GoPro cameras are synonymous with adventure, capturing everything from thrilling action sports to serene landscapes in stunning high definition. To unlock the full potential of your GoPro, especially when shooting in demanding resolutions like 4K or 5K, a high-performance microSD card is not just recommended, it’s essential.
The right card ensures smooth recording, fast file transfers, and the durability to withstand the elements alongside your camera. This guide will help you choose the best SD card to keep up with your GoPro’s capabilities.
Quick Navigation & Previews
- Best SD Card for GoPro
- What to Look For When Buying an SD Card for GoPro
- Our 10 Picks Of Best SD Card For GoPro
- Best SD Card for GoPro Buyer’s Guide
- FAQ
- Q1: What is the most important speed rating for a GoPro SD card?
- Q2: Should I get a 64GB or 128GB SD card for my GoPro?
- Q3: Can using a slow SD card damage my GoPro?
- Q4: How often should I format my GoPro SD card?
- Q5: What’s the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards for GoPro?
- Q6: My GoPro stops recording randomly, what could be the problem?
- Conclusion
Best SD Card for GoPro
The SanDisk Extreme PRO consistently stands out for its exceptional read and write speeds, which are crucial for high-resolution GoPro footage. Its robust durability and strong brand reputation make it the most reliable choice for demanding action camera use.
| Image | Name | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I |
| Check Price |
 | Samsung PRO Plus microSDXC |
| Check Price |
 | Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC |
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 | Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSDXC |
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 | Gigastone 4K Camera Pro microSDXC |
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 | PNY Elite-X microSDXC |
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 | ADATA Premier Pro microSDXC |
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 | Lexar Professional 1000x microSDXC |
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 | Transcend High Endurance microSDXC |
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 | Amazon Basics microSDXC |
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What to Look For When Buying an SD Card for GoPro
When selecting an SD card for your GoPro, prioritize the following:
- Speed Class (UHS Speed Class and Video Speed Class): For GoPros, particularly those recording 4K or 5K video, high write speeds are critical. Look for cards rated UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) as a minimum. These ratings guarantee a sustained write speed of at least 30MB/s, preventing dropped frames and ensuring fluid video. Newer GoPros might even benefit from higher V-class ratings like V60 or V90 for extreme bitrates.
- Capacity: The amount of storage you need depends on your shooting habits and the resolution you capture. 4K and 5K video files are very large. For casual use, 64GB or 128GB might be sufficient. However, for extended trips or professional work, 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB cards are highly recommended.
- Durability: GoPros are built for rugged environments, and their memory cards should be too. Opt for cards that are waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof, and X-ray proof to safeguard your footage in challenging conditions.
- Brand Reputation: Stick to established and trusted brands known for producing reliable memory cards. SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar are consistently popular choices among GoPro users due to their proven performance and reliability.
- A-Class Rating (Application Performance Class): While primarily for smartphone app performance, an A1 or A2 rating can be beneficial for faster app loading and smoother operation if you often use your GoPro with a companion smartphone app for quick editing or file management. A2 typically offers better random read/write performance.
Our 10 Picks Of Best SD Card For GoPro
1. SanDisk Extreme PRO
Rating: 9.5/10Reason: This card offers some of the highest read and write speeds in its class, perfectly suited for the most demanding GoPro models and shooting scenarios, coupled with excellent durability.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I card is engineered for peak performance with action cameras, drones, and high-end smartphones. It boasts impressive read speeds of up to 200MB/s and write speeds of up to 140MB/s (for 256GB-1TB capacities), ensuring seamless 4K UHD and 5K video capture without dropped frames.
With A2, U3, and V30 ratings, it’s not only fast for video but also optimizes app performance. Designed to withstand harsh environments, it’s temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and X-ray proof.
Best For: Professional-grade 4K/5K video recording and high-speed burst photography in extreme conditions.
- Exceptional read and write speeds, ideal for 4K/5K.
- A2 rating for fast app performance.
- Superior durability (temperature, water, shock, X-ray proof).
- Leading brand with high reliability.
- Premium price point.
- May be over-spec for older GoPro models or less demanding use.
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2. Samsung PRO Plus
Rating: 9.3/10Reason: The Samsung PRO Plus delivers a compelling combination of high speeds, extensive durability features, and a competitive price, making it an excellent all-around choice for GoPros. The Samsung PRO Plus microSDXC card is built to handle high-resolution content with read speeds up to 180MB/s and write speeds up to 130MB/s.
It carries a U3, V30, and A2 rating, ensuring smooth 4K UHD video recording and efficient app performance. Samsung emphasizes its robust six-proof protection, including water, temperature, X-ray, magnetic, drop, and wear-out resistance, providing exceptional data safety for adventurous use. It’s a solid contender for any GoPro model.
