What is the best sd card for dash cam? Read on to find out. If you own a dash cam, you understand the importance of having a reliable and durable memory card to store your video footage. Dash cams can record hours of driving, accidents, or incidents around your parked vehicle. However, not all memory cards are suitable for dash cam use. You need a card that can handle high temperatures, shock, water, and constant rewriting.
In this comprehensive guide, we will review the top 10 SD cards for dash cams available on the market today. These cards are specifically designed for heavy use and write-intensive applications, ensuring high endurance, fast write speeds, and long warranties. Whether you need a card for 4K recording, smooth video capture, or faster loading, we have a recommendation for you. Read on to find the best SD card for your dash cam.
Dash Cam SD Card Specifications
Before diving into the list of the best SD cards for dash cam, let’s first understand the key specifications that affect their performance and compatibility.
Type
The type of SD card refers to its physical size and format. Most dash cams use microSD cards, which are smaller than regular SD cards. Some dash cams may come with an SD adapter that allows you to use a microSD card in an SD slot. Make sure to check the type of SD card that your dash cam supports before making a purchase.
Capacity
The capacity of an SD card refers to its storage capacity or how much data it can hold. SD cards come in various capacities, ranging from 8GB to 512GB or more. The higher the capacity, the more video footage you can record and store on your SD card. However, keep in mind that higher capacity cards are generally more expensive and may have lower endurance. Consider your storage needs, budget, and the expected lifespan of your SD card when choosing the right capacity.
Speed Class
The speed class of an SD card indicates how fast it can write data. It is crucial for dash cam use as it determines the quality and smoothness of video recording. If the speed class is too low, your SD card may struggle to keep up with high-resolution video, leading to dropped frames or corruption. The speed class is usually denoted by a number or letter, such as Class 10, U1, U3, V30, etc. For 1080p video, you should aim for at least Class 10 or U1, while 4K video requires at least U3 or V30 speed class.
Endurance
The endurance of an SD card refers to its ability to withstand constant writing and rewriting cycles. Dash cams are write-intensive devices that continuously overwrite old data with new data. This can wear out the memory cells of the SD card over time, reducing its reliability and performance. Some SD cards are specifically designed for high-endurance applications like dash cams, security cameras, or surveillance systems. These cards have higher endurance ratings and often come with longer warranties.
Now that you are familiar with the key specifications, let’s explore the top 10 SD cards for dash cams.
1. Samsung PRO Endurance 32GB Micro SDHC Card
The Samsung PRO Endurance microSD card is an excellent choice for dash cam users who prioritize high endurance and long-lasting performance. With its 32GB capacity, it can store approximately 4-6 hours of 4K and Full HD video footage.
This card has a speed class of 10 and a transfer speed of up to 100MB/s, ensuring smooth and reliable video recording. It is temperature-proof, waterproof, magnet-proof, and x-ray-proof, making it highly durable. Additionally, the Samsung PRO Endurance microSD card comes with a five-year warranty, providing peace of mind to users.
2. Samsung EVO Select 128GB microSDXC Card
If you require a higher capacity SD card, the Samsung EVO Select microSDXC card with its 128GB storage is an excellent choice. It can store up to 12 hours of 4K video or 33 hours of Full HD video. With its U3 speed class and transfer speed of up to 100MB/s, this card ensures fast and reliable data transfer.
It also comes with an SD adapter, allowing you to use it in devices that support regular SD cards. The Samsung EVO Select microSDXC card is backed by a 10-year warranty, providing users with added confidence in its performance and durability.
3. Netac Class 10 64GB Micro SDXC Card
For those on a budget, the Netac Class 10 micro SDXC card offers decent performance and durability. With its 64GB capacity, it can hold approximately 16 hours of Full HD dash cam video. The card features a speed class of 10 and a transfer speed of up to 80MB/s, ensuring smooth video recording. I
t is also shock-proof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, providing protection against various environmental factors. The Netac micro SDXC card is a cost-effective option for dash cam users who need reliable storage without breaking the bank.
4. Vantrue 256GB microSDXC Card
If you require a high-capacity SD card for your dash cam, the Vantrue 256GB microSDXC card is an ideal choice. With its V30 speed class and transfer speed of up to 80MB/s, this card ensures smooth and stable video recording, especially for 4K dash cams.
It can store up to 24 hours of 4K video or 66 hours of Full HD video. The Vantrue microSDXC card also comes with a three-year warranty and has a wide temperature range of -25°C to 85°C, making it suitable for different weather conditions.
5. SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC Card
The SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC card is designed for fast loading and optimal performance in dash cam applications. With its A2 speed class and transfer speed of up to 160MB/s, this card ensures quick captures, playbacks, and transfers of high-resolution videos. It has a capacity of 128GB, allowing you to store approximately 12 hours of 4K video or 33 hours of Full HD video.
One standout feature of this card is its lifetime warranty, providing users with long-term reliability. Additionally, the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card is shock-proof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, ensuring durability under various conditions.
6. Lexar High-Performance 633x 128GB microSDXC Card
The Lexar High-Performance 633x microSD card is designed for fast and reliable performance in dash cams and other devices. With its U1 speed class and transfer speed of up to 95MB/s, this card ensures smooth video recording and playback. It has a capacity of 128GB, allowing you to store approximately 33 hours of Full HD video.
