Dash cam requires the right and best micro SD card to be able to improve reliability, thus the best SD card selection is a consideration for dash cam users.
There are many other good alternatives to choose sd card for a dash cam, but we warn to avoid using the Sandisk Ultra card.
Dash cam users and manufacturers report problems with Ultra reliability and speed.
What are the Types – SD or microSD?
Almost all microSD cards include a full SD adapter so that it will work with your current camera. When you change the camera, you don’t need to buy a new card because most dash cameras use a microSD card.
There are two physical sizes, SD and microSD. We recommend a microSD size even if your camera takes a larger full-size SD card.
Sd card comparison
How much space?
For the size of space. 32GB is the sweet spot for good value. That is a 1080P recording of 3-4 hours which is more than enough for most drivers because most drivers only drive around 1-4 hours. Less and you pay more money per gigabyte and only save a few dollars.
| Space | Price (USD) | Price/GB |
|---|---|---|
| 16 GB | Around $6.36 | 0.38 |
| 32 GB | Around $8.97 | 0.31 |
| 64 GB | Around $27.00 | 0.27 |
| 128 GB | Around $25.00 | 0.34 |
All versions of these cards you can buy here and check the current price.
If you can afford it, the 64GB size increases durability. For example, Transcend stated that their 32GB Endurance card lasted 6,000 hours of 1080P video recording before it expired.
What is a Speed Rating?
Class 10 “OR” UHS-I U1 “given a microSD card. A slower card can cause recording problems. See the symbol below for what to look for. Some cards have a rating and it’s okay.
What is Speed Class
Speed Class Speed class symbols represent the minimum writing speed to SD cards in megabytes per second. Class 10 is the top speed at 10 megabytes/second.
UHS Bus & Class
UHS improves cards by providing a faster interface for compatible devices. Most dash cameras do not use the UHS interface but the UHS card will still function properly.
There are two separate ratings, Bus & Class. The UHS bus is transfer speed and has two levels: UHS-I (50MB / S) and UHS-II (156 or 312 MB / S). UHS Class Speed also has two speeds, minimum writing speed: U1 (10MB / S) and U3 (30MB / S)
Faster SD Speed Will Not Improve Performance
At present, the 1440P is the largest resolution and only requires 1/3 of the maximum transfer speed of the Class 10 card. Only 4K recording with very high bitrate will require an increase to U3 or UHS-II
Choosing the Right Type of Memory
It is recommended to choose an MLC memory card for long-term reliability. One of the most important characteristics of SD cards, but the least known is the type of NAND. The NAND type describes how the physical cells that store information are stored.
Best SD Card for Dash Cam – Comparison Table!
| Sr No | SD Cards | SD card for Dash Cam | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Transcend High Endurance Card 64GB | Maximum speed: 21 Mbps | 4.8/5 |
| 2 |  | SanDisk High Endurance 64GB | Up to 10,000 hours recording | 4.7/5 |
| 3 |  | Samsung Pro Endurance 64GB | Up to 21,000 hours | 4.7/5 |
| 4 |  | Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD | Temperature-proof | 4.8/5 |
| 5 |  | SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class 10 | Quick transfer speeds up to 80MB/s | 4.9/5 |
There are two physical sizes of cards, SD, and microSD. SD cards are used with cameras compared to MicroSD used on cell phones, tablets and most video cameras. In our opinion, microSD is the best and we also recommend this for your dashboard. The reason, with the help of a simple adapter, can make a small microSD compatible as a full-size SD card.
Best SD Card Reviews for Dash Cams
When searching for a microSD card that best fits your dashboard, there are several specifications that you should consider. Ideally, you can find a microSD with enough capacity to record video all day long (minimum). The read/write speed is also very important because you don’t want the record to be damaged when showing it to your insurance provider.
Transcend of High Endurance Card 64GB
- Class: 10
- Maximum speed: 21 Mbps
- Full HD (1080p) video recording
- Up to 12,000 hours
- Item Weight: 9.07 g
- Buy in Amazon
Transcend “Class 10” OR “UHS-I U1” microSD cards. We highly recommend this Sd card. The speed for writing to SD cards is in megabytes per second (Class 10) which is the highest speed at 10 megabytes/second. High durability and the ability to record super 500 days live video complete with playback.
For 32GB this has a limited lifetime warranty, we do not recommend this card for heavy use of up to 6,000 hours of full HD 1080P recording or 2,197 write cycles.
SanDisk High Endurance 64GB
- Class: 10
- Full HD (1080p) video recording
- Up to 10,000 hours recording
- Temperature-proof
- Shock-proof
- Waterproof
- Buy in: Amazon
Don’t be confused with the Sandisk Ultra card. Dash Cam manufacturers and users have reported problems with the reliability and speed of SanDisk Ultra.
SanDisk High Endurance is good. Cards are only based on TLC. This is cheaper than Transcend High Endurance and is available in various sizes.
Samsung Pro Endurance 64GB
- Class: 10
- Full HD (1080p) video recording
- Up to 21,000 hours
- Sequential read speeds of up to 100MB / s
- Sequential write speeds of up to 30MB / s
- Buy in: Amazon
Samsung all cards are waterproof, temperature, magnetic and X-ray resistant and they come with a full-size SD card adapter for the camera
Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD
- Class: 10
- 4K UHD Video Recording
- Temperature-proof
- Shock-proof
- Waterproof
- 10 year limited warranty
- Buy in Amazon
SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class 10
- Class: 10
- Full HD (1080p) video recording
- Fast transfer speeds of up to 80MB / s
- Temperature resistance
- Shock resistant
- Waterproof
- Buy in: Amazon
SanDisk 32GB is twice as fast as an ordinary SDHC card, allowing you to take pictures and transfer files quickly. comes with a 10-year warranty.
The cards provided are also available with sizes of 32GB and 128GB, with prices increasing with increasing size. So now you are ready to choose the right and best SD card for your Dash Cam and enjoy recording.
Here are the Best SD cards for Dash Cams 2019
- Transcend High Endurance Card 64GB
- SanDisk High Endurance 64GB
- Samsung Pro Endurance 64GB
- Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD
- SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class 10
Summary
Choosing the right SD (Secure Digital) card that will last the longest on the Dash Cam is always confusing because there are so many SD cards available on the market.
Choosing the best SD card for dash cameras is a big question for all dash cam users because some SD cards are known to fail very quickly. Even though you are looking for cards online, and we have tried to sort the 5 best SD cards for your dashboard camera.
How to Avoid Fake SD Cards
Fake SD cards are sold very much if you don’t buy from a reputable retailer.
To learn about a complete guide that shows the sophistication of counterfeiters and the ability to trick you into buying fake SD cards you can read here.
For your own protection, avoid all Chinese-based storefronts like Aliexpress, also avoid eBay. If you buy from Amazon, check to make sure that it is sold by Amazon and not by a third party or “fulfilled by Amazon”. Cheaper companies can become default sellers and sell fake items to you.