Best For: Reliable and fast 4K video recording with comprehensive durability features.
- Excellent read and write speeds for 4K.
- Outstanding durability with six-proof protection.
- Good value for its performance class.
- Reliable brand with strong warranties.
- Slightly lower top-end read/write speeds compared to the SanDisk Extreme Pro.
- Limited to 1TB capacity on some models.
3. Lexar Professional 1066x
Rating: 9.0/10Rating: 9.0/10
Reason: The Lexar 1066x series offers impressive read and write speeds, a V30 rating, and A2 support, making it well-suited for demanding GoPro tasks while offering good value. The Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC card is designed to capture and transfer high-quality photos and 4K UHD video with speeds up to 160MB/s read and up to 120MB/s write (for capacities 128GB and above).
It’s U3, V30, and A2 rated, ensuring consistent performance for high-resolution video and faster app loading. This card is also rigorously tested for durability, being shock, vibration, and X-ray proof, making it resilient for various action-packed scenarios.
Best For: High-performance 4K video capture and fast data transfers for action cameras and drones.
- Strong read and write speeds for 4K video.
- A2 rating enhances app performance.
- Durable construction for challenging environments.
- Reputable brand in memory solutions.
- Write speeds are slightly lower than the top-tier SanDisk Extreme Pro.
- Availability might vary in some regions.
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4. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
Rating: 8.8/10Reason: The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus offers reliable speeds, a V30 rating, and A2 app support, making it a solid and often more affordable option for many GoPro users. The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSDXC card is engineered to keep up with demanding workloads, featuring read speeds up to 170MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s (for 128GB-1TB).
It is U3, V30, and A2 rated, ensuring smooth 4K UHD video recording and quick app performance. Designed for durability, it withstands harsh conditions often encountered with action cameras. Kingston provides a lifetime warranty, highlighting their confidence in its reliability.
Best For: Consistent 4K UHD video recording and efficient file transfers for action cameras and drones.
- Good speeds for 4K video recording.
- A2 support for faster app performance.
- Durable and backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Cost-effective compared to top-tier options.
- Write speed is not as high as some premium cards, which could be a factor for continuous high-bitrate 5K.
- Some models might have slightly lower read/write speeds depending on capacity.
5. Gigastone 4K Camera Pro
Rating: 8.5/10Reason: The Gigastone 4K Camera Pro delivers essential 4K video capabilities (V30) and A2 app support at a very competitive price, making it a strong value proposition. The Gigastone 4K Camera Pro microSDXC card is designed for 4K UHD video recording, offering read speeds up to 150MB/s and write speeds up to 130MB/s (for 1TB model).
It features a V30 video speed class and A2 app performance class. This card is built for durability, being waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof, and X-ray proof, providing peace of mind during your adventures. It aims to offer solid performance without the premium price tag.
Best For: Budget-conscious users needing a capable and durable card for 4K video recording.
- Excellent value for money.
- V30 and A2 rated, supporting 4K video and app performance.
- Good durability with multiple protections.
- Includes 5-years free data recovery service (for some models/regions).
- Brand is less recognized than industry leaders.
- Performance might vary slightly across different capacities.
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6. PNY Elite-X
Rating: 8.3/10Reason: The PNY Elite-X provides reliable 4K video support (U3/V30) and an A1 rating at a very accessible price point, making it a practical choice for most GoPro owners. The PNY Elite-X MicroSDXC card boasts read speeds of up to 100MB/s and is rated Class 10, U3, V30, and A1.
This ensures it can handle 4K Ultra HD content recording and provides enhanced app performance for Android devices. While its read/write speeds are not the highest on the market, its U3/V30 rating guarantees the minimum sustained write speed needed for smooth 4K video. It’s built to be durable, resisting water, magnet, temperature, and X-ray damage.
Best For: General 4K video recording and everyday GoPro use, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Affordable with good capacity options.
- U3/V30 rated for 4K video recording.
- Durable for outdoor and action use.
- A1 rating for improved app performance.
- Read/write speeds are lower than top-tier premium cards.
- Less ideal for extremely high-bitrate or continuous 5K recording.
Read Also: 10 Best Lens for Night Sky Photography
7. ADATA Premier Pro
Rating: 8.0/10Reason: The ADATA Premier Pro offers U3 and V30 ratings for 4K video, good read/write speeds, and excellent durability, making it a reliable option for action camera users. The ADATA Premier Pro microSDXC card is designed for demanding recording tasks, offering read/write speeds up to 100/85MB/s (for 128GB and higher capacities).
It supports UHS-I U3 and V30 video speed classes, ensuring smooth 4K Ultra HD video recording. Additionally, it carries an A2 rating for faster app performance. This card is built with multi-point protection, including waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and anti-static features, along with wide temperature tolerance.
Best For: Reliable 4K video recording and robust durability for action cameras and dash cams.
- U3, V30, and A2 ratings for 4K video and app performance.
- Excellent durability with multi-point protection.
- Good balance of speed and reliability for its price.
- Max read/write speeds are not as high as the fastest premium cards.
- May not be as widely available as SanDisk or Samsung.
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8. Lexar Professional 1000x
Rating: 7.8/10Reason: While a UHS-II card, its UHS-I backward compatibility offers strong U3 performance for GoPro. The included reader enhances its value for post-production. The Lexar Professional 1000x microSDXC card leverages UHS-II technology, providing read speeds up to 150MB/s and write speeds up to 45MB/s. Crucially, it’s U3 rated (guaranteeing 30MB/s minimum write speed), making it compatible with 4K video recording on GoPros.
It is backward compatible with UHS-I devices, performing at their maximum thresholds. The card often comes with a UHS-II USB 3.0 reader, accelerating post-production workflow. It’s built for durability in various environments.
Best For: Professional-level 4K video recording and fast workflow, especially when paired with a UHS-II reader.
- UHS-II technology for potential future-proofing and faster offloading.
- U3 rating supports 4K video recording.
- Often includes a fast USB 3.0 reader.
- Durable construction.
- UHS-II speeds are only realized with a compatible reader
- GoPro cameras are typically UHS-I.
- Write speed (45MB/s) is lower than some top UHS-I cards.
9. Transcend High Endurance
Rating: 7.5/10Reason: While extremely durable, its focus on “high endurance” for continuous write cycles means its speeds might not be optimized for the highest bitrate 4K/5K video that GoPros can produce. The Transcend High Endurance microSDXC card is specifically engineered for continuous recording in demanding applications such as dash cameras, security cameras, and body cameras.
It offers read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 40MB/s (for 64GB). Crucially, it is U3 and V30 rated, ensuring it can handle 4K video recording. Its primary strength lies in its exceptional durability and reliability for prolonged, repeated write cycles, being temperature proof, waterproof, static proof, X-ray proof, and shockproof.
Best For: Long-term, continuous recording applications like dash cams or security cameras, providing extreme durability.
- Exceptional durability and longevity for continuous recording.
- U3 and V30 rated for 4K video.
- Reliable performance in extreme temperatures.
- Read/write speeds are lower than performance-oriented cards, which might limit high-bitrate 4K/5K.
- May be overkill for typical GoPro adventure filming that isn’t continuous.
10. Amazon Basics microSDXC
Rating: 6.5/10Rating: 6.5/10
Reason: The Amazon Basics card offers U3/V30 ratings and decent read/write speeds for its price, but its consistency and longevity may not match premium brands. The Amazon Basics microSDXC card offers a budget-friendly option for expanding storage. While exact specifications can vary by capacity, many models feature U3, V30, and A2 ratings, suggesting compatibility with 4K video and improved app performance.
For example, the 1TB model boasts read speeds up to 200MB/s and write speeds up to 150MB/s. It is also designed to be durable, featuring shockproof, waterproof, temperature-resistant, X-ray proof, and magnetic-resistant properties.
Best For: Basic GoPro use and casual Full HD recording at a very affordable price.
- Very affordable price point.
- Often features U3, V30, and A2 ratings for 4K and app support.
- Offers good capacity options for the price.
- Actual real-world performance can be inconsistent compared to premium brands.
- Longevity and long-term reliability may not match more established brands.
- Specific read/write speeds vary significantly by capacity, needing careful review.
Best SD Card for GoPro Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right SD card is key to getting the most out of your GoPro. Let’s break down what truly matters in simple terms:
1. How Fast Does It Need to Be? (Speed Class)
What it means: This is about how quickly the card can write (save) data. For GoPro, especially when shooting in high resolutions like 4K or 5K, you need a card that can keep up to avoid choppy video or errors.
Look for specific symbols:
- U3 (UHS Speed Class 3): This means a guaranteed minimum of 30 megabytes per second (MB/s) writing speed.
- V30 (Video Speed Class 30): Also guarantees 30 MB/s, specifically designed for smooth video recording.
Why it matters for GoPro: Newer GoPros produce large files very quickly. If your card isn’t fast enough, your camera might drop frames, create corrupted files, or even stop recording.
Our top picks for speed: To ensure your GoPro runs smoothly, always go for cards with at least a U3 and V30 rating. Many excellent options on our list meet this, including the SanDisk Extreme PRO, Samsung PRO Plus, Lexar Professional 1066x, and Kingston Canvas Go! Plus.