The Lexar microSD card comes with a lifetime warranty, providing users with long-term peace of mind. Additionally, it is temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof, ensuring durability in various environments.
7. PNY 256GB Elite-X microSDXC Card
The PNY 256GB Elite-X microSD card is ideal for high-resolution and high-frame-rate video recording with your dash cam, such as 4K UHD at 120 FPS. With its U3 speed class and transfer speed of up to 100MB/s, this card ensures fast and reliable data transfer.
It has a capacity of 256GB, allowing you to store approximately 24 hours of 4K UHD video or 66 hours of Full HD video. The PNY Elite-X microSD card comes with a five-year warranty and is temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and magnet-proof.
8. Gigastone 64GB 4K Game Pro MicroSDXC Card
The Gigastone 64GB 4K Game Pro microSD card is designed for smooth and stable video recording with its V30 video speed grade. It has a U3 speed class and a transfer speed of up to 95MB/s.
With its 64GB capacity, it can store approximately 8-10 hours of 4K UHD video or 16-17 hours of Full HD video. The card comes with an SD adapter and a five-year warranty, ensuring both compatibility and long-term reliability.
9. Kingston High Endurance 128GB MicroSD Card
The Kingston High Endurance microSD card is specifically designed for long-lasting durability and endurance in dash cams and write-intensive devices. With its U1 speed class and transfer speed of up to 95MB/s, this card ensures reliable data transfer.
It has a capacity of 128GB, allowing you to store approximately 35 hours of Full HD video. The Kingston microSD card comes with a two-year warranty and is temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof.
10. Transcend 256GB High Endurance microSDXC Card
The Transcend High Endurance microSD card is designed for exceptional reliability and endurance in dash cams and other security devices. With its U1 speed class and sequential read/write speeds of 95MB/s and 45MB/s respectively, this card ensures reliable and fast data transfer. It has a capacity of 256GB, allowing you to store approximately 66 hours of Full HD video. The Transcend microSD card comes with a three-year warranty and has a wide temperature range of -25°C to 85°C.
FAQ: What is the Best SD Card for Dash Cam?
Q1: Why do I need a specific SD card for my dash cam? Dash cams record video footage continuously, which requires an SD card capable of handling constant rewriting without performance degradation. Regular SD cards may not withstand the high temperatures, shock, and constant overwriting, leading to data corruption or card failure. Dash cam-specific SD cards are designed for durability and longevity in write-intensive applications.
Q2: What are the key specifications to consider when choosing an SD card for my dash cam? The key specifications to consider are the type (microSD/microSDXC), capacity (storage size), speed class (Class 10, U1, U3, etc.), and endurance rating (ability to withstand constant rewriting cycles).
Q3: What type of SD card should I use with my dash cam? Most dash cams use microSD cards due to their compact size. However, some dash cams come with an SD adapter, allowing you to use a microSD card in a standard SD slot. Make sure to check the type of SD card supported by your dash cam before purchasing.
Q4: How much capacity do I need for my dash cam SD card? The required capacity depends on how much video footage you want to store. SD cards come in various capacities, ranging from 8GB to 512GB or more. Consider your storage needs, budget, and the expected lifespan of the SD card when choosing the right capacity.
Q5: What speed class should I look for in a dash cam SD card? The speed class determines how fast the SD card can write data. For smooth video recording, especially at higher resolutions like 4K, aim for at least Class 10, U1, U3, or V30 speed class. Higher speed classes ensure better performance.
Q6: What is SD card endurance, and why is it important for dash cam use? SD card endurance refers to its ability to withstand constant writing and rewriting cycles. Dash cams continuously overwrite old data with new footage, which can wear out the SD card over time. High-endurance SD cards are designed to handle this constant rewriting, ensuring reliability and longevity.
Q7: What are some recommended SD cards for dash cams? We have reviewed the top 10 SD cards for dash cams available on the market today. These cards are specifically designed for heavy use and write-intensive applications, ensuring high endurance, fast write speeds, and long warranties.
Q8: Are there any budget-friendly SD card options for dash cams? Yes, the Netac Class 10 64GB Micro SDXC Card and the Gigastone 64GB 4K Game Pro MicroSDXC Card are both budget-friendly options that offer decent performance and durability for dash cam use.
Q9: What are the warranty options for these SD cards? The warranty periods vary among different brands and models. For example, the Samsung PRO Endurance microSD card comes with a five-year warranty, while the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card offers a lifetime warranty. Always check the manufacturer’s warranty details before making a purchase.
Q10: Where can I purchase these SD cards for my dash cam? You can find these SD cards at various online retailers, electronics stores, and camera specialty shops. Be sure to check the availability and customer reviews to ensure you are purchasing from a reputable source.
Conclusion Best Sd Card For Dash Cam
Choosing the best SD card for dash cam is crucial to ensure reliable and high-quality video recording. Consider the type, capacity, speed class, and endurance of the SD card before making a purchase. Based on our research, the Samsung PRO Endurance and Vantrue 256GB microSDXC cards are our top recommendations for their high endurance, fast speeds, and large storage capacities. However, each of the SD cards mentioned in this guide offers excellent performance and durability for dash cam use. Select the one that best suits your specific needs and enjoy hassle-free and reliable video recording with your dash cam.