Capturing stunning 4K video requires a memory card that can keep up. Whether you’re a filmmaker using a drone, a content creator with an action camera, or a gamer saving gameplay footage, a slow or unreliable microSD card can mean dropped frames, corrupted files, and missed moments. The right 256GB card offers the perfect balance of ample storage and high-speed performance for demanding video tasks.
Not all microSD cards are created equal. To handle 4K and even higher-resolution video, you need specific speed classes like V30, U3, and A2 for smooth recording and fast app loading. This roundup cuts through the technical jargon to bring you a curated list of the best 256GB microSD cards on the market, each evaluated for its ability to reliably store your high-resolution content without compromise.
Our Top Picks for 256GB MicroSD Cards
- SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter
- SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card with Adapter
- Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter
- TEAMGROUP GO Card 256GB x 5 PACK Micro SDXC
- Silicon Power 256GB Micro SD Card U3 SDXC
- PNY PRO Elite 256GB Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Flash Memory Card
- PNY 256GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Flash Memory Card
- Kingston Canvas Go Plus 256GB microSD Card
- Silicon Power 256GB Superior Micro SDXC UHS-I
- SanDisk Extreme 256GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter
For creators who demand top-tier performance, the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card is a formidable choice. It boasts incredible read speeds of up to 190MB/s, significantly cutting down the time spent transferring large 4K and 5K video files to your computer. This is made possible by SanDisk’s proprietary QuickFlow Technology, which pushes performance beyond standard UHS-I limits.
With its V30, U3, and A2 ratings, this card is built for high-resolution video recording and smooth application performance on mobile devices. It is a reliable partner for action cameras, drones, and the Nintendo Switch, ensuring your footage remains stable and your games load quickly. For the absolute maximum speed, pairing it with a SanDisk Professional PRO-READER is recommended.
SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card with Adapter
Continuous recording in dash cams and home security systems requires a memory card designed for longevity. The SanDisk High Endurance card is specifically engineered for this purpose, built to withstand the constant writing and rewriting of video data. It is rated for up to 20,000 hours of recording, providing peace of mind for critical surveillance applications.
This card meets the V30 and U3 speed standards, making it more than capable of handling 4K UHD video from modern cameras. Its focus on durability and reliability over raw peak speed makes it the ideal, set-and-forget solution for monitoring your vehicle or home, ensuring you capture every important moment without card failure.
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter
Amazon Basics delivers a compelling and versatile option for users needing reliable 4K storage without a premium price tag. This card offers a strong performance profile with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, which is more than sufficient for smooth Full HD and 4K video recording on a wide range of devices.
Its A2, U3, and V30 certifications mean it can handle demanding tasks from action cameras and drones while also improving the performance of apps run directly from the card on your smartphone. With broad compatibility across phones, tablets, cameras, and the Nintendo Switch, it serves as an excellent all-purpose microSD card for everyday use and content creation.
TEAMGROUP GO Card 256GB x 5 PACK Micro SDXC
This five-pack from TEAMGROUP is the ultimate solution for users with multiple devices or for those who want to ensure they always have a spare on hand. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with GoPros, drones, and action cameras, this bundle provides excellent value. Each card delivers reliable speeds for 4K shooting, with read and write performance suitable for capturing your adventures.
The GO Card is built to be tough, featuring protections against water, dust, x-rays, and cold temperatures. This rugged design ensures your data stays safe in extreme environments, from snowy mountains to dusty trails. It’s a practical and economical choice for anyone who needs several high-performance, durable cards at once.
Silicon Power 256GB Micro SD Card U3 SDXC
Silicon Power offers a dependable and widely compatible microSD card that balances performance and affordability. With U3 and V30 speed classes, it supports seamless 4K and Full HD video recording, making it a solid choice for cameras, drones, and Android devices. It provides a reliable storage expansion for a variety of tech without a significant investment.
This card is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch, though a system update may be required for use. It serves as a trustworthy medium for storing games, screenshots, and video captures on the console. For users seeking a no-fuss, capable card from a recognized brand, this Silicon Power model is a strong contender.
PNY PRO Elite 256GB Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Flash Memory Card
The PNY PRO Elite card is engineered for enthusiasts who need fast and smooth performance for both photography and videography. With read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, it excels in burst mode HD photography and detailed 4K Ultra HD videography, ensuring you never miss a shot.
A key feature is its A2 application performance class, which allows apps to run directly from the microSD card. This results in faster app launch times and smoother operation on smartphones and tablets, freeing up internal storage. It’s a comprehensive solution for content creators who use their mobile devices as powerful production tools.
PNY 256GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Flash Memory Card
The PNY Elite-X is a reliable and cost-effective microSD card designed for high-resolution content. It offers read speeds of up to 100MB/s, supporting the recording of 4K Ultra HD video at high frame rates. Its V30 rating guarantees a minimum sustained write speed necessary for a smooth, uninterrupted video stream.
With A1 application performance, this card also helps optimize space on your smartphone or tablet by allowing you to run apps directly from it. This makes it a great choice for mobile gamers and users who need extra storage for their applications and media without sacrificing too much performance.
Kingston Canvas Go Plus 256GB microSD Card
The Kingston Canvas Go Plus stands out with its impressive read speeds of up to 200MB/s, making file transfer exceptionally quick. This is a major advantage for creators who need to move large 4K video files from their camera to an editing workstation efficiently, saving valuable time in the workflow.
Beyond fast transfers, this card is fully equipped for 4K recording with U3 and V30 speed classes and enhanced by A2 performance for running apps. It is an excellent all-rounder for action cameras, drones, and mobile gaming on Android devices and portable consoles, offering a blend of high speed and versatile functionality.
