Rankings
Gigastone's 256 GB microSDXC delivers fast up to 130 MB/s reads, rugged waterproof and shockproof construction, and broad device compatibility, all with a 5-year warranty. The UHS-I interface caps peak performance and speed claims can be inconsistent, so buyers should verify authenticity. Ideal for budget-conscious creators and gamers who need reliable 4K storage.
The Samsung PRO Plus 128 GB microSDXC delivers top-tier read/write speeds and strong durability, ideal for 4K video creators and mobile gamers. Its main limitation is reduced performance on older, non-UHS-I devices and a warranty that does not cover continuous-write scenarios. Best suited for photographers, drone pilots and gamers who need speed and ruggedness.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB SDXC offers top-tier read performance and rugged durability, making it ideal for 4K UHD shooting and burst photography. Its write speed is modest for sustained high-bitrate video and it carries a premium price. Best suited for professionals needing reliability and fast off-loads without UHS-II support.
Lexar's 256 GB E-Series microSDXC provides up to 100 MB/s read and 140 MB/s write speeds, IPX7 waterproofing and a broad compatibility range across smartphones, tablets and action cameras. However, its UHS-I performance cannot exploit the higher speeds of UHS-II devices, and some variants lack detailed temperature specs. It's a solid choice for mobile and action-camera users seeking rugged storage.
Silicon Power's 128 GB microSDXC delivers solid read/write speeds and A1 app performance, packaged in a waterproof, dust-resistant design with a generous 5-year warranty. Its lack of shockproof rating and limited sustained write speed may restrict demanding 4K workflows. Suitable for mobile creators and drone users who value durability and app speed over top-tier sequential performance.
The ProGrade Digital 256 GB SDXC UHS-II V90 card delivers top-tier read/write speeds and robust V90 certification for professional video capture. Its main drawbacks are the premium cost and reduced performance on UHS-I-only devices. Ideal for videographers needing reliable 6K/4K RAW recording in demanding environments.
Lexar 1TB Blue microSDXC provides a massive 1 TB capacity with IPX7 waterproof and shock-resistant construction, targeting gamers and mobile creators. Real-world read/write speeds fall short of the advertised 160 MB/s peak, and optimal performance requires a Lexar USB 3.1 reader. Suitable for users needing high capacity and decent speed for apps and media.
The Lexar 512 GB PLAY microSDXC card offers high-capacity storage with fast read speeds up to 205 MB/s, making it ideal for gaming and 4K video on compatible devices. Its write speed is limited and the UHS-I interface caps performance on newer hardware. Best suited for casual gamers and smartphone users seeking large space without needing top-tier write speeds.
The Gigastone 128 GB SDXC card offers a solid capacity and includes a convenient USB-C reader, backed by a 5-year data-recovery warranty. Its performance is limited by the lack of waterproofing and unspecified write speeds, making it less ideal for demanding 4K recording. Best suited for casual photographers needing extra storage and a handy reader.
