Having the correct microSD memory card for your dashcam is just as important as using the right key for a lock. Without the correct key, you can’t unlock the door; without the correct microSD card, your dashcam footage won’t be saved as it should.
While high-tech dashcams will often arrive with the correct microSD card ready to be slotted in, this isn’t always the case. As most dashcams have no internal memory, a microSD card is the only way to actually save any footage for potential evidence, so it’s important to find a reliable one.
With microSD cards offering an often bamboozling array of numbers and letters on their packaging, and considering the sheer quantity of dashcam SD cards available, it’s easy to feel lost among these little plastic squares. We’ve compiled this guide to explain everything and help you choose the right microSD card for your dashcam.
The best microSD card for dash cams at a glance
The best microSD card for dashcams
Editor's choice
Rrp: $14.99
Rrp: $14.99
An inexpensive bundle is also available that includes a microSD reader, which plugs into your computer's USB port, so you can quickly and easily access the footage stored on the card.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Solid performance
Cons
- Nothing at this price point
The best SD card for Nextbase dashcams
Rrp: $99.99
Rrp: $99.99
Pros
- Perfect for Nextbase dash cams
- Big capacity
Cons
- Check compatibility
Best value high capacity storage SD card
Pros
- Good value
- Long recording time
Cons
- Slightly, but not noticeably slower than some others
Best budget SD card
Pros
- Great for day-to-day use
- Low purchase price
Cons
- Not suitable for 4K recording
Best SD card for 4K recordings
Pros
- High data transfer rate
- Ideal for 4K recording
Cons
- Transfer speed can slow slightly when dealing with large amounts of data
Dashcam micro SD card FAQs
What size of memory card do I need?
This is often the only piece of information about microSD cards that people know. Before you even think about what size of microSD card you want, you need to find out what size of microSD your dashcam can take, as they have a certain maximum memory card size that varies between models.
Budget dashcams often have a maximum of 32GB or 64GB, while the best dash cameras – those with higher video quality (1440p or 4K) – can usually cater for larger sizes, often up to 256GB or as much as 1TB.
How much footage will a micro SD card hold?
The amount of footage a microSD card can store depends on its size and the quality of the footage:
32GB: 4-5 hours of 1080p; 3 hours of 1440p; 1 hour of 4K
64GB: 8-10 hours of 1080p; 6 hours of 1440p; 2 hours of 4K
128GB: 20 hours of 1080p; 12 hours of 1440p; 4-5 hours of 4K
256GB: 40+ hours of 1080p; 25 hours of 1440p; 9-10 hours of 4K
Other variables, such as frame rate and whether you’re using a dual dashcam, will also impact how much footage your microSD card can store.
Is memory card speed important?
Fortunately, most microSD cards are fast enough even for 4K, so speed is not something you need to worry too much about, but nevertheless it’s helpful to know what’s what.
On a microSD card you will see a ‘U’ with either a 1 or 3 inside it; a ‘C’ probably with a 10 inside it; and perhaps a ‘V’ with a value next to it. The ‘U’ stands for Ultra High Speed, the ‘C’ stands for Class, and the ‘V’ stands for Video Speed Class. They all refer to the writing speed (read speed isn’t that important with microSD cards for dashcam use, because writing footage to the card is the priority).
If your microSD card is Class 10, U1, U3, V10, or V30, that’s enough. For 4K, you will want to go for U3/V30. Fortunately, even these high-speed cards aren’t expensive.
How long will a micro SD card last?
It’s important to understand that the life of a microSD card inside a dashcam is a hard one. The constant overwriting of footage gives dashcam microSD cards a limited lifespan. Many makers and retailers of microSD cards consequently void the warranties of standard cards if they’re used in dashcams because of this, so you need to pick a microSD made for dashcams or read the fine print carefully.
U3/V30 microSD cards are intended for dashcam (and security camera) use, so you should opt for one of these if you can. Some microSD cards such as Samsung’s Evo Plus and San Disk’s High Endurance or Max Endurance microSD cards will offer better durability than others. It also pays to stick with reputable brands such as Samsung, SanDisk and Kingston, rather than the cheapest.
This is also why memory cards for dashcams benefit from regular inspection to ensure that they’re still working properly. You might find that your dashcam tells you that your card is full or unreadable, when it should otherwise be okay, indicating that a failure has occurred.
Parkers’ favourite dashcams
Editor's pick
Like the top-end 622GW, it is very well put together and is something you notice the moment you lift it from the box. Aesthetically, it’s a winner too thanks to its brushed metal front plate. It is the perfect dashcam for the driver who undertakes the usual day-to-day tasks and long road trips because it offers value and relevant features. If you’re up for getting a dashcam hardwired into your car, and fit this dashcam, you’ll rarely have to think about it.
Best budget dashcam
The best dashcam features aren’t overlooked in the Orskey, either; the S680 records in FHD 1080p at 30fps; it has six infrared LEDs around the lens to help improve night vision, plus WDR software to improve image clarity. Having a 170° wide angle is also very useful, and also 30 degrees wider than Nextbase dashcams.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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