The 8 Best SD Cards of 2022
SD Card – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison
Finding the best SD card for your device is not always easy. In many cases, we have to look for products with specific characteristics, such as a certain data transfer capacity or a capacity that is not less than or greater than certain amounts of GB. And it is that a 16 GB micro SD card for your mobile is not the same as a high-demand card for a camera that records in 4K. So the first step you must take is to be clear about what you need and, later, assess what options the market offers you. Among these options we have the Kingston SDC10G2 card, with a 128 GB capacity and which offers good speed at an adjusted price for those who do not need the most powerful on the market. If you prefer something smaller, the Sandisk SDSDUNC-032G modelIt has 32 GB of space, class 10 in terms of speed and a transfer capacity of up to 80 Mbps, in conventional SD format.
The 8 Best SD Cards – Opinions 2022
SD cards have become an essential element for many devices that work with large amounts of data. Models that can even mark the good performance of that equipment, so looking for the best SD card for that device is reasonable. A task in which our comparison and analysis of the best SD cards of the moment will be very useful for you to be clear about which SD card to buy to equip your device and squeeze its performance.
micro SD card
1.Kingston SDC10G2 128GB microSDXC
The Kingston SDC10G2 micro SD card is a product that combines a reasonable price, a storage capacity of 128 GB and a good data transfer speed. The three elements necessary to enjoy a quality card. This translates into ample space to store everything you need, as well as a good transfer speed, since this micro SD card can move data at a speed of about 45 Mbps.
So the card is suitable for video recording in Full HD format, as well as for those users who need space but not speed to find suitable products at a good price. This does not imply a loss of quality in the product, which maintains the resistance and security that it offers on a physical level, withstanding the most intensive uses, as well as other threats such as X-rays.
If you need space but not so much speed, know in detail what this card offers you to equip yourself.
Pros
Space: It is the largest model of this manufacturer, so if you need space, you will find it here.
Adapter : It is accompanied by an adapter, for when it is necessary to convert the micro SD into a conventional SD card.
Resistance : The device has a high manufacturing quality, according to the brand standard.
Cons
Speed: It is not one of the fastest products that we have analyzed, although it is adequate for regular uses.
Transfer of large files : In addition to what has been mentioned, the speed also drops when working with large files.
SD card 32GB
2. Sandisk Ultra SDSDNC-032G 32GB
The Sandisk SDSDUNC-032G 32GB SD Card is a high-end product when it comes to speed, but without the extreme speeds of more expensive SD cards.
Therefore, it is a cost-effective solution for those who want to record video in Full HD quality without having to spend more. This model is capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 MB/s in transfer mode, and is also compatible with the SHDC, SDXC standard and its different variants.
Therefore, it is easy to have a good performance designed especially for compact and mid-range cameras, where it is not necessary to have the most expensive ones. In what the product does not fail is in offering the brand’s own security, adequately withstanding humidity, X-rays or the effects of shocks and dust.
Let’s know some more details about this 32 GB SD card and the functions it offers to perform in different types of use.
Pros
Balanced card: This model combines a good transfer speed with a reasonable price, being very suitable for compact and mid-range cameras.
Video recording: Thanks to its performance, this model can record video in Full HD format without problems in data transfer.
Capacity : Its 32 GB capacity gives us extra security by “forcing” us to change it more frequently and save our work against cards with a higher capacity.
Cons
Compatibility: It is important that the camera or the device where it is used is compatible with SDHC since, if it is not, the card will not work.
Speed : In this case, the maximum speed is 80 MB/s, which may fall short for the most demanding devices, such as those that record in 4K.
64GB micro SD card
3.Samsung EVO Plus 64GB
Also located within the segment of micro SD cards, the Samsung EVO Plus model is another of the best known and recognized ranges for its quality. This 64 GB capacity micro SD card is capable of reaching speeds of 95 MB/s in read mode and over 60 MB/s in writing, thanks to its modern U3-type controller.
An advanced product with high performance that is compatible with all types of devices. Something to which the included SD adapter helps, which maintains the transfer and reading speeds already mentioned. A 64 GB micro SD card that is compatible with all types of devices, even the most advanced and demanding in terms of data usage. A card that also has high protection, resistant to water, heat or even X-rays and magnetic fields.
