Mobile device, camera, digital camera or video game, all need a large data storage space. Micro SD cards with a capacity of up to 256 GB are an excellent alternative for stand-alone storage. Accessible to all, compact and easy to use, they come in several models. This guide will help you find the best 256GB micro SD card model you need.
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"The Kingston brand unveils a memory card that is both fast and affordable. This micro SD can be inserted on a connected device or a…"
"The 256GB of this Samsung micro SD allows you to store a large number of files in peace. Delivered with an adapter, MB-MC256GA/EU is compatible…"
"Combine speed and performance to get more efficiency with Sandisk Ultra which is a 256GB micro SD. Its adapter offers you the possibility to use…"
"Take advantage of the exceptional qualities of this micro SD card to store your files on a capacity of 256 GB. SanDisk Extreme PRO offers…"
The Kingston brand unveils a memory card that is both fast and affordable. This micro SD can be inserted on a connected device or a central unit thanks to its adapter.
33,28 £ on AmazonThis model of the brand Kingston SDCG3 is a micro SD card of type SDXC, but which revêt a design of a SDHC card. This ingenuity is reinforced by a reading speed of 90 MB/s and a transfer speed of 170 MB/s. SDCG3 from Kingston Technology is the memory card that is highly recommended for professional use: camera, drone, smartphone.
Belonging to the U3 class for a V30 speed of data processing, this memory card creates 4K videos. Kingston SDCG3 is ideal for shooting feature films. The memory card reaches its maximum performance when read with a MobileLite Plus SD reader. Its features make it a UHS-I micro SD.
The 256GB of this Samsung micro SD allows you to store a large number of files in peace. Delivered with an adapter, MB-MC256GA/EU is compatible with a slot for SD cards.
30,86 £ on AmazonSamsung MB-MC256GA/EU is a class 10 memory card model with a reading speed of 100MB/s. Once removed from your device, this micro SD is easy to find by its red, white and black colors. A current voltage between 2.7 and 3.6 V is required to operate this card. It has an exceptional longevity of 10 years.
The modernity of Samsung MB-MC256GA/EU is demonstrated by its waterproofness which is measured according to IEC 60529 and IPX7 standards. When copying files to this micro SD card, you benefit from a writing speed of 90 Mb/s. The card ensures HD video recording in 4K digital format from a professional camera.
Combine speed and performance to get more efficiency with Sandisk Ultra which is a 256GB micro SD. Its adapter offers you the possibility to use this card on various devices with an SD port.
59,99 £ on BoulangerSandisk Ultra is the class 10 micro SD card that demonstrates a reading speed of 120 MB/s. This figure is a reliable indicator that guarantees you a better transfer time of your data from this card. Classified as SDXC, Sandisk Ultra supports Full HD videos if it is the storage device of your camera. The card is of UHS-I model.
For AV professionals, this micro SD from SanDisk is compatible with both smartphones and action cameras. The type of the host device does not affect the 4K digital format of the videos recorded on this memory card. Half red and half dark gray with moonlight white lettering, the design is stunning.
Take advantage of the exceptional qualities of this micro SD card to store your files on a capacity of 256 GB. SanDisk Extreme PRO offers a writing speed of 90 Mb/s to copy your data.
43,19 £ on AmazonExtreme PRO from SanDisk is equipped with an adapter for insertion into SD card ports. The transfer of files from this storage device to another is accelerated by a power of 170 Mb/s. This class 10 memory card allows you to record 4K video. Extreme PRO is waterproof and X-ray resistant.
In case of overheating of the equipment where it is inserted, the card is not damaged by this rise in temperature. On this model of micro SD, the analysis of the information is carried out in very little time with a speed V30. Extreme PRO is one of the SDXC card formats for various uses: professional camera, drone or smartphone.
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The best 256GB micro SD card in 2021
The best entry-level 256GB micro SD card
The best premium 256GB micro SD card
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| OUR SELECTION |
Kingston SDCG3/256GB
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Samsung MB-MC256GA/EU
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Sandisk Ultra microSDXC 256GB + SD Adapter
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SanDisk Extreme PRO
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The Kingston brand unveils a memory card that is both fast and affordable. This micro SD can be inserted on a connected device or a central unit thanks to its adapter.
