Are you looking for a memory card that is fully compatible with your GoPro and works well with 4k footage? In this article we cover the top 7 high-speed GoPro memory cards capable of handling 4k footage, from the most affordable ones to the more professional SD cards. Plus you will learn about different SD Card sizes and how to choose the ideal size (GB) based on your shooting needs.
The SD cards that I’ve reviewed in this article are also suggested by GoPro itself and I’ve tested that they work well with most GoPro camera models. However, if you own a GoPro Hero 8, there’s a dedicated article for it here below.
For GoPro HERO 8 (Memory Cards): 8 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 8 [GoPro Recommended]
What Kind of GoPro Memory Card Do You Need?
Before buying an SD card, make sure it complies with your camera. First of all, you’ll need to identify what GoPro model do you have. Click this link to find the fastest ways to check your GoPro model.
This is what GoPro cameras require:
✔ Memory Card Type: MicroSD
✔ Memory Card Speed: Class 10 or UHS-1
✔ Recommended Capacity: 32GB-64GB / SDHC or SDXC
Why Do You Need a High-Speed SD Card?
When you film at [email protected], [email protected] or other demanding video settings, the camera uses the H.256 codec – instead of H.264 – and writes video files at 12MB/s. This requires a fast microSD card known as UHS-1 V30 or U3 (writing speed of 30MB/s). UHS stands for “Ultra High Speed”. Slower microSD card categories like Class 10 (writing speed 10MB/s) or below won’t work with demanding video settings.
Sounds a bit confusing? The chart below can help you figure out what speed class you need for each video format.
Graphic via SD Association
Can I Connect My GoPro Using SD Card?
Yes, you can remove the SD card from your GoPro and insert it into a card reader on your computer or another compatible device to transfer the files. Read more on how to connect GoPro to a computer in the following article: 5 Ways to Connect Your GoPro To a Computer (PC or Mac).
Top 7 High-Speed Memory Cards for GoPro (4k compatible)
1. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I 160MB/s
SanDisk is the mother of SD cards. This model in specific is my top choice for SD cards to use with GoPro cameras. It’s compatible with every GoPro model, it’s fast and affordable. Comes with an USB adapter and there’s plenty of capacity options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB.
- Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, action cameras, and drones
- Up to 160MB/s
- Compact and durable microSD card reader
2. Samsung EVO Select 100MB/s
Despite it being really cost-effective (32GB version under $10), the EVO Select is fast and reliable. It performs really well even when recording with the most demanding video settings on HERO7.
- Ideal for recording 4K UHD video: Samsung MicroSD Evo is perfect for high-res photos,...
- Durability rugged & lightweight; 2 meter drop test rated; IP54
- Built to last reliability: Shock proof memory card is also water proof, temperature...
3. Lexar Professional 1000x
This model is suggested by GoPro, which assures full compatibility with every camera edition. Its two-bus system (UHS-II) makes this card fast in download, reaching speeds up to 150MB/s.
- High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer Speed...
- Premium memory solution for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones
- Designed for high-speed capture of high-quality images and extended lengths of 1080P...
4. Samsung EVO Select V30 UHS-I
Samsung has a good variety of memory cards which work really well with GoPro. The U3 class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s on the UHS-I Interface will help big apps load and run smoothly, as well as keep 4K video sharp.
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download...
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to...
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select...
You can also check out the cheaper V10 category by Samsung, but it’s not suitable for high speed rates (eg. 4k60).
- DESIGNED FOR VIDEO MONITORING: Samsung MicroSDXC PRO is specifically designed for...
- ULTRA-FAST READ WRITE SPEEDS: Up to 100MB/s read and 30MB/s write speeds handles...
- HIGHER ENDURANCE: Continuous recording up to 25x longer than speed-focused cards...
5. PNY Elite-X V30 UHS-I
PNY is not as famous as some of the other memory card manufacturers, but in my experience they make good cards. They have a few different ranges, but the Elite-X strikes a good balance of being fast and good value. They are UHS-I cards and carry a V30 rating.
- Up to 100MB/s read speed
- Class 10, U3, V30 performance for recording of 4k ultra HD videos at 4096x3072 pix as...
- A1 (app 1) performance allows for apps to run faster from MicroSD card, saving...