If you do not know which SD card to buy and you are looking for a good amount of space in a micro size, this model will surely be of interest to you.
Pros
Speed: Thanks to its U3-type controller, this card reaches speeds of 95 MB/s in reading and around 60 MB/s in writing.
Compatibility : Thanks to its speed and class, this model is compatible with even the most demanding devices in terms of data usage.
Durability : Thanks to its construction, this card adequately withstands moisture, high temperatures or the effect of dust.
Cons
Real capacity: The real capacity of the card is reduced by around 7% of the marked capacity, in line with other similar models, for a total of about 59 GB available.
A1 Feature: The device does not include the A1 feature to speed up processing and improve application performance.
128GB micro SD card
4. SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB
If your device is a real data-crunching machine, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC 128GB Micro SD Card is all you need. A product that for many professionals is the best SD card in the SDXC segment. This card has a total capacity of 128 GB, which moves at high speed thanks to UHS-I technology.
This translates into speeds of up to 95MB/s in transfer and 90MB/s in shooting mode, so the card is capable of shooting 4K UHD video or supporting burst mode sequential shooting without glitches or issues. Extensive functionality in which you are also supported by Video Speed Class 30 as well as UHS Speed Class 3, which keep up with high performance demands. Parameters typical of a quality proposal as far as looking for a 128 GB micro SD card is concerned.
Let’s see some more information about this card, from what is for many users the best current SD card brand.
Pros
SDXC technology: Thanks to its SDXC technology, this card is capable of performing remarkably even on the most demanding devices.
Quality video and photos: This card allows you to record videos in 4K format or take photos in burst mode without problems in data storage.
Extreme conditions: As with the rest of Sandisk’s SD cards, this model withstands the most extreme conditions of use.
Cons
Formatting: In order to obtain the best results, it is necessary to format the card from the camera itself, in order to adjust the card to the behavior of your camera.
Previous test: Some users recommend testing the card beforehand in order to verify its operation, since occasionally a defective unit may arise.
Wi-Fi SD card
5.Toshiba FlashAir W-03 SDHC 32GB
Although they are not well known among the general public, we also find WiFi SD cards on the market, such as the Toshiba FlashAir W-04 model. This card has the conventional design of an SD card with a capacity of 32 GB and the usual class 3 in these devices. However, the novelty of the product is that it can be connected to your WiFi network, so you can access the data it stores without having to physically move the card.
Something that can be very useful for photographers or to transfer and share data between devices connected to the same network. For this purpose, the model offers the possibility of connecting up to 7 devices at the same time. This product offers a transfer speed of 10 MB/s, also generating a secure environment protected with the usual network protocols such as WEP, WPA or WPA2, among others. This prevents unauthorized access to your data.
Designed to save you time and complications in managing your data, this model offers you an efficient and safe design when working.
Pros
WiFi connectivity: Thanks to its WiFi connectivity, it is possible to move data between the card and other equipment without having to physically move the SD.
Speed : This model reaches a reading speed of up to 90 MB/s, to keep up with any device.
Access : This product can connect up to 7 devices at the same time, to make it easier to share data.
Cons
Included app: The included app has certain shortcomings, according to users, which make it difficult, in part, to access the data, especially on devices with Android 8.
Camera configuration: It is essential to increase the connection time of the camera when accessing the data, which is not particularly clear in the instructions.
16GB micro SD card
6. SanDisk Ultra Android microSDHC 16GB
Among the best SD cards of 2022, we find the SanDisk Ultra Android model. A product that, due to its quality, could well be the best SD card of the moment in the category of micro models. We are talking about a 16 GB micro SD card, suitable for use in devices that do not need large amounts of memory, such as tablets or mobile phones.
The 16 GB micro SD card is accompanied by the adapter to the SD format, which helps to move files between your PC and any device easily. Something that helps the fact of being of category A1, which accelerates the performance of any application.
And if we add to all this that this card is among the cheapest due to its capacity and characteristics, we could well be facing the best value for money SD card in its segment.
