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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsA Secure Digital (SD) card is removable flash memory made to standards set by the SD Association. “SD” refers to a family of standards—not one manufacturer or one universal card. The right card depends on whether it physically fits your device, whether the device supports its capacity and interface, and whether its performance rating suits the job.
What does “SD” mean?
The SD Association defines the terms this way: “SD memory card and SD host device are the generic terms for any memory card or device built to SD standards.” The Association sets technical specifications; it does not manufacture, market, or sell cards. Different manufacturers make products that follow those standards. SD Association FAQ
SD cards are removable flash storage used in devices such as cameras, computers, tablets, printers, and navigation systems. The card stores data; the host device provides the slot and must support the card’s format and capabilities.
What types of SD card are there?
Physical size: SD, miniSD, and microSD
The SD standard defines three physical formats: full-size SD, miniSD, and microSD. Full-size SD and microSD are more common in the marketplace, according to the SD Association. A card must match the device’s slot, unless the device maker specifies an adapter as an option. SD Association: About SD Memory Card
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#1 Best Overall
Capacity family: SD, SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC
The letters on a card indicate its capacity family. These labels also matter for compatibility: a device must support the card’s family, not merely have a slot of the right physical size.
| Family | Capacity range | Filesystem grouping listed by the SD Association |
|---|---|---|
| SD | Up to 2 GB | FAT12/16 |
| SDHC | Above 2 GB through 32 GB | FAT32 |
| SDXC | Above 32 GB through 2 TB | exFAT |
| SDUC | Above 2 TB through 128 TB | exFAT |
These capacity and filesystem groupings come from the SD Association’s consumer overview. Check the host device’s documentation before choosing a card; a newer capacity family is not automatically supported by an older device. SD Association: About SD Memory Card
Rank #2
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock 4K UHD(3) brilliance and pristine high res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30(4).
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with blazing read speeds up to 250MB/s(2) and write speeds up to 170MB/s(2) [256GB-1TB capacities(1)].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Capture for longer and store more with up to 2TB(1) of storage that can hold up to 2,808 minutes of 4K UHD video recorded at 30 fps (641MB/minute)(9).
- DEFY THE ELEMENTS. Unrelentingly resilient, Sandisk SD memory cards are engineered to perform in extreme conditions, despite rough handling and constant use.(6)
- CONTENT MANAGEMENT, SIMPLIFIED. Back up, organize, and transfer everything easily with the Sandisk Memory Zone desktop app,(7) whether you use an SD card slot or a card reader.
What do SD card speed ratings mean?
Speed-class marks describe a minimum writing-performance category intended to support sustained recording. They are not a guarantee that a card will always transfer files at the same peak speed: actual performance depends on the card, host device, and operating conditions. Choose a rating that meets the device maker’s requirements and the demands of the task. SD Association: Speed Class
Common marks include Speed Class, UHS Speed Class, Video Speed Class, and SD Express Speed Class. The card and host also need a compatible bus interface—such as UHS-I or UHS-II—to use the interface’s capabilities. A faster interface printed on a card does not make an unsupported host operate at that interface’s speed.
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- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 200MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology (Up to 200MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec. SanDisk QuickFlow Technology is only available for 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities. 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum speeds (sold separately)
- Shot speeds up to 140MB/s (Write speed up to 140MB/s. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec.)
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography (Full HD (1920x1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on SanDisk site.)
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) (UHS Speed Class 3 designates a performance option designed to support 4K UHD video recording with enabled UHS host devices. UHS Video Speed Class 30 (V30), sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website.)
The SD Association’s examples associate U3 or V30 with Full HD through 4K recording, V60 with 4K UHD through 8K, and V90 with 8K UHD. These are standards-oriented examples, not a substitute for the camera or other device manufacturer’s specified card requirements. SD Association: Speed Class
How do you check whether a card will work in your device?
- Match the physical format. Check whether the device takes full-size SD or microSD; do not assume every SD-family card fits every SD slot.
- Confirm the capacity family and limit. Consult the device manual or specifications for support of SD, SDHC, SDXC, or SDUC and its maximum supported capacity.
- Check the required speed class and bus interface. For video or other sustained capture, use the rating specified by the device maker. Confirm interface support if you are choosing a card for a particular transfer capability.
- Choose for the intended workload. A card suitable for ordinary file storage may not meet the sustained recording requirements of a camera or other capture device.
How has the SD card standard evolved?
The first SD card specification, reported by the SD Association as dating to 2000, allowed a maximum capacity of 2 GB and a maximum data speed of 12.5 MB/s. The first cards introduced at the time held 8 MB, reflecting the memory technology and size limits then. Those historical figures describe the original specification, not current SD card capacities or performance. SD Association: 30th anniversary of the SD memory card
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
Rank #4
- Fast for better pictures and Full HD video. Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors
- Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
- From 32GB to 256GB(1) to store tons of pictures and even more Full HD video(2). (1)1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes Actual user storage less
- Exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1)(5) and Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p)(2). (5)UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) designates a performance option to support real time video recording with UHS enabled host devices
- Quick transfer speeds up to 100MB/s. Up to 100MB/s[64GB-256GB; 90MB/s for 32GB] read speed; write speed lower Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
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