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The 256GB of this Samsung micro SD allows you to store a large number of files in peace. Delivered with an adapter, MB-MC256GA/EU is compatible with a slot for SD cards.
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Combine speed and performance to get more efficiency with Sandisk Ultra which is a 256GB micro SD. Its adapter offers you the possibility to use this card on various devices with an SD port.
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Take advantage of the exceptional qualities of this micro SD card to store your files on a capacity of 256 GB. SanDisk Extreme PRO offers a writing speed of 90 Mb/s to copy your data.
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Type
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Micro SDXC
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MicroSDXC
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Micro SDXC
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Micro SDXC
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Writing speed
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90 MB/s
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90 MB/s
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100 MB/s
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90 MB/s
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Category
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10
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10
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10
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10
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Compatible devices
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Action camcorders, drones, Android devices
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Wide range of devices. Can record 4K UHD video
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Smartphone, GoPro, Drone, Compact Camera, Camcorder, 4K Hybrid, SLR
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Android smartphones and tablets, action cameras and drones
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Reading speed
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170 MB/s
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100 MB/s
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120 MB/s
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170 MB/s
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The first criterion to consider when buying a micro SD card is its class. It is this last one which conditions the speed of reading and writing of your card. You just have to check it carefully, because it is displayed on the card! The best is to prefer cards belonging to class 10 or UHS-1 and UHS-2.
As we mentioned above, the class and the reading speed of a 256GB micro SD card are interdependent. In other words, the higher its class, the higher its reading speed! As a matter of information, you should know that a class 3 UHS-1 micro SD card can display a read speed of up to 30MB/s and are capable of taking 4K videos!
This is one of the most important criteria. It is essential to check if your future micro SD card is compatible with the device you are using. If the device in question is a bit "old fashioned", there is indeed a risk of incompatibility! So if you don't want to lose money unnecessarily, you'd better be careful.
This criterion will depend on the use you will make of your micro SD card. If it is exclusively intended for video recording, in that case you need at least a V10 certification! The number 10 means the writing speed, i.e. 10 MB/s. So, if you want to film in 4K, it is wiser to opt for the V30 certification. There are also other certifications such as A1 or A2 for applications.
To avoid ending up with a card of poor quality, it is essential to ensure its reliability beforehand. Is it capable of transferring large data at a high speed? Is the storage capacity as stated? These are the questions you should ask yourself before buying a 256GB micro SD card!
A micro SD card is a storage solution among many others (USB key, SSD disks, memory cards...). It is a removable memory card that can be used to save digital data. As soon as it is inserted in a device, it starts to work as any other device. In general, it is very easy to use, but may sometimes require the use of an adapter.
What types of devices can it be used on?
It can be used on a variety of devices such as laptops, smartphones, cameras and tablets. Unfortunately, all these devices have limited storage capacity (internal memory). If you want to continue using them without being forced to delete data in order to free up space, your only solution is to use a 256GB micro SD card!
How many micro SD cards are there?
In total, there are 4! There is the classic micro SD card which is the most used and whose capacity can go from 128 MB to 2 GB. Then there are models called "high capacity" with a storage capacity of 4 GB to 32 GB. Then there are the "extended capacity" micro SD cards with a capacity ranging from 64 GB to 2 TB. And finally, there are the Ultra High Speed models. Apart from their very high storage capacity, these offer a high level of compatibility and are both reliable and fast.
The 256GB micro SD card for Smartphone and tablets has some definite advantages. If your smartphone's storage space is about to run out, there's no need to transfer your data to your computer or delete it! You can increase your storage space by simply inserting a micro SD card. You can also move your applications to the card in question.
Despite its advantages, the 256GB micro SD card for smartphones and tablets also has some negative points. From a performance point of view, you should know that a card will not be able to match the internal memory of a smartphone. Furthermore, the presence of a micro SD card can also affect the performance of your device and slow it down. Finally, when you move your applications to the card, it is only a part of the data that is transferred and not the entirety.
The 256GB micro SD card for smartphones and tablets is designed for users of these mobile devices who do not want to delete data when their storage space is full. With the micro SD card, they will be able to continue to save more data and even add new applications to their tablet.
The 256GB micro SD card for video recording has a few strong points. Starting with the fact that this type of card provides stable write speeds of up to 90MB/s. In addition, when it comes to 4K video, U3 class cards support recording rates very well thanks to their write speed of up to 30 MB/s. Finally, knowing that you need 45GB of space for 60 minutes of 4K video, you have all the space you need with a 256GB SD card.
For all its strengths, however, the 256GB micro SD card for video recording does reveal some drawbacks. Even if your card's storage capacity is already large (256GB), you won't be able to go beyond that! At some point, you will have to resort to deleting some video files if you intend to record more 4K footage!
A 256GB micro SD card for video recording is perfect for anyone who loves to shoot for many hours at very high resolution and then save their work. They will not only be able to view, but also to edit as they wish. And since they will always have their video files at hand, they will be able to share them at any time!
There are several advantages of owning a 256GB micro SD card for video games. If you have a console in your possession and many of you play it, the fact that each gamer holds his micro SD card is very convenient. This way, you can always install a new game without worrying that the storage capacity will reach saturation since everyone has saved their games on a card that belongs to them.
On the downside, the 256GB micro SD card for video games has its limitations. When you play particularly demanding and large games, it is not impossible that your game suffers from slowdowns. For experienced gamers, there is nothing more frustrating than playing with images that start to slow down in jerks. This has a huge impact on the comfort of the game!
The 256GB micro SD card for video games is aimed directly at virtual game enthusiasts who own a game console. Thanks to a micro SD card, they will not be obliged to erase their favorite games which are already installed on the internal memory of their console while having the possibility of playing additional games.
If we compare the 256GB micro sd card with the 256GB SD card, the former has some significant advantages. First of all, in terms of size, the micro sd card is much smaller, which means you can easily find a slot for it and take it everywhere you go! Secondly, the micro sd card can also be compatible with multiple devices.
Paradoxically, the size of the micro SD card is a major drawback. Indeed, because of its small size, it is very easy to misplace it. It is quite difficult to notice it if it accidentally falls on the floor. Moreover, it can happen that the micro SD card cannot be inserted on some devices. In this case, you have no choice but to use an adapter.
One of the advantages of the 256GB SD card over the 256GB micro SD card is that its larger size makes it easy to notice if it falls to the ground. Unless you are really dizzy, it is harder to lose an SD card than a micro SD card. In general, SD cards can be inserted directly into a device, usually a camera, without the need for an adapter.
Compared to a 256GB micro SD card, the 256GB SD card is not always compatible with electronic devices, especially the latest ones. It is therefore less versatile than the 256GB micro sd card! Then, depending on the manufacturer and the model chosen, it can cause slowdowns in the host device.
Whether it's the 256GB SD card or the 256GB micro SD card, both are good for helping you get extra storage. Nevertheless, turn to micro sd cards if you are dealing with newer devices, as they offer increased versatility. Be careful when handling them though, as they can get lost quite easily!
To have more storage
A 256GB micro SD card is the best way to significantly increase the storage capacity of a device. Without being forced to delete data, you benefit from a substantial space in order to save or install new data, files, applications... A micro SD card represents for its user more storage, which is unavoidable to continue to use his device properly: game console, camera, smartphone, tablet, etc.
To benefit from an optimal reading speed
One of the reasons why you might want to buy a micro SD card is to take advantage of its optimal reading speed. Of course, this can vary from one model to another, but in general, it is quite satisfactory! For example, it is not uncommon to find micro SD cards that offer a reading speed of 150 MB/s.
For its ease of installation
Installing a micro SD card on the device of your choice is child's play! To get an idea, let's take a phone for example. Simply insert it into the dedicated slot and you're done. Once the card is detected, all you have to do is configure it according to your needs. In total, the operation will only take a few minutes.
