Best SD Cards for GoPro Devices

Various external SD cards will function on different GoPro models; however, not all match adequate requirements to ensure a fast playback and recording of high-resolution 4K and HD videos.

All GoPro devices require a minimum of a class 10 Storage Card but they operate at different speed, and storage capacity, devices such as the HERO4 and above, supports more than 128GB while older versions like the HERO3+, HERO3 Black Edition support up to 64GB. However, storage cards above 64GB are the best micro SD card for GoPro (HERO 5 and 6).

When choosing a GoPro Storage Card, base your judgment on factors such as its compatibility with your GoPro Device, its reading, writing, and transfer speed and not just the storage capacity of the External Card.

There are counterfeit cards all over stores; some cards produce more files that are corrupt and disappoint during a recording. To have a consistent result with a GoPro camera, always purchase through official retailer stores, choose the best GoPro video editors, and prefer a card with a good review known to work correctly with your GoPro.

Below is a little information to help select the best SD card for GoPro.

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It is advisable to buy a memory card that can contain various video contents. However, each GoPro device has a specific SD card limit from 32 GB to above 2 TB capacities so ensure to have prior information of the best SD for your device, by taking a look at the table below.

Recording time depends on many factors. The most important are the selected video settings and the card size. The following table shows filming durations with maximal video settings (5.6K 30fps for GoPro Max, 4K 60fps for HERO 8,7,6,5; 5K 30fps for HERO9, and 5K 60fps for HERO10).

GoPro cameras use a class 10 memory card and above, which means a class 10 card stores files at the rate of 10 mb/s, memory card’s speed is calculated in megabytes by second however 8 megabits equals a megabyte. Memory card speed differs amongst GoPro devices; a newer version of GoPro camera might require a higher processing speed such as the U3 and than a former due to its additional functions and features.

If a card above the class 10 family does not contain a U3 or U1 feature is slower in processing a recording session and the output quality cannot compete with its U1 and U3 counterpart.

• U3: U3 cards capture high-quality videos at the rate of 30 megabytes per second; it is a new type of card type that reads 4K videos at high speed.

• U1: U1 GoPro card with a U1 capture speed saves files at 10 megabytes per second; it serves the purpose of compatibility of support for real-time capture and HD videos.

• V90: V90 Videos support 8k videos with the goal of creating higher resolution videos than other cards; it is new and less familiar than the V30 cards.

• V30: V30 cards support functional speeds above 30 megabytes per second, latest GoPro devices are compatible with the V30 because the SD Association observed the need for a faster SD Card for multifunctional use.

Before purchasing an SD card, check if the memory card is compatible with your GoPro camera, GoPro devices mostly have identical SD card slots so it will be wrong to determine compatibility by the size of the memory card slot. The GoPro 6 camera requires a faster speed memory unlike the GoPro 3 because of its improved functions such as shooting a 4K UHD video. Therefore, it is advisable to have adequate knowledge of the device and its properties.

GoPro HERO devices function optimally with SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) or SDXC (Digital Extended Capacity) micro SD formats, however, there is a difference between both card formats.

MicroSDHC: for easy identification of the Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), always bear in mind that they are 64GB – 2TB(Terabyte) and are formatted in the exFAT file system.
MicroSDXC: the Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) has a storage capacity of 4-32 Gigabyte, it supports single recordings not more than 4GB but can accommodate up to 32GB of different recordings. It is formatted as the FAT32 file system.

NOTE the list only reflects the top reviewed cards and not what makes them better than others; every Storage Card offers unique, outstanding properties.

#CommissionsEarned

SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 is one of the best (U3) Cards regarding speed and performance, it speedily saves recordings of high Full HD Videos (1080p), 4K videos and makes file transfer fast and easy, therefore it’s one of the best memory cards for GoPro (HERO 5).

Properties:

• Class: 10

• Read speed: 99.45 MB/s

• Write speed: 89.85 MB/s

• Capacity: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB

• Price: $24.99 (64 GB version)

• Other Features: (Water Temperature, X-Ray, and shock) resistant; Adapter inclusive

#CommissionsEarned

This highly efficient Fully Optimized Class 3 (U3) card that performs well on GoPro for recording 4D, 3D, and HD videos. It is available in 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB storage capacity. It's considered as one of the best memory cards for GoPro (HERO5 and 6).

Properties:

• Class: 10 grade 3

• Read speed: 80 MB/s

• Write speed: 80 MB/s

• Capacity: 64 GB and 32 GB

• Price: $25.90 (64 GB version)

• Other Features: (Water Temperature, X-Ray, shock) proof; 4K UHD video capture; SD Card Adapter is inclusive

• Warranty: 10 yrs

#CommissionsEarned

The Lexar 1000x captures real live moments without a hitch or glitch, and it complies with the latest SD Application 3.0 specs. It had an expandable 32 GB to 2 TB storage capacity option for recording High Definition 1920 × 1028 resolution Videos.

Properties:

• Read speed: 150 MB/s

• Write speed: 80 MB/s

• Capacity: 32 – 128 GB

• Price: $73.99 (64 GB version)

• Other Features: Good for 4K resolution; Flash memory class 10 UHS speed class 3 UHS-11; Compatible GoPro 5 Black and GoPro Session; SD Adapter

#CommissionsEarned

Accelerate the workflow with a High-Speed Performance Leverages UHS-ll Technology(U3) to capture live recordings of up to 36 hours with an expandable memory of 32GB – 256GB. It has a limited lifetime warranty.

Properties:

• Class: 10

• Read speed: 80 MB/s

• Write speed: 20 MB/s

• Capacity: 128 GB

• Price: $26.99 (128 GB version)

• Other Features: 4K UHD video capture

• Warranty: 5 Yrs

#CommissionsEarned

The VVHOOY Memory Micro Storage Card ensures smooth processing of file transfer and capturing of live action for a lengthy period without a lag; it offers adequate speed and provides quality for GoPro recordings.

Properties:

• Class: 10

• Read speed: 95 MB/s

• Write speed: 70 MB/s

• Capacity: 32 GB

• Price: $23.99

• Other Features: 4K UHD video capture; Magnetic and waterproof resistant; Adapter inclusive

• Warranty: 5 Yrs

If you want your GoPro videos to be a blockbuster, you should pay close attention to editing your raw GoPro clips. Movavi Video Editor is a powerful GoPro movie maker that you can use to create stunning videos. This software has lots of useful tools and options. Easily edit your footage – rotate and crop videos, trim videos to delete unwanted parts, apply filters and transitions. If your video is too shaky, make use of the stabilization feature. You can use filters and color correction if the lighting in your clips isn’t perfect. Make awesome moments look even more awesome by adding a slow motion effect. Add your own music, use soundtracks from the built-in library, or record a voiceover. The software supports videos from all cameras in the GoPro HERO line. Movavi Video Editor is a good choice for anyone who wants to create fun, good-looking videos. Unlike many other video editors, it’s not overloaded with options, yet it offers most of the advanced tools, including chroma-key, transitions, title text, picture-in-picture, music and audio editing, and even motion tracking. Download Movavi Video Editor for free and try it out right away.

Pros:

• There are many auto-editing options like stabilization and color correction.

• Intro and outro creation feature, direct uploading to YouTube.

• A rich collection of stickers, titles, transitions, and filters.

• Easy picture-in-picture overlay.

Cons:

• Only the trial version is free.