Table of Contents
SD Cards are handy but SD cards with wireless LAN take things to a whole new level. If you choose to buy a wireless SD card, you can transform any device into one with wireless capabilities and easily transfer photos and videos without cables and connections.
Today, we are going to look at two different wireless SD cards, the Toshiba FlashAir vs Eye-Fi. We will consider various features like storage capacities, speed and security. Once we have finished, we will add a comparison chart and some pros and cons. We will finish up with our opinion on the best SD card.
We will begin with the similarities of the Toshiba FlashAir and the Eye-Fi. For the sake of this comparison, we will be comparing the 16GB SD memory cards.
Toshiba FlashAir vs Eye-Fi – Similarities
Compatibility
The Toshiba FlashAir and the Eye-Fi are compatible with any device that has an SD memory card slot. This includes cameras and laptops. They are compatible with Mac and Windows and also iOS and Android.
Supported File Types
You can transfer any type of file with the Toshiba FlashAir and the Eye-Fi. As well as the typical photo and video files, you can even transfer RAW files.
Side by Side Comparison
The comparison chart below will help to have a quick recap of the specifications.
| Toshiba FlashAir | Toshiba Eye-Fi | |
| Size | 1.38 x 1.38 x 0.1 inches | Not stated |
| Weight | 1.41oz | 0.8oz |
| Storage Capacity | 16GB | 16GB |
| Other Storage Capacities | 32GB, 64GB | 4GB, 8GB |
| Compatibility | Wide range of cameras, MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android | Wide range of cameras, MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android |
| Speed Class | UHS 3 | 10 |
| Maximum Read Speed | 90 MB/s | Not Stated |
| Maximum Write Speed | 70MB/s | Not stated |
| File Types | All | All |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Range | Not stated | 90ft outdoors, 45 ft indoors |
| Security | Password requires for photo sharing | WEP 64/128 and WPA-PSK |
| Multiple Device Sharing | Up to 7 devices simultaneously | No |
| Warranty | Not stated | 1 year |
| Price |
These are the only similarities according to the product information. There might be others but as they aren’t stated, we have considered them as differences.
Differences Between Toshiba FlashAir and Toshiba Eye-Fi
Appearance
Naturally, they look like a very standard SD card with individual branding. Both clearly show that they are 16GB and wireless.
Toshiba FlashAir
This is a white SD card with a blue rectangle. It is 1.38 x 1.38 x 0.1 inches and weighs 1.41oz.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
The size isn’t listed but it is very lightweight at just 0.8 ounces. It is a nice bright orange so difficult to lose.
The Winner Is- The Eye-Fi
Other Available SD Cards
Aside from the 16GB, there are a couple of other storage capacities available.
Toshiba FlashAir
You have the option of a 32BG and 64GB wireless SD card.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
These are generally smaller with a 4GB and an 8GB version.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read and Write Speeds
Transfer speeds are an essential feature of an SD card whether for professional or personal use.
Toshiba FlashAir
This falls under the fastest speed class, the UHS 3. Though generally more expensive, they are perfect for 4K videos. It has a maximum read speed of 90MB/s and maximum write speeds of 70MB/s.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
It’s a shame the actual read and writes speeds aren’t listed but it is listed as speed class 10, not quite as fast as the Toshiba FlashAir but still great for professional use.
The Winner Is- The Toshiba FlashAir
Wireless Range
Again, it’s a pity we lack the official product information to make an accurate comparison.
Toshiba FlashAir
There is no information about the wireless range.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
Indoors, the range is over 45 feet. Outdoors you will find the range is over 90 feet.
The Winner Is- The Eye-Fi
Security
One of our top concerns today is the security of our data and of course, photos and images.
Toshiba FlashAir
The only security that seems to come with this SD card is the need to set a password and share this password with the person or device receiving the images.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
Here, you have WEP 64/128 and WPA-PSK security.
The Winner Is- The Toshiba Eye-Fi
Multiple Device Sharing
Though not relevant to the performance, it is quite convenient that you can share with different devices at the same time.
Toshiba FlashAir
You can share images and videos with up to 7 different devices simultaneously.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
Unfortunately, you can only share with one device at a time.
The Winner Is- The Toshiba FlashAir
Value for Money
It shouldn’t be the only factor to consider but definitely one to think about.
Toshiba FlashAir
Although it’s just over the $100 mark, it is one of the fastest SD cards on the market. There is no information on the warranty.
Toshiba Eye-Fi
You can find this SD card at $20 to $30 cheaper and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
The Winner Is- The Eye-Fi
Pros and Cons
It’s important to include a few pros and cons so that we can get a complete overview.
Toshiba FlashAir
Pros:
- An excellent solution for 3D printers
- Set up and use are easy
- Good transfer speeds
Cons:
- The app is buggy and needs improving
Toshiba Eye-Fi
Pros:
- Super easy to share images straight onto social media sites
- Well priced for its features
- Good app for previewing images and editing
Cons:
- It’s fast but not as fast as the Toshiba FlashAir
The Final Verdict
This was a very difficult choice because although the differences didn’t seem like a lot, they made enough of an impact on their uses. First of all, it sounds stupid but the orange Eye-Fi makes it easy to spot against your other SD cards. The software is also far better than Toshiba, which is a real shame. Both were easy to use and we had no compatibility issues.
It’s true that the Toshiba FlashAir was a little faster when transferring files, but we were still impressed with the performance of the Eye-Fi for its price range. We decided that the overall winner was the Eye-Fi. There wasn’t a huge difference in the price but we felt that considering Toshiba is such a well-known brand, it really should make more effort with its software.