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Best SD Cards for GoPro

The 7 Best SD Cards for GoPro in 2023

Getting a high definition video with your GoPro requires you to have the right SD card. Unlike taking photos, shooting videos requires a super-fast SD card with the capability of writing data quickly. However, a quality SD card cannot be solely based on its performance. There is more than speed. And in this review, we round up all the quality brands to enable you to select the best SD card for GoPro. Take a look!

Best Pick

SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSD UHS-I Card

SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSD UHS-I Card has managed to outdo all the other models due to its unmatched performance. The card boasts of its 60MB/s write speeds and 160MB/s read for ultra-fast shooting. Its excellent speed enables you to shoot 4K HD uninterrupted videos and high-resolution photos. With this SD card, you can enjoy ample storage space with wide compatibility, making it the go-to card for your videography needs.

Budget Pick

Samsung MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card

Samsung MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card is the memory card for the money. The SD card offers you 128GB of storage space for your HD videos, photos, music, and gaming. Its speeds are great for fast read and write, making your shooting enjoyable. With this memory card, your files are protected against water, shock, magnetic, X-ray, and temperature damage, so you do not have to worry about losing data.

Quick Comparison: Top 7 Best SD Cards for GoPro


1. SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSD UHS-I Card  

Highlighted Features

  • 90MB/s* write speed
  • 160MB/s9 reading speed
  • Compatible with 2.0 and 3.0 USB
  • 170 MB/s* UHS-I transfer speeds
  • Compatible with different devices
  • 64GB memory storage capacity

Enjoy exceptional recording speeds with this SanDisk microSD. The memory card can capture undisturbed 4K UH and full high definition videos without skipping frames. With a maximum write speed of 90MB/s*, you can shoot fast-action videos with full details.

The micro SD has a read speed of 160MB/s9, so you do not have to wait forever when transferring your files. The card reader is compatible with USB 3.0 and the older releases. The USB 3.0 delivers 10X transfer speed as compared to USB 2.0, which is super-fast.

Its compact design makes it easy for you to enjoy uninterrupted video shooting anywhere, making it the best SD card for GoPro cameras.  Besides, you can also use this memory card with smartphones, drones, and tablets. Taking advantage of this SD card will offer you convenience and exceptional performance for all your video shooting needs.

Pros

  • Great performance
  • Has temperature, water, x-ray, and shockproof properties
  • Fast loading speed and in-app performance
  • Fast writing and transfer speed
  • Compact
  • Built to last

Cons

  • A bit pricey

2. Samsung MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card  

Highlighted Features

  • 128 memory storage capacity
  • Water resistant
  • 90MB write speeds
  • 100MB/s read speeds
  • Shock resistant
  • Magnetic proof
  • Temperature resistant
  • X-ray proof
  • Comes with SD adapter

This memory card offers a stunning write and transfer speeds for your videos. Boasting of its 128GB memory capacity, this Samsung micro SD offers you ample video shooting space without losing any detail. Its ability to keep your data protected against extreme temperatures, water, and any harsh conditions gives you the confidence to shoot 4K UHD videos.

With a maximum write speeds of up to 90MB/s and read speeds of up to 100MB/s, you will enjoy smooth video recording. The card allows you to transfer 3GB videos to your notebook in 38 seconds. You also get to share your videos online in a jiffy thanks to its outstanding performance.

Aside from shooting HD videos, the micro SD card is also great for taking high-resolution photos, music, gaming, action cameras, drones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and DLSRs. The memory card delivers exceptional performance in different devices while giving you stunning results.

And the best part is, you get this memory card at an affordable price, making it the best SD card for the money. Included in the package is an SD adapter for accommodating almost every brand while retaining its performance. Though affordable, its speed and performance have been tested and surpassed the industry standards making it the go-to memory card for your videography needs.

Pros

  • High speed and performance
  • Data secure
  • Reliable
  • High device compatibility
  • Large storage space
  • Large file transfer

Cons

  • Its performance may be affected interface, usage conditions, and host device

3. Samsung EVO Micro SDXC Memory Card with Adapter  

Highlighted Features

  • UHS-I  enabled for HD video recording
  • 48MB/s read speeds
  • Temperature resistant
  • 64GB memory capacity
  • Water resistant
  • X-ray proof
  • Magnetic proof
  • Comes with SD adapter for fast file transfer between devices with SD slots

Get more with your GoPro by taking advantage of this Samsung EVO memory card. From shooting seamless HD videos, photos, to storing thousands of music, and pictures. This microSD will keep your data safe without losing details. Rated as UHS class 1, this memory card offers great performance for both cameras and smartphones. Its fast read speeds cope with the fast-growing mobile App industry saving you time for downloading or transferring big files.

With 64GB storage capacity, you can enjoy more memory space without having to worry about losing your data. Whether its photos, HD videos, or music, this memory card will keep your files protected from extreme temperatures, shock, water, magnetic force, X-rays, and other adverse conditions.

And what’s more, the card comes with an SD adapter for accommodating SD devices like printers, laptops, and digital cameras, making the transfer of file easy.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Delivers fast writing and reading speed
  • Wide compatibility with other devices
  • Huge storage space
  • Reliable
  • Saves time

Cons

  • Performance declines when used with non-SDXC slot devices

4. Patriot LX Series Micro SDXC Class 10  

Highlighted Features

  • 4K ultra recording
  • 20MB/s writing speed
  • 70MB/s reading speed
  • 128GB memory
  • Waterproof
  • Temperature proof
  • Magnetic proof
  • Shockproof
  • Comes with SD adapter

Enjoy smooth shooting without losing frames with this Patriot LX series. The memory card features 128GB storage capacity for recording, downloading, and storing large files. With write speeds of 20MB/s and read speeds of 70MB/s, you can record, play, and download large files faster as compared to any regular micro SD.

Due to its ultra-fast speed, this memory card is rated as UHS-I class 10 for continuous and fast video shooting. Sharing your large files between SD enabled devices has never been this easy; thanks to its quick file transfer speed.

Its ability to protect your data from any magnetic, water, temperature or X-ray damage gives you confidence and peace of mind knowing your files are safe. An SD adapter is included to allow for wide compatibility with SDXC slot devices and DSLR cameras.

Though sold as a memory card for cameras, you can use it to expand storage space on your mobile device and laptops. This micro SD never disappoints and can be an excellent choice for your videography and photography needs.

Pros

  • Smooth shooting with ultra-fast speeds
  • Durable
  • Reliable
  • Saves time
  • Wide compatibility

Cons

  • May not get recognized by some hardware

5. SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSD  

Highlighted Features

  • Video speed class 30
  • UHS speed class 3
  • Write speed 60MB/s
  • Read speeds 100MB/s
  • 64GB memory capacity
  • Water-proof
  • Temperature resistant
  • Shock resistant
  • X-ray proof
  • Comes with an SD adapter

This SanDisk memory card has been rated as the best SD card for GoPro Hero+Lcd. The memory card boasts of its write speed of 60MB/s for recording HD videos with full details. With 100MB/s, you get to save time and enjoy super-fast transfer of large files.

The memory card is designed to withstand vigorous and harsh conditions while keeping your files safe. Aside from GoPro cameras, the SD card accommodates drones, smartphones, and interchangeable lens cameras, which give you the freedom to utilize it on different devices.

The memory card has been optimized for mobile Apps for fast application and smartphone performance. When you buy this SD card, you get RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software, which helps you recover any files that you may have accidentally deleted. From sporting events to weekend trips and outdoor adventures, this memory card could be all you need.

Pros

  • Easy file management
  • Reliable
  • Ultra-fast speed
  • Versatile
  • Data recovery software
  • Durable

Cons

  • Performance may be reduced when used with non-SDXC slot devices

6. Lexar Professional microSDXC UHS-II Card  

Highlighted Features

  • Read transfer speeds of 150MB/s
  • Transfers 4K, 3D and HD 1080p full videos
  • 64GB memory capacity
  • Wide compatibility
  • Uses UHS-II technology

Lexar is a premium quality microSD solution for camcorders, smartphones, sports cameras, and tablets. The memory card uses UHS-II technology for exceptional read speeds of up to 150MB/s -which is great for playing and sharing big files faster.

The memory card accommodates UHS-I devices and backward for great versatility. In addition to this, the Lexar SD card is also compatible with non-UHS-I older devices rated as class 10. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of devices enables you to switch your devices to suit the task at hand.

You can download your movies and save HD movies, songs, and photos without having to worry about the loss of your files. Taking advantage of this memory card will offer you convenience and versatility like no other.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Fast
  • Reliable
  • Great performance
  • Backed with expert support

Cons

  • Actual speed performance may differ .X=150KB/s

7. SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC Memory Card  

Highlighted Features

  • Rated class 10 V30, U3, A1
  • 64GB memory capacity
  • Write speed 30MB/s
  • Temperature resistant
  • Shock-proof
  • Water resistant
  • X-ray proof
  • Comes with SD adapter for wide compatibility
  • Speeds of up to 100MB/s

SanDisk has designed yet another amazing memory card. The Extreme Pro series is a premium storage solution for tablet, smartphone, or camera with microSDHC UHS-I Card. Boasting of its 64GB memory this SD card lets you shoot your videos like a pro without having to worry about space. With adapter speeds of 100MB/s, you can record and read your files fast.

Its water, temperature, shock, and X-ray resistance properties help protect your files from damage by these harsh conditions preventing any chances of losing some files or dealing with corrupt data.

Pros

  • Reliable
  • Secure
  • Fast
  • Convenient
  • Versatile
  • Affordable

Cons

  • May not work with some cameras depending on the hardware support

Benefits of Using SD Card for GoPro

Reduces your camera memory consumption

Digital cameras come with an inbuilt memory to help you store your data. However, this memory tends to slow down your device, forcing you to spend more time to record HD videos. Adding a memory card to your camera helps minimize memory consumption by providing ample space for storing your files.

Portable

Memory cards are compatible and lightweight, which makes them easy to move around. They can be ejected when full and get replaced with more memory capacity.

Highly compatible

Modern memory cards come with an SD adapter for increased compatibility with different devices. Aside from cameras, you can utilize them on your smartphones, laptops, tablets, drones, and camcorders, which make them your travel buddy.

Data security

SD cards are susceptible to magnetic force, water, temperatures, shock, and airline X-rays, which may lead to loss or corrupt files. The industry has overcome these challenges by producing memory cards that can withstand all these harsh conditions.

Some brands come with data recovery software to restore any files that may have been deleted.

Saves time

Aside from having ample storage space, memory cards have ultra-fast read and write speed, which makes it easy for you to record, and transfer large HD videos, music, and high-resolution photos faster. Compared to regular SD cards, these memory cards deliver exceptional performance, making them not only ideal for your Gopro but also ideal for use with other devices with SD slots.

Factors to consider when buying SD card for your GoPro

Searching for the right memory card for your camera can be at times, complicated if you are not well informed. Just like GoPro cameras, memory cards differ from each other, and a wrong choice will ruin your experience. To simplify things for you, we have covered everything you need to know before you buy a memory card for your camera. Read on!

Memory card type

Secure Digital (SD) comes in different types, and before you could decide which one suits your camera, you ought to know how each model differs from others. The most popular memory cards include:

Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Cards

As the name suggests, the secure digital high capacity memory card is designed to hold large up to 32GB. These memory cards can read and write at different speeds. Older camera models may not be compatible with these SD cards.

Secure Digital Xtended Capacity (SDXC) Memory Cards

The SDXC memory cards were first released in 2009 and can hold up to a maximum of 2TB. Though they are one of the modern SD cards, they may not be compatible with some digital cameras. Always confirm if your camera can read the SDXC format.

If you are planning to use it on your laptop, double-check if your computer can read the exFAT file system.

Micro SDXC Cards

Micro SDXC cards are small and compact. They are popularly used in most digital cameras, tablets, drones, and smartphones.

Write speed

Recording HD videos require ultra-fast speed, or else you may end up losing some frames. Worse still, you end up spending the best part of the day trying to shoot a video that you could have taken you some few minutes with a quality SD card. So regardless of whether you shoot videos, take photos for fun, your memory card speed is a critical aspect that you cannot afford to ignore.

However, the write speed of your memory card is dictated by several factors among them including

  • Your camera model
  • The photo format you want to shoot in (JPEG/RAW)
  • Shooting mode. Depends on whether you want to shoot in a continuous mode or not

High writing speed memory cards are said to perform better than their counterparts. But one thing you need to know is that you should not rush in and buy an ultra-speed memory card without factoring your camera.

As much as high-speed cards deliver exceptional performance, a slow camera can be overwhelmed by high speeds, causing buffering. To resolve this mystery surrounding memory card writing speed most manufacturers list the type of cameras and devices that are recommended to be used with their card.

However, the writing speed will differ for different devices. In case you want to upgrade your camera, always consider investing in a memory card that can conform to the fastest growing technology.

Note: Write speeds are slightly lower than the read speeds

Read speed

The memory card read speed refers to the rate at which your card can read your files. High read speed allows you to download and transfer huge files faster. However, not every memory card can read every file format. Make sure your device can cope with the latest file formats to aid in proper file management and transfer.

