In an era where our digital lives are defined by high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and demanding mobile applications, having a reliable and fast microSD card is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a content creator using a drone, a gamer expanding your Nintendo Switch library, or simply looking to free up space on your smartphone, the right 64GB card can make all the difference. Performance is key, and factors like read/write speeds, video speed class, and application performance are critical for a seamless experience.
Navigating the sea of specifications and brand promises can be overwhelming. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with the best 64GB microSD cards on the market for high-performance use in 2025. We’ve analyzed the top contenders from trusted brands to help you find the perfect match for your device and usage, ensuring your data is stored safely and accessed swiftly.
Our Recommended 64GB MicroSD Cards
- PNY 64GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Card
- PNY 64GB Premier-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Card 5-Pack
- SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
- Patriot Memory 64GB A1 / V30 Micro SD Card 5-Pack
- SanDisk 64GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
- Lexar 64GB Professional 1066x micro SD Card
- Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB MicroSDXC Memory Card
- SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
PNY 64GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Card
The PNY Elite-X is a robust choice for users who need reliable performance for both photography and videography. With its Class 10, U3, and V30 speed class ratings, it is built to handle fast burst-mode shooting and smooth 4K Ultra HD video recording without dropping frames. A read speed of up to 100MB/s ensures quick file transfers, saving you valuable time when moving content to your computer.
Beyond media storage, this card’s A1 App Performance classification means you can confidently run applications directly from the card on your Android device. This feature helps free up internal storage while maintaining responsive app launch times and smooth operation. It is a versatile solution for a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, action cameras, and drones.
PNY 64GB Premier-X Class 10 U3 V30 microSDXC Card 5-Pack
For those who need to equip multiple devices or simply want to have spare cards on hand, the PNY Premier-X 5-pack offers exceptional value. Each card delivers the same high-performance specifications as the Elite-X model, including V30 rating for 4K video and A1 classification for app performance. This makes the pack ideal for households with several gadgets or professionals who use multiple cameras.
You get five reliable, high-speed 64GB cards that are perfect for organizing projects by device or purpose. Use one in your drone, another in your action camera, and a third in your smartphone, all while maintaining a consistent and high level of performance across the board. It’s a cost-effective way to build a dependable storage ecosystem.
SanDisk 64GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
When speed is your top priority, the SanDisk Extreme stands out with remarkable read speeds of up to 170MB/s, powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology. This is particularly beneficial for photographers and videographers who need to offload large files quickly. The card is also engineered for compatibility with high-resolution formats, supporting 4K and even 5K video recording.
This card features an A2 rating, which offers even faster application performance than A1, making it excellent for advanced mobile gaming and running powerful apps. It is officially licensed for use with the Nintendo Switch, ensuring optimal performance for your game library. For maximum speed potential, pairing it with a SanDisk Professional PRO-READER is recommended.
Patriot Memory 64GB A1 / V30 Micro SD Card 5-Pack
The Patriot Memory 5-pack is a fantastic bulk solution that doesn’t compromise on performance. These cards are equipped with a V30 video speed class and A1 app performance, making them fully capable of handling 4K video recording and serving as expandable storage for Android applications. With a read speed of up to 100MB/s and a write speed of up to 80MB/s, they offer a strong balance for both capturing and transferring media.
This pack is perfectly suited for small businesses, families, or tech enthusiasts who manage several devices. Whether for surveillance systems, multiple action cameras, or several tablets, having five identical, high-spec cards simplifies logistics and ensures consistent reliability across all your equipment.
SanDisk 64GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
The SanDisk Ultra is a widely trusted card for everyday use, offering a solid combination of performance and value. With read speeds up to 120MB/s, it efficiently handles Full HD video and fast file transfers. Its A1 rating means it can also help improve the performance of your Android phone by allowing you to move apps to the card.
While this particular version has been discontinued by the manufacturer, it often remains available through retailers and is a reliable option for standard-definition tasks and general storage expansion. It works well in Android smartphones, tablets, and MIL cameras, providing a dependable way to store more photos, music, and videos.
Lexar 64GB Professional 1066x micro SD Card
The Lexar Professional 1066x microSD card is built for demanding environments and uses. It leverages UHS-I technology to achieve impressive read speeds of up to 160MB/s, facilitating a swift workflow when transferring large batches of high-resolution photos or 4K UHD video clips from your device to your computer.
This card is an excellent companion for action cameras, drones, and high-end smartphones where capturing the action reliably is paramount. The fast write speeds help ensure that your device can keep up with continuous recording modes, minimizing the risk of buffering or missed shots during critical moments.
Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB MicroSDXC Memory Card
Designed for reliability above all else, the Samsung PRO Endurance card is engineered for continuous write scenarios. It is ideal for devices like home security cameras, dash cams, and body cameras that are constantly recording and rewriting data. This card is built to withstand extreme temperatures, water, magnetic fields, and X-rays.
While maximum read/write speeds are typically lower than “Extreme” or “Professional” cards, the focus here is on longevity and sustained performance under constant use. With a high endurance rating, it offers peace of mind for critical recording applications where card failure is not an option, ensuring your important footage is captured and stored securely.
SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
As a cornerstone of high-performance storage, the SanDisk Extreme line is synonymous with speed and durability. These cards are built for adventurers and creators, offering fast read and write speeds that are suitable for capturing 4K UHD video and rapid-fire photography. They are designed to resist harsh conditions, including temperature extremes, water, and shock.
This card is a go-to choice for use in action cameras, drones, and high-end Android devices where performance and reliability are non-negotiable. Its robust build quality and consistent speed make it a dependable tool for anyone who needs to capture and store high-quality media in challenging environments.
How to Choose a 64GB Micro SD Card for High-Performance Use
When I’m looking for a 64GB micro SD card that can keep up with demanding tasks, I don’t just grab the cheapest one on the shelf. High-performance use means this little card is going to be the workhorse for my Nintendo Switch, my drone, my action camera, or my high-resolution smartphone. To make sure it doesn’t become a bottleneck, I focus on a few key specs that really matter.
The first thing I look for is the speed class. This is where most of the confusion happens, but it’s simple once you break it down. For smooth 4K video recording, you absolutely need a card with a V30 or higher rating. The ‘V’ stands for Video Speed Class, and V30 guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s. For less intensive tasks like storing photos or playing mobile games, a UHS-I U3 or Class 10 card might be sufficient, but I always aim for V30 to be safe. The newer V60 and V90 cards are overkill for 64GB capacities and are typically found in larger, pro-grade cards.
Next, I check the bus interface. You’ll see UHS-I and UHS-II. UHS-II cards have a second row of pins and are significantly faster, but they’re also more expensive. The catch is that your device also needs to support UHS-II to take advantage of those speeds. For most consumer gadgets like cameras, drones, and the Nintendo Switch, a high-quality UHS-I card is perfectly adequate and offers the best value. I only consider UHS-II if my specific camera or laptop reader explicitly supports it.
Application Performance Class is a newer spec that’s become super important for me, especially for gaming or running apps directly from the card on my phone or a device like the Steam Deck. Look for A1 or, even better, A2. These ratings ensure a minimum number of random read and write IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), which translates to faster app loading times and smoother performance when the card is doing more than just writing a sequential video file.
Finally, I always stick with reputable brands. A no-name card might promise high speeds on the packaging, but in my experience, they often fail to deliver and are prone to sudden failure, which could mean losing all my data. Brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, and Kingston have proven reliability. I also make sure to buy from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeit products, which are unfortunately common. For the 8 best 64GB micro SD cards for high-performance use in 2025, focusing on these factors will guide you to a card that won’t let you down.
FAQ
What is the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II?
The main difference is speed and physical design. UHS-I is the common standard with a single row of pins, offering theoretical speeds up to 104MB/s. UHS-II has a second row of pins and can achieve theoretical speeds up to 312MB/s. However, to get the full benefit of a UHS-II card, your device (like your camera or card reader) must also have the hardware to support it. For most users, a high-performance UHS-I card is more than enough.
Can I use a 64GB micro SD card in my Nintendo Switch?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it. The Switch only has 32GB of internal storage, which fills up fast. A 64GB card is a great starting point. For the best experience, look for a card with a fast read speed (like the ones from our list of the 8 best 64GB micro SD cards for high-performance use) to reduce game load times. The Switch doesn’t need the absolute fastest card available, but a UHS-I U1 or U3 card from a reliable brand will work perfectly.
Is a V30 rating necessary for 4K video?
In my experience, yes, it’s a must-have. The V30 rating guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30 megabytes per second, which is the baseline that most modern action cameras, drones, and smartphones require to record 4K video without dropping frames or stopping unexpectedly. Using a slower card might result in error messages or corrupted video files.
What does the A1 or A2 rating mean?
This is the Application Performance Class. It’s a rating that matters if you plan to run apps directly from the micro SD card, which is common on Android phones or handheld gaming PCs. The A1 rating guarantees a minimum of 1500 read and 500 write IOPS (random read/write operations per second). The superior A2 rating guarantees 4000 read and 2000 write IOPS, leading to noticeably faster app loading and overall system responsiveness when using the card.
Why does my computer show less than 64GB of available space?
This is completely normal and happens for two reasons. First, storage manufacturers define a gigabyte as 1,000,000,000 bytes, but computers calculate it as 1,073,741,824 bytes (binary). So, a 64GB card will show up as about 59.6GB on your computer. Second, the file system itself takes up a small amount of space to organize the data on the card. You haven’t been short-changed; it’s just a difference in math and formatting.
How long will a micro SD card typically last?
There’s no single answer, as lifespan depends on the card’s quality and how much data you write to it over time. High-end cards are rated for a certain number of write cycles, often called Terabytes Written (TBW). For a 64GB card used in a smartphone or camera, it could easily last for many years. The biggest risk isn’t usually wearing out from use, but physical damage or sudden failure. That’s why I always back up my important data and never use a micro SD card as the only copy.