For photographers and videographers, a reliable, high-capacity memory card is the unsung hero of every shoot. Whether you’re capturing rapid-fire action sequences, recording lengthy 4K documentaries, or simply archiving thousands of high-resolution images, a 256GB SD card offers the perfect balance of ample storage and performance. The right card ensures your camera never misses a beat, allowing you to focus on creativity without worrying about running out of space or dealing with slow write speeds that can cause frustrating bottlenecks.
Navigating the sea of specifications like UHS-I, UHS-II, V30, and V90 can be daunting. This roundup simplifies your decision by comparing ten of the best 256GB SD cards available in 2025. We have evaluated options for every need and budget, from budget-friendly workhorses to professional-grade cards built for the demands of 8K video, helping you find the ideal storage solution for your camera.
Our Top Picks for 256GB Camera SD Cards
- Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter
- Samsung EVO Select microSD Memory Card + Adapter, 256GB
- SanDisk 256GB Extreme SDXC UHS-I Memory Card
- SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card
- PNY 256GB Premier-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Card 2-Pack
- PNY 256GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 SDXC Flash Memory Card
- Lexar Professional 1667x & 1066x 256GB SDXC Memory Card Bundle
- Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90
- Kingston Canvas React Plus 256GB SD Card | SDXC UHS-II
- ProGrade Digital 256GB SDXC UHS-II V90 Memory Card
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter
This Amazon Basics card is a versatile and cost-effective storage solution for a wide array of devices. It comes with a full-size SD adapter, making it a practical choice for cameras, drones, action cams, and smartphones. With its A2, U3, and Class 10 speed ratings, it is well-suited for general photography and Full HD video recording.
The card offers a read speed of up to 100 MB/s, which facilitates quick file transfers to your computer. Its 256GB capacity provides ample room for a substantial collection of photos, videos, and other files, making it a reliable everyday card for hobbyists and multi-device users.
Samsung EVO Select microSD Memory Card + Adapter
Samsung’s EVO Select card balances performance and value, delivering read speeds of up to 160 MB/s. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need to transfer large files quickly. The included SD adapter ensures broad compatibility with cameras, laptops, and the original Nintendo Switch.
With U3 and V30 ratings, this card can handle 4K UHD video recording without issue. It’s a dependable option for content creators and photographers who require consistent performance for their projects, offering a smooth experience for both capturing and moving data.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme SDXC UHS-I Memory Card
A favorite among enthusiasts, the SanDisk Extreme UHS-I card is built for action. With read speeds up to 180MB/s and write speeds up to 130MB/s, it significantly reduces the time spent waiting for files to offload. This is powered by SanDisk’s proprietary QuickFlow Technology.
This card is rated V30 and U3, making it more than capable for capturing sharp 4K UHD video and rapid burst-mode photography. It’s a robust and reliable card for demanding shooting conditions, from travel photography to outdoor adventures.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card
Designed for professional creators, the SanDisk Extreme PRO utilizes faster UHS-II technology to meet the demands of high-resolution video. With a V60 rating, it supports smooth, uninterrupted recording of 4K and even 6K video, which is essential for cinema and prosumer camera users.
This card boasts impressive write speeds of up to 150MB/s, ensuring you can shoot continuous bursts without the buffer filling up. For photographers and videographers who cannot afford to miss a shot, this card provides the performance and reliability required for professional work.
PNY 256GB Premier-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Card 2-Pack
This two-pack from PNY offers fantastic value for users who need multiple reliable cards. The Premier-X cards are designed for performance, with U3 and V30 ratings that support 4K UHD videography and HD burst-mode photography.
Featuring A1 App Performance, these cards also allow for smoother operation of apps directly from the storage media on compatible devices like smartphones and tablets. This makes the pack ideal for drone pilots, action camera users, and anyone who needs affordable, capable backup storage.
PNY 256GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 SDXC Flash Memory Card
The PNY Elite-X is a full-size SD card crafted for photography and videography enthusiasts. It delivers the necessary speed and performance for capturing high-definition photos and 4K Ultra HD video, thanks to its Class 10, U3, and V30 specifications.
With read speeds up to 100MB/s, it ensures efficient transfer of your content to a computer for editing and storage. It’s a solid, no-fuss option for DSLR and mirrorless camera users looking for a dependable card for their creative projects.
Lexar Professional 1667x & 1066x 256GB SDXC Memory Card Bundle
This unique bundle from Lexar provides both a high-speed UHS-II card and a capable UHS-I card, offering flexibility for different cameras and uses. The Professional 1667x card offers read speeds up to 250MB/s, ideal for capturing 4K video and rapid bursts of images.
The included 1066x card, with read speeds up to 160MB/s, serves as a perfect backup or primary card for less demanding tasks. This combination is an intelligent purchase for professionals and advanced amateurs who need a versatile two-card solution.
Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card
The Sony TOUGH-G series is engineered for resilience, featuring a one-piece molded construction that makes it highly resistant to bending and damage. It is built to survive the rigors of professional use in challenging environments.
With a top-tier V90 rating and blistering write speeds up to 299MB/s, this card is designed for demanding video formats, including high-bitrate 4K. Its ribless design and lack of a write-protection switch eliminate common points of failure, making it one of the most durable cards on the market.
Kingston Canvas React Plus 256GB SD Card
The Kingston Canvas React Plus is a high-performance UHS-II card aimed squarely at professional content creators. It offers impressive read and write speeds of up to 300MB/s and 260MB/s, respectively, which are essential for handling data-intensive workflows.
With its V90 rating, this card is fully capable of capturing high-frame-rate 4K and 8K video without dropping frames. It provides the top-tier performance needed for commercial photography, filmmaking, and other professional applications where speed and reliability are non-negotiable.