To enjoy a solid and compact media support
Using a micro SD card is the guarantee of a solid and compact media support. With proper use and care, a micro SD card is a durable device. If you take care not to expose it to moisture, for example, you can use it for many years!
For its versatility
A 256GB micro SD card has the advantage of being versatile. Indeed, it can work with different devices of your choice. Whether you insert it in a smartphone, a tablet, a game console, a camera or a media player, this card is not difficult as long as it is compatible with the device in question. Which is very interesting!
In our opinion, the best brands of 256 GB micro SD cards in 2022 are :
This American brand was created in 1988. It is specialized in the design of data storage products. SSD disks, memory cards, USB keys... the brand is renowned for the incomparable quality of its storage solutions. They are both powerful, robust and reliable. It's not for nothing that users all over the world trust it!
It's an American brand that was created in 1987. In its early days, it distinguished itself in the manufacture of computer products. Now present for more than ten years in Europe, this brand manages to pull its weight in the competitive market of computer memory. Its products are of high quality and stand out for their practicality and ease of use.
This brand of Japanese origin was founded in 1939. It has made a name for itself in the world of computers and electronics. Today, it is one of the best brands and although it is ahead of the giant Samsung concerning new technologies, its products continue to seduce computer enthusiasts and gamers all over the world!
The brand of Korean origin started to design television sets and then household appliances. Nowadays, it is one of the world references in the technology sector. Its reputation is not to be proven anymore! Its multimedia devices and especially its smartphones have conquered consumers all over the world. Its micro SD cards are very popular, because of their incomparable performance.
This American brand is dedicated to the production of computer hardware. If the brand is mainly known for the design of graphic cards, it also stands out for its numerous storage solutions! Its memory cards as well as its USB flash drives are among the products that have contributed to establish its reputation on a global scale.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Beware of counterfeits
Being a solution to increase the storage capacity of your device, micro SD cards are subject to counterfeiting. There are two ways to check: install a mobile application or go to a website. Keeping your data on a fake memory card is risky, as its actual capacity is less than what is advertised.
Check micro SD card compatibility
The standard version of these micro SD memory cards has a storage capacity of 128 MB to 2 GB. Newer versions are the micro SDHC from 4GB to 32GB and micro SDXC from 64GB to 2TB. Check your device's spec sheet, as these latter categories are only compatible with certain modern smartphone models.
Opt for a high-speed micro SD card
The concept of micro SD card speed determines how long it takes to receive and transfer files. Measured in megabytes per second, this speed varies depending on the brand, model and class of your micro SD. A class 2 card has a minimum speed of 2 MB/s versus 10 MB/s for class 10.
Protect your card from viruses
Destined to be inserted in various devices to transfer files, micro SD cards are the target of viruses. There are 2 ways of protection against the intrusion of a malware: the read-only mode and the write protection. The attack of a virus on a micro SD card makes it unusable and the files it contains are no longer recoverable.
Avoid filling the micro SD card completely to optimize its life span
The lack of free space in the storage capacity of micro SD cards disrupts data backup. To avoid damaging your card and not being able to use it anymore, copy some files to a PC or a tablet. The use of a micro SD card is unlimited if you delete what has just been transferred to another digital medium.
The 256GB micro SD card belongs to the SDXC model and it is only readable with an SDA 3.0 terminal. If you insert this card with a smartphone or tablet that does not meet this condition, the attempt will be in vain. Given this criterion of choice, always choose a 256GB micro SD card that is compatible with the device used.
So far, none of the plans to create a device with 2 or more micro SD cards have come to fruition. This is due to the release of memory cards with a large capacity to store everything on a single micro SD card. As for smartphones, Saygus V2 presented with 2 micro SD cards has not yet seen the light of day.
You can keep each of your data on a 256GB micro SD memory card. Based on the same principle as other external storage devices, it can accommodate large photos and videos. The only limitations to consider are the maximum capacity of the card and its compatibility with your device.
The special feature of a Nintendo Switch gaming console is its compatibility with all types of micro SD memory cards. With this 32GB console, it is recommended to use a 256GB micro SD of type SDXC UHS-I. The quality of the game and the experience of the gamer depend on the storage space offered by the memory card.
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