Do you wonder what is the Best SD Card for GoPro Hero 5?

In order for your GoPro to save all files correctly on the memory card, the SD must be compliant with GoPro’s recommended speed ratings.

So, in this article, I will guide you through various recommended SD cards for your GoPro Hero 5 so you can be sure that all your photos and videos will be stored properly.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

GoPro SD Card Recommendations


GoPro cameras have always been great since it was first introduced. It known for its compact size and robust build quality. And maybe you are wondering, why GoPros does NOT have internal storage?

Well, one of the reasons for that is usability in the long run. Flash storage has a limited lifespan. For example, if GoPros would have internal storage and it broke down, it is likely to be an expensive repair. Another reason for this is storage expansion. GoPro cameras record videos on high resolutions which takes up a lot of memory. So having an external SD Card as storage makes it easier to upgrade your storage or swap out SD Cards while recording videos.

First-time users of GoPro often encounter problems when buying SD Cards on the market. The most common mistake that GoPro owners do is to buy the cheapest SD Card with the largest storage without considering its speed

Huge mistake!

SD Card Type

GoPro Hero 5 records video at a max 4k 30 fps setting. Videos on 4k 30 fps have a data rate of about 7.5 MB/sec. Therefore, you need to buy an SD Card that has 7.5 MB/sec and above write speed.

You should also consider getting an SD Card that is type SDHC or SDXC to ensure smooth video recording on your GoPro Hero 5.

  • SDHC these are SD Cards that has 16GB up to 64GB storage capacity
  • SDXC SD Card variants that have 64GB or higher storage

We recommend getting an SD Card that is at least 128 GB so that you can record a decent amount of video on your GoPro Hero 5.

If you want to know how many pictures can you shoot with 128GB Sd card read: How Many Pictures a 128GB SD Card Can Hold for my GoPro.

SD Card Size

If you are wondering how long you can record with a SD Card, we created a simple table to give you a better idea. Keep in mind that video file size is dependent on GoPro settings. Therefore, as you increase GoPro resolution and frame rate, video file size also increases and the SD card will fill up faster.

To learn more about memory card sizes available for Hero 5 read: GoPro Hero 5: SD Card Max Size and Recording Time.

VIDEO SETTING16 GB SD CARD32 GB SD CARD128 GB SD CARD256 GB SD CARD
1080P @ 60 FPS47min1h 35min3h 10min6h 20min
4K @ 60 FPS35min1h 11min2h 22min4h 44min

Tips

To ensure a smooth and error-free filming experience with your GoPro Hero 5, it’s highly recommended to format your SD card before use. By doing so, you can clear any previous data on the card and set up a file system that’s optimized for the camera. This helps the camera read and write to the card smoothly, reducing the chances of corrupted files and other issues during recording.

Moreover, regular formatting of the SD card can also help maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to format your SD card on the GoPro Hero 5 before beginning any recording. For more tips and tricks on how to master your GoPro, be sure to check out our article: Mastering GoPro: Format Your SD Card Fast & Easy.

 

Best SD Card for GoPro Hero 5 (Black & Session)


For you to save time thinking about what SD Card to get, we listed a few of the best SD Cards for GoPro Hero 5 available in the market today. Check out the list below and try to compare which SD Card best fit your needs.

Any of the cards below will 100% work on GoPro Hero 5 black and session.

 #1: SanDisk Extreme Pro

SanDisk has been the top choice for most GoPro users because of its reliability. This specific model is compatible with all GoPro cameras. SanDisk SD Cards are quite expensive compare to other brands. But, the durability and the peace of mind you get knowing that your SD Card won’t fail anytime is worth the extra money. It is rated at V30 and has a write speed of about 30 MB/sec. SanDisk Extreme Pro is water, shock, and magnet proof making it a great fit for action cameras. It is available in 64, 128, 256, and 400 GB storage options.

SALE
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I U3...
70,761 Reviews
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I U3...
  • Built for extreme conditions Temperature proof, water proof, shock proof, and X-Ray...
  • Delivers 4K Ultra HD and full HD video recording and Playback
  • Meets the new UHS speed Class 3 (U3) and UHS video Speed Class 30 (V30) for 4K UHD

#2: ADATA Premier ONE V90 4K 8K Ultra HD 275MB/s 

ADATA Premier ONE might be a little overkill for GoPro Hero 5 but it is still worth considering due to its price. It is rated at V90 and suited for 8k video recording. Write speeds can reach up to 155 MB/sec which is more than enough for GoPro Hero 5 that records 4k videos at about 7.5 MB/sec. You can get this SD Card in 64, 128, and 256 GB storage variants.

