SD cards are the most portable option for a storage device. Unlike other options like USB drives or portable hard drives, an SD card can easily fit into a compact multimedia device with ease. Thus, almost all digital recording devices like digital cameras, dash cams, or even laptops feature an SD card slot. If you also have a dash cam installed in your car and are looking for a decent SD card or your setup, you have come to the right place. There are a lot of things to keep in mind even for a basic storage device such as an SD card. To get the best option under your budget range, make sure you check the following factors before you make your choice.
- Storage Capacity: The most important characteristic of any type of storage device is its storage capacity. Even though SD cards are quite small compared to standard USB drives and other storage devices, you can find up to 256 GB storage capacity on premium options. On the other hand, if you are willing to take a backup of recorded footage every 2 to 3 days, you can also settle for a 64 GB SD card.
- Speed Class: While you are looking for SD cards, you will find a certain class rating with each option. This class basically represents the memory access speed for the SD card. If you want to record a high FPS video through your dash cam without frame drops, you should go with a class 10 SD card. And since we are looking for SD cards suitable for dash cams, we have included only class 10 cards on this list.
- Warranty: SD cards also offer a certain warranty period which you should be aware of to get an idea about the reliability of the card. Even though SD cards do not get damaged externally, you might face software-based issues that can easily corrupt your SD card along with all your data. While it is close to impossible to avoid such a problem, you will at least receive a new card in case the card is damaged within the warranty period.
Best SD Card For Dash Cam – Table
| SD Card For Dash Cam | Storage Capacity | Speed | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam | 256 GB | 160MB/s read speed 90MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| Vanture SD Card For Dash Cam | 256 GB | 100MB/s read speed 90MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| Gigastone SD Card For Dash Cam | 256 GB | --- | Check On Amazon |
| INLAND SD Card For Dash Cam | 128 GB | 90MB/s read speed 60MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| Lexar SD Card For Dash Cam | 128 GB | 250MB/s read speed 120MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| SAMSUNG SD Card For Dash Cam | 128 GB | 100MB/s read speed 60MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam | 128 GB | 100MB/s read speed 40MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| Lexar SD Card For Dash Cam | 64 GB | 100MB/s read speed | Check On Amazon |
| SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam | 64 GB | 200MB/s read speed 90MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
| Amazon Basics SD Card For Dash Cam | 64 GB | 100MB/s read speed 30MB/s write speed | Check On Amazon |
Best SD Card For Dash Cam Reviews
1. SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam
There is hardly a brand as popular as SanDisk when it comes to portable storage devices such as SD cards. So if you are looking for a reliable option, the following SD card from SanDisk can be your best bet.
In the 1st place, we have the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC memory card. This is a class 10 memory card from the Extreme SD card series designed by SanDisk. Similar to other options from this series, this SD card also offers 256 GB storage capacity which is nothing short of what you will get on a budget laptop these days. And since this is a high-performance option, you will get about 160 MBps read speed on this SD card.
Due to the large storage capacity and high data transfer speed, the SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC becomes one of the best options for 4K video recording through your dash cam. You will also get up to 90 MBps write speed on this SD card, allowing you to record videos without buffers or frame drops. As you may already know, a lot of premium options from SanDisk, including this one, feature a limited lifetime warranty period for prolonged reliability.
Best Features:
- Features 256 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a lifetime warranty period
- Features 160 MBps read and 90 MBps write speed
Pros:
- Offers the best storage capacity on this list
- Coming from a highly reliable brand
- Perfect option for 4K video recording
Cons:
- Storage capacity might too much for some applications
2. Vantrue SD Card For Dash Cam
Vantrue is also a decent brand that offers a wide range of options for SD cards. Since it is primarily a camera brand, you will find all camera-related accessories from Venture including SD cards.
In the 3rd place, we are putting the Vantrue microSDXC UHS-I U3 SD card. This is also one of the premium options that we have chosen for this list. With the Vantrue microSDXC UHS-I U3 SD card, you will get 256 GB storage capacity along with a high read and write speed up to 100 MBps and 90 MBps respectively. With these specifications, the Vantrue microSDXC UHS-I U3 SD card offers the best performance for both 1080p as well as 4K video recording.