2. How Much Space Do You Need? (Capacity)
What it means: This is simply how many gigabytes (GB) the card can hold. More GB means more video and photos!
Why it matters for GoPro: 4K and 5K video files are huge. A few minutes of high-resolution footage can quickly fill up smaller cards.
Our top picks for capacity:
- For casual users or shorter trips (64GB-128GB): The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (128GB) or PNY Elite-X (128GB) are good starting points.
- For long adventures, frequent shooting, or professional use (256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB): The SanDisk Extreme PRO (up to 1TB), Samsung PRO Plus (up to 1TB), and Lexar Professional 1066x (up to 512GB) offer plenty of room.
3. Will It Survive Your Adventures? (Durability)
What it means: GoPros go where other cameras fear to tread. Your SD card should be just as tough. Look for cards that can handle the elements.
Why it matters for GoPro: You don’t want your precious footage ruined by water, drops, extreme temperatures, or airport X-rays.
Our top picks for durability: Most reputable brands now offer robust cards. Look for features like “waterproof,” “shockproof,” “temperature-proof,” and “X-ray proof.” The SanDisk Extreme PRO, Samsung PRO Plus, and Lexar Professional 1066x are particularly known for their comprehensive protections, while the Transcend High Endurance is built for extreme, continuous use.
4. Can You Trust the Brand? (Brand Reputation)
What it means: Sticking with well-known and respected brands reduces the risk of getting a fake or unreliable card.
Why it matters for GoPro: A cheap, unreliable card can lead to frustrating errors or lost footage, ruining your memories.
Our top picks for brand reliability:
- Top Tier (Most Recommended): SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, Kingston.
- Reliable Alternatives: PNY, ADATA, Gigastone, Transcend.
- Budget with Caution: Amazon Basics (always read recent reviews for consistency).
5. Is It Good for Apps too? (A-Class Rating)
What it means: This rating (A1 or A2) indicates how well the card performs when running smartphone applications from it.
Why it matters for GoPro: If you often use the GoPro app on your phone to quickly preview, edit, or transfer footage, an A2-rated card can make those processes smoother and faster.
Our top picks for app performance (A2): The SanDisk Extreme PRO, Samsung PRO Plus, Lexar Professional 1066x, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus, Gigastone 4K Camera Pro, and ADATA Premier Pro all feature an A2 rating.
FAQ
Q1: What is the most important speed rating for a GoPro SD card?
A: For GoPros, the most important ratings are the UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30). These guarantee a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, which is crucial for smooth 4K video recording without dropped frames.
Q2: Should I get a 64GB or 128GB SD card for my GoPro?
A: For casual use and typical adventures, a 128GB card is generally a good balance of cost and capacity. However, if you plan to shoot a lot of 4K or 5K footage, or for extended trips without offloading, a 256GB or 512GB card would be more suitable to avoid running out of space quickly.
Q3: Can using a slow SD card damage my GoPro?
A: While it won’t physically damage your GoPro, using a slow or incompatible SD card can lead to various issues, including dropped frames, corrupted video files, freezing, and general performance instability. Always use a card that meets GoPro’s recommended speed classes.
Q4: How often should I format my GoPro SD card?
A: It’s a good practice to format your SD card regularly, ideally after transferring your footage to another device or before a major shooting session. Always format the card directly within your GoPro camera for optimal compatibility.
Q5: What’s the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards for GoPro?
A: UHS-II cards have an extra row of pins, offering significantly faster theoretical speeds. However, most GoPro cameras only support UHS-I speeds. While a UHS-II card will work in a GoPro (at UHS-I speeds), its full potential is only realized when used with a UHS-II compatible device, like a high-speed card reader, for faster offloading. For direct GoPro performance, a top-tier UHS-I V30 card is usually sufficient.
Q6: My GoPro stops recording randomly, what could be the problem?
A: This often points to an issue with the SD card. It could be that the card’s write speed isn’t consistent enough for the video resolution/bitrate you’re using, or the card might be corrupted or counterfeit. Try reformatting the card in the GoPro, testing a different high-speed card, or updating your GoPro’s firmware.
Conclusion
Equipping your GoPro with the right SD card is fundamental to capturing your adventures flawlessly. The ideal card serves as a high-speed conduit for stunning 4K and 5K footage, ensuring every moment is preserved in crisp detail. By prioritizing robust speed classifications, adequate storage capacity, and the proven durability of reputable brands, you empower your GoPro to perform at its peak. This strategic choice not only safeguards your invaluable memories but also guarantees a seamless and exhilarating recording experience, making your next thrilling capture effortless and truly unforgettable.
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