The best CFexpress cards give photographers and videographers more flexibility in their work by providing faster memory in a durable compact form. CFexpress cards evolved from XQD memory, with which the Type B cards share the same body design. In fact, most camera manufacturers have released firmware updates for their cameras that use XQD cards to support the use of CFexpress memory as well.
In essence, CFexpress cards are the evolution of the XQD and CompactFlast (CF) memory card formats. They are designed to write and read content at ultra-fast speeds, whether you’re shooting stills or video. The best CFexpress cards can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, meaning you can transfer data-rich content such as 14-bit uncompressed raw files or 8K video. This is based on Type B cards, which are the most widely used.
- Best XQD cards you can buy today
What are Type A, B and C CFexpress cards?
There are three ‘types’ of CFexpress cards you can buy. Type A cards are a little smaller than an SD card, but thicker. Type B is the most widely supported and is the same shape and size as XQD cards. Type C is the newest development in CFexpress memory and isn’t currently supported in any consumer products as of the time of writing. Below is a breakdown of the three types of CFexpress cards and their size and data capabilities:
- CFexpress Type A – up to 1GB/s, 20mm x 28mm x 2.8mm
- CFexpress Type B – up to 2GB/s, 38.5mm x 29.8mm x 3.8mm
- CFexpress Type C – up to 4GB/s, 54mm x 74mm x 4.8mm
For more information on the different types of CFexpress cards, see our guide to Which cameras use CFexpress cards.
Is CFexpress better than SD?
Yes, CFexpress cards are considered to be superior to SD memory cards. CFexpress cards are much faster when reading and writing data. They are also more rugged and durable. SD cards can break when dropped or stepped on, or if exposed to water. CFexpress cards are hardier.
The CFexpress Type B memory format employs the same PCI express Gen3 interface and NVMe 1.3 tech that you find in the ultra-fast SSDs on the market. So you’re effectively getting the power and speed of the best portable SSDs inside your camera.
On the other hand, the best CFexpress cards are not cheap. Certainly, look to spend at least £100 / $100 for the smallest capacity cards. CFexpress is a premium memory card format, aimed at professionals and content creators.
The best CFexpress cards you can buy today
All of our recommendations for the best CFexpress cards below are based on our tests using these cards. We tested each card’s read and write speeds using Blackmagic Design’s Disk Speed Test, and then their in-camera performance by putting them through their paces to test continuous shooting rate and burst depth.
Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series 512GB
Specification
- Capacity: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
- Form Factor: CFexpress Type B
- Interface: PCIe Gen3x2
- Performance: up to 1900MB/s read, up to 1700MB/s write
- Operating Temperature: -10°C~70°C
- Storage Temperature: -25°C~85°C
- Dimensions: 29.60 mm x 38.50 mm x 3.80 mm
- Weight: 7.65g
- Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series offers ultra-fast speeds and sustained performance, making it an ideal choice for professional photographers and videographers. Although I couldn’t fully test the maximum speeds due to the limitations of our available equipment, the card is more than fast enough to record at all internal quality settings on the Canon EOS R5 C.
As of now, few cameras require the speeds offered by the DIAMOND Series, but as technology advances and cameras demand higher performance, this card will likely become increasingly relevant. The downside is that it may be expensive for average users.
However, for those who can take advantage of the card’s capabilities, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series is an outstanding choice. Its rugged design and durability provide peace of mind when shooting in challenging conditions, ensuring that your valuable content remains safe.
£795
$526For
- Ultra-fast read/write speeds
- Exceptional sustained performance
- Rugged, durable design
Against
- Expensive for average users
- Few cameras make full use of speed
- Speeds bottlenecked by USB-C when downloading content - but still quick!
Nextorage NX-A1PRO Series CFexpress Type A review
Specification
- Capacity: 160 GB
- Form Factor: CFexpress Type A
- Interface: PCIe® 3.0 × 1, NVMe 1.4
- NAND Flash: pSLC
- Max. Speed (Read): 950 MB/s
- Max. Speed (Write): 950 MB/s
- Min. Sustained Speed (Write): 850 MB/s
- VPG400: Supported
The Nextorage NX-A1PRO CFexpress memory card meets the VPG400 standard, offering capacities from 40GB to 640GB. Designed for professional use, it sustains a minimum write speed of 400 MB/s, ideal for high-resolution video and stills. The CFexpress Type A format is supported primarily by Sony Alpha cameras, providing a fast alternative to SD cards. In tests with the Sony Alpha A7 IV, the card delivered flawless performance, even in burst mode or extended log video recording. While 160GB suffices for most tasks, professionals may prefer 640GB for added security. These cards deliver exceptional performance at competitive prices.