On top of that, you will get the assurance of compatibility with all dash cams designed from Venture for the Vantrue microSDXC UHS-I U3 SD card, making it an easy choice for those who own a Venture dash cam system. This is also a high endurance SD card which can operate under extreme temperature conditions ranging from 32℉ to 158℉.
Best Features:
- Features 256 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
- Can work within 32℉ to 158℉ temperature range
Pros:
- Premium choice for an SD card
- Offers high endurance against harsh temperatures
- Data transfer speed is great
Cons:
- Warranty period is very short in comparison
3. Gigastone SD Card For Dash Cam
Gigastone provides reliable storage solutions for your digital devices, offering high-speed performance and durability.
The third product from our list is Gigastone’s 8GB SDHC Memory Card, a pack of 5 high-speed cards designed for precise and efficient recording. With transfer speeds up to 80MB/s, it smoothly records Full HD videos, capturing every detail. Whether for your camera, HD camcorder, or DSLR, this card delivers outstanding performance.
Featuring UHS-1 and Class 10 technology, Gigastone’s SDHC Memory Card offers twice the speed of ordinary SD cards for swift data transfer. It’s compliant with SDHC standards, ensuring excellent compatibility with PCs and Macs. Plus, its robust design makes it waterproof, shockproof, temperature resistant, and resistant to X-ray and magnetism, ensuring durability even in tough environments.
Best Features:
- Up to 80 MB/s data transfer speed
- Class 10 and U1 speed grade
- Waterproof, temperature-proof, x-ray-proof, shock-proof, magnetic-proof
- 256GB capacity
- 5-year limited warranty
- Includes 2 mini cases
Pros:
- Swift data transfer
- Durable construction
- Ample storage capacity
- Comes with mini cases for added protection
Cons:
- Requires regular formatting for optimal performance
- Larger capacity may lead to longer file transfer times
4. Inland SD Card For Dash Cam
Inland is a sub-brand of a highly popular brand known as micro center. Micro center also deals with many storage-related accessories like SSD, SD cards, flash memory devices, etc.
Moving on to the 128 GB SD class category, we have the first option coming from Micro Center. This is one of the cheapest options you can find in the market for a 128 GB SD card. Thus, it has been the preferred choice of many users. Despite being a highly affordable SD card, it offers a class 10 rating and a read and write speed of 90 MBps and 60 MBps respectively.
Such high data transfer speed, combined with the storage capacity offers the best compatibility with 4K UHD recording. The Micro Center microSDXC Card offers UHS-I speed class 3 whereas the video speed class for this card is class 30 which is perfect for continuous recording. Even though this is a cheaper option, it is still a highly durable model which is waterproof, shockproof, and temperature proof.
Best Features:
- Features 128 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a 3 year long warranty period
- UHS-I speed class 3 and video speed class 30
Pros
- Cheapest option for a 128 GB SD card
- Offers 90 MBps read and 60 MBps write speed
- Suitable for Nintendo-Switch
Cons
- Warranty period is shorter than other options
5. Lexar SD Card For Dash Cam
If you are sure that a standard SD card is what you need for your application, then you should check the following option from Lexar. This is a rather premium option for this storage class, offering long-lasting reliability.
Up next, we have the Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC card. Unlike most other options present on this list, this is a standard-size SD card that is compatible with many devices like digital cameras and laptops without needing any adapter. One of the best characteristics of this SD card is its data transfer speed. Since there is no adapter needed, you will get up to 250 MBps data transfer speed.
The Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC card also offers the best performance for 4K, FHD, and even 3D footage recording. The Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC card we have included here offers 128 GB storage capacity. But if that is not sufficient for you, you can also find a 256 GB variant from Lexar. This SD card comes with a lifetime warranty period which is perfect for professional applications.
Best Features:
- Features 128 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a lifetime warranty period
- Features 250 MBps data transfer speed
Pros:
- Data transfer speed is very good
- Perfect option for cameras
- No adapter needed to use with cameras or laptops
Cons:
- A bit expensive for a 128 GB SD card
6. SAMSUNG SD Card For Dash Cam
Since Samsung offers a great alternative for all storage classes, we have a couple more options from Samsung on this list. Similar to other options, this is also a premium choice from Samsung for an SD card.
Samsung EVO series is quite popular for storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, and even SD cards. The Samsung EVO Select is a 128 GB SD card specifically designed for recording 4K UHD videos via surveillance devices. Since this is a class 10 SD card, you will get about 100 MBps read speed and 60 MBps write speed with this card.
Samsung also ships a standard SD card adapter with the Samsung EVO Select microSD which allows you to use the card for all types of devices. The Samsung EVO Select also has a UHS speed class U3 rating which further ensures its performance. Similar to other SD cards designed by Samsung, the Samsung EVO Select also features a 10 year long warranty period.
Best Features:
- Features 128 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a 10 year long warranty period
- Features 100 MBps read and 60 MBps write speed
Pros:
- Reliable brand choice for an SD card
- Comes with a long warranty period
- High performance SD card adapter included
Cons:
- Other 128 GB SD cards are cheaper
7. SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam
SanDisk also makes sure that you will find a decent SD card irrespective of what storage class you need. Thus, we have a couple of options from SanDisk as well on our list.
The following microSD card from SanDisk is one of its affordable choices for a 128 GB SD card. But, it is still as effective and reliable as its premium competitors. This is an ideal option for dash cams and other types of surveillance systems where there would be a continuous video recording. Since this is a high-endurance option, the SanDisk High Endurance microSD card can record up to 10000 hours of content without any damage to the card at all.
The SanDisk High Endurance microSD card is also assured against harsh working conditions such as high temperatures, water content, and even X-ray contact. Similar to most other options made by SanDisk, the SanDisk High Endurance microSD card also has a 10-year long warranty period, assuring you get the best value for your investment with this SD card.
Bests features:
- Features 128 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a 10 year long warranty period
- Offers 100 MBps read and 40 MBps write speed
Pros:
- Great choice from SanDisk
- Comparatively cheaper than a few other 128 GB options
- Dedicated SD card slot is included
Cons:
- Write speed is a bit slower in comparison
8. Lexar SD Card For Dash Cam
If you haven’t found the perfect 64 GB SD card for your dash cam yet, the following option from Lexar might be just what you are looking for. It is the cheapest option for a 64 GB SD card that you will find on this list.
For the end, we have reserved the cheapest option we could find for a 64 GB SD card. The Lexar SD Card is a microSDXC card with 64 GB storage capacity and class 10 storage class rating. This is a flash memory card that ships with a dedicated adapter to make the application easier for the user.
As for the data transfer speed, the Lexar 64GB Micro SD Card assures up to 100 MBps read speed along with the standard write speed that is usually available with 64 GB cards. The Lexar 64GB Micro SD Card is capable of storing up to 3 hours of 4K video or 10 hours of FHD video before you need to take a backup. Even though this is a cheaper option, Lexar is still offering a 10 year long warranty period on this SD card.
Bests features:
- Features 64 GB storage capacity
- Class 10 microSD card
- Comes with a 10 year long warranty period
- Features up to 100 MBps read and standard write speed
Pros:
- Cheapest option for a 64 GB SD card
- Perfect option for basic applications
- Reliable in terms of performance
Cons:
- Read or write speeds could have been better
9. SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam
SanDisk is well-known for its advanced memory solutions, providing high-performance storage options for both professionals and casual users.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO memory card offers unmatched speed and reliability. It’s made for professionals and enthusiasts who want top-notch performance. With speeds of up to 200MB/s thanks to SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, this card speeds up your workflow, making data transfer from your dash cam to your computer or other devices quick and efficient.
It has shot speeds of up to 90MB/s and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) recording, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted 4K UHD video capture. Whether you’re taking high-resolution photos or recording fast-paced action, the Extreme PRO handles demanding tasks effortlessly. Designed to withstand tough conditions, it’s temperature, water, shock, humidity, wear, drop, X-ray, and magnet proof. This ensures your data stays safe and secure, even in challenging environments.
Best Features:
- Up to 200MB/s read speeds
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s
- 64GB capacity
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30)
- Includes RescuePRO Deluxe Image recovery software
Pros:
- High-speed data transfer
- Exceptional durability
- Perfect for 4K UHD video recording
- Comes with RescuePRO Deluxe Image recovery software
Cons:
- Compatibility may vary with older dash cam models
- Limited storage capacity for extended recordings
10. Amazon Basics SD Card For Dash Cam
Amazon Basics offers essential products that deliver reliable performance while ensuring affordability and quality for everyday use.
This Micro SDXC card is perfect for your dash cam, providing unmatched versatility and reliability. What makes it stand out is its exceptional compatibility with various devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, drones, and even gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. With read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 30MB/s, it ensures rapid data transfer, ideal for high-resolution photos, Full HD/4K videos, and other data-heavy tasks.
Designed to endure tough conditions, this card is shockproof, IPX6 waterproof, temperature-proof (-10° to 80°), X-Ray-proof, and magnetic-proof. Whether you’re on an outdoor adventure or navigating city streets, your data remains safe. Additionally, the included full-size adapter allows seamless use with any device supporting SD cards, enhancing its versatility and convenience.
Best Features:
- Read speed up to 100 MB/s
- Write speed up to 30 MB/s
- 64GB capacity (2 Pack)
- UHS, U3, Class 10, and A2 speed classes
- Shockproof, IPX6 waterproof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, and magnetic-proof
- Includes full-size adapter
Pros:
- Wide compatibility with various devices
- Durable and reliable construction
- Includes full-size adapter for added versatility
Cons:
- Write speed may not support continuous loop recording in high-res.
Buying Guide For The Best SD Card For Dash Cam
SD cards are necessary for a lot of peripherals like cameras, smartphones, and even dash cams installed in cars. If you are going to record your daily driving sessions from your dash cam, you should invest in a decent SD card that will work with your dash cam. Even in SD cards, there are specific models that are designed for such applications.
Such SD cards are best suited for CCTV-based monitoring systems. If you pick up one of our best SD cards for dash cams, you will get the best performance and flawless video recording from your dash cam setup. But in order to get the best option under your budget, you should take a look at our buying guide for the best SD card for dash cams. In this guide, we will tell you some of the most important qualities of a simple SD card and how they can affect its performance regarding the application.
1. Storage Capacity
It is not possible to get the desired performance from your SD card if it does not offer sufficient storage capacity as per your needs. For dash cams, you will be recording footage in a continuous manner. Therefore, the SD card will be in use at all times, filling up the storage capacity with the footage captured by your dash cam.
Once the SD card storage capacity is full, you will have to take a backup of the recorded data before you can use the same card again. Otherwise, the data will be simply overwritten by new footage, erasing the older footage forever. So, if you are willing to take frequent backups, you can go with a small capacity card like 32 GB or 64 GB. However, if you stretch your budget and go with a 128 GB or 256 GB card, you can record high-quality videos without worrying about the storage for weeks, or even months at a time.
2. Read/Write Speed
Another important factor for storage devices is the read/write speed possible by the drive. You must be familiar with these speeds if you have purchased an SSD or HDD for your computer. The read speed refers to the speed at which data can be fetched from your storage drive. On the other hand, write speed refers to the speed at which data is stored on the drive. As you can see, both of these are different and equally important for the overall performance of the storage device.
The same goes for an SD card, even if it is a compact storage device. If an SD has a faster read speed but a slower write speed, it might not be the best option for a dash cam as it might introduce frame drops and buffered video recordings. And if the read speed is slow, you will find it troubling when you are taking a backup on a larger storage device. To get the best option, you won’t have to check the read and write separately for each SD card. You can simply check the speed class rating of the card to get an idea about its performance. Right now, Class 10 SD cards are the fastest option you can find for an SD card. Therefore, we have only included Class 10 SD cards on this list.
3. Reliability
Even though an SD card is a basic accessory and you won’t be spending a significant sum on one, you should still go for a reliable option to save yourself from trouble later on. As you are going to use the SD card for recording video footage in your car, it is even more important to select a reliable option as there is no telling when you will capture something creative or important on your dash cam.
