Dash cams are great for recording vehicle events. They can save you from police harassment, speed up and protect you from your insurance claims, record funny family clips, or even be used by professional drivers. That’s why you need the Best SD Card for Dash Cam.
However, for all the above to be a success, you need to pair your dash cam with a reliable card.
That’s right, the wrong marriage between a Secure Digital card and your dash cam can lead to loss of video, dropped frames, poor quality videos, or worst of all, card failure.
The simple truth is, that choosing a good card without the right information is taking too much of a blind risk. That is why we’ve written you this detailed buying guide and review on the best card for your dash cam to help you make an informed purchase. Now let’s get to it.
In a hurry? These are our best suggestions according to your priorities:
- Best Value – Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB
- Top Priced Card – SanDisk High Endurance 32GB
- Best Bang for your Buck – SanDisk High Endurance 128GB
- Top Speeds – Transcend TS64GUSDXC10V High Endurance 64GB
- Best Expected Reliability – Transcend TS64GUSDXC10V High Endurance 64GB
Table of Contents
- Best SD Card for Dash Cam review
- 1. Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB
- 2. Kingston Canvas Go! 64GB
- 3. Transcend TS64GUSDXC10V High Endurance 64GB
- 4. Silicon Power High Endurance 32GB
- 5. SanDisk High Endurance128GB
- 6. Kingston High Endurance 64GB
- 7. Transcend 400x 64GB
- 8. Lexar 633x 128GB
- 9. Samsung EVO Select 64GB
- 10. SanDisk High Endurance 32GB
- Product review conclusion
- Dash Cam SD Card Buying Guide
Best SD Card for Dash Cam review
Having gone through those specifications, now you have a better grasp of what matters when choosing a Secure Digital card for your camera.
Now let’s dive straight into the review for the best SD Card.
Comparison Table:
| Product Name | Capacity | Max Write Speed | Max Read Speed | UHS Speed Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Pro Endurance 64GB | 64 GB | 30 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 1 (U1) |
| Kingston Canvas Go! 64GB | 64 GB | 45 MB/s | 90 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
| Transcend Information 64GB | 64 GB | 60 MB/s | 95 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
| Silicon Power High-Endurance 32GB | 32 GB | 30 MB/s | 95 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
| SanDisk High Endurance 128GB | 128 GB | 40 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
| Kingston High Endurance 64GB | 64 GB | 45 MB/s | 95 MB/s | 1 (U1) |
| Transcend 400X 64GB | 64 GB | 25 MB/s | 90 MB/s | 1 (U1) |
| Lexar 633x 128GB | 128 GB | 45 MB/s | 95 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
| Samsung EVO Select 64GB | 64 GB | 60 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
| SanDisk 32GB High Endurance | 32 GB | 40 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 3 (U3) |
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1. Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB
Above all, endurance is the most important factor when it comes to dash cam cards, all the rest come second.
Getting this PRO Endurance from Samsung should be a no-brainer. It has been proved to be a durable product and that’s why Samsung has no problem offering you a 3-year warranty.
But wait, there’s more. It can support up to 26280 hrs of 1080p videos and boasts great video retention. When backing up data you can enjoy fast speeds of up to 100MB/s.
You will be happy to know that it is temperature proof, shockproof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof too.
This card cannot record 4K videos, but that is a compromise you can live with if it’s adequate for your dash cam.
- Capacity: 64GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 1(U1)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 30MB/s, 100MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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2. Kingston Canvas Go! 64GB
Looking for a card that can film 4K videos with up to 45 MB/s write speeds without fail? Go for the Canvas GO.
This card has been tested to endure extreme conditions like those of a dash cam plus it comes from a company with a stellar legacy in making memory components. To top it off, they also provide you with an adapter
It can handle operating temperatures of -25C to 85C and storage temperatures of -40C to 85C.
In addition, it is shockproof and waterproof.
To make it even better, it comes with a bundled lifetime warranty.
- Capacity: 64GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3(U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 45MB/s, 90MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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3. Transcend TS64GUSDXC10V High Endurance 64GB
This card has been designed to provide you with long-life durability as well as prolonged endurance, the most important things for your dash cam.
With a UHS Speed Class rating of 3 (U3), you should expect it to record 4k videos consistently at more than 30 MB/s.
Now that’s called reliability in high-quality video recording. Transcend claims it can record 24,000 hours of Full HD video nonstop.
