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.
Top 3 Comparison
What Kind of SD Card Does a GoPro Use?
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 4k@60fps, 1080p@240fps 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 10 High-Speed Memory Cards for GoPro (4k compatible)
1. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I 160MB/s
- Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, action cameras, and drones
- Up to 160MB/s
- Compact and durable microSD card reader
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.
2. SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD V30 UHS-I
The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD card is an outstanding option and the fastest one on this list. It boasts impressive write speeds of up to 140MB/s and read speeds of up to 100MB/s, made possible through SanDisk’s QuickFlow Technology. Additionally, when paired with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD (sold separately), speeds can reach up to 200MB/s.
With the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD card in your GoPro HERO11 Black, capturing stunning 5.3K and 4K UHD videos becomes incredibly effortless.
3. Samsung EVO Select 100MB/s
- 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...
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.
4. Lexar Professional 1000x
- 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...
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.
5. Samsung EVO Select V30 UHS-I
- 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...
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.
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...
6. PNY Elite-X V30 UHS-I
- 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...
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.
7. SanDisk Extreme PLUS V30 UHS-I
- 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...
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.
8. Delkin Select V30 UHS-I
- Supports Full HD 1080p Video Recording
- Time-Lapse, Photo-Burst, Protune & HDR Ready
- Read/Write Speeds: 100/80 MB/s
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.
9. Samsung Pro Plus UHS-I, V30
The Samsung Pro Plus microSD card is another fantastic option for your GoPro HERO11 action camera, offering remarkable read and write speeds of up to 160MB/s and 120MB/s, respectively. This allows for seamless 5.3K and 4K video capture on your GoPro. As a remarkably fast U3, Class 10-rated microSD card, it enables rapid burst photo shooting, while the UHS 1 interface ensures sharp video quality.
Available in large capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, this SD card provides ample storage space for high-resolution photos and videos.
10. Gigastone 4K Camera Pro V30 UHS-I
![[Gigastone] 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FZJM1+brS.jpg){kind=small}
The Gigastone 4K Camera Pro microSD card is another high-performance option recommended by GoPro for use with the HERO11. Boasting read and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 60MB/s, respectively, this SD card excels in ultra-HD video recording.
Offered in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage capacities, the Gigastone 4K Camera Pro microSD card provides ample space for your media.
Best SD Cards For Your GoPro
For GoPro HERO 12 (Memory Cards): 7 Best SD Cards for GoPro HERO 12
For GoPro HERO 11 (Memory Cards): 11 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 11.
For GoPro HERO 10 (Memory Cards): 15 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 10.
For GoPro HERO 9 (Memory Cards): 10 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 9.
For GoPro HERO 8 (Memory Cards): 8 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 8 [GoPro Recommended].
For GoPro HERO 7 (Memory Cards): 5 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 7 (Black-White-Silver).
For GoPro HERO 6 (Memory Cards): 7 Best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 6.
For GoPro HERO 5 (Memory Cards): Top 7 GoPro Hero 5 SD Cards (Black & Session).
Here’s my GoPro Memory Card Video Review:
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 12, Hero 11, GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 9, 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 12,11,10,9, 8,7,6,5 and 4k30 for HERO 4).
| 32GB | 64GB | 128GB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERO 12 Black | 1 hour | 2 hours | 4 hours |
| HERO 11 Black | 1 hour | 2 hours | 4 hours |
| HERO 10 Black | 1 hour | 2 hours | 4 hours |
| HERO 9 Black | 1 hour | 2 hours | 4 hours |
| HERO 8 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) |
| HERO 7 Black | 1h 3min | 2h 6min | 4h 12min |
| HERO 6 Black | 48 min | 1h 37min | 3h 14min |
| HERO 5 Black | 51min | 1h 42min | 2h 24min |
| HERO 4 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 | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| Fusion | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| Hero11 mini | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hero11 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hero10 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Hero9 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| Hero8 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| HERO7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO6 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO Session | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO (2018) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO (2014) | ✓ | X | X | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO+ | ✓ | ✓ | X | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO3+ | ✓ | ✓ | X | NA | NA | NA |
| HERO3 | ✓ | ✓ | X | NA | NA | 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 12 and 11 accept SD cards up to 1TB.
Can You Put a 1TB SD Card in a GoPro?
The most recent GoPro models, such as the GoPro HERO11 Black, have been developed with compatibility for larger storage capacities in mind. This includes support for microSD cards with capacities of 512GB and, in certain instances, even 1TB.
This increased storage capacity compatibility allows users to capture extended hours of high-resolution footage without having to frequently swap out cards. It’s important to ensure that the microSD card you choose meets the recommended speed and performance requirements for your specific GoPro model to achieve optimal results.
What SD Card For Your GoPro Do You Prefer?
Selecting the right high-speed SD memory card for your GoPro is crucial for ensuring smooth performance, quick file transfers, and ample storage capacity. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to choose a card that is compatible with your GoPro model and meets its specific requirements.
The 10 best high-speed GoPro SD memory cards discussed in this article offer exceptional performance, durability, and reliability. By investing in a high-quality microSD card, you can capture stunning, high-resolution videos and photos without worrying about running out of space or encountering performance issues. Take the time to evaluate your storage and speed requirements, and choose the right SD card for your GoPro to make the most of your action camera’s capabilities.
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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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