SanDisk microSDXC Cards Compared (2025): Ultra vs Extreme vs Extreme PRO vs High/Max Endurance

Comparing SanDisk microSDXC Memory Cards: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing a SanDisk microSDXC can feel tricky—different labels, speed classes, and “endurance” claims. This quick guide makes it simple. We compare Ultra, Extreme, Extreme PRO, High Endurance, and Max Endurance side-by-side, explain UHS/Video classes (U1/U3, V10/V30) and App classes (A1/A2), and map each card to the best device and use case in Canada (2025): Android phones, Nintendo Switch, GoPro/action cams, drones, dash cams, and 24/7 security cameras.

 

Feature	Ultra	Extreme	Extreme PRO	High Endurance	Max Endurance
Best for	Everyday phone/storage	GoPro, drones, 4K	Pro 4K/5K, bursts	Dash cams, 24/7 cams	24/7 cams, longest life
UHS/Video	U1 / V10	U3 / V30	U3 / V30	U3 / V30	U3 / V30
App class	A1	A2	A2	A1/A2 (varies)	A1/A2 (varies)
Read (up to)	~120 MB/s	~160–200 MB/s*	~200 MB/s*	~100 MB/s	~100 MB/s
Write (up to)	— / modest	~90 MB/s	~140 MB/s*	~40 MB/s (typical)	~40 MB/s (typical)
Capacity	16–512 GB	64 GB–1 TB	64 GB–1 TB	32–512 GB	32–512 GB
Endurance focus	Standard	Performance	Pro performance	Long-life recording	Max longevity
Warranty	10-yr (region)	Lifetime (region)	Lifetime (region)	2-yr (region)	2-yr (region)

* newer UHS-I “up to 200 MB/s” models require SanDisk’s fast reader to hit the highest reads.
(Exact speeds vary by capacity; table keeps it buyer-friendly and accurate at a glance.)

Quick recommendations (device-based)

• Android phones/tablets: Ultra (budget), Extreme (snappier, A2).
• Nintendo Switch: Extreme (U3/V30, A2).
• GoPro / action cams: Extreme (great value) or Extreme PRO (pro workflows).
• Drones: Extreme or Extreme PRO for higher bitrate.
• Dash cams / taxi / fleets: High Endurance.
• 24/7 security NVR / home cams: Max Endurance (longest life).

Short model snapshots

• Ultra — everyday storage; A1; great price for phones and general media.
• Extreme — U3/V30 + A2; sweet spot for 4K action cams, drones, Switch.
• Extreme PRO — U3/V30 + A2; higher sustained writes for pro 4K/5K and bursts.
• High Endurance — designed for continuous recording; ideal for dash cams.
• Max Endurance — built for 24/7 security; longest write life over time.

 

Looking for the right card today?
Shop SanDisk microSDXC at Top Select — Canadian inventory, fast shipping, and expert support.

Frequently Asked Questions About SanDisk microSDXC Cards

Q1. Which SanDisk microSD is best for Android phones?

• A: For everyday photos and video, Ultra (A1) is great value. If you’ll run apps from the card or want snappier performance, choose Extreme or Extreme PRO (A2).

Q2. What do U1, U3 and V30 mean—and which do I need for 4K?

• A: They’re speed classes. U1/V10 suits HD; U3/V30 is recommended for 4K recording; V60/V90 are for higher-end cameras.

Q3. Best card for GoPro/action cameras?

• A: Extreme (U3/V30, A2) is the sweet spot. Pick Extreme PRO for higher bitrates or pro workflows.

Q4. Best card for Nintendo Switch?

• A: Extreme (U3/V30, A2)—fast loads and reliable performance. Use exFAT for 64GB+ and ensure your Switch has the exFAT update.

Q5. Best card for drones?

• A: Extreme or Extreme PRO (U3/V30)—stable sustained writes for high-bitrate video. Always verify your drone’s max supported capacity.

Q6. Dash cam vs security camera: High Endurance or Max Endurance?

• A: High Endurance balances longevity and cost for dash cams. Max Endurance is tuned for 24/7 security recording and the longest service life.

Q7. Do I really need A2?

• A: Choose A2 if you’ll run apps or need faster random I/O (Android adoptable storage). For pure video capture, speed class (U3/V30) matters more.

Q8. Will a 1TB microSDXC work in my device?

• A: The microSDXC spec supports up to 2TB, but device support varies. Older microSDHC devices are often limited to 32GB—check your manual.

Q9. Which file system should I use—FAT32 or exFAT?

• A: FAT32 for ≤32GB; exFAT for 64GB+. For best compatibility, format in the device you’ll use the card with.

Q10. How do I avoid counterfeit cards?

• A: Buy from authorized retailers, verify packaging/serials, and test with reputable tools. If speeds or capacity seem off, return/exchange immediately.