
Memory cards are used with many gadgets. For smartphones, they increase the on-board memory, for cameras (SLR and mirrorless), as well as action cameras, they allow you to save footage. Some computers (laptops and monoblocks) also have memory stick slots. In a PC, cards are connected via a card reader using a USB connector. When choosing a memory card, it is important not to make a mistake, since using a low-quality device threatens to lose data. So, how do memory cards differ from each other, what to consider when choosing a model. We offer a rating of the best memory cards of various types and an overview of them.
Content:

Ranking table
Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
---|---|---|
MicroSD card rating | ||
Silicon Power microSDHC Class 10 | 81 of 100 | From 219 to 790 * |
SanDisk Ultra microSDXC Class 10 UHS-I 80MB/s | 85 out of 100 | From 550 to 4968 * |
Samsung microSDXC EVO Plus 100MB/s + SD adapter | 87 out of 100 | From 650 to 16,990* |
Western Digital WD Purple microSD | 90 out of 100 | From 830 to 7845 |
Kingston SDCG3 | 93 out of 100 | From 1709 to 3819 * |
Kingston MLPMR2 | 97 out of 100 | From 5,599 to 19,900* |
SD card rating | ||
Kingston SD6 | 80 out of 100 | From 150 to 300* |
Transcend TS*SDC300S | 83 out of 100 | From 330 to 8 990* |
Kingston SDG3 | 87 out of 100 | From 1 150 – 13 137* |
Transcend TS*SDU3 | 92 out of 100 | From 2121 to 8790* |
Sony SF-M | 96 out of 100 | From 4290 to 5990* |
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II 300MB/s | 98 out of 100 | From 6 945 to 24 030 * |
* Prices are valid for September 2020

Rating of the best memory cards
When compiling the rating, the technical characteristics of the models were taken into account, as well as their cost, customer and expert reviews, and test results.

MicroSD card rating
The TOP 6 includes microSDHC and microSDXC cards.
Silicon Power microSDHC Class 10

Specifications:
- Price - 219 - 790 rubles;
- User rating - 4.4;
- Type - microSDHC;
- Volume - 4-32 GB;
- Class - class 10.
Flash cards correspond to speed class 10. The device supports recording files and shooting videos in FullHD format. The card complies with the UHS-1 standard.
SanDisk Ultra microSDXC Class 10 UHS-I 80MB/s

Specifications:
- Price - 550 to 4,968 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Type - microSDXC;
- Volume - 64-128 GB;
- Class - class 10, UHS-I;
- Reading speed - 80 Mb / s.
The device belongs to class 10 and UHS-I. It features high performance, easy to work with video even at 4K resolution. The model is perfect for working in Android smartphones, drones or action cameras.
Samsung microSDXC EVO Plus 100MB/s + SD adapter

Specifications:
- Price - 650 to 16,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Type - microSDXC;
- Volume - 64-512 GB;
- Class - UHS-I (U3);
- Reading speed - 100 Mb / s.
The card is ideal for collaboration with smartphones and tablets. Thanks to the Micro sdxc format, it is compatible with almost any technology. Evo Plus technology allows you to use the drive to shoot and then read 4K UHD video. The speed class of the model is UHS-I (U3). Data is written and read at speeds of 60 and 100 Mb/s.
Western Digital WD Purple microSD

Specifications:
- Price - 830 - 7,845 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Type - microSDHC / microSDXC;
- Volume - 32-256 GB;
- Class - Class 10, UHS Class 3;
- Reading speed - 100 Mb / s.
The implementation of innovative 3D NAND memory technology ensures the health of the drive. The card is designed for continuous use for 24/7 recording.
Kingston SDCG3

Specifications:
- Price - 1 709 - 3819 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Type - microSDXC;
- Volume - 128 GB;
- Reading speed - 170 Mb / s.
The data transfer rate is up to 170 megabytes per second. This allows you to shoot video in 4K Ultra HD resolution, and I guarantee that you will not experience slowdowns or the presence of dropped frames. The drive supports application performance level A2.
Kingston MLPMR2

Specifications:
- Price - 5,599 to 19,900 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Type - microSDXC;
- Volume - 64-256 GB;
- Class - Class 10, UHS II;
- Reading speed - 285 Mb / s.
The drive is designed for professionals who shoot high-definition video. It protects against slowdown or dropped frames. The drive is designed to UHS-II standards and complies with U30 and V90 speed classes. It is perfect for mounting on action cameras. The model supports application with A1 performance. Includes Micro SD adapter and Mobile Lite Plus Micro SD Reader.

