type of card with your requirement.

  • Capacity

The capacity of a memory card is very important to consider. For smartphones, people usually buy 32 or 64GB memory cards. But professional cameramen use small memory cards with average capacity. The reason is that if the card gets damaged, their loss will be less. So, they carry average-sized memory cards to keep their works separate and safer.

  • Speed

Like Thumb Drives Memory card is about saving your data, but the write and read speed of the memory card is also very important to consider. Memory cards with high write speed enable you to save data faster in less time. And high read speed memory cards will improve the efficiency of your workflow by speeding up files transfer from card to computer. High write and read speed will save a lot of your time. If you are buying a card, make sure to buy the best one to avoid any hassle.

Benefits of memory cards

Memory cards provide a large space to store data in their very small and portable design. These are the best storage devices to store your data in an instance just by placing them into your device. There is no need for wiring or connecting other devices for data storage.

Just like Internal TV Tuner & Video Capture Cards, the small memory cards allow us to carry them with us anywhere. Because of their small size, it's very easy to store memory cards. Different types of them are compatible with almost all devices you want to save data.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use a memory card?

A memory card is one the most durable & reliable storage devices, especially in shock resistance. When you use any type of memory card, you can be almost sure that your data is safe until & unless you lost the memory card because of your carelessness.

Does memory card affect speed?

Yes, a memory card with high read and write speed will increase your device’s work speed. With a good-quality memory card, you can easily save and transfer files from your card to another device in a short time.

Conclusion

Buying a memory card is now a basic requirement of everyone. But not everyone which things we need to consider before buying a memory card. Here is a list of the best memory cards and buying guides to make your choice easy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many photos can a 32 GB SD card hold?

A 32GB SD card can hold approximately 6,300 images shot on a smartphone with a 12MP camera. For a GoPro, it can hold around 7,620 images.

2. What SD cards work for Wii?

If your Wii console is updated to Wii Menu 4.0 or higher, it is compatible with SD cards that are 2GB or less, as well as SDHC cards up to 32GB.

3. What is the lifespan of an SD card?

SD cards typically have a lifespan of 10 years or more. They are designed for data storage and can be used for a long time, allowing consumers to upgrade their devices without generating electronic waste.

4. How long will a memory card last?

SD cards are designed to last for 10 years or more. However, frequent users may need to replace their SD cards every few years. Professional photographers often keep a collection of high-quality backup SD cards.

5. How many photos will a 128GB card hold?

A 128GB card can hold approximately 35,500 photos, assuming a lower-quality image. The actual number may vary depending on the picture quality and the camera's megapixels.

6. Can I use a micro SD card for my Wii?

Yes, the Wii console accepts SD cards. You can use miniSD and microSD cards with their respective adapters.

Editor's Notes

During our memory card research, we found 26 memory card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,130,851 customer reviews through our big data system to write the memory cards list. We found that most customers choose memory cards with an average price of $26.24.

The memory cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of memory cards, including Sandisk, Samsung, KODAK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Memory Cards Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP5
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#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Sandisk Sandisk Samsung Amazon Basics Sandisk Amazon Basics Sandisk KODAK Sandisk
Flash Memory Type Micro SDXC SDXC Micro SDXC Micro SDXC MicroSDX Micro SDXC Micro SDXC Micro SDXC SDHC Micro SD
Memory Storage Capacity 128 GB 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 256 GB 128 GB 512 GB 256 GB 32 GB 256 GB
Compatible Devices Camera, Drone, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet Car Navigation Systems, Computers, Digital Cameras, Home Theatre Devices SanDisk MobileMate USB 3.0 microSD Card Reader Camera, Gaming Console, Nintendo Switch 2, Personal Computer, Steam Deck smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, desktop computers, DSLRs, drones, gaming console Action Cameras, Digital Cameras, Drones, Smartphone, Tablet Camera, Gaming Console, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Tablet Smartphone Camera, Personal Computer Nintendo Switch
Model Name LSMICRO128GU3 SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I Card - P9 Express microSD Ultra SanDisk Extreme microSD UHS-I Card with Adapter microSD Ultra SDSQQNR-256G HIGH Endurance Micro SDXC Class 10 UHS-I U3 V30 UHS-I U1 V10 SD Cards MicroSDXC UHS-I Card for Nintendo Switch
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy