4 Best Micro SD Cards for Dash Cam

It can be quite frustrating when your dash cam stops running, or lose your data? It makes you wonder where the problem came from.

The challenge with your dashcam may be a fake or bad SD card. After all, a good microSD card should keep your dashcam running for as long as you want.

But, getting a great SD card is almost becoming a “Mission Impossible,” regardless of the brand because there are so many counterfeit versions on the market.

In this article, you’ll learn about the things you should look out for before buying a card for your dashcam. You’ll also get valuable tips on how to identify a fake SD card, saving you the stress of losing files.

Who Should Get This

Having a dashcam is one thing. Keeping it running is another task entirely that requires the use of an SD card.

It usually depends on the camera settings you use for recording—with your dash cam. The SD cards help to prevent your data from being corrupted.

Interestingly, technology has taken things to the next level. So, you don’t have to worry about harsh conditions because the SD cards have a sturdy build for extreme conditions ranging from temperature, magnetic, shock, to water.

How do you transfer files to your computer? The SD cards come with an adapter that you can use to send files to your computer or laptop with ease. It also comes with cycles that allow you to install and eject it when necessary.

This guide may not be for you if you’re in search of an SD card for your camera—since you need a high-speed SD card as it writes a massive amount of data.

Best Micro SD Card for Dash Cam: Our Picks

Here’s a list of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each card so you get to know its pros and cons before making a decision on which one to buy.

1. Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB Micro SDXC Card

The Samsung Pro Endurance is a remarkably convenient card that performs amazingly well. As the name suggests, it endures a steady stream of data writing.

When it comes to performance, the card uses SDXC technology—which means that it can store a wider range of data compared to the SDHC cards.

The portability of the card is top-notch with its small 11mm x 15mm design and weight of less than an ounce.

Another feature that stands out in the card is its 4-proof protection: magnetic resistant, temperature resistant (between -25°C to 85°C), x-ray resistant, and water resistant. So, rest assured that your data will remain intact even with the first sign of rain.

It has a maximum transfer speed of 100 MB/s and a minimum of 30MB/s which means that you can transfer large files at a decent speed.

Plus, you can make it ideal for writing high bandwidths of data of about 4K content.

What We Like:

  • It protects sensitive data automatically
  • Lengthy lifespan
  • It’s durable
  • It has 4-proof protection

What We Don’t Like:

  • It falls short of speed

2. SAMSUNG EVO Select + Adapter 128GB microSDXC

The Samsung Evo is a great model that you can rely on for its sequential transfer speeds of about 90MB/s write and 100MB/s read.

The card is quite durable, and it comes with 10,000 mating cycles alongside a remarkable 10-year warranty. It means that if you decide to keep the card for ten years, you can install and remove it approximately 2.74 times per day.

What if you like to switch your cards every few years? Well, it means that you can install the Samsung 128GB Micro SDXC EVO and remove it 9.13 times per day.

This model is yet another card on this list that is X-ray proof, magnetic-proof, and withstand temperatures that range from -25°C to 85°C.

In other words, whether you drop it in water for some time, or go for airport scanning—it will protect your sensitive data. The model is the fastest Micro SD card that’s durable and comes at a reasonable price.

What We Like:

  • It comes with a 10-year warranty
  • It’s durable
  • It has an impressive read and write speed
  • It has 4-proof protection

What We Don’t Like:

  • By default the card formats as FAT32

3. SanDisk High Endurance Video MicroSDXC Card

When you buy the SanDisk High Endurance, it saves you the stress of changing cards often because it can stand up to 10,000 hours of full HD video recording in your dashcam. It also comes with a two-year warranty.

Still not sure if it’s for you? Well, the card comes with a one-year downloadable Deluxe media recovery software—that restores accidentally deleted files back to life.

Plus, the card is waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and temperature proof (-25°C to 85°C)—which means that you can do your recordings in harsh conditions, and your data will be secured.