Silicon Power 256GB Superior Micro SDXC UHS-I
This “Superior” series card from Silicon Power is a robust option for modern gaming and content creation. It meets the U3, V30, and A2 standards, ensuring it can handle 4K video recording and provide fast application loading times. A notable feature is its specific compatibility with the Steam Deck, making it a popular choice for expanding the storage on that device.
It is important to note that this card is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 for game storage or save data. However, for a wide array of other devices including smartphones, tablets, and action cameras, it offers reliable performance and high compatibility, serving as a dependable storage upgrade.
SanDisk Extreme 256GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
As a cornerstone in the world of high-performance memory, the SanDisk Extreme line is synonymous with reliability and speed for demanding tasks. These cards are engineered for adventurers and creators who use action cameras and drones, providing the sustained write speeds necessary for capturing high-bitrate 4K video without dropped frames.
While specific speed ratings for this particular listing should be verified, SanDisk Extreme cards typically feature V30 and U3 classifications. They are built to withstand harsh conditions, often including temperature, water, and shock resistance. For anyone who needs a proven, trustworthy card from an industry leader for their professional or hobbyist projects, the SanDisk Extreme is a perennial favorite.
How to Choose a 256GB Micro SD Card for 4K Video
When I’m looking for a 256GB micro SD card specifically for recording 4K video, I treat it as a critical piece of equipment, not just generic storage. The wrong card can lead to dropped frames, freezing, or even a complete stop in recording right in the middle of capturing something important. My primary focus is always on two things: speed class and build quality.
The most important specification is the Video Speed Class. For 4K video, I don’t even consider anything below a V30 rating. This guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, which is the baseline many modern cameras and drones require for their higher bitrate 4K modes. For more demanding devices, like those shooting 4K at 60fps or 120fps, I look for V60 or even V90 cards. These offer minimum write speeds of 60MB/s and 90MB/s respectively, ensuring the card can keep up with the massive amount of data being thrown at it. Alongside this, I check the UHS Speed Class (U1 or U3) and the newer Application Performance Class (A1 or A2), which is great if you also run apps directly from the card on devices like the Nintendo Switch or a smartphone.
Beyond the speed ratings, I consider the physical durability. A card used in an action camera, drone, or on-the-go is bound to face some rough treatment. I always prefer cards that are rated as waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof, and even X-ray resistant. This isn just marketing; it gives me real peace of mind that my footage is safe. Brand reputation is another huge factor for me. I stick with established names like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar because they use higher-quality NAND flash memory and have more consistent performance. A cheap, no-name card is a massive risk I’m not willing to take with my valuable video files.
Finally, I think about the device itself. My GoPro might have different requirements than my mirrorless camera or my drone. I always check the user manual of my specific device for its recommended card specifications. Buying one of the 10 best 256GB micro SD cards for 4K video is a smart investment, but only if it’s fully compatible with your gear. Getting this right means I can hit record with confidence, knowing the card won’t be the reason I miss a shot.
FAQ
Is a V30 speed class fast enough for all 4K video?
In my experience, a V30 card is the absolute starting point for 4K video and is perfectly adequate for most consumer-level cameras, drones, and smartphones recording at standard 4K/30fps. However, if your device shoots 4K at 60fps, 120fps, or uses a high bitrate codec like All-I or a high-efficiency format, you will likely need the faster sustained write speeds of a V60 or V90 card. Always check your device’s manual for its specific recommendations.
Can I use a micro SD card for 4K video straight out of the package?
While you can, I highly recommend formatting any new card inside the camera or device you plan to use it with. This ensures the file system is perfectly configured for that specific device, which can prevent errors and improve stability during recording. It’s a simple step that I make a habit of every time I insert a new card.
Why does the actual available space on my 256GB card show as less than 256GB?
This is completely normal and not a sign of a faulty card. The discrepancy happens for two main reasons. First, storage manufacturers define a gigabyte as 1,000,000,000 bytes, but your computer uses a binary system where a gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 bytes. Second, a portion of the card’s space is used for the file system’s own data and formatting overhead. So, seeing around 230-240GB of usable space is standard for a 256GB card.
How do I know if my device supports the UHS-II standard for faster speeds?
UHS-II cards have a second row of pins on the back. The easiest way to check compatibility is to look at the SD card slot on your device. If the slot has only one row of pins, it’s a UHS-I slot and will not be able to utilize the full speed of a UHS-II card, though it will still work at UHS-I speeds. Your device’s specification sheet in the manual or online will also state which standard it supports. For most users looking for the 10 best 256GB micro SD cards for 4K video, a high-performance UHS-I card is more than sufficient.
What should I do if my camera keeps saying “card too slow” when recording 4K?
This is a clear sign that your card’s write speed cannot keep up with the data stream from your camera. First, make sure you are using a card that meets the minimum speed class (V30 or higher) recommended for your camera’s 4K mode. If you are, the card itself might be a counterfeit or a lower-quality model that isn’t sustaining its advertised speeds. Try a different, reputable high-speed card to see if the problem goes away.
Are expensive, brand-name micro SD cards really worth it for 4K?
From my perspective, absolutely. When you’re dealing with large, irreplaceable video files, the reliability and consistent performance of a card from a trusted brand are worth the extra cost. These companies use higher-grade memory chips and have more rigorous quality control, which translates to a lower chance of failure. A cheaper, off-brand card might seem like a good deal, but it poses a much higher risk of corrupting your footage, which is a loss far greater than the money you saved.