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Raspberry Pi 4 Model B SD card requirements

Best SD Card for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Expert recommendations based on Raspberry Pi 4 Model B specifications

Recommended Spec

microSD (Class 10 / U1 or faster)

The Pi 4 boots from microSD over an interface that tops out near 50 MB/s. An A1 card gives the best random-read speed it can use; A2 adds nothing on this board.

Official Raspberry Pi 4 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: Up to 2TB (SDXC spec limit)
Why these requirements? Like all Raspberry Pis, the Pi 4 runs its OS from the microSD card, so random access speed, not video throughput, is what makes it feel fast. That's the A (Application Performance Class) rating, and an A1 card is the spec that matters here. Paying extra for A2 on a Pi 4 is usually wasted money: A2's advantage comes from command queuing, which the Pi 4's SD host support doesn't take advantage of, so A2 cards generally perform about the same as A1 on this board. The Pi 4's card interface also tops out around 50 MB/s regardless of how fast the card is rated, so a premium high-speed card won't stretch its legs. Save the A2 and SDR104 spending for a Pi 5.

Detailed Specifications

Type
microSD
Min Speed Class
Class 10 / U1
Write Speed
10 MB/s
Recommended Size
32GB, 64GB
Max Capacity
2TB (SDXC spec limit)

Top SD Card Recommendations

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SD Card Verified Speed Class Write Speed Pros Price
SanDisk Ultra microSD V10 SD card - 20USD
SanDisk Ultra microSD
 Full Review 		V10 Up to 20 MB/s
  • Cheap and sold in large capacities up to 1.5TB.
 $ Check Price
Kingston Canvas Select Plus V10 SD card - 20USD
Kingston Canvas Select Plus
 Full Review 		V10 Up to 85 MB/s
  • Low price with a lifetime limited warranty.
 $ Check Price
Samsung EVO Select (Blue) V30 SD card - 20USD
Samsung EVO Select (Blue)
 		V30 Up to 60 MB/s
  • Low price per GB with V30 and A2. 10-year limited warranty.
 $ Check Price
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC U3 SD card - 20USD
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC
 Full Review 		U3 Up to 90 MB/s
  • Low price with A2 for apps and U3 for 4K up to about 100 Mbps.
 $ Check Price

Compare These Cards

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See how the recommended cards for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.

budget
SanDisk Ultra microSD

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.
View on Amazon
budget
Kingston Canvas Select Plus

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.
View on Amazon
budget
Samsung EVO Select (Blue)

Samsung EVO Select (Blue)

 $ · Budget
  • UHS RatingUHS-I
  • Speed ClassV30
  • App PerformanceA2
  • Read SpeedUp to 130 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 60 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Pros

  • Low price per GB with V30 and A2. 10-year limited warranty.

Cons

  • Writes slower than the SanDisk Extreme.
View on Amazon

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SD Card Do I Need for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B?
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B takes a microSD card rated Class 10 / U1 or faster. 32GB or 64GB covers most owners, and the maximum is 2TB (SDXC spec limit). Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Is a V30 card good for a Raspberry Pi 4?
A V30 rating is not the most important spec. Look for an A1 or A2 rating instead. The V30 rating is for video and doesn't affect OS performance. The Application Performance Class (A1/A2) is what makes the Pi 4 feel fast and responsive.
What is the minimum recommended capacity for Raspberry Pi 4?
A 32GB card is a good minimum for Raspberry Pi OS with a desktop environment. This leaves enough space for installing several applications and for project files. For more complex projects or storing media, 64GB or larger is recommended.
Will a faster card make my Raspberry Pi 4 faster?
Only up to a point. The Pi 4's SD card interface runs at roughly 50 MB/s, so once your card comfortably clears that, a faster rating on the label buys you nothing on this board. Moving from a cheap no-name card to a decent A1 card is a real, noticeable upgrade; moving from a good A1 card to a premium A2 one generally isn't. The Pi 5 raised that ceiling to about 100 MB/s and added the A2 support the Pi 4 lacks.
Is Class 10 / U1 required for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B?
Yes. Class 10 / U1 guarantees 10 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Raspberry Pi 4 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 4 Model B?
32GB covers light use; 64GB suits heavy use. The maximum is 2TB (SDXC spec limit).
Can I use older or slower cards with Raspberry Pi 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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.

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