When you pick up an SD or microSD card, you’ll see a jungle of symbols like UHS-II, V90, U3, and C10. They’re not just marketing jargon—these ratings decide how fast the card can read and write data, and whether it can keep up with demanding tasks like shooting 8K video or running games on handheld consoles.
UHS (Ultra High Speed) tells you about the card’s interface, with UHS-II offering a big leap over UHS-I thanks to faster transfer rates. Video speed classes like V30 or V90 guarantee sustained write speeds, which is why a V90 card can reliably record uncompressed 8K footage without dropping frames. Likewise, U3 ensures at least 30MB/s write speeds, while C10 promises 10MB/s minimum – enough for HD video but not heavy 4K loads.
Put simply: if you only need storage for photos or casual use, the basics will work. But for high-resolution video capture or smooth performance in devices like the Steam Deck or Switch, those speed ratings are what separate a card that just works from one that truly performs.
In this roundup, we’ve picked some of the fastest and most reliable SD and microSD cards you can get today. These aren’t just about cramming gigabytes onto a chip—they’re about performance, durability, and handling the demands of modern gear.
Best SD Cards: Quick Comparison
| SD Card | Capacity | Read/Write Speeds | Price (Amazon) |
| Lexar Professional 2000x | 128GB | Up to 300MB/s read | $129 – Buy Now |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO | 256GB | Up to 280MB/s read | $70 – Buy Now |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO | 128GB | Up to 300MB/s read | $134 – Buy Now |
| Lexar Professional 1667x | 128GB | Up to 250MB/s read | $29 – Buy Now |
| Sony TOUGH-M Series | 128GB | Up to 277MB/s read / 150MB/s write | $69 – Buy Now |
Best SD Cards: Top Picks
Lexar 128GB Professional 2000x SD Card
Quick Highlights
- 128GB capacity
- UHS-II, Class 10, U3, V90
- Up to 300MB/s read speeds
- 8K, 4K, Full HD ready
- Price – $129 – Buy Now
The Lexar 2000x Professional is a beast when it comes to raw speed. With UHS-II and V90 rating, it’s tailored for professionals who demand flawless 8K video capture and lightning-fast file transfers. Its 300MB/s read speed means your workflow – from shooting to editing – stays smooth and efficient.
If you’re a photographer using high-burst cameras or a filmmaker working with cinema-quality footage, this card ensures you won’t miss a frame. It’s pricier than typical cards, but it’s essentially a high-performance workhorse designed for demanding setups.
Pros
- Blazing fast read speeds (300MB/s)
- V90 rating supports 8K video
- Ideal for pro cameras and video rigs
Cons
- On the expensive side
- 128GB might feel limited for heavy video shoots
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II
Quick Highlights
- 256GB capacity
- UHS-II, C10, U3, V60
- Up to 280MB/s read
- 6K and 4K UHD support
- Price – $70 – Buy Now
SanDisk’s Extreme PRO UHS-II card offers a nice balance of speed and storage. With a V60 rating, it’s a great option for 4K and even 6K video recording without worrying about dropped frames. The 256GB capacity also means you can capture longer sessions before swapping cards.
SanDisk has a strong reputation for reliability, and this model lives up to it. It’s not as blisteringly fast as V90 cards, but for most creators, it’s more than enough to handle professional work.
Pros
- Large 256GB capacity
- Great for 4K/6K workflows
- Trusted brand with reliability track record
Cons
- Not as fast as V90 options
- Slightly pricier than similar-capacity cards
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II (V90)
Quick Highlights
- 128GB capacity
- UHS-II, V90, U3, C10
- Up to 300MB/s read and write speeds
- 8K, 4K UHD, Full HD ready
- Price – $134 – Buy Now
If you want pure speed with the backing of a trusted brand, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO V90 is hard to beat. It delivers up to 300MB/s read and write speeds, making it perfect for 8K workflows, burst photography, or any professional project where performance matters.
The V90 rating guarantees sustained high-speed recording, so whether you’re shooting fast-action sports in RAW or capturing cinema-grade video, this card won’t let you down. The 128GB capacity may feel small if you record long sessions, but in terms of raw performance, it’s right at the top.
Pros
- Extremely fast read/write speeds (300MB/s)
- V90 ensures consistent high-speed recording
- Great for professional video and photography
Cons
- Smaller 128GB capacity
- Pricey for the storage size
Lexar 128GB Professional 1667x SD Card
Quick Highlights
- 128GB capacity
- UHS-II, C10, U3, V60
- Up to 250MB/s read speeds
- 4K-ready
- Price – $29 – Buy Now
The Lexar 1667x offers a sweet middle ground for enthusiasts who want professional-level performance without paying top-tier prices. With UHS-II and V60 certification, it handles 4K video well and offers transfer speeds that are plenty fast for most workflows.
It doesn’t hit the extreme speeds of the 2000x model, but it’s far more affordable while still providing solid performance for serious photographers and videographers. A great “prosumer” choice.
Pros
- Great performance-to-price ratio
- UHS-II speeds at a reasonable cost
- Reliable for 4K video capture
Cons
- Not as fast as V90 cards
- Smaller 128GB storage
Sony TOUGH-M Series 128GB SDXC UHS-II
Quick Highlights
- 128GB capacity
- UHS-II, C10, U3, V60
- Up to 277MB/s read / 150MB/s write
- Shockproof, waterproof, dustproof
- Price – $69 – Buy Now
Sony’s TOUGH-M series is built for creators who work in unpredictable environments. Not only does it offer fast UHS-II speeds with a solid V60 rating, but it’s also ruggedized to survive drops, water, and dust. That makes it a reliable choice for outdoor shoots, adventure filmmakers, and travel photographers.
Performance-wise, it’s close to the top of the pack with 277MB/s read and 150MB/s write speeds. While the capacity is smaller at 128GB, it’s designed to endure tough conditions where reliability matters most.
Pros
- Rugged, durable build
- Strong read/write performance
- Perfect for outdoor or adventure shoots
Cons
- Lower capacity at 128GB
- More expensive than non-rugged cards
Conclusion
If speed is your main concern, the Lexar Professional 2000x is the clear winner with its blistering 300MB/s read speeds and V90 rating for 8K video. For those who need a balance of speed and space, the SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB is an excellent all-rounder. Meanwhile, the Lexar 1667x is a budget-friendly UHS-II option, and the Sony TOUGH-M Series is your go-to if durability matters as much as performance.
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