In an era where our digital lives are captured in high-resolution photos and 4K videos, having a reliable and fast microSD card is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re expanding the storage on your smartphone, capturing action with a drone, or ensuring your security camera records flawlessly, the right 32GB card can make all the difference. Speed and durability are paramount to prevent dropped frames, slow app loading, and corrupted files.
This roundup focuses on high-performance 32GB microSD cards designed for demanding tasks. We’ve compiled a list of top contenders from trusted brands, evaluating them on their speed classes, read/write performance, and special features like A1 app ratings. Our goal is to help you find the perfect storage solution that keeps up with your pace, ensuring your important data is captured and transferred quickly and securely.
Our Top Picks for High-Speed 32GB MicroSD Cards
- PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 microSDHC Flash Memory Card
- Lexar E-Series 32GB Micro SD Card 5 Pack
- SanDisk Ultra 32GB Micro SD Flash Card (5 Pack)
- PNY 32GB Elite Mobile Accessories Class 10 microSDHC
- GIGASTONE 32GB Micro SD Card 10-Pack
- SanDisk 32GB (Pack of 2) Ultra microSDHC Memory Card
- Kingston 32GB Canvas Select Plus microSDHC Card
- TEAMGROUP Micro 32GB x 10 Pack UHS-I U1
- Samsung EVO Select 32GB MicroSDHC U3 Memory Card
PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 microSDHC Flash Memory Card
The PNY Elite microSD card is a solid choice for users who need reliable performance for everyday high-definition recording. With read speeds up to 100MB/s, this card facilitates quick file transfers from your device to your computer. Its Class 10 and U1 speed ratings ensure it can handle continuous shooting and Full HD video recording without a hitch.
This card’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide array of devices, including Android smartphones, tablets, action cameras, drones, and home surveillance systems. It provides a dependable foundation for storing your videos, photos, music, and other important files, making it a practical storage upgrade for many common gadgets.
Lexar E-Series 32GB Micro SD Card 5 Pack
For those who need to equip multiple devices or want to have spares on hand, the Lexar E-Series 5-pack offers exceptional value. These cards leverage UHS-I technology for transfer speeds up to 100MB/s, allowing you to quickly capture and move your Full HD and 3D videos. The included A1 rating means they are also optimized for app performance on mobile devices.
This bundle is ideal for households with several smartphones, tablets, or action cameras. The wide compatibility ensures that whether you’re using a drone, a GoPro, or a standard Android device, you’ll have a high-speed memory solution ready to go. It’s a cost-effective way to ensure all your gadgets have the storage they need.
SanDisk Ultra 32GB Micro SD Flash Card (5 Pack)
This SanDisk Ultra bundle is more than just a set of memory cards; it’s a complete storage kit. You receive five Class 10 microSD cards capable of transfer speeds up to 98MB/s, perfect for expanding the storage of Android smartphones and tablets. The bundle is thoughtfully packaged with five protective jewel cases and a dedicated card reader.
The inclusion of the card reader is a significant advantage, providing a simple way to transfer files directly to your computer without needing your phone or a separate purchase. This makes the entire package an excellent value for anyone looking for a straightforward, all-in-one solution for their mobile storage needs.
PNY 32GB Elite Mobile Accessories Class 10 microSDHC
This 5-pack from PNY is engineered for the modern mobile user. It combines the standard Class 10, U1, and V10 speed ratings with the valuable A1 application performance class. This means you can not only store photos and videos but also run apps directly from the card with faster launch times and smoother operation on your Android device.
With read speeds up to 100MB/s, this card is built for continuous HD photography and Full HD videography. It’s a robust solution for demanding use across smartphones, tablets, action cameras, and drones, offering a blend of fast transfer rates and enhanced app functionality that power users will appreciate.
GIGASTONE 32GB Micro SD Card 10-Pack
If you need to outfit a fleet of devices, the GIGASTONE 10-pack presents an incredibly practical solution. These cards offer read speeds up to 90MB/s, supporting Full HD video recording and playback. They are designed for reliability in a range of devices, from laptops and smartphones to security cameras and drones.
The package includes SD adapters and mini cases, helping you keep your cards organized and protected. This makes the bundle particularly useful for business or home security setups where multiple cameras are in use, or for anyone who wants a large supply of dependable, high-speed storage at an accessible price point.
SanDisk 32GB (Pack of 2) Ultra microSDHC Memory Card
This two-pack from SanDisk features their newer Ultra microSDHC cards, which boast impressive read speeds of up to 120MB/s. This enhanced speed allows you to move large files, like a gallery of photos, incredibly quickly when paired with a compatible device. They are ideal for Android smartphones, tablets, and MIL cameras.
The higher read speed is engineered with proprietary technology to exceed standard UHS-I limits, making these cards some of the fastest in their class for data retrieval. This is a great option for users who frequently back up their content and want to minimize transfer wait times.
Kingston 32GB Canvas Select Plus microSDHC Card
The Kingston Canvas Select Plus is specifically optimized for Android devices, offering improved performance for smartphones and tablets. With Class 10 UHS-I speeds up to 100MB/s, it provides a smooth experience for capturing photos and recording Full HD video. The A1 rating further enhances its utility by allowing for efficient app operation directly from the card.
Kingston is known for its reliability, and this card is built to store your memorable content securely. It’s a straightforward, high-quality choice for anyone looking to expand their Android device’s storage without compromising on speed or performance for both media and applications.