Lexar's 256 GB 633x microSDXC offers up to 100 MB/s read speed, a V30 rating, and includes a micro-SD to SD adapter for versatile use. Its slower 45 MB/s write speed and lack of waterproofing limit high-end video applications. Suitable for smartphones, tablets and action cameras where large capacity and broad compatibility are priorities.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
128 GB | 256 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB | 256 GB | 1,024 GBbest | 128 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB | 256 GB | |
200 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 300 MB/sbest | 205 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 160 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 180 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 100 MB/s | |
90 MB/s | 140 MB/s | 275 MB/sbest | 140 MB/s | 85 MB/s | 62 MB/s | 80 MB/s | 130 MB/s | — | 45 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 2 g | 0.2 gbest | — | 9 g | 20 g | 0.25 g | 9.07 g | — | 18 g | 453.6 g |
— | 10 yearsbest | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years | 10 yearsbest | 5 years | 10 yearsbest | 5 years | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.3 mm | 1.02 mm | 2.1 mm | 1 mm | — | 0.7 mmbest | 2.54 mm | — | — | 1.02 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||||||||||
Capacity (GB) | 128 GB | 256 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB | 256 GB | 1024 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB | 256 GB |
Performance(6) | ||||||||||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 200 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 300 MB/s | 205 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 160 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 180 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 100 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 90 MB/s | 140 MB/s | 275 MB/s | 140 MB/s | 85 MB/s | 62 MB/s | 80 MB/s | 130 MB/s | — | 45 MB/s |
Speed Class | Class 10 | C10 | Class 10 | Class 10 | Class 10 | C10 | C10 | Class 10 | V30 | C10 |
UHS Speed Class | U3 | UHS-I | UHS-II | U3 | UHS‑I U3 | UHS-I | U3 | U3 | — | U3 |
Video Speed Class | V30 | V30 | V90 | V30 | V30 | V30 | V30 | V30 | U3 | V30 |
Interface | UHS-I | UHS-I | UHS-II | UHS-I | UHS‑I | UHS-I | UHS-I | UHS-I | — | UHS-I |
Design(3) | ||||||||||
Form Factor | SDXC | microSDXC | SDXC | microSDXC | microSDXC | microSDXC | microSDXC | microSD | SDXC | microSDXC |
Weight (g) | 2.0 g | 0.20 g | — | 9 g | 20 g | 0.25 g | 9.07 g | — | 18 g | 453.6 g |
Thickness (mm) | 2.3 mm | 1.02 mm | 2.1 mm | 1 mm | — | 0.7 mm | 2.54 mm | — | — | 1.02 mm |
Power & Environment(2) | ||||||||||
Operating Temperature (°C) | -25 to 85 °C | -25 to 85 °C | — | 0-70 °C | — | 0 to 70 °C | -40 to 85 °C | — | — | — |
Storage Temperature (°C) | -40 to 85 °C | -40 to 85 °C | — | -25-85 °C | — | -25 to 85 °C | — | — | — | — |
General(3) | ||||||||||
Warranty (years) | lifetime years | 10 years | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years | — |
Certifications | CE, FCC, C-Tick/RCM, UKCA, EAC, ICES | — | V90 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Compatibility | — | Smartphones, tablets, drones, action cameras, GoPro, Nintendo Switch | Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, Samsung | Nintendo Switch 1, smartphones, tablets, portable gaming devices | GoPro, Dash Cam, DJI, Drone, Security Camera, Nintendo Switch, smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops, DSLRs, e-readers | Nintendo Switch, smartphones, tablets, action cameras | Smartphones, tablets, drones (including DJI Pocket), action cameras, DSLR cameras, 4K/Full HD camcorders, Nintendo Switch | Android Smartphones, Tablets, GoPRO, DJI Drone | — | wide compatibility with any UHS‑I device while remaining backward compatible with Class 10, V10 and U1 standards |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers from B&H Photo, CDW, and Best Buy commend the Extreme PRO 128GB for its industry-leading 200 MB/s read speed, U3/V30 class compliance, and rugged construction, positioning it as the top UHS-I choice for creators who need fast off-loads and durability.
Consumers consistently praise the card's rapid transfer speeds and dependable performance in harsh environments, rating it highly for 4K video and burst photography.
“perfect for 4K shooting and burst mode”
“elevating creativity”
“stunning high-resolution, stutter-free 4K UHD video”
Choose SanDisk Extreme for faster performance and brand confidence; choose Gigastone for a tighter budget and added data-recovery warranty.
Samsung PRO Plus is ideal for users needing top-tier speed and longevity, while Gigastone suits cost-sensitive users who still need reliable 4K performance.
Professional reviewers note that Lexar's high-end GOLD card provides the fastest UHS-II speeds suitable for demanding 4K/8K workflows, while the SILVER PLUS and PLAY cards offer solid V30 performance and rugged durability for action cameras and gaming consoles. The inclusion of an SD adapter and a lifetime warranty are repeatedly praised, though reviewers caution that UHS-II benefits require compatible host devices.
