Our team did the research and tested dozens of different memory cards, and we ultimately determined that the best SD card for GoPro cameras is the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card. We chose this SD card because it offers the best performance to handle high resolution and high frame rate recording while keeping it at a price point that is feasible for most consumers. GoPro also recommends this memory on their website and even sells it in some of their native GoPro bundles, so you know that you are getting a highly compatible SD card.
The runner-up in our choice for the best micro SD card for GoPro usage is the Lexar Professional 1066x Silver Series. Comparatively, Lexar's pricing on average is higher than the SanDisk models, although this is somewhat justified as the write speed is slightly higher (120MB/s for 128GB+ models) although this is overkill and still more than you'll need for current GoPro HERO 10 Black requirements.
Choosing budget SD memory cards choice is tough as you don't really want to skimp on buying a quality card and the pricing per competing SD card really isn't that much different. If we had to choose a budget choice for a GoPro SD card, we recommend the PNY Pro Elite memory cards, which save just a couple of bucks compared to the SanDisk and Lexar while only sacrificing a small amount of overall performance.
- Up to 160MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high res images and 4K UHD videos (2); Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds
- Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting; Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds
- 4K UHD and Full HD Ready with UHS speed class 3 (U3) and video speed class 30 (V30)
- Rated A2 for faster loading and in app performance
- Built for and tested in harsh conditions: Temperature Proof, Water Proof, shock Proof and x ray Proof
- Professional-level performance for action cameras, drones, or Android smartphones
- Leverages UHS-I technology to deliver read speeds up to 160MB/s (1066x)
- Quickly capture high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and 4K UHD
- Load apps quicker with blazing A2 speed
- Designed for durability in harsh conditions.Limited lifetime product support for card and one-year for adapter
- Class 10, U3 speed class performance with read speeds up to 100MB/s, and write speeds up to 90MB/s for fast and smooth HD Photography and 4K Ultra HD Videography
- Record and transfer videos, photos, music, files and more from microSD enabled host devices such as Android smartphones and tablets, action and surveillance cameras, drones, computers and more
- Included SD adapter for compatibility with SD enabled host devices including DSLR cameras, video cameras, desktops, and laptops
- Reliable & Durable: Magnet Proof, Shock Proof, Temperature Proof, Waterproof
Our Top 5 SD Cards for GoPro Action Cameras
- Up to 160MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high res images and 4K...
- Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting; Requires compatible devices...
- 4K UHD and Full HD Ready with UHS speed class 3 (U3) and video speed class...
- Rated A2 for faster loading and in app performance
SanDisk Extreme MicroSDXC Card
As stated earlier in this roundup, the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card is our choice as the best SD card for GoPro and the card in which the manufacturer itself recommends for their GoPro cameras. This is a fast micro SD card and offers a write speed up to 90MB/s while jumping up to 160MB/s for the read speeds, which are both more than required for all current GoPro models and support high resolution 4K video.
SanDisk is one of the most reputable manufacturers of SD memory card models and their reliability has a lot to do with their high quality standards. Each memory card is built and tested in harsh conditions, including being temperature proof, waterproof, shockproof and x-ray proof. All of the SanDisk Extreme cards come with an included microSDXC to SD adapter for use in a traditional SD card port.
It is worth noting that there is a SanDisk Extreme Pro version with higher performance specs in the traditional, larger SD card variant (which unfortunately traditional SanDisk SD cards are often faked) that are often recommended for use when recording video with a DSLR camera. However, for the micro SD card options, the Extreme is the highest card with no SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD cards available for purchase.
- Professional-level performance for action cameras, drones, or Android...
- Leverages UHS-I technology to deliver read speeds up to 160MB/s (1066x)
- Quickly capture high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and 4K...
- Load apps quicker with blazing A2 speed
Lexar 1066x Silver Series MicroSDXC
The Lexar 1066x Silver Series MicroSDXC card is a professional-level storage device that is designed for use in action cameras like the GoPro, drones, or Android smartphones. It delivers read speeds of up to 160MB/s (1066x) and is capable of quickly capturing high-quality images and extended lengths of Full HD and 4K UHD video.
This Samsung Evo Select SD card also features blazing A2 write speed that can help perform tasks on your GoPro Hero more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it is designed for durability in harsh conditions and comes with limited lifetime product support for the card and a one-year warranty for the adapter.
- IDEAL FOR RECORDING 4K UHD VIDEO: Samsung microSD EVO Select is perfect for...
- ULTRA FAST READ WRITE SPEEDS: Up to 100MB S Read and 60MB S Write Speeds;...
- BUILT TO LAST RELIABILITY: Memory Card Is Also Water Proof, Temperature...
- EXTENDED COMPATIBILITY: Includes Full Size Adapter for Use in Cameras,...
Samsung EVO Select V30
Samsung EVO Select V30 is a high speed, reliable and waterproof microSD card. This memory card has made it possible for photographers and video shooters to capture 4K UHD Video without lag time. The 100 MB/S read and 60 MB/S write speeds allow for smooth 4K UHD or full HD video recording.
The extended compatibility of the Samsung EVO Select V30 makes it very convenient to use in a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets PCs, laptops, action cameras like the GoPro, drones, DSLR's and more. This card is built to last and comes with a 10-year limited warranty from Samsung.
- Read/Write up to 100/50 MB/s. 4K Ultra HD video...
- Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera,...
- Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- 1 Micro SD Card, 1 Micro SD to SD Adapter, 1 Mini Case
Gigastone Camera Plus Micro SD Card
One of the lesser-known but quickly rising memory card manufacturers on Amazon, Gigastone's Camera Plus microSD cards are a decent buy for GoPro camera owners who want a balance of affordability and functionality. You'll save a couple of bucks per SD memory card against the competing brands at most sizes and sometimes can even grab a bundle of several cards for a discounted rate.
Gigastone does offer a higher tiered 4K Camera Pro, which is probably better for the newest flagship GoPro Hero 10 Black. However for the step up in price, you are likely just better off buying from a more reliable manufacturer like SanDisk or Lexar.
- Class 10, U3 speed class performance with read speeds up to 100MB/s, and...
- Record and transfer videos, photos, music, files and more from microSD...
- Included SD adapter for compatibility with SD enabled host devices...
- Reliable & Durable: Magnet Proof, Shock Proof, Temperature Proof,...
PNY Pro Elite
The PNY Pro Elite microSD card is a Class 10, U3 speed class performance card that is capable of read speeds up to 100MB/s and a writing speed of up to 90MB/s. This allows for fast and smooth HD photography and 4K Ultra HD videography. The card is also included with an SD adapter for compatibility with SD enabled host devices. It is magnet proof, shockproof, temperature proof, and waterproof.
For the budget crowd, we think this is the best SD card for GoPro models as each size is priced a couple of bucks lower than the competition while still offering a reasonably close performance. PNY is a fairly reputable manufacturer in the digital storage industry and the cards are fairly priced, so we do see some value for what you pay. However, from a pure performance perspective, this card is not one of the top performing or most reliable options out there, so it really just depends on what is most important to you.
What SD Cards Do GoPros Take?
The latest flagship GoPro HERO10 Black requires a microSD card, microSDXC card or microSDHC cards (secure digital extended capacity or secure digital high capacity) with a v30 or UHS-3 speed rating. Recommended microSD card sizes range from 32 GB all the way up to a maximum capacity of 512 GB. Given the HERO10 Black can shoot 5.3K at 60fps and even 4K at 120fps, the need for an ultra-high speed SD cards is crucial.
Failure to choose a microSD card that can keep up with the speed required by the HERO10 will limit much of the usage potential and end up being a waste of money for you. Abiding by the proper speed ratings will ensure that your GoPro model can perform up to the necessary video quality settings and keep up with the camera's features as advertised.
If you own an older GoPro HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black or GoPro MAX, these models require a microSD card that has at least a Class 10 or UHS-1 speed rating. While GoPro's website says these older models can take the same 32 GB up to 512 GB micro SD cards, it is recommended to stop at 256 GB for maximum capability. This would make me weary of going with a 512 GB memory card with any GoPro but the newest HERO10 Black.
What Is the Best Sized MicroSD Card for GoPro Use?
This is a difficult question to answer, as with most tech questions, since one size does not fit all when it comes to memory cards for GoPro cameras and their various storage capacity options. Depending on how much you use your GoPro HERO cameras to record video or take photos and how often you are willing to offload that recorded media from your micro SD cards to a storage device like an external hard drive or your computer, really affects the answer to this question.
If you can afford it, we usually recommend that most users invest in one or two 128GB SDXC memory cards which on average can hold:
- 49K photos
- 3.15 hours (4K 60fps)
- 3.15 hours (2.7K 120 fps)
- 4.02 hours (2.7k 60fps)
- 4.02 hours (1080p 120fps)
- 5:18 hours (1080p 60fps)
As always you have plenty options, and you can absolutely go for a larger or smaller SD card storage capacity. In our opinion, for the small difference in price, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can take as many photos as you wish or record from your GoPro camera for long periods without having to even think about storage space.
Another thing to consider is that many of these memory cards are actually going to be throttled in speed in the lower size tiers. For example, the Lexar 1066x Silver Series models are only A1 rated for the 32GB size. They jump up to A2 at 64GB and above capacities. This equates to a big difference in performance as the writing speed goes from 70 MB/s to almost double at 120 MB/s.
What Format Should SD Card Be for GoPro Cameras?
Unlike many cameras and consumer electronics that rely on the use of SD cards for operation, the GoPro SD card compatibility pretty generous in compatibility with disk formats without having to fiddle much with your GoPro settings.
Depending on the size of your microSD card, the GoPro HERO10 Black and their other recent action cameras can utilize both FAT32 and EXFAT formats. Ideally, you'll use FAT32 for any memory cards that are 32GB and EXFAT for GoPro memory that is 64GB or higher.
If your microSD cards are put in the wrong configuration, you'll need to format SD card or face SD card errors which can limited usability with your GoPro cameras. Proper formatting of microSD cards for your GoPro camera can be done on both a PC and Mac computers using the built-in applications that come on both operating systems.
Ending Thoughts
Overall, there are quite a lot of microSD card options to choose from, which are specifically designed to work with GoPro cameras. Depending on the GoPro camera model that you own, the right choice for you may differ completely from other users of the popular action camera.
However, in most cases, we think the best memory cards for GoPro cameras are going to be the SanDisk Extreme series in the 128 GB variant. These micro SD cards offer a good balance of being cost-effective while still offering the video speed class required for proper capture at a high resolution like 4K UHD and 5.2K.
