Memory cards for cameras, phones, drones, dashcams and handheld consoles: SD, microSD, CompactFlash and CFexpress cards, plus a small selection of USB flash drives and card readers. Leading brands in our range include SanDisk, Transcend, Kingston and Lexar. The range suits everyday phone users as well as photographers and videographers who need sustained write speeds.
How to choose a memory card
Card format. Check what your device accepts before anything else. Most cameras use full-size SD, phones, action cameras and drones usually take microSD, and many professional cameras need CompactFlash or CFexpress. A microSD card fits an SD slot with an adapter, but an SD card never fits a microSD slot.
Card type and capacity. SDHC cards cover up to 32 GB, while SDXC and microSDXC start above that and run to 2 TB. Older devices may not read SDXC, so check the manual. In our range, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB are common sizes, with 512 GB and 1 TB available for 4K video or large photo libraries.
Speed class. The UHS Speed Class shows the minimum sustained write speed: U1 guarantees 10 MB/s and U3 guarantees 30 MB/s. Both appear in our range, and U3 is the safer choice for 4K video and burst photography. Class 10, which is also widely listed, is the older baseline for Full HD recording.
Operating temperature. Cards for dashcams, security cameras and outdoor use face heat and cold. Many cards in our range work from -25 to 85 °C, and some go down to -40 °C. Standard cards rated for 0 to 70 °C are fine for indoor use and ordinary photography.
Memory card brands we carry
- SanDisk: one of the earliest CompactFlash makers, known for its Extreme and Ultra series of SD and microSD cards.
- Transcend: a Taiwanese manufacturer that makes memory cards, USB flash drives and card readers, including high endurance cards for continuous recording.
- Kingston: best known for memory modules, with a Canvas range of SD and microSD cards for phones and cameras.
- Lexar: popular with photographers for its CompactFlash and CFexpress cards.
- Samsung: sells the EVO and PRO microSD series, which are widely used in phones and handheld consoles.
- Angelbird and Exascend: specialists in fast cards for professional photo and video work, including CFexpress.
Also in our range: Intenso, Emtec, ADATA, PNY Electronics and Kodak.
Shoppers will find SD cards and microSD cards in the largest numbers, followed by CompactFlash and CFexpress cards. USB flash drives and card readers sit in their own subcategories.
Memory card FAQ
What is the difference between SDHC and SDXC?
The difference is capacity and file system. SDHC cards hold 4 GB to 32 GB and use FAT32, while SDXC cards hold more than 32 GB and use exFAT. A device must support SDXC to read these larger cards.
Which memory card do I need for 4K video?
A card rated U3 or higher is the usual minimum for 4K video. High bitrate recording on some cameras needs faster cards, so check the camera maker's recommended video speed class. A larger capacity such as 128 GB or more also helps, because 4K footage fills a card quickly.
Can I use a microSD card in an SD card slot?
Yes, with a microSD to SD adapter. The adapter holds the small card in a full-size housing that an SD slot accepts. The reverse does not work, because a full-size SD card is too large for a microSD slot.
How much capacity do I need on a memory card?
For phones and everyday photos, 64 GB or 128 GB is usually enough. Photographers shooting raw files and anyone recording 4K video should consider 256 GB or more. Choosing one larger card is simpler than juggling several small ones, though a few cards give you a backup if one fails.