ADATA Premier ONE 64GB SDXC UHS-II...
398 Reviews
ADATA Premier ONE 64GB SDXC UHS-II...
  • Supports SD 4.0 UHS-II standard and latest V90 Video Speed Class.
  • Max Read up to 275MB/s, 3 times faster than UHS-I cards. *Max speeds only when paired...
  • Support Ultra HD 8K, 4K and 3D/VR

 #3: Samsung EVO Select 100MB/s (U3)

Samsung Evo SD Card is rated at UHS-3 with 90 MB/sec write speeds. It can record videos with 4k UHD resolution. This SD Card has an IP54 rating which is commonly seen on smartphones, having it on an SD Card really speaks of its durability. The Evo select model is surely made for rugged and extreme outdoor conditions making it a perfect match for your GoPro. It is available in 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 GB storage.

SALE
SAMSUNG (MB-ME128GA/AM) 128GB...
99,755 Reviews
SAMSUNG (MB-ME128GA/AM) 128GB...
  • 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...

 #4: Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB V60

Lexar Professional 1000x is one of the recommended SD Card for GoPro Hero 5 on their website. It is rated at V60 with write speeds of up to 60 MB/sec. It is compatible with old devices that only support UHS-1 cards. Transfer speed for this specific model is rated at 150 MB/sec to save you time when transferring videos to your computer. The Lexar Professional 1000x is available in 32, 64, 128, and 256 GB storage options.

SALE
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB...
1,901 Reviews
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB...
  • 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...

 #5: SanDisk Extreme UHS-I 160MB/s

This specific model from SanDisk is only rated at UHS-1 but, the write speed for this SD Card is up to 60 MB/sec which is the same for cards that are rated at V60. You get a free card reader when purchasing this model which is good for transferring files to your computer. Transfer speeds are decent which is about 160 MB/sec. Storage options are 32, 64, 128, 256, 400, 512 GB. There is also a 1TB storage variant.

SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSD UHS-I...
343,408 Reviews
SanDisk Extreme 64GB microSD UHS-I...
  • Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, action cameras, and drones
  • Up to 160MB/s
  • Compact and durable microSD card reader

GoPro SD Card Error or No SD Card


If you happen to purchase an SD Card that is not compatible with GoPro Hero 5, you will encounter SD Card error when you try to record videos. But, there is still some workaround for you to use the SD Card until you can purchase a better card.

  • Format your SD Card go to Preferences->Scroll down and find Reset->Format SD Card
  • Clean the card if you had your SD Card for a while dirt build-up can occur on the contact points of the SD Card. Clean them with a piece of cloth and alcohol
  • Re-Insert the SD Card a simple removal and re-insert of the SD Card can fix SD Card errors on your GoPro

Also, you can try lowering the video resolution on the settings. Try recording videos with a resolution of 720P or lower. The quality would not be great but, if you really need to use your GoPro this is better than nothing.

Finally, the permanent solution for this is to replace the SD Card with one that is compatible with GoPro. Keep in mind that it is better to buy an SD Card with at least 128 GB storage capacity.

For a more in depth tutorial on how to fix GoPro SD Card Error, check out:
Easily Fix GoPro SD Card Error [Any GoPro Model]

 

Our Favourite SD Cards for GoPro Hero 5


After testing various cards with GoPro, I’d definitely recommend the Lexar Professional 1000x 128 GB as it’s fast, reliable and also recommended by GoPro on their website.

SALE
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB...
1,901 Reviews
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB...
  • 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...

Another SD card of great performance is the SanDisk Extreme Pro, which also offers great value for money plus the reliability you get from SanDisk SD cards.

SALE
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I U3...
70,761 Reviews
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I U3...
  • Built for extreme conditions Temperature proof, water proof, shock proof, and X-Ray...
  • Delivers 4K Ultra HD and full HD video recording and Playback
  • Meets the new UHS speed Class 3 (U3) and UHS video Speed Class 30 (V30) for 4K UHD

Find all the best SD Cards for GoPro Hero Session: 7 Best Micro SD Card for GoPro Hero Session.

 


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