Let’s see some more information about this card that, despite being among our cheap options, is for many the best SD card of the moment in the micro segment.
Pros
Transfer speed: The transfer speed of the card reaches 98 MB/s.
Category A1: This category accelerates the execution and performance of applications installed on the device .
Class 10: Thanks to its class 10, this model is compatible with video recording and playback in Full HD format.
Adapter : The card is accompanied by the necessary SD adapter to use it in conventional readers.
Cons
Capacity: The card has a capacity of 16 GB, perhaps insufficient for users who need more space. However, this range of products reaches 400 MB of capacity.
Durability : Some user comments that the durability of the card can be improved, although it is not something generalized.
SD card class 10
7. SanDisk Extreme SDXC 64GB
These days, finding a class 10 SD card is easy. A product designed to move data at high speed without spending too much. Something that we find in models such as the SanDisk Extreme SDXC card.
This has a capacity of 64 GB of storage and the aforementioned class 10, which in this specific product translates into transfer speeds that reach 90 MB/s in read mode and 60 in write mode, according to the manufacturer. Therefore, they are sufficient for Full HD video recording, although the same is adjusted for recordings in 4K format.
This product also has the usual quality of cards from this manufacturer, withstanding intensive use and even in complex conditions. It is accompanied, as an extra, by RescuePro Deluxe file recovery software, in case you have to recover the data on your card.
Enjoy Class 10 speed with this full-featured card from Sandisk and the features we discuss below.
Pros
Class 10: The aforementioned class 10 offers us a high speed of reading and data transfer.
Photography : The camera offers remarkable performance in case of using it to take photos.
Resistance: According to some users, the product has a high resistance to use.
Cons
4K recording: Although the product is indicated as suitable for 4K recording, its performance may be fair.
Formatting: You may need to format the card on the device to access it.
MicroSD card 256GB
8. Lexar High-Performance 256GB microSDXC
If you are one of those users who always lack space to save data, you may need to resort to a 256 GB micro SD card. Products such as the Lexar High-Performance model, which not only has this capacity, but thanks to its new system and design it is capable of adequately performing in the toughest tests. Among them, we even have the recording of videos in HD or even in 4K format, if you require it.
And it is that this card can reach transfer speeds of up to 95 Mbps, according to what these video formats require. A speed that is also maintained during conventional use, since the adapter also complies with this standard so as not to lose a signal. An efficient and quality product that will also withstand use, without the risk of data loss.
Expand the storage capacity with any device with this interesting Lexar model, which we analyze below.
Pros
Recording Capability: The product seamlessly records video in the most complex formats, including 4K.
Space : It is one of the largest cards on the market in terms of capacity.
Adapter : It is accompanied by the mandatory adapter, to maintain its data transfer capacity at all times.
Cons
Formatting: Users recommend formatting the card from time to time for better usage.
Price : As with other cards of this capacity, the price is still quite high.
Shopping guide
When it comes to buying an SD card, there are many aspects that we must evaluate, beyond how much the product costs or its capacity. And it is that the high demand that many current devices have requires more advanced systems to transfer data. So so that you are clear about everything you need to know, we leave you the advice of our guide to buying the best SD card, in which we reveal all these aspects to you.
card capacity
Although there are many aspects that we can deal with when talking about these cards, we are going to start talking about capacity, as it is still key when it comes to finding a good and cheap SD card.
This capacity is very variable, as you will see when you see any comparison of SD cards. Currently, these SD cards offer a capacity from 8 or 16 GB, with really cheap prices. So if you don’t have huge storage needs, you won’t have to overspend on unused space either.
This scale grows according to the computer’s own numbering, so that we will have 32, 64, 128 or 256 GB cards. In these last two models, prices are already beginning to grow, as is the case with the 400 GB or 512 GB models, which are currently the market ceiling.
These latest models, starting at 128 GB, are suitable for high-demand products such as high-end digital cameras and the like. In any case, it will not take long to see cards of up to 2 TB, although surely at more than high prices, as is the case with current flash drives that have that capacity.
card size
Another important issue for the card to work properly is to have a size adapted to what the device needs. The three main sizes are the conventional SD formats, the micro SD and the mini SD.
