Best SD Cards For GoPro Max 2
Expert recommendations based on GoPro MAX specifications
Recommended Spec
microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible) (V30 or faster)
The GoPro MAX records 5.6K30 spherical video in 360 mode and tops out at 1440p60 in HERO mode. GoPro requires a V30 microSD card.
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Official GoPro SD Card Requirements
-
Format: microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible)
-
Minimum Speed: V30 (30 MB/s write)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to 512GB
Why these requirements? The MAX records 5.6K30 spherical video in 360 mode and up to 1440p60 as a single-lens camera in HERO mode. It is not a 4K camera in HERO mode. GoPro requires V30 or UHS-3 cards. The slot is UHS-I, so faster cards record the same.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible)
Min Speed Class
V30
Write Speed
30 MB/s
Recommended Size
128GB, 256GB
Max Capacity
512GB
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Verified | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Extreme microSD
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 130 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Lexar Professional 633x (Blue Series)
|
V30 | Up to 45 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC
Full Review
|
U3 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
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recommended
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SanDisk Extreme microSD
$ · Mid-Range- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceA2
- Read SpeedUp to 190 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 130 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB, 1500GB
Pros
- V30 and A2 with fast writes
- sold up to 1.5TB. Widely available
- so easy to buy genuine.
Cons
- Write speeds are lower on the 32GB and 64GB versions.
budget
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Lexar Professional 633x (Blue Series)
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceA2
- Read SpeedUp to 100 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 45 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Budget V30 card for 1080p and 4K up to 100 Mbps.
Cons
- Much slower than Lexar Silver and Gold.
recommended
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Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
$ · Mid-Range- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceA2
- Read SpeedUp to 170 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 90 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- V30 and A2 with 90 MB/s writes. Often bundled with a USB reader.
Cons
- Less common in retail stores than SanDisk.
SanDisk Extreme microSD
The SanDisk Extreme microSD pairs V30 video speed with an A2 app rating and reads up to 190 MB/s. It covers 4K recording in drones and action cameras, game storage in handhelds, and app storage in phones. It is sold from 32GB to 1.5TB.
Target User:
Smartphone, drone, and action camera users who want one reliable card for both 4K video and app storage
Best For:
Action Cameras, Drones, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras
Step up to the SanDisk Extreme PRO for higher sustained write speeds, or down to the Samsung EVO Select if 4K recording isn't a priority and price matters more.
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
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Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for GoPro MAX?
The GoPro MAX takes a microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible) card rated V30 or faster. 128GB or 256GB covers most owners, and the maximum is 512GB. Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Does the GoPro MAX need a V30 card for 360 video?
Yes. GoPro requires V30 or UHS-3 for the MAX. 360 mode records at the camera's highest bitrate.
How much 360 video fits on a 128GB card in the GoPro MAX?
About 2.5 hours of 5.6K30 360 video. Battery life runs out first on most shoots, so a 128GB card covers a day.
Is V30 required for GoPro MAX?
Yes. V30 guarantees 30 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the GoPro MAX free of dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for GoPro MAX?
128GB covers light use; 256GB suits heavy use. The maximum is 512GB.
Can I use older or slower cards with GoPro MAX?
Not below V30. Slower cards cause dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Check the card label for the V30 mark.
Is a UHS-II card faster in GoPro MAX?
No. The GoPro MAX has a UHS-I slot, so a UHS-II card runs at UHS-I speed. It only offloads faster in a UHS-II card reader.
Does the brand matter for GoPro MAX?
Yes. SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung and Kingston cards meet their rated speeds. Buy from the brand's store or a major retailer: counterfeit cards sold under those names are common on marketplaces.
What happens if I use the wrong card with GoPro MAX?
A card slower than V30 causes dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in GoPro MAX?
Several years in normal use. Cards usually fail from wear or counterfeit flash, not age. Replace yours at the first write error, corrupted file or "card not recognized" message.