Memory Card Capacity

Memory cards vary in regards to the amount of data they can store. While some cards can hold large files than others, it does not make sense to invest in one card that can hold more files as it can be a huge loss in case it gets lost. Though the size will depend on personal preferences, investing in several memory cards can help you store your files and swap them whenever one gets full.

Compatibility

While memory cards are designed to be used with different devices, some may not work or get recognized. So before you jump in and choose your preferred card, get to know where you can use it.

Data security

Losing data is painful and no one can ever wish to go through this. The pain of loading your card in your device and fail to retrieve your files can be a pain in the ass. But all this can be resolved by investing in high-quality memory cards that can withstand harsh conditions like water, shock, magnetic force, X-rays, and temperatures.

However, while some models may claim to be resistant to that condition, not all of them can withstand all the above listed harsh conditions. Always double-check the conditions your card can protect your data from.

Data recover software support

Sometimes you may delete some files which you didn’t intend to. A memory card that has data recovery software support helps you recover all the deleted files without much hassle. So if you are looking forward to recovering your data, this is an important feature to check out for.

Expert support

The memory card may function incorrectly even after using it several times. To help you fix these errors, some memory card sellers provide expert support, which can be a plus.

How to get the best from your Memory Card

Invest in a high-quality memory card

If you are looking forward to getting the best experience, then you should be ready to go a little bit further and get a quality card. Though at times may be tempting to go for cheaper ones, the quality of your memory card should not be overlooked.

You can’t pay less and expect to get exceptional performance.

Stop shooting when your memory card fails

Memory card errors are popular and may be temporary. Continuing to shoot when you experience an error will lead to frame loss and corrupt files. The best way to deal with such errors is to stop shooting and replace your memory card. If the problem persists, the problem could be with your camera.

Avoid leaving your memory cards outside

As much as your memory card can withstand harsh conditions, exposing it to direct sunlight may damage it. Moisture can damage the electrical components, making it hard for you to access your files.

Eject your memory card

Though unplugging your memory card may not erase your data, this is not a safe way of removing it. However, unplugging your memory card when a write process is ongoing can corrupt your files. This is one of the mistakes most people do when they encounter an error when shooting a video.

Instead of unplugging the SD from your camera, simply stop filming and give it time. Switch it off to terminate the writing process.

In case of a computer, you simply need to select the eject option to remove your memory card safely.

Mark your used memory cards

If you leave your used memory cards unmarked, you may end up confusing or formatting all the files. Worse still, you may end up spending the best part of the day trying to trace the right card if you have numerous. And as much as you can restore your deleted files, writing a formatted card will not enable you to recover anything that was removed.

Have a Backup Plan

It can be shameful to tell the client to bring an important event like a wedding to halt simply because your memory card is full. Worse still, you end up losing all the videos you have taken. This can destroy your business reputation.

Having back up memory cards will help prevent any memory woes.

Take advantage of Card Readers

Memory cards need to be handled with a lot of care, and this is where card readers come in. Aside from keeping your SD card safe, card readers allow you to read, open, and share files in different formats.   

How to choose the right memory card size

Choosing the right size is one of the ways of getting the best from your GoPro. To avoid any guesswork, here are the steps to follow.

  • Calculate the number of photos you intend to take in one single day
  • Double the number of images
  • Take one photo size as an average for all pictures and multiply the size with the figure in (b) above
  • Since 1000MG make one gigabyte, divide your  results in (c) by 1000
  • Choose a card with significant memory than the result

For example, say you are planning to take like 1000 photos in a single day in raw format.

Doubling this gives you 2000 photos. On average a RAW photo is about 30MB

2000x 30=60,000MB

60,000Mb divided by 1000=60GB memory card

This means you should go for a memory card with memory higher than this.

Note: Shooting in Raw format call for more storage space as compared to JPEG.

FAQ

What is the best memory card for GoPro?

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to memory cards. The best memory card will depend on your preferences and your camera memory support.

Do memory cards require formatting before use?

New memory cards do not require to be formatted as they come pre-formatted from the factory. However, if you had used it, formatting is required before using it.

How long do memory cards last?

The durability of your memory card depends on several factors among them, its quality and maintenance.

Wrapping Up

Investing in the best SD card for GoPro will save you the headache of having to deal with buffering when shooting your videos. You also get to unlock the possibilities with different devices by enjoying ample space and faster file transfer. But the model you choose should match your preferences and work well with your camera or device you intend to use. If chosen correctly, all the above-featured brands are an excellent pick for your photography needs.
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