The conventional SD card is the usual one for photo and video cameras, having specific compartments for its assembly, generally by pressure. The mini SD format is the intermediate, being less and less frequent as it is being replaced by micro SD. This last format, the micro, is the one currently used in mobile phones, tablets and in most devices on the market.
In addition to what has been stated, the mini and micro models are usually accompanied by adapters, so that you can convert these cards into SD-type models by simply inserting them inside. Something that helps manage the content on those devices that only have an SD input.
Card operating class and speed
Another important aspect of an SD card is the class it offers us when it comes to moving data. A class that has been growing at the same time as the needs of different devices. For this reason, today it is difficult to find 2 or 4 cards, with transfer speeds of 2 and 4 MB/s respectively.
Currently, the most advisable thing is to bet on class 10 cards, which, as their name suggests, offer us a transfer speed of 10 MB/s. It is the necessary and recommended standard to record videos in high definition 1080P, although we can also resort to UHS I Class I, which maintains this same speed although with the option of recording video in real time.
But if it is about making the leap to 4K technology, it will be necessary to resort to the UHS I Class III models, which increase the transfer speed up to 30 MB/s. It is what we will need in case we want to record video at the highest possible quality.
By the way, it should be remembered that each class guarantees a minimum speed, but that the actual operating speed of the device is usually higher, and it is also common for the card to offer better performance than those that its class simply establishes. In fact, some cards are around 100 MB/s in speed, as you can see by just looking at the market.
Strength and durability
As a final aspect, it is necessary to take a look at the resistance and durability offered by the SD card we are talking about. And it is that if we plan to use the card in complex conditions, such as those suffered by a sports camera, it will always be convenient for this card to have sufficient resistance so as not to lose our photos or our videos.
Fortunately, there are several manufacturers that have products dedicated to this purpose, offering high-level resistance to all kinds of problems. Among the risks covered are shocks, drastic changes in temperature or even X-rays, so there is no problem when passing the cards through an airport scanner, for example.
In any case, even if you do not plan to give it a particularly intensive or risky use, it is always convenient to have a product with a guarantee and high resistance. And it is that a poor quality card can mean the loss of its content, which can be easily avoided. We will not mention names, but it is easy to know which manufacturers we are referring to just by looking at the trajectory and the opinions that their products arouse among users.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to format SD card?
The process of formatting an SD card is as simple as that of any other memory device or similar that we connect to our computer. So once the card is connected, we will only have to access the Windows file explorer, select the drive with the right button and choose the format option. The same procedure can be executed on Mac computers, using the disk manager and following the usual process.
Q2: How to transfer media files to SD card?
If you want to transfer media files to your SD card, simply move or copy them the same way you would a conventional storage drive. So all you have to do is choose the files in Windows Explorer and move them to the drive where the card is located. By the way, if you want to move media files from card to PC or wherever, you just have to do the same process but in reverse.
Q3: Which SD card is better for recording video?
It all depends on the video quality that we want to record, as well as its format. For video recording in Full HD format, it is necessary to have a class 10 card, with which to ensure good data transfer. If we also want to record in real time, it will be necessary to opt for a class I UHS model, which significantly increases performance.
However, this class is not enough to record video in 4K format, and it is recommended to go one step further in this new class to class III UHS cards, specially designed for these uses.
Q4: Which SD card to buy for SLR camera?
Everything will depend on the image taking and video recording capacity offered by the product. In the event that this recording is made in Full HD format, it will be necessary to use class 10 cards, while if we have the possibility of recording in 4K format, it will be necessary to use class III UHS cards.
As for the capacity, it all depends on what we need, although theirs is to bet on models of 64 or 128 GB at least. Especially if you plan to take high-quality photos or record videos in 4K format, in which case it is necessary to have the largest possible storage capacities.
Q5: Where to store SD cards?
The storage of SD cards is not a minor issue, since inadequate storage can deteriorate them and even cause the loss of data inside them. Something that we can avoid by keeping the cards in a cover or case, which avoids these risks and keeps them protected.
