The GoPro Hero 7 Black, Silver, and White models are fantastic action cameras, known for capturing stunning 4K video, hyper-smooth stabilization, and incredible stills. But to truly unlock their potential, you need the right memory card. A slow or unreliable card can lead to dropped frames, corrupted files, and ultimately, missed memories. That’s why finding the best card for GoPro Hero 7 is so crucial.
Choosing the ideal microSD card for your GoPro Hero 7 isn’t just about capacity; it’s about speed, durability, and compatibility. You need a card that can keep up with the demanding data rates of 4K video recording and handle whatever extreme conditions your adventures throw at it.
In this guide, we’ve hand-picked the top 5 memory cards that are perfectly suited for your GoPro Hero 7, ensuring you get smooth performance and reliable storage every single time. Let’s dive in!
What to Look for in a GoPro Hero 7 Memory Card
Before we jump into the reviews, here are a few key things to consider when choosing a memory card for your Hero 7:
- Speed Class (UHS-I U3 / V30): This is paramount for 4K video. A U3 (UHS Speed Class 3) or V30 (Video Speed Class 30) rating guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, which is essential for capturing high-resolution, high-frame-rate footage without a hitch.
- Capacity: How much storage do you need? 64GB is a good starting point, but 128GB or even 256GB will give you more recording time, especially if you shoot a lot of 4K.
- Durability: Your GoPro goes everywhere, and so should your memory card. Look for cards that are temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray proof.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar. These brands are known for reliability and performance.
Now, let’s explore some of the best card for GoPro Hero 7 options on the market.
Our Top 5 Picks for GoPro Hero 7 Memory Cards
SanDisk 128GB Micro SDXC Extreme Memory Card
If you’re looking for a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and ruggedness for your GoPro Hero 7, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme is often the go-to choice. It’s built to withstand the elements, just like your GoPro, ensuring your footage is safe no matter how wild your adventure gets. Plus, this particular bundle comes with a handy card reader, making transferring your precious memories a breeze. It’s definitely a strong contender for the best card for GoPro Hero 7 when considering overall value.
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Key Features:
- Bundle includes (1) SanDisk 128GB Micro SDXC Extreme memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli Micro Card Reader
- Transfer speeds of 160MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds
- Temperature-proof, water-proof, shock-proof, and x-ray proof
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 Black, Silver, White, and older models
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Pros:
- Excellent read and write speeds ideal for 4