SD card rating
The TOP 6 includes SDHC and SDXC format drives.
Kingston SD6

Specifications:
- Price - 150 to 300 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Type - SDHC;
- Volume - 8 GB;
- Class - class 6.
The model is designed to work with devices with an SD slot.
Transcend TS*SDC300S

Specifications:
- Price - 330 - 8,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Type - SDHC / SDXC;
- Volume - 4-512 GB;
- Class - class 10, UHS Class 3;
- Reading speed - 95 Mb / s.
It is designed to work with digital photo and video cameras. The model conforms to the UHS Video Speed (V3) standard. This allows you to record video in 4K format without delays and pauses.
Kingston SDG3

Specifications:
- Price - 1,150 - 13,137 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Type - SDXC;
- Volume - 64-512 GB;
- Class - class 10, UHS-I;
- Reading speed - 170 Mb / s.
It features a high data transfer rate of 170 megabytes per second. The model corresponds to the speed classes V30 and U3. It allows you to shoot video in 4K HD or to shoot bursts on a DSLR.
Transcend TS*SDU3

Specifications:
- Price - 2121 - 8790 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Type - SDXC;
- Volume - 64-256 GB;
- Class - class 10, UHS Class 3;
- Reading speed - 95 Mb / s.
The model differs in data writing speed up to 60 Mb/s, reading speed is 95 Mb. The model supports UHS Class 3.
Sony SF-M

Specifications:
- Price - 4290 - 5,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Type - SDXC;
- Volume - 32-256 GB;
- Class - class 10, UHS Class 3.
The model is ideal for continuous shooting as the buffer clears quickly. It is possible to shoot video in 4K resolution. The manufacturer tested the card in various conditions, the model is characterized by increased durability, there is an IP57 protection level.
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II 300MB/s

Specifications:
- Price - 6,945 - 24,030 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Type - SDXC;
- Volume - 64-128 GB;
- Class - class 10, UHS-II;
- Reading speed - 300 Mb / s.
The model is characterized by high performance, corresponds to the UHS-II class. The flash drive is suitable for use with any video and photo cameras that have the appropriate slot.

How to choose a memory card
When choosing memory cards, you should pay attention to the following indicators:
- A type;
- Volume;
- Class.
Depending on the technology used, memory cards can be of the following formats:
- SD or micro SD - today they are practically not produced, they were replaced by SDHC and SDXC cards;
- SDHC or micro SDHC is the most common card format today;
- SDXC or micro SDXC are higher capacity cards.
When choosing the size of a memory card, you should consider the purpose of its purchase. There are options on the market ranging from 2 to 512 GB. For use with a security camera, loop recorder or smartphone, 32-64 GB may be enough. If you plan to store video files in 4K resolution on the device, you should give preference to models with a capacity of at least 128 GB. You should also pay attention to the characteristics of the gadget with which you plan to use the drive, namely the compatible size of the memory card.
When using a memory card, volume is not the only characteristic that you should pay attention to. The speed of writing and reading is also important. Depending on this indicator, memory cards are usually divided into several classes. The most demanded models are class 10. In modern cards of the SDHC or SDXC standard, other speed standards can additionally be applied: UHS. So, UHS-class 1 devices will record data at a speed of at least 10 Mb / s, devices with UHS-3 class - 30 Mb / s.

Conclusion
To date, the most popular and in demand are microSD memory cards of the 10th class of the generation of cards. Some companies offer their own formats on the market, for example, the Huawei brand offers the NM size. The Sony brand is promoting the high-speed XQD format. However, due to the high price, they are less in demand by buyers.
It is best to buy a memory card from a trusted company. When purchasing goods from a Chinese no-name manufacturer, you run the risk of getting a volume much less than declared.In addition, at any time such a card may simply cease to function. When buying a branded device, you are protected from such troubles. Give preference to proven ones, such as SanDisk, Kingston, Sony, Samsung and others.