TEAMGROUP Micro 32GB x 10 Pack UHS-I U1
TEAMGROUP’s 10-pack is designed for users with high-volume storage needs. These cards deliver read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds of 20MB/s, which is suitable for Full HD shooting. A standout feature is their high random IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), which significantly surpasses typical Class 10 cards.
This high IOPS performance makes these cards exceptionally good for the random read/write tasks required by smartphones, tablets, and vehicle recorders. If you need cards that can handle multiple small file operations quickly and efficiently, this bulk pack from TEAMGROUP is a strong contender.
Samsung EVO Select 32GB MicroSDHC U3 Memory Card
Samsung’s EVO Select line is renowned for its consistent performance and durability. This card features a U3 speed class, which guarantees minimum write speeds of 30MB/s, making it a more robust option for high-bitrate Full HD video recording and even some 4K UHD content depending on the device. It offers excellent all-around performance for demanding tasks.
Built to withstand harsh conditions, it is waterproof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and X-ray proof. This makes it an ideal choice for travel and use in extreme environments, whether you’re using it in a dash cam, a high-end action camera, or your smartphone. Samsung’s reputation for quality ensures you’re getting a reliable and fast storage product.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 32GB Micro SD Card for High-Speed Use in 2025
When I need a 32GB micro SD card that can keep up with my camera or gaming device, I don’t just grab the cheapest one. Speed is everything. But all the symbols and numbers on the card can be confusing. Let me break down what I look for so you can make a smart choice for your high-speed needs.
First, I always check the speed class ratings. These are the little numbers inside a “C” or “U” symbol. For smooth, high-quality video recording, especially in 4K, I aim for a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) minimum. This guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s. If you’re just storing photos or music, a Class 10 (C10) is fine, but for the 9 best 32GB micro SD cards for high-speed use, U3 is the standard. Another rating to look for is the Video Speed Class, marked as V30, V60, or V90. For 32GB cards, V30 is common and perfect for 4K video.
Next, I pay close attention to the bus interface, which is the UHS-I or UHS-II marking. Most cards you’ll find are UHS-I, which is plenty fast for most people. UHS-II cards are significantly faster but are more expensive and require a device with a UHS-II compatible slot to use that extra speed. For my Nintendo Switch or action camera, a good UHS-I card is more than enough.
The Application Performance Class is a game-changer for smartphone and tablet users. Look for “A1” or “A2” on the card. This rating means the card is optimized to run apps directly from it, with faster access times and better random read/write performance. If you plan on using adoptable storage on your Android phone to install apps, an A2 card is what I would choose. It makes a noticeable difference in how snappy those apps feel.
Finally, I think about the brand and where I’m buying. I stick with reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, and Kingston. They are reliable and their performance usually matches their advertised specs. I always avoid no-name brands from unknown online marketplaces. The risk of getting a fake or a slow card that corrupts your data is just not worth the few dollars saved. A good card is an investment in keeping your photos, videos, and game saves safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32GB enough for a Nintendo Switch?
It depends on your gaming habits. If you primarily buy physical game cartridges, 32GB is a decent starting point for storing your game saves and some downloadable content or indie games from the eShop. However, if you plan on buying a lot of digital games, you will fill it up very quickly. I would consider 32GB a minimum, but for most people, a 128GB or 256GB card is a much better long-term investment for their Switch.
What is the difference between read speed and write speed?
This is a crucial distinction. Read speed is how fast you can pull data off the card, like when you’re viewing photos or copying files to your computer. Write speed is how fast you can save data to the card, which is critical when recording video or taking burst-mode photos. For high-speed use, you need a card with a high, stable write speed to prevent dropped frames during recording.
Can I use a micro SD card to run apps on my Android phone?
Yes, you can, but you need the right card. When you format a card as “internal storage” (adoptable storage), you should use one with an A2 (Application Performance Class 2) rating. This ensures the card has the fast random read/write speeds needed for apps to run smoothly. Using a standard card without this rating can lead to very slow app performance. For storing just photos and music, any Class 10 card will work fine.
Why does my computer show less than 32GB of available space?
This is completely normal and not a sign of a faulty card. The missing space is due to two factors. First, storage manufacturers define a gigabyte as 1,000,000,000 bytes, but computers calculate it as 1,073,741,824 bytes. Second, the file system itself (like FAT32 or exFAT) uses a small amount of space for its own data structures to manage your files. So, a formatted 32GB card will typically show about 29.7GB of usable space.
Do I need a special card reader for a high-speed micro SD card?
To get the full speed out of your card, yes, you do. If you have a UHS-I card capable of 100MB/s speeds but you use an old, cheap USB 2.0 card reader, you will be limited to around 40MB/s. I always make sure my card reader supports USB 3.0 or higher and is compatible with the UHS speed class of my card. This is especially important when transferring large video files to my computer.
How do I know if a 32GB micro SD card is a good choice for recording 4K video?
Look for three specific symbols on the card: the U3 (UHS Speed Class 3), the V30 (Video Speed Class 30), and the Class 10. These ratings guarantee the minimum sustained write speeds required for most 4K video formats. If your device’s manual specifies a V60 or V90 card, you should follow that, but for many action cameras and drones, a V30-rated card from our list of the 9 best 32GB micro SD cards for high-speed use in 2025 is perfectly suitable.