ProGrade Digital 256GB SDXC UHS-II V90 Memory Card
ProGrade Digital specializes in creating memory cards for professional photographers and videographers. Their 256GB UHS-II V90 card is built to deliver consistent, high-speed performance for the most demanding shooting scenarios, including 4K, 6K, and 8K video production.
The card is engineered for reliability and data integrity, ensuring that your valuable work is protected. It is an excellent choice for professionals who require maximum performance and peace of mind from their storage media during critical shoots.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 256GB SD Card for Your Camera in 2025
Picking the right 256GB SD card for your camera feels more complicated than it should be. With all the numbers, symbols, and speed classes, it’s easy to get lost. I’m here to break it down into simple terms so you can spend less time researching and more time shooting.
First, let’s talk about speed. This is the most critical factor, and it’s split into two main categories: write speed and read speed. Write speed is what matters most for your camera. It determines how quickly your camera can save a photo or, more importantly, a burst of photos or a high-bitrate video file to the card. If the write speed is too slow, your camera’s buffer will fill up, and you’ll have to wait before you can shoot again. For photographers shooting rapid-fire action or 4K/8K video, a fast write speed is non-negotiable.
To understand the speed, you need to decode the symbols on the card. You’ll see a “V” rating (like V30, V60, V90) which is the Video Speed Class. This tells you the minimum sustained write speed in megabytes per second. For 4K video, a V30 card (30MB/s) is often the baseline, but I prefer V60 or V90 for higher-quality codecs. You’ll also see a UHS Speed Class, marked with a U-shaped symbol containing a number 1 or 3. U3 guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, which pairs with the V30 rating. Finally, some cards list their maximum read speed, like 300MB/s. This is great for transferring files to your computer but doesn’t tell you much about the all-important write performance in-camera.
Next, consider the bus interface. You’ll see “UHS-I” or “UHS-II” on the card. UHS-I is the common standard, with a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 104MB/s. UHS-II is a significant step up, with a second row of pins that allows for speeds up to 312MB/s. If your camera supports UHS-II, using one of these cards can dramatically improve performance, especially for clearing the buffer quickly. However, they are more expensive and are backward compatible with UHS-I slots, just at lower speeds.
Finally, think about durability and the brand’s reputation. Look for cards that are built to handle the elements, with features like water-proof, temperature-proof, shock-proof, and X-ray proof. A good warranty is also a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. I always stick with well-known, reputable brands. While they might cost a bit more, the security of knowing your precious photos and videos are safe is worth every penny. When you’re looking for the 10 best 256GB SD cards for cameras in 2025, prioritizing a trusted brand with the right speed for your workflow is the key to a successful purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a V30 and a V90 SD card?
The primary difference is the minimum guaranteed sustained write speed. A V30 card promises a minimum write speed of 30 megabytes per second (MB/s), while a V90 card guarantees a much faster 90 MB/s. For most casual photography and basic 4K video, a V30 card is sufficient. However, if you’re shooting high-frame-rate 4K, 6K, 8K, or using advanced video codecs that generate huge file sizes, you’ll need the V90’s speed to prevent recording stoppages and dropped frames. It’s all about matching the card’s performance to your camera’s data output.
Can I use a UHS-II card in a camera that only has a UHS-I slot?
Yes, you absolutely can. UHS-II cards are designed to be backward compatible with UHS-I slots. The card will physically fit and work perfectly fine. The catch is that it will only operate at the lower UHS-I speeds. So, while you won’t get the blazing-fast performance the card is capable of, you also won’t harm your camera. It can be a good way to “future-proof” your purchase if you plan to upgrade your camera body later to one that supports UHS-II.
How do I know what speed class my camera needs?
The best place to check is your camera’s user manual. Manufacturers almost always include a section on recommended memory card types and speeds. Look for specifications related to video recording. For example, the manual might state “4K 100Mbps recording requires a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) card or faster.” If you’ve lost the manual, a quick online search for “[Your Camera Model] recommended SD card” will usually point you in the right direction. It’s better to match or exceed the recommended speed than to end up with a card that can’t keep up.
Is it better to buy one large 256GB card or two 128GB cards?
This is a classic debate with valid points on both sides. A single 256GB card is convenient; you have all your storage in one place and don’t have to swap cards mid-shoot. However, I often lean towards using two 128GB cards. The main reason is risk management. If one card fails, gets lost, or is corrupted, you only lose half your work, not all of it. For a professional on a important job, this redundancy is crucial. For a hobbyist on a day trip, the convenience of a single, larger card might be preferable. When reviewing the 10 best 256GB SD cards for cameras in 2025, consider your own tolerance for risk and your shooting style.
Why are two cards from the same brand and class performing differently?
This can be frustrating, but it’s usually due to a few factors. First, manufacturers often have different “tiers” of cards within the same speed class. A more expensive “Pro” version might have higher, more consistent performance and better components than a budget-friendly model with the same V-rating. Second, your card reader and computer’s USB port can be a bottleneck. To test the card’s true speed, use a high-speed card reader connected to a modern USB-C or Thunderbolt port. Finally, no manufacturing process is perfect, and there can be slight performance variations between individual cards.
How should I format my new SD card?
You should always format a new card in the camera you plan to use it with, not on your computer. Formatting in-camera sets up the correct file structure and file system that your specific camera model expects, which minimizes the chance of errors or corruption. It’s also a good practice to format the card in your camera (after backing up your files, of course) each time you start a new project or shoot. This gives you a clean slate and helps maintain the card’s health and performance over time.