The 32 GB version of the card can stand up to 5000 hours of full HD recordings. The High Endurance card has a read and write speed of about 20MB/s.

What We Like:

  • It has an impressive read and write cycle
  • It has 4-proof protection
  • It’s durable
  • It can stand up to 10,000 hours of recording full HD video

What We Don’t Like:

  • The read and write speed is a bit low compared to other options

4. SanDisk 128GB Ultra Micro SDXC UHS-I Memory Card

The SanDisk 128GB Ultra Micro is a card with fast read speeds and moderate writing speeds that represents good value. The card has a write speed of at least 10MB/s and a read speed of 100MB/s.

If you check the SD card carefully, you’ll notice that it has an A1 rating on its label. The A1 indicates that the card meets Class 1 performance standards. So, the card can perform at least 1,500 IOPS (input-output operations per second).

What’s more? The card performs well in storing small data files directly from the card. The MicroSD card also comes with a lifetime warranty and SD adapter—that allows you to plug it into a computer or laptop. The card can cover over 10 hours of 4K full HD videos.

What We Like:

  • It speeds up app performance
  • It has a high read speed
  • It has Class 1 performance standards
  • It comes with an SD adapter

What We Don’t Like:

  • It’s expensive

How to Choose a Micro SD Card for Dash Cam

Before you buy a card, there are things you need to consider, and they are:

Size

If you plan to record a minimum of a whole day’s worth of video, it’s crucial to choose a MicroSD card with enough capacity. You should opt for at least 32GB.

Speed Ratings

In many applications, the speed of the card is essential because it shows the transfer speed of the device. It comes in handy when the card needs to write data at high speeds—especially in the case of a 4K video.

Generally, the SD cards come in different speed classes—which has a lot to do with reading and writing images to and from the SD card.

The speed is in MB/s. For instance. If you buy a Class 4 card, it means that it has a minimum speed of 4MB/s. So, if you go for higher speed ratings, it translates to writing data at a higher speed.

Write and Read speed

The write speed signifies how fast the card can record data from the camera—while the read speed tells you how fast data copies from the card to your computer. Thus, it’s ideal to go for higher write and read speed.

Compatibility

Before you buy an SD card, it’s best to confirm that it’s compatible with your dashcam to avoid technical issues. The SDXC cards are better options compared to the SDHC because they store a lot of photos and videos.

Warranty

You can opt for SD cards that have a more extended warranty. A lifetime warranty is best.

Price

The price of the SD card should be the last thing to consider after checking other categories. Are you on a tight budget? You can still get a good SD card with remarkable features that’ll keep your dashcam running.

Tips on How to Identify a Fake SD Card

Inspect the product packaging for no seals and inconsistent printing. Plus, the back of the SD card should contain adequate information about the product like a proper UPC.

Inspect the SD card—check if the manufacturer positioned the front label correctly or if the print is easy to peel off. All these signs indicate a fake card.

If you can’t confirm a counterfeit SD card with the tips above, test the card on your computer. Do a quick file copy test that doesn’t include any software—the performance will reveal its authenticity. But, you must use a fast card reader.

Final Thoughts

Finding a solid sd card for your dashcam is a must. But don’t let that stop you from backing up your data. These days backups are the best way to keep your data safe and we all should do this on a regular basis.

What do you think about our list? Which one do you intend to try out? Did we miss out on your fave? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

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  • Kathy

    My dash cam states card must be class 10 or above?

    Reply
  • Maddod

    Just a quick note to anyone buying a Dashcam. Dashcams are very fussy about the type of SD card they use. As an electronic engineer I must stress doing research before your purchase. Contact the manufacture before you purchase. U3 cards get hotter then U1 type cards as of writing this, thus some dashcam models will shutdown due to heat. Most SD cars are not rated for the hot climates. But same are. I am using a Samsung PRO Endurance Micro SDXC Card 64 GB.

    Reply