Best SD Cards For Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Expert recommendations based on Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specifications
Recommended Spec
microSD (Class 10 / U1 or faster)
The Pi 3 B+ boots from microSD at about 25 MB/s. A Class 10 A1 card from a known brand keeps it responsive; 16GB or 32GB is enough.
Contains affiliate link
#1 Top Pick for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
View Top Recommendation
Check Price
Official Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ SD Card Requirements
-
Format: microSD
-
Minimum Speed: Class 10 / U1 (10 MB/s write)
-
App Performance: A1 (Required for OS/Apps)
-
Maximum Capacity: No official limit
Why these requirements? The Raspberry Pi 3 is less powerful than newer models, but its performance still benefits from a fast card. A Class 10 card is the minimum for a usable experience. An A1-rated card is recommended as it provides a noticeable boost in OS responsiveness, especially when launching applications or booting up.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD
Min Speed Class
Class 10 / U1
Write Speed
10 MB/s
Recommended Size
16GB, 32GB
Max Capacity
No official limit
Top SD Card Recommendations
This website contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
| SD Card | Verified | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Ultra microSD
Full Review
|
V10 | Up to 20 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Kingston Canvas Select Plus
Full Review
|
V10 | Up to 85 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
Open in full compare toolSee how the recommended cards for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.
budget
View on Amazon
SanDisk Ultra microSD
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV10
- App PerformanceA1
- Read SpeedUp to 195 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 20 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB, 1500GB
Pros
- Cheap and sold in large capacities up to 1.5TB.
Cons
- Not V30 rated. Too slow for most 4K video.
budget
View on Amazon
Kingston Canvas Select Plus
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV10
- App PerformanceA1
- Read SpeedUp to 100 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 85 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Low price with a lifetime limited warranty.
Cons
- Not V30 rated. Avoid for 4K.
Add a card to compare
SanDisk Ultra microSD
The SanDisk Ultra microSD is a high-volume budget pick offering read speeds up to 195 MB/s for quick transfers and app loading. Its lighter write performance and V10 rating make it better suited to photos and everyday storage than sustained 4K video.
Target User:
Budget-conscious smartphone and tablet users who want fast file transfers without 4K video demands
Best For:
Smartphones & Tablets, Dash Cams, Drones
Upgrade to the SanDisk Extreme microSD if you need V30-rated write speeds for 4K video; stick with the Ultra for photos and casual use where price is the priority.
Kingston Canvas Select Plus
The Kingston Canvas Select Plus is a budget microSD card that reads up to 100 MB/s and writes up to 85 MB/s. It carries U1, V10 and A1 ratings, so it suits phones, tablets, Switch and 1080p cameras, not 4K video.
Target User:
Budget-conscious content creators and mobile device users
Best For:
Smartphones & Tablets, Action Cameras, Dash Cams
For 4K video, step up to a V30 card such as the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus or SanDisk Extreme.
Featured Products on Amazon
This website contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
Check Price
View on Amazon
Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
Check Price
View on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ takes a microSD card rated Class 10 / U1 or faster. 16GB or 32GB covers most owners, and the maximum is No official limit. Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Do I need a fast card for the Raspberry Pi 3?
Yes, a Class 10 card is the minimum you should use. While the Pi 3 is not as fast as a Pi 4 or 5, using a slow, non-rated card will result in a very sluggish and frustrating user experience. An A1-rated card is the best value for performance.
Is Class 10 / U1 required for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
Yes. Class 10 / U1 guarantees 10 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ free of slow loads, stutter, or write errors. For load times, the A1 app rating matters more.
What size SD card should I get for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
16GB covers light use; 32GB suits heavy use. Maximum capacity: No official limit.
Can I use older or slower cards with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
Not below Class 10 / U1. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the Class 10 / U1 mark.
Does the brand matter for Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
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 Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
A card slower than Class 10 / U1 causes slow loads, stutter, or write errors. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+?
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.