Top 10 256 GB memory cards for high-capacity storage needs
Last Published on Jan 18, 2024 20:32 IST
By: Affiliate Desk
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You're not the only one searching for the best 256 GB memory card to store data quickly between devices. Check out the top 10 256 GB memory cards for quick transfer speeds and smooth performance. Read More
These days, storage is a major issue that bothers everyone. Having enough space to store everything we want is more important than ever because every part of our lives is now so digital. Although memory cards are typically used to answer that question, memory cards with 256GB of storage capacity or more are in a different league.
When selecting a memory card, it's crucial to consider its speed, capacity, and the kind of device it will be used in. The best 256 GB memory cards can significantly impact the performance of your camera, regardless of whether you're shooting stills or video. The list below includes our top selections for memory cards, which we thoroughly tested and found to be the best available. Therefore, you can find what you're looking for in our in-depth guide, whether you want a high-performance memory card with the fastest transfer speeds or an inexpensive backup.
Because of its amazing transfer speeds and remarkable durability, we believe the Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3 to be the best 256 GB memory cards for the majority of photographers. Nevertheless, the Gigastone 256 GB Micro SD card is a great option for consumers on a tight budget, and the SanDisk Extreme 256 GB is a more reasonably priced option.
We've put the best 256 GB memory cards through a variety of real-world tests to see which performs best in various situations because real performance transcends labels. The details of our testing procedure are provided at the bottom of this page. We have also explained how memory cards are categorized, including the significance of the various numbers and letters, to assist you in selecting the best choice for your requirements.
We have evaluated, speed-tested, and ranked every best option for a memory card so you can find what you're looking for right here. Check out our comparable guide for the best 256 GB memory cards available if you're in need of one.
1. Gigastone 256GB Micro SD Card
This SD card is an all-in-one solution for all your gaming space woes. With a high capacity and a speed of 100MB/s, this card allows fast downloads. The ultra-fast gaming response of the card offers phenomenal support for Nintendo Switch, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Cam, and 4K Video Recording. It is ideal for gaming enthusiasts as the card provides extra storage capacity to your chosen device. The card also offers astonishing performance and security with its secured Digital Association Speed Class 10.
Specifications of Gigastone 256GB Micro SD Card
Brand: Gigastone
Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
Compatible Devices: Nintendo Switch, Gaming Console, Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, Dash Cam, Action Camera, e-Reader, Drone, Security Camera
Product Dimensions: 13.89 x 8.71 x 0.71 cm
Item Weight: 9 g
Pros
Cons
It is durable.
Poor customer service.
It is temperature-proof.
2. Silicon Power 256GB microSDXC
Created for uninterrupted recording, the card allows you to record and store high-resolution videos and images with no frame drops. Additionally, the card has C10, U1, and V10 speed class performance. With a speed of 1,500 read IOPS, the Silicon Power Micro SD Card allows for faster loading and enhanced performance. The card even has a 5-year warranty with ECC protection over files. Additionally, 1500 MB/s is faster than the stated maximum read speeds of other memory cards. However, given its low cost, this card is a capable storage device that should be able to handle the majority of devices you throw at it. The performance at such a low cost pleasantly surprised us.
Made by one of the leading businesses in this niche, the SanDisk Extreme 256GB MicroSD is a unique memory card designed for harsh environments. A built-to-last wonder, this card offers a 20000-hour recording capacity with extreme durability. The card provides primary resistance and protection from temperature as it is X-Ray proof, waterproof, and shockproof. The card has long been a crowd favourite, with a read speed of 190 MB/s and a write speed of 130 MB/s.
The SanDisk Ultra® microSDXC™ UHS-I Card is a tried-and-tested remedy by a business beast. With a read speed of 150 MB/s and a warranty of 10 years, the card is ideal for avid smartphone users. With such a high speed, the card transfers over 1,000 photos every minute. The card is rated Class 10 for its efficient performance and the smoothest HD experience. In addition, the card is compatible with the SanDisk MobileMate USB 3.0 microSD card reader.
With a reading speed of 100 MB/s, the Strontium Nitro A1 256GB Micro SDXC Memory Card is amazingly versatile in its applications. The card offers you the ability to store high-definition images and videos without any compromise on quality. It can also be installed in gaming consoles, mobile phones, dash cameras, and tablets. It features a 4-Proof Technology, making it resistant to water, shock, magnets, and X-rays.
Specifications of Strontium Nitro A1 256GB Micro SDXC Memory Card
Brand: Strontium
Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
Compatible Devices: Tablet, Camera, Smartphone
Product Dimensions: 1.09 x 1.5 x 0.1 cm
Item Weight: 5 g
Pros
Cons
Faster app performance.
The performance may vary.
Good quality.