Here’s the thing, you will find it hard to find a high endurance card like this one. It can write with up to 60MB/s and it’s built for extremes.
What’s more? It comes with a bundled Exclusive RecoveRx software.
The only problem is that it comes at a premium price, however, you should remember that buying cheap can mean buying twice and losing crucial data.
- Capacity: 64GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3(U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 60MB/s, 95MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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4. Silicon Power High Endurance 32GB
Maybe you are on a budget and want a lower capacity high endurance card that can save you some bucks, Silicon Power got you covered.
Equipped with high-quality MLC NAND flash chips, this card can record up to 6000 hrs of videos non stop.
It also boasts built-in ECC (Error correction code) technology to be able to transmit data safely. To put it in perspective, ECC is the technology used to ensure reliability in Server’s RAM. Imagine, enjoying premium quality at a consumer level and at an affordable price.
High endurance is not just a marketing term, this card is shock-resistant, waterproof, static proof, and can handle extreme temperatures of -25C – 85C. Its durability? 10,000 insertions.
With it having UHS speed class 3 (U3), you can’t go wrong with it when looking for a 32GB card.
- Capacity: 32GB
- Type: micro SDHC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3 (U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 30MB/s, 95MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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5. SanDisk High Endurance128GB
f you are looking for a high-capacity card that offers great value, this SanDisk high endurance card is your perfect match.
It offers a whooping 128GbB at under $26 while giving you the ability to record in 4K(V30 rated).
It was built and tested for harsh conditions hence it is waterproof, x-ray proof, shockproof, and also temperature proof.
You don’t have to wait long while transferring files as it can achieve 100MB/s read speeds. It is built to the task, it can endure recording and overwriting without taking a toll.
The only downside is that it seems to have more fail rates than most endurance cards. However, with such an impressive bang for your buck price and high capacity, it’s not a bad option.
- Capacity: 128GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3(U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 40MB/s, 100MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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6. Kingston High Endurance 64GB
Boasting a maximum write speed of 45MB/s and a UHS speed class 1, this high endurance card comes second for the highest write speeds on this list (i.e. high endurance cards).
This is a good card, especially for professional drivers who don’t need 128GB but want reliability and high-quality videos that provide trustworthy proof without fail.
Being a high endurance card, Kingston intended you to use it for write-intensive applications such as your dash cam. The only downside is that it comes with only a 2-year warranty.
- Capacity: 64GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 1(U1)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 40MB/s, 100MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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7. Transcend 400x 64GB
Being the second cheapest card on this list, this should be a good one for you if you are hunting for a low-cost card to use in your dashcam.
Surprisingly enough, this card comes with a 64GB capacity, it offers you capacity value. It will also provide you with a smooth full HD recording.
But that’s not all, despite not being a high endurance card, it has ECC technology.
This will allow safe transfer and backup of your dash cam videos to your computer with an ability to hit up to 90 MB/s.
The shortcomings of this micro SDXC card are that it has a low write speed of up to 25MB/s and a UHS class rating of 1 (U1).
- Capacity: 64GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 1(U1)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 25MB/s, 90MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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8. Lexar 633x 128GB
Despite not being designed as a high endurance card, this 128GB card from Lexar is very reliable.
With purchase, you can expect it to come with a micro SD holder plus a USB 3.0 super-speed micro SD card adapter. Furthermore, the branding and packaging are quite impressive.
Of all the none high endurance cards on this list, it has the second-fastest write speed and with a UHS speed, class 3 (U3) you can expect it not to drop frames when your dash cam is recording 4K videos.
Other than that, this card is a good fit for your dash cam.
- Capacity: 128GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3(U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 45MB/s, 95MB/s
- Operation Temperature: 0 to 70°C( 32 to 158°F)
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9. Samsung EVO Select 64GB
The EVO select series has been very successful due to the reliability of its cards.
They have actually rebranded Samsung EVO Pro cards made by Amazon exclusives.
With a write speed of a maximum of 60 MB/s and a UHS Class rating of 3 (U3), you can use this card in your dash cam for high-quality 4K videos.
Despite not being a high endurance card, it comes with an impressive 10-year warranty. Beyond that, it ships with a full-size adapter to help you transfer your files with a maximum speed of 100MB/s.
Most customers are very happy with the durability of this card, hence you should not be skeptical of using it in your dash cam.
