Best SD Cards For Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Expert recommendations based on Raspberry Pi 5 specifications
Recommended Spec
microSD (A1 or A2 rated or faster)
The Pi 5 boots from microSD over an SDR104 interface, about 100 MB/s, double the Pi 4. It supports the command queuing that A2 cards use, so an A2 card makes the OS feel faster here.
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#1 Top Pick for Raspberry Pi 5
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Official Raspberry Pi 5 SD Card Requirements
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Format: microSD
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Minimum Speed: A1 or A2 rated (10 MB/s (Class 10) write)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to 2TB (SDXC spec limit)
Why these requirements? The Raspberry Pi 5 boots its operating system from the microSD card, and it's the first Pi that can read one quickly: the Pi 5's SD interface supports SDR104, roughly doubling the bus speed to about 100 MB/s versus the ~50 MB/s ceiling on the Pi 4. To see that, you need a UHS-I card that's rated for it. A slow card is the single most common cause of a Pi 5 that feels sluggish. Beyond raw throughput, look for an A2 rating: the 'A' (Application Performance Class) ratings describe random read/write speed, which is what an operating system does all day, and unlike the Pi 4 the Pi 5 supports the command queuing that lets A2 cards deliver on it. If you need more speed than any microSD can give, the Pi 5's PCIe connector accepts an M.2 HAT and NVMe SSD.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD
Min Speed Class
A1 or A2 rated
Write Speed
10 MB/s (Class 10)
Recommended Size
32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Max Capacity
2TB (SDXC spec limit)
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 | |
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
|
SanDisk Ultra microSD
Full Review
|
V10 | Up to 20 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
Open in full compare toolSee how the recommended cards for Raspberry Pi 5 stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.
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.
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.
budget
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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.
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.
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.
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 Raspberry Pi 5?
The Raspberry Pi 5 takes a microSD card rated A1 or A2 rated or faster. 32GB or 64GB or 128GB 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.
What's more important for the Raspberry Pi 5, V30 or A2?
The A2 rating is more important. The 'V' rating (e.g., V30) is for sustained video recording speed, while the 'A' rating (Application Performance Class) is for random read/write operations, which is what an operating system does. An A2 card will feel much faster in daily use.
Is an A2 card worth it on the Pi 5, or is A1 fine?
On the Pi 5, A2 is worth paying for, which was not true on the Pi 4. A2 cards get their speed advantage from command queuing, and the Pi 4's SD host support never took advantage of it, so A2 cards there performed much like A1. The Pi 5 changed that, and it also raised the bus speed to SDR104 (~100 MB/s vs ~50 MB/s). If you're reusing a card from an older Pi, that's the upgrade you'd feel.
Should I use an NVMe SSD instead of a microSD card on the Pi 5?
If your project is disk-heavy, yes. The Pi 5 added a PCIe connector, so with an M.2 HAT you can boot from an NVMe SSD several times faster than any microSD card, with far better write endurance. A good microSD card is still the simpler and cheaper choice for general desktop use, learning projects, and anything you'll reimage often.
Is A1 or A2 rated required for Raspberry Pi 5?
Yes. A1 or A2 rated guarantees 10 MB/s (Class 10) of sustained write, which keeps the Raspberry Pi 5 free of slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Raspberry Pi 5?
32GB covers light use; 128GB suits heavy use. The maximum is 2TB (SDXC spec limit).
Can I use older or slower cards with Raspberry Pi 5?
Not below A1 or A2 rated. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the A1 or A2 rated mark.
Does the brand matter for Raspberry Pi 5?
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 5?
A card slower than A1 or A2 rated 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 5?
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.