Over the years, we accumulate a lot of content. Whether it is pictures or video, we tend to carry a lot of media with us, but our devices can only carry so much. Sadly, there is a limited capacity on phones and tablets. So, what to do when you have files you need to store? 

Recommends

The best external hard drives

Here are the top options at a variety of price points.

Read now

Also: What do all those microSD and SD card numbers and letters mean?

A microSD card could be the answer. These cards help with transferring and storing files, working at lightning speed to safeguard your files in a secure place. Not all cards are created the same, however, which is why you need to find the best microSD card to trust with your files.

I can help. I found the best microSD cards to help safeguard your most cherished items for years to come.

Samsung Evo Plus microSD card

Best microSD card overall

Image: Samsung Pros & Cons Pros

• Great read and write speeds
• Fast transfers
• 4-year warranty

Cons

• Low speed grade

More Details

Tech specs: Read speed:100MB/sWrite speed:60 MB/sClass:Class 10Capacity: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB 

The Samsung Evo Plus microSD card is the overall best microSD card, thanks to its reliable performance and tough, durable build. This is a well-protected microSD card with four-proof protection; it is waterproof and can stand up to varying temperatures with both an X-ray- and magnet-proof design. It is a Grade 3, Class 10 card that offers reasonable read and write speeds with 4K UHD support for all of your important videos and files. When you use this card, you can transfer a 3GB video in only 38 seconds. 

View now at Amazon

Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC card

Best microSD card for video

Pros & Cons Pros

• Ultra fast
• Affordable
• Reliable performance

Cons

• Smaller than the Pro
• Best for smaller devices

More Details

Tech specs: Read speed:160MB/sWrite speed:120 MB/sClass:A2Capacity: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB 

When you have a lot of videos to transfer, consider the Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC card. With UHS-I technology, transfers are super fast - one of the fastest on our list - with support for Full HD and 4K UHD content. This card is compatible with a series of devices, including your smartphone, tablet, and camera. Use this card with your drone, action camera, or Android smartphone. Either way, it is water-, shock-, vibration-, andX-ray-proof for a reliable build that you can take with you on the go. 

View now at B&H Photo-Video View now at Amazon View now at Walmart more buying choices

Samsung EVO Select microSD memory card

Best microSD card value

Pros & Cons Pros

• Fantastic compatibility
• Long warranty
• IPX7 rating

Cons

• Limited capacities
• Not as fast as other microSD cards

More Details

Tech specs: Read speed:Up to 100MB/sWrite speed:90 MB/sClass:Class 10Capacity: 128 GB, 256 GB

The Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Memory card also supports 4K UHD content. It is a Class 10, U3 card that comes with a full-size SD adapter. You can benefit from both SD and microSD compatibility for greater flexibility. It is fast, too. You have the ability to transfer a 3GB video in 38 seconds for ultra-fast transfers, and it is equipped to store all your favorite content, holding up to 20 hours of full HD video or 37,600 photos.

View now at Samsung View now at B&H Photo-Video View now at Amazon more buying choices

SanDisk Extreme SSD V2

Best large-capacity microSD card

Pros & Cons Pros

• Reliable performance
• Super affordable
• IP55-rated

Cons

• Slower speeds

More Details

Tech specs: Read speed:Up to 90MB/sWrite speed:40 MB/sClass:Class 10Capacity: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB

The SanDisk Extreme SSD V2 comes in very high capacities, with as much as 4TB of storage. Transfer speeds are slower than the others on our list but its storage helps make up for it. It is twice as fast as its previous model, using NVMe? solid state technology to store and transfer your files. The portable design brings extra peace of mind with a build that is both IP55 water- and dust-resistant and can withstand a two-meter drop.

View now at Amazon

SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSDXC card

Best microSD card for phones

Pros & Cons Pros

• Large capacity
• Waterproof
• X-ray-proof

Cons

• Not compatible with all devices
• Pricier than the SanDisk Extreme

More Details

Tech specs: Read speed:Up to 200MB/sWrite speed:140 MB/sClass:Class 3Capacity: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB 

The SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSDXC card has the fastest speeds of all the best microSD cards. You have an option of the standard capacities, but this card is an excellent fit for those using smartphones with an A2 rating. SanDisk QuickFlow Technology means 4K UHD video recording and full HD video, plus delivery of those photos in high resolution. If you want even faster speeds, add on the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD? for an even better experience.

View now at Amazon

What is the best microSD card?

The Samsung Evo Plus microSD card is affordable with reliable performance and tons of positive user reviews. Other options may have faster read and write speeds, but the user experience for this microSD card is fantastic. To see how it compares, these are the other best microSD cards you can buy:

Best microSD card	Cost	Read speed	Write speed
Samsung Evo Plus microSD card	$22.10	100 MB/s	60 MB/s
Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC card	$16.99	160 MB/s	120 MB/s
Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Memory card	$20.99	100 MB/s	90 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme microSD card	$13.00	90 MB/s	40 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSDXC	$19.99	170 MB/s	90 MB/s

Which is the best microSD card for you?

Here we offer our expert recommendations to help you find the best microSD card for your needs.

Choose this best microSD card...	If you want...
Samsung Evo Plus microSD card	Excellent value and performance
Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC card	To store a lot of videos
Samsung EVO Select MicroSD Memory card	A versatile microSD card at a great price
SanDisk Extreme microSD card	To store a ton of files
SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSDXC	To use your phone for file transfers

How did we choose these best microSD cards?

In my search, I considered several factors that can also help you:

• Capacity: If you do have a lot of photos and videos, a smaller microSD card will not be enough to store all your items, so you would want to look for a larger microSD card, like one with 128 GB or even 1 TB if you need it. 
• Speed: Most devices are compatible with a Class 10 or U1-rated card. However, if your device requires a lower speed class, shop for microSD cards that have a Class 2, 4, or 6 classification. 
  
• Cost: The price of a microSD card is a major consideration because budgets can vary significantly. We look for microSD cards that suit a number of budgets, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
  

What is a microSD card?

A microSD card is meant to be used with smaller devices, such as your phone or camera. It is the compact version of a standard SD card, offering space for your photos and videos, up to 1 TB of storage. 

How does a microSD card work?

A microSD card is simple and straightforward to use. It works with the SD card slot in your device when you use an adapter.

How much do the best microSD cards cost?

microSD cards are generally very affordable. The best microSD cards range in price between$13 and$22, depending on the size and model that you choose.

Are there alternative microSD cards worth considering?

In our search, we also found these best microSD cards that may be worth a second look.

Samsung PRO Plus: Best microSD card for professionals

$26.99 at Samsung

SanDisk Ultra MicroSDHC: Best microSD card for smartphones

SanDisk Ultra microSDXC: Best microSD card for Nintendo Switch

$13.28 at Amazon

Need a new device? Check out our picks for the best computers, the best phones, and the best gaming devices!

Recommends

The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more comparedThe 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)

• The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more compared
• The 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)
• The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)
• The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)