Everyday users provide limited feedback, but the few available comments praise the fast transfer rates and reliability for gaming and video storage. Some users express uncertainty due to the lack of detailed performance data, especially for the GOLD and PLAY variants.
Professional reviewers are not directly quoted in the available sources; the information consists mainly of manufacturer datasheets and retailer specifications that emphasize the card's high sustained speeds, durability and suitability for flagship cameras.
No consumer reviews or testimonials were found in the research, so everyday user sentiment cannot be summarized.
Professional reviewers commend the Lexar PLAY 512 GB card for its solid read performance, V30/U3/A2 ratings, and suitability for gaming and 4K video on UHS-I devices, but they caution that the UHS-I interface and capped write speeds limit its appeal for power users seeking microSD Express performance.
Everyday users generally appreciate the high capacity and quick load times for games and media, while recurring concerns focus on the limited write speed, the lightweight feel of the packaging, and the absence of a protective case.
Professional reviewers commend the Gigastone 256 GB 4K Pro for its fast read speeds, solid V30/U3 rating, and rugged build, making it a capable choice for 4K video and gaming on a budget. However, they caution that the UHS-I interface limits peak performance, independent benchmarks are lacking, and there are documented counterfeit concerns, which together temper enthusiasm for demanding professional workflows.
Everyday users generally appreciate the card's ability to handle 4K video on devices like GoPro and Nintendo Switch, its quick transfer times, and the peace of mind offered by the free data recovery warranty. Recurring themes include satisfaction with durability and convenience of the included adapter, alongside worries about possible counterfeit units and occasional speed drops when the card fills up.
Professional reviewers praised the Lexar 1TB Blue for its astonishing capacity and solid real-world speeds, noting that it delivers about 97 MB/s read and 62 MB/s write without the need for a high-end reader. They highlighted the added value of a clear storage case and a five-year warranty, but cautioned that the advertised 160 MB/s peak requires Lexar's own USB 3.1 readers and that write performance can degrade during long recordings.
Everyday users love the massive 1TB space for gaming and media, citing fast initial transfers and reliable Switch game installs. However, many complain about write-speed throttling during extended use and the necessity of a specific Lexar reader to unlock full read performance, leading to mixed feelings about consistency versus advertised specs.
Professional reviewers note that the card adheres to industry-standard V30 and A1 specifications, delivering read speeds that are competitive for its class and ensuring reliable performance for 4K video capture, though the lack of independent testing leaves some performance claims unverified.
Everyday users rate the card highly, praising its reliable storage for mobile gaming, video recording, and device expansion, while the absence of detailed user complaints suggests general satisfaction.
Professional reviewers praise the PRO Plus for its supercharged read/write performance that makes 4K video recording and raw photo bursts seamless, while also noting its robust construction and broad device compatibility. However, they warn that the advertised speeds are contingent on using a UHS-I capable host, so older devices may not experience the full benefit.
Consumers consistently highlight the card's speed and durability as major strengths, especially for mobile photography, drone footage, and handheld gaming. The most common complaints revolve around reduced performance on non-UHS-I devices and the warranty's exclusion of high-write use cases.
Professional testing shows the Lexar 633x card delivers real-world read speeds near 97 MB/s and write speeds around 69 MB/s, surpassing its advertised specifications and confirming its suitability for 4K video capture. Reviewers acknowledge its solid mid-range performance but point out that newer Lexar BLUE models provide higher peak speeds, making the 633x less compelling for users seeking top-tier throughput.
Everyday users praise the large 256 GB capacity, the included SD adapter for easy file transfer, and the peace of mind from the lifetime warranty. They also highlight the card's reliable 4K video performance and compatibility with a wide range of devices. However, some users note the write speed feels modest compared to newer offerings, and the lack of UHS-II support limits its appeal for high-end professional use.