Thus, all recorded data should be stored securely and available to you whenever needed. To get a reliable option, you should prefer going with a reliable brand that has been designing SD cards for a while now. It does not mean that you won’t find a reliable option with newer brands, but it’s better to be on the safe side. You can also get an idea about the reliability of the product from the warranty period allotted by the manufacturer. Generally, you should prefer an SD card that offers a long warranty period. If you are getting that even with a new brand, you will at least have peace of mind that the card will be functional at least until the end of the warranty period.
4. Type of SD Card
While buying an SD card, a lot of users forget to check what type of SD card they are buying and whether it is compatible with their application or not. The major difference that you will find within SD cards is their size. There are multiple memory types available in the market for an SD card such as Micro SD card, SD cards, SDHC, SDXC, etc. But when it comes to the size, all you need to check is whether it is a micro SD card or a standard SD card.
The larger options are compatible with digital cameras and laptops whereas smaller options are designed for smartphones. If you want a highly versatile option, you should go with a smaller SD card which comes with a universal adapter. This way, you can use the same SD card for all your devices and transfer the data without any problem. Also, if your dash cam has a micro SD card slot, you won’t be able to use an SD card for that. On the other hand, it is possible to use a micro SD card for an SD card slot with the help of an adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Right now, almost all standard dash cam setups require a micro SD card rather than the traditional standard size SD cards. It usually makes the setup more versatile as you can use the same SD card that you may be using in your smartphone right now. And since micro SD cards are even smaller, there are fewer chances of external damage and they offer better portability. And even if your dash cam setup needs an SD card, there won’t be a problem since all standard micro SD cards ship with a dedicated SD card adapter.
Ans: The answer to this question depends upon the storage capacity of your SD card as well as the quality of your dash cam. If you own a high-quality dash cam that records footage at a higher FPS and with a higher capture resolution, you will certainly need a similarly high-capacity SD card for your setup, preferably with 128 or 256 GB storage capacity. For instance, a 64 GB S card can store around 8 hours of footage at 1080p resolution, but much more if you lower the resolution to 720p or 480p.
Ans: Almost all CCTV monitoring systems, including dash cams, operate on the same working principle. To avoid loss of current video footage, the system overwrites older video recordings to make space on the SD card. So if you are getting about 8 hours of video storage space on your SD card, it will start deleting the older footage as soon as it reaches the threshold. So if you want a permanent backup, you will have to copy the recorded footage to another drive before it reaches its capacity. And with a high-capacity SD card, you won’t have to do it as frequently.
Conclusion:
Since dash cameras are becoming more and more popular every day, a lot of users are installing these systems in their cars. The dash cameras allow the driver to record the footage in front of you as well as from inside depending upon the type of setup you have. And since most dash cams do not have a dedicated storage capacity, you will also need a suitable SD card for your setup. Today, we have brought you the best SD cards you can find in the market for your dash cam setup. These are high-performance SD cards that will be perfect for continuous read/write performance. If you want to know more about these SD cards, make sure you check out our buying guide given above. We also have a few recommendations lined up for you right here.
- If you are not sure what storage capacity is best suited for your needs, it is better to go with a basic option such as the Lexar SD Card For Dash Cam. This is a Class 10 micro SD card despite being the cheapest option on this list and offers up to 100 MBps data transfer speed. It also ships with a dedicated SD card adapter which makes it a versatile option. You will also receive a 10-year long warranty period on the Lexar 64 GB Micro SD Card.
- On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-capacity option that is trusted by hundreds of thousands of users, go with the SanDisk SD Card For Dash Cam. As you might have guessed, this is the most popular option we have on our list and also one of the best options for high quality video recording. It comes with 256 GB storage capacity along with 4K video support. Along with a lifetime warranty period, you will also get an SD card adapter included with the card.
- It is quite difficult to find a high-capacity SD card within an affordable price range. But the Inland SD Card For Dash Cam is certainly an exception for that. This 128 GB Micro SD card is certainly the cheapest option you can find for this storage class. And since it has a high storage capacity, you can use it for 4K video recording without any problem. You will also get a 3-year long warranty period on this SD card which is decent considering its price range as well as the storage capacity.