6. SanDisk Extreme PLUS V30 UHS-I
The Plus line has got very similar specifications to the Extreme line. However, benchmark tests show that it has a slight higher faster sequential write speed than the Extreme.
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 170MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum...
- Up to 80MB/s write speeds for fast shooting (Based on internal testing; performance...
7. Delkin Select V30 UHS-I
The Select line is not their fastest line, but it is still a good choice because it is rated for V30 and it is fast enough for the latest GoPro cameras as well as being cost-effective. This card is rated for V30 and has a UHS-I interface and has a really reasonable price.
- Supports Full HD 1080p Video Recording
- Time-Lapse, Photo-Burst, Protune & HDR Ready
- Read/Write Speeds: 100/80 MB/s
Top 3 Comparison
How long can you record with your SD Card?
Recording times depend on the camera video settings and card size. The following charts show you various filming durations at different video settings.
GoPro Hero 8, Hero 7, Hero 6, Hero 5, Hero 4
This chart shows you the recording time with Protune ON and maxed out video settings (4k60 for HERO 8,7,6,5 and 4k30 for HERO4).
| 32GB | 64GB | 128GB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERO8 Black | 37 min (high bit rate) 1h 03 min (low bit rate) | 1h 15 min (high bit rate) 2h 06 min (low bit rate) | 2h 30min (high bit rate) 2h 12 min (low bit rate) |
| HERO7 Black | 1h 3min | 2h 6min | 4h 12min |
| HERO6 Black | 48 min | 1h 37min | 3h 14min |
| HERO5 Black | 51min | 1h 42min | 2h 24min |
| HERO4 Black | 1h 6min | 2h 13min | 4h 26min |
GoPro Max
For simplicity, we assume that the following recording times on GoPro Max are calculated on a SD card of 64gb at different video settings.
| Shooting Mode | Resolution | Frame Rate | High Bitrate | Low Bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360 | 5.6K | 30 | 2h | NA |
| 360 | 5.6K | 24 | 2h | NA |
| 360 | 3.6K | 60 | 2h | NA |
| HERO | 1440 | 60 | 1h 27m | 1h 50m |
| HERO | 1440 | 30 | 2h 22m | 3h 17m |
| HERO | 1440 | 24 | 2h 22m | 3h 17m |
| HERO | 1080 | 60 | 2h 22m | 3h 17m |
| HERO | 1080 | 30 | 2h 22m | 3h 17m |
| HERO | 1080 | 24 | 2h 22m | 3h 17m |
Pro Tip » by setting a lower resolution or frame rate, your video files will be smaller and, as a result, your recording time will increase, allowing you to get more footage in one SD card. The best way to estimate GoPro recording times is by checking it on the camera’s display with an empty microSD card inserted. The camera will display the recording time when it’s set on video mode and you are not filming.
GoPro Memory Card Size
What is the SD card capacity (GigaByte) supported by your GoPro camera model?
| Camera Model | 32GB | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fusion | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hero9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hero8 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HERO7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA |
| HERO6 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA |
| HERO5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA |
| HERO Session | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA |
| HERO (2018) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA |
| HERO (2014) | ✓ | X | X | NA |
| HERO+ | ✓ | ✓ | X | NA |
| HERO4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA |
| HERO3+ | ✓ | ✓ | X | NA |
| HERO3 | ✓ | ✓ | X | NA |
What about 250GB Cards? I made this chart relying on the information provided by the manuals for each camera model. However, newer GoPro editions like HERO (2018), HERO 5,6,7 may accept 256GB memory cards although it’s not stated on their respective GoPro manuals. I tested the microSD Samsung EVO Plus 256GB on GoPro HERO7 and it worked fine.
While the latest GoPro models like Hero 8, Hero 9, GoPro Fusion and GoPro Max do accept SD memory cards up to 245GB.
Here’s my GoPro Memory Card Video Review:
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Related Articles:
- GoPro Settings Explained: Definitive Guide [ Expanded for 2020 + Cheat sheet ]
- GoPro Protune: Everything You Need to Know to Master Your Advanced Settings
- GoPro Slow Motion: Learning to Use Slow Motion
- GoPro Low Light Tips: Learn How to Improve Your Low Light Footage
- GoPro Time Lapse: Creating Stunning Time Lapse Shots
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