Additionally, it is also convenient that storage be carried out away from sources of heat, magnetism and other risks that may damage the cards. In the market it is easy to find covers to organize your cards comfortably, as well as with the corresponding security.
Q6: How to recover damaged SD card?
Virtually all SD card manufacturers offer specific applications with which we can recover a damaged SD card. These applications are responsible for verifying the data structure of the product and try to restore access to data that is still recoverable.
In the best of cases, you will be able to recover part of that data, it is advisable to save it in another storage, to avoid problems. Once the data is recovered, it will be necessary to format the device to recover its integrity and return the card to normal operation.
Q7: How to fix SD card full with no files?
This problem is usually caused by a misallocation of space, which can cause some files to not appear or the card to run out of space when there really is space inside. Thus, to solve the problem, it is convenient to change the device to which we connect the card, such as a PC or a laptop, to verify exactly what is inside it.
If there are no files or space, it will be necessary to recover what we can from the card and format it, preferably from the device in which we are going to use it.
Q8: What SD card does the Nintendo Switch use?
When it comes to expanding the storage of our console, we can use practically any SD card on the market today. It is only necessary that it has a high transfer speed, at least class 10, as well as ample capacity to store games and everything we need inside. In any case, some products have been specially designed for this console, so if you prefer them, it will be easy for you to find them.
Q9: Why doesn’t it read the SD card?
To begin with, it is convenient to verify that the SD card is correctly placed in the reader, pressing it a little. It is also a good idea to clean the connectors of dust and other debris, in case it is possible that the dirt present makes it difficult to read. Finally, if we continue to have reading problems, it will be necessary to try the card in another reader, to verify if the problem is with the reader or with the card itself.
In any case, it is convenient to distinguish between a card that is not detected, which we can solve with this procedure, and one that is detected but cannot read its files, in which case it would be necessary to proceed with its repair.
Q10: How to fix damaged SD card without formatting?
To repair an SD card without formatting it, so that we can access the files inside it, we can use any conventional hard drive diagnostic tool, which will look for errors in the drive, repair them if possible, and offer us device access. If this is not enough, we will have to resort to a specific file recovery unit for these storage devices and cross our fingers to see what we can save.
How to use an SD card
The SD card has become the perfect complement for our photo and video cameras, as well as for our mobile, in case we opt for the micro SD models, which are compatible with these terminals. A model that requires a certain procedure for its use, which we will reveal below to get the most out of it.
Installation
When inserting the card into the device, it is important that we place it correctly. The good news is that the cards are shaped to prevent misplacement of the product. Therefore, whether we are talking about an SD or a micro SD, the installation of the card is easy, since it only fits in a specific way and there is no possibility of error. What we do need to verify is that the card is properly inserted in its place, so that the contacts do their job correctly.
initial formatting
Although it is a point where there is some controversy, the truth is that most users recommend formatting the SD or micro SD card. However, this formatting must be executed directly from the device itself, which prepares the internal space to store the data in a better way. The procedure depends on the device we are talking about, so you will have to take a look at the menu options to see how to proceed.
Card Usage
If you’ve done your homework, your card will be fast enough to give you the performance you need when it comes to file transfers. But for this speed to be maintained, it is important that you do not fill the card completely. And it is that as it happens with SSD hard drives, SD cards lose part of their performance when more than 90% of the storage is occupied. So unless it is essential, it is not convenient to rush the space.
moving the content
When it comes to extracting the contents of the card to make copies of the photos on your camera, for example, or the contents of your mobile, the fastest option is usually to connect the card directly to the PC or laptop. However, if it is a micro SD mounted on a mobile, you can also do it via USB port from the device where it is installed, since the transfer speed is usually not bad either. In the case of micro SD cards, do not forget to use the corresponding support to “convert” the micro SD card into a conventional SD.
card care
As a storage device, the SD card requires some care, with which to extend its useful life and avoid failures. Among these cares are keeping the card away from heat sources, as well as direct sunlight, always keeping it in its case when we are not using it, as well as avoiding bumps or unnecessary stress.
On the other hand, it is also a good idea to run an error detection tool from time to time, such as Scandisk. And in case of card failure, there are tools that make it easy to recover the data inside it, or at least try.
