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GoPro Hero 13 Black SD card requirements

Best SD Card for GoPro Hero 13

Expert recommendations based on GoPro Hero 13 Black specifications

Recommended Spec

microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible) (A2 / V30 or faster)

With a microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible) card, you can rely on uninterrupted 5.3K recording and save your action-packed videos without worrying about dropped frames. This means you get to review and relive every thrilling moment without the hassle of corrupted files or frustrating re-shoots.

Official GoPro Hero 13 SD Card Requirements

  • Format: microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible)
  • Minimum Speed: A2 / V30 (30 MB/s write)
  • Maximum Capacity: Up to 1TB
Why these requirements? Shoots 5.3K60, 4K120 and 2.7K240. V30 is the floor, not a nice-to-have. It guarantees 30 MB/s of sustained write, which comfortably covers the Hero 13's High bitrate setting of roughly 120 Mbps (about 15 MB/s) with enough headroom that a card slowing down mid-clip won't drop frames or corrupt the file. GoPro's current guidance also asks for an A2 rating on top of V30, and the Hero 13 supports cards up to 1TB, so there's no reason to cap yourself at 512GB if you shoot long days.

Detailed Specifications

Type
microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible)
Min Speed Class
A2 / V30
Write Speed
30 MB/s
Recommended Size
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Max Capacity
1TB

Top SD Card Recommendations

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SD Card Verified Speed Class Write Speed Pros Price
SanDisk Extreme microSD V30 SD card - 45USD
SanDisk Extreme microSD
Full Review
V30 Up to 130 MB/s
  • The gold standard. Fast
  • reliable
  • A2 rated
  • and widely available.
$ Check Price
Lexar Professional 633x (Blue Series) V30 SD card - 20USD
Lexar Professional 633x (Blue Series)
V30 Up to 45 MB/s
  • Reliable budget option for 1080p and basic 4K.
$ Check Price
Kingston Canvas Select Plus V10 SD card - 20USD
Kingston Canvas Select Plus
Full Review
V10 Up to 85 MB/s
  • Ultra-affordable lifetime warranty.
$ Check Price
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC U3 SD card - 20USD
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC
Full Review
U3 Up to 90 MB/s
  • Great value for budget buyers. Reliable performance for everyday use and basic 4K. A2 rated for app performance.
$ Check Price

Compare These Cards

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See how the recommended cards for GoPro Hero 13 Black stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.

recommended
SanDisk Extreme microSD

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

  • The gold standard. Fast
  • reliable
  • A2 rated
  • and widely available.

Cons

  • Write speeds are slower on 32GB/64GB capacities.
View on Amazon
budget
Lexar Professional 633x (Blue Series)

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

  • Reliable budget option for 1080p and basic 4K.

Cons

  • Significantly slower than Silver/Gold lines.
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

  • Ultra-affordable lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • Not V30 rated. Avoid for 4K.
View on Amazon

SanDisk Extreme microSD

The SanDisk Extreme microSD is the best-selling microSD card on Amazon, pairing V30 video speed with A2 app performance and read speeds up to 190 MB/s. It's a dependable all-rounder for 4K recording, app storage, and everyday file transfers, with capacities ranging from 32GB up to 1TB.

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.

Kingston Canvas Select Plus

The Kingston Canvas Select Plus offers an excellent budget option for everyday users who require reliable storage and a durable microSD card. With a read speed of up to 100 MB/s and a write speed of up to 85 MB/s, it provides a seamless user experience. The ultra-affordable lifetime warranty adds extra peace of mind for users who plan to use the card extensively.

Target User: Budget-conscious content creators and mobile device users
Best For: Smartphones & Tablets, Action Cameras, Dash Cams

Consider the Canvas Select Plus over other budget options if you prioritize high performance and durability. The Canvas Select Plus delivers impressive speeds while offering an incredible value for the price, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable and affordable microSD card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SD Card Do I Need for GoPro Hero 13 Black?
The GoPro Hero 13 Black requires a microSD UHS-I (UHS-II Compatible) card with A2 / V30 speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 1TB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to 1TB, though most users find 1TB sufficient for daily use. Always choose from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Kingston to ensure consistent performance and avoid data loss.
Can I use a regular SD card with adapter?
No, the GoPro Hero 13 Black only accepts microSD cards. Full-size SD cards will not work even with an adapter. The device specifically requires microSD format cards for compatibility.
What's the fastest card I should get?
V30 speed class is sufficient for standard GoPro Hero 13 recording. V60 or faster cards are useful only for professional multi-camera workflows, simultaneous backup recording, or future-proofing for newer, more demanding cameras. The Hero 13 has a UHS-I slot, so a UHS-II card will work but will simply run at UHS-I speeds in the camera. You'd only see the extra speed when offloading footage in a UHS-II reader.
Does the GoPro Hero 13 support a 1TB microSD card?
Yes, GoPro supports cards up to 1TB on the Hero 13. Older guidance capping GoPro at 512GB is out of date. A 1TB card is worth it if you shoot all-day sessions and don't want to swap cards in the field; otherwise two 256GB or 512GB cards are the safer buy, because a single failed card takes down everything you shot rather than half of it.
How often should I replace my SD card?
Quality V30 microSD cards typically last 3-5 years with regular use. Replace your card immediately if you experience error messages, file corruption, or refused write operations to prevent loss of critical footage.
Is V30 required for GoPro Hero 13 Black?
Yes, V30 is recommended for GoPro Hero 13 Black. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30 MB/s, which is necessary for stable recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for GoPro Hero 13 Black?
We recommend 128GB or 256GB or 512GB or 1TB cards. A 128GB card is good for typical use, with 1TB as the maximum supported capacity. Larger sizes are useful if you shoot frequently and want to minimize card swaps.
Can I use older or slower cards with GoPro Hero 13 Black?
Not recommended. Cards slower than A2 / V30 may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use A2 / V30 minimum for reliability.
Do I need a UHS card for GoPro Hero 13 Black?
UHS cards are recommended for best performance with GoPro Hero 13 Black. Non-UHS cards will work but may have slower transfer speeds. For this device, UHS-II is optimal.
Does the brand matter for GoPro Hero 13 Black?
Yes, trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston are recommended. Quality brands have better reliability and warranty support. Avoid unknown brands, especially for demanding devices.
What happens if I use the wrong card with GoPro Hero 13 Black?
Using cards slower than A2 / V30 can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to A2 / V30 minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with GoPro Hero 13 Black?
Quality SD cards typically last 3-5 years with normal use. Replace your card if you experience read/write errors, corrupted files, or if it's been dropped or exposed to extreme conditions.

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