Whether your PC natively supports the format, like the latest Dell XPS 13, or you're using an adapter, there's a good case for using microSD memory cards nowadays. Some cameras take them, many smartphones accept them, and you can now get immense amounts of storage in a really tiny little card.
So whether it's something you use to transport data or you want to expand the storage capabilities of your laptop without having something hooked up externally, here are the microSD cards you should consider.
Sandisk Ultra
Sandisk has a range of sizes available in its Ultra lineup that offer a solid balance of price and performance.
Read speeds up to 100MB/s can be expected, which isn't lightning fast, but that's perfectly good for storing files and your media.
The best bit is that you can get sizes between 16GB and a whopping 400GB. The best choice is the 256GB version for around $90, as the range topper is still a bit pricey.
Samsung Evo+
Another top performer that doesn't break the bank is the Samsung Evo+, with a 256GB card available for just under $90.
With data transfer speeds between 90MB/s and 100MB/s, it's plenty fast enough to handle your important files and media, and as Samsung includes an adapter you can also use it in devices supporting full-size SD cards.
These cards are apparently waterproof, which is good to know if you're ever using your laptop outdoors and hot-swapping your cards.
Silicon Power Elite
The 128GB Elite microSD card from Silicon Power is extremely well priced at just $33.
Being affordable doesn't mean it's a lesser quality product, though, and it still meets UHS-1 Class 10 specs for fast data transfer.
The added bonus is the included Lifetime Warranty from Silicon Power, so make sure you register once you've bought it.
PNY Elite-X
Not only is the Elite-X a fast microSD card with transfer speeds up to 100MB/s on the read end, it comes in 128GB or 256GB sizes to store plenty of stuff.
The capacities below the 128GB aren't as fast, which is important to note if you're searching for a smaller card. The best performance is on the higher capacity cards, with prices starting at $60 for 128GB.
PNY also says the card is waterproof, temperature proof, shockproof and x-ray proof, as well as having a data recovery tool to help you out if you accidentally delete the wrong thing.
Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