6. Western Digital WD Purple 256GB Memory Card
Specially designed for surveillance equipment, this card guarantees interruption-free recording, even during temporary disconnection. The Western Digital WD Purple 256GB Memory Card is highly resilient and reliable, with the advanced 96-layer 3D NAND Technology. The card is specifically optimized to ensure 24/7 recording despite power failures or temporary disconnections. In addition, the card is designed for high endurance, which makes it able to withstand high pressure, temperature, and humidity. So, rest assured, even when the weather is against you, the Western Digital Surveillance and Security Camera Memory Card has your back.
Specifications of Western Digital WD Purple 256GB Memory Card
Brand: Western Digital
Hardware Interface: MicroSD
Compatible Devices: CCTV & WiFi Cameras
Product Dimensions: 0.1 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm
Item Weight: 5.66 g
Pros
Cons
It comes in a purple design.
It only has a read speed of 24 MB/s.
High performance.
7. Samsung Pro Endurance 256GB microSD card
The Pro Endurance microSD card uses its status as the biggest producer of flash memory in the world—which Samsung holds—to position itself as one of the best microSD cards for endurance. So no, you won't purchase it based on its speed, capacity, or value for money.
According to Samsung, it is designed to provide "long lasting performance" and is ideal for body cams, dash cams, CCTV surveillance cameras, and even drones. More significantly, testing has shown that the 256GB version of the card can record and rewrite up to 16 years' worth of full HD footage (140,160 hours). Its rated speeds can reach up to 40 MBps for writing and up to 100 MBps for reading, depending on the host device.
Specifications of Samsung Pro Endurance 256GB microSD card
Brand: Samsung
Hardware Interface: MicroSD card
Compatible Devices: Cell phones, smartphones, Android tablets, tablets, PC, Camera
Product Dimensions: 10 x 15 x 1 mm
Pros
Cons
Highly video speed
10 Gb is required for formatting and other basic maintenance operations.
Built for continuous recording
8. Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Memory Card
Featuring high quality and performance, the Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Memory offers a speed of 100 MB/s and is supported by MicroSDXC. Compatible with any smartphone device, the card is incredibly efficient in its capabilities and is class 10. The card comes with a full-size adapter and Ultra High Speed offered by Amazon Basics. The Amazon basics is a fantastic choice if you're looking to buy a memory card for your drone or other media device and need to store a lot of data (the capacity exceeds 1TB) or maybe you need several good cards.
Specifications of Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Memory Card
Brand: Amazon Basics
Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
Compatible Devices: Tablets, cameras, computers, drones, game consoles
Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.09 x 0.1 cm
Item Weight: 0.27 g
Pros
Cons
Incredibly light-weight.
It comes in a singular black design only.
It is affordable.
9. HP Micro SD 256GB Card
The HP Micro SD 256GB card is ideal for storing and transferring needs. The card has a reading speed of 100 MB/s and can also randomly read up to 1500 IOPS. The card is highly compatible with mobile phones, tablets, and Chromebook, with a rating of A1 for app performance. Although it offers versatility in its compatibility, the HP 256GB Class 10 MicroSD Memory Card is ideal for high speeds. This model is perfect for those who want a high-quality, easy-to-install memory card for their devices. It is designed for continuous read/write use cases, much like the Samsung Pro Endurance card mentioned above. This means that it must be able to endure repeated writing under demanding circumstances, such as in a dashcam that is affixed to a windscreen and baked by the sun or in a CCTV camera that is externally located.
With enhanced capacity and faster-than-ever speed, the Transcend USD300S 256GB Micro SD Memory Card is the best SD card for phones and other handheld Android devices. The storage capacity of the card can be improved to its sibling variations. The card also offers a UHS-I speed of over 100MB/s. Optimized for compatibility with smartphone interfaces, the card is compatible with Android phones and other smartphones. With its sleek design and durable build, the card is long-lasting and a good deal.
Specifications
Brand: Transcend
Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC, MicroSDHC
Compatible Devices: Smartphone
Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 1.5 x 0.1 cm
Item Weight: 10 g
Pros
Cons
It only has a voltage of 3.6 V.
It may only be compatible with some of the devices.
It comes with an adapter.
Top 3 features for you
Product
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
Gigastone 256GB Micro SD Card
It is ideal for gaming consoles as it allows for high-speed data transfers.
It has a write speed of 100 MB/s for recording and displaying high-quality videos.
It is tested and proven to be waterproof, shockproof, extreme-temperature resistant and X-Ray proof.
Silicon Power 256GB microSDXC
Offers an SD card adapter for use with host devices that support SDXC.
It has an in-built unique Error Correction Code (EEC) function for user security.
It features high performance in the C10, U1, and V10 speed classes.
SanDisk Extreme 256GB microSD
It has high performance and is rated A2 for faster loading and in-app performance.
It can capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD with a higher read and write speed.
It is suitable for handheld devices such as smartphones, cameras and tablets.
SanDisk Ultra 256GB ® microSDXC
The extreme speed of transfer can move up to 1000 photos per minute.
It can save full-HD 1080p filmmaking and HD photography in a matter of minutes.
It is incredibly cost-efficient and offers high quality at a reasonable rate.
Strontium Nitro A1 256GB Micro SDXC Memory Card
It has a high-speed adapter with a lock, so you don't lose it easily.
The Strontium Lifetime Limited Warranty backs it in case of damages.
The UHS-I U3 Class 10 has rated A1 for faster app performance.
Western Digital WD Purple 256GB Memory Card
Made specifically for surveillance, it is ultra-durable for continuous use.
You can achieve preemptive storage management thanks to its card health monitoring features.
Continuous recording even during a brief camera disconnect is resistant to natural elements.
Samsung Pro Endurance 256GB microSD card
It is having a five year warranty on 128GB and 256GB models
It is reliable and fast, with super-fast Class 10 U3 transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s.
It can even quickly transfer large files, which adds more to the reputation of this well-known company.
Amazon Basics 256GB microSDXC Memory Card
It is incredibly durable and has good compatibility with many devices,
It is designed for harsh temperatures, making it waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and magnetic field proof.
It is available in various storage capacities and can go up to 512GB.
HP Micro SD 256GB Card
It guarantees no frame drops and a transfer of a massive chunk of data at a time.
It is highly durable and lives up to the quality produced by the company.
The expansion of mobile devices' onboard memory provides an A1 app performance.
Transcend USD300S 256GB Micro SD Memory Card
It functions well within a reasonable price limit and does not overheat.
It offers good compatibility with smartphone devices.
It boasts an enhanced performance with good writing and reading speeds.
Best overall product
Considering all the factors, the best product among all those listed would be the Gigastone 256GB Micro SD Card. This SD card by Gigastone has high speed and can record for thousands of hours. Moreover, the card offers high compatibility and increased memory capacity with extreme endurance. It is built to last and has been specifically tested in extreme conditions to make it shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and durable. This Memory card is ideal for gamers looking to save games requiring a lot of storage space. It can conveniently save the data and load faster with its quick read and write speeds.
Best value for money
The Samsung Pro Endurance 256 GB Memory Card is the best Value for Money product in terms of both quality and price. The card has a large storage capacity with improved speed, is compatible with the majority of digital devices, and is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Furthermore, the card is made to withstand the majority of deterrents, adding to its robustness. It has good speed as well as a sizable storage capacity of up to 1 TB.
How to find the best 256GB Memory Card?
Finding the right 256 GB memory card involves considering various factors to ensure you get the best performance and value for your needs. Here's a guide to help you in your search:
Determine Compatibility: Before purchasing a 256 GB memory card, check the compatibility with your device. Not all devices support high-capacity memory cards, so it's essential to confirm this to avoid issues.
Read and Write Speeds: Look at the read and write speeds of the 256 GB memory card. Faster speeds are crucial for tasks like recording high-definition video or transferring large files quickly.
Brand Reliability: Choose a reputable brand. Well-known brands tend to offer more reliable and durable memory cards, which is vital for data integrity.
Check for UHS (Ultra High Speed) Rating: If you're using the memory card for high-resolution videos or photography, ensure it has a UHS-I or UHS-II rating. These ratings indicate a higher speed suitable for such tasks.
Consider Warranty and Support: A good warranty and customer support are indicators of a quality product. They provide peace of mind, knowing that you can get help if there are any issues.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of different 256 GB memory cards. Sometimes, higher-priced cards offer additional features like waterproofing, shock resistance, or data recovery software.
Read Customer Reviews: Before making a decision, read reviews from other users. This can give you real-world insights into the card's performance and reliability.
Incorporating these factors into your decision-making process will help you find the best 256 GB memory card that suits your specific requirements, ensuring a balance of speed, capacity, reliability, and value.
FAQs on 256 GB Memory Cards
Memory cards usually store more than photos. Most devices hold more than images and videos. For example, a smartphone micro-SD card can store apps and data.
Almost all modern memory cards can withstand at least 100,000 erase/program cycles, and some can withstand up to 10 times more cycles than standard cards.
MicroSDXC stands for Micro Secure Digital eXtreme Capacity. It is the most recent standard for memory cards, providing an additional capacity ranging from 32 GB to 2 TB. Such cards differ from Micro SD because they have a much higher capacity.
SD cards can slow down your phone, mainly due to the continual transfer and loading. Thus, choose a card most compatible with the Android interface to protect your phone and data.
Most cameras are compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards, so it depends on the purpose of your camera usage. For example, SDHC would be suitable if you are looking for a card to store photos you take occasionally. Although, most professionals would prefer SDXC cards.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so ... we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Read more