- Capacity: 64GB
- Type: micro SDXC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3(U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 60MB/s, 100MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 to 185°F)
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10. SanDisk High Endurance 32GB
Lastly, if you desire a low capacity but a reliable high endurance card without a premium price, the SanDisk High Endurance micro SDHC 32GB will suit your dash cam nicely.
It can record 5000hrs of video. Being a UHS speed class 3 rating with a write speed of 40MB/s, you should expect it to deliver high-quality 4k videos without compromise.
Its Video Speed Class 30 (V30) is also quite an impressive showing that it can also deliver high-quality video evidence at crucial moments.
This is the most affordable card in this SD card review.
In fact, we think that it is the best entry-level high endurance card you can get from a reputable brand like SanDisk.
- Capacity: 32GB
- Type: micro SDHC
- Speed Class: Class 10
- UHS Speed Class: 3(U3)
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Write & Read Speed: 40MB/s, 100MB/s
- Operation Temperature: -25 to 85°C (-13 – 185°F)
Product review conclusion
I hope this article was of great help in leading you to the best sd card for dash cams.
As a priority for SD cards to be used in dash cams ensure the card, you buy promises high reliability and high endurance. High-temperature resistance is a must.
I recommend avoiding going cheap on dash cam SD cards. The footage held in that card can be the difference between spending or saving hundreds or thousands of dollars in case of an accident.
Check out our Dash Cam Buying Guide so you know what to look for.
If you’re unsure about the SD Card specifications to consider, please keep reading.
Dash Cam SD Card Buying Guide
Before we get to the review, let us break down all those jargon and acronyms that confuse you when you see SD card specifications.
Capacity
Simply put, this is the total amount of data the card can hold which is measured in gigabytes.
Opt at least for a 32GB card. 64GB is probably the sweet spot while it doubles the storage capacity without a similar increase in price.
If you’re a professional driver, 128GB is a better choice, and nowadays you’re not going to break the bank.
Type
It can be indicated as SD (Secure Digital Card), SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity), and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtra Capacity).
SD branded cards have a capacity below 2GB. SDHC are those with 2GB to 32GB capacity. SDXC cards, as you might be already guessing, have over 32GB capacity.
Mini SD cards or SDHC were the first miniaturizations but they never gained traction. Rarely will you find high-capacity ones or dash cams that support them.
Micro SD (SDHC and SDXC) are the smaller popular versions you can find nowadays.
Speed
Speed is very important as it determines the bitrate and resolution your dash cam will record.
Write and Read Speed
Write speeds are the speeds with which your dash cam will record on your card.
Read speeds are those in which you can transfer files from your SD card to your computer. Higher speeds are always better.
Note, that the speed indicated is the theoretical maximum, in real-world conditions speed will be inferior.
Speed Class
This is the absolute minimum sustained speed your dash cam can manage.
You will notice cards rated Class 2 (2MB/s), Class 4 (4MB/s), Class 6(6MB/s) or Class 10(10MB/s).
Notably, a high-quality card will mostly even exceed this rated speed when paired with a good dash cam. For example, a Class 10, the best for a dash cam, can even do 60MB/s. Impressive, right?
UHS Speed Class
What is UHS (Ultra High Speed)? It’s the minimum sustained performance when your dash cam is recording videos.
UHS speed class 1 (U1) supports 10 MB/s as a minimum while (U3) supports a minimum of 30MB/s in write speeds.
To record 4k videos with your dash cam opt for a UHS speed class 3 (U3) card.
UHS Bus Speed
This indicates how data is transferred to and from between your card’s pins and your dash cam connector. It is often denoted in Roman I, II, and III.
A single row of pins (card) is used by UHS-I which can achieve theoretical maximum speeds of 104 MBps.
UHS-II uses 2 pins to achieve 312 MBps in half-duplex mode (Single direction) or 156 MBps in moving data both ways (Full Duplex).
UHS-III can hit 624 MBps.
Operating temperature limits
As you know every machine has its operating temperature limits and working above or below that limit isn’t good for its longevity.
Since your dash cam will be fixed to your windshield it can be exposed to direct sunlight for many hours daily. This is more critical the more daily hours your car spends in the sunlight.
And if you live in hot climates it’s even more demanding.
That’s why this article only includes SD cards with endurance attributes and high-temperature limits.