£179
$179For
- Fast write speed
- High-quality build
Against
- 160 GB is relatively small
Nextorage NX-A1SE Series CFexpress Type A Review
Specification
- Capacity: 480 GB: Capacity: 480 GB
- Form Factor: CFexpress Type A: Form Factor: CFexpress Type A
- Interface: PCIe® 3.0 × 1, NVMe 1.4: Interface: PCIe® 3.0 × 1, NVMe 1.4
- Max. Speed (Read): 950 MB/s: Max. Speed (Read): 950 MB/s
- Min. Sustained Speed (Write): 400 MB/s: Min. Sustained Speed (Write): 400 MB/s
- VPG200: Supported: VPG200: Supported
The Nextorage NX-A1SE Series CFexpress Type A memory card offers impressive read/write speeds of up to 950 MB/s, with a Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) of 200 MB/s, ensuring reliable 4K video recording. Its plastic construction feels less premium than metal counterparts but maintains high build quality. In testing with the Sony A7 IV, the card performed flawlessly, supporting full burst rates and 4K video without issues. Available in larger capacities at a lower price point than the A1PRO series, the NX-A1SE provides excellent value for enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-speed performance and ample storage.
£199
$199For
- Fast transfer speed
- Superb build quality
- Decent capacity
Against
- Still expensive
Delkin Devices Power CFexpress Type B
Specification
- Product type: Memory card
- Available capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Write Speed: 1540MB/s
- Read Speed: 1730MB/s
- XQD Compatibility: Backwards compatible with XQD cameras
Promising write speeds of 1540MB/s and read speeds of 1730MB/s, the Delkin Devices Power CFexpress Type B is a great choice of CFexpress card if your camera uses the more common Type B format and you’re interested in shooting stills or 4K or 6K video.
The Delkin Devices Power CFexpress Type B is available in capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB with the read and write speeds being the same for each capacity.
Like other CFexpress Type B cards, the Delkin Devices Power CFexpress Type B are backwards-compatible with cameras that use XQD cards, provided those cameras are updated with new firmware. Nikon, for instance, updated its Z6 and Z7 cameras to support the CFexpress card format.
As well asa lifetime warranty, the card comes with Delkin Devices’ 48-hour replacement guarantee, giving peace of mind that the company will replace the card within 48 hours (apart from at weekends) if it stops working.
£199
$157For
- Great for shooting 4K video
- Excellent guarantee
- Good range of capacities
Against
- As usual, the measured transfer rates don't match those claimed
- CFexpress format not as common as SD
SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B
Specification
- Write Speed: 1400MB/s
- Read Speed: 1700MB/s
- XQD Compatibility: Backwards compatible with XQD cameras
Promising write speeds of 1400MB/s and prices starting from £165, the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B is one of the best CFexpress cards you can get if your camera uses the more ubiquitous Type B option.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B is now available in capacities of 64GB (price: £175), 128GB (price £294), 256GB (price £494) and 512GB (£692).
Designed for recording 4K video, the new SanDisk Extreme Pro CFExpress cards promise write speeds of up to 1400MB/s and read speeds of 1700MB/s.
SanDisk’s CFexpress cards are also backwards-compatible with cameras that use XQD cards, provided those cameras are updated with new firmware. Nikon, for instance, updated its Z6 and Z7 cameras to support the CFexpress card format.
Read our SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress cards listed on Amazon
£165
$99For
- Great for shooting 4K video
- Rugged, durable design
- Backwards compatible with XQD cameras
Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Gold Series
Specification
- Capacity: 64GB – 512GB
- Form factor: CFexpress Type B
- Interface: PCIe Gen3x2
- Transfer speeds: 64GB — 512GB Up to 1750MB/s read, up to 1000MB/s write
- Operating temperature: -10° C to 70° C (14°F to 158°F)
- Storage temperature: -40° C to 85° C (-40°F to 185°F)
- Dimensions: 29.60 x 38.50 x 3.80 mm / 1.16” x 1.51” x 0.14”
- Weight: 7.65 g / 0.016 lbs
It may be due to CFExpress being a relatively new format, trying to impress, but it does seem that the build quality of these next-generation memory cards seems to be excellent across the board. Herewith the Lexar 128GB CFExpress that quality is instantly apparent with the metal casing and solid build.
The robustness of design probably has something to do with the need to keep things cool, but still, after using SD for so long, these things just feel solid.
Build quality is good, but it’s those speeds that make this 128GB CFExpress card a must-have for the latest generation of cameras.
Read our Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Gold Series Review
£224
$199For
- Fast read/write times
- Future proof technology
Against
- Expensive
- Limited camera compatibility
Manfrotto Professional 128GB CFexpress Type B
Specification
- Capacity: 128GB, 256GB
- Read Speed: 1730MB/s
- Write Speed: 1540MB/s
- Operating temperature: -20° to 70° C
- Weight: 5g
It’s nice to see Manfrotto expand into the memory sector, as it gives photographers and videographers a little more choice for reliable storage and from a trusted brand in the industry.
Through our tests of this CFexpress card, the Manfrotto’s build quality and design was very solid. Its performance both in and out of the camera met all of the company’s claims.
We achieved read speeds of 925MB/s and write speeds of 890MB/s.
At present, CFExpress is still incredibly expensive compared with SD and older CF cards. Still, the speed potential and durability make this a good future proof solution if supported by your camera.
£189
$199For
- High Capacity
- Ultra-fast Speed
- Well made
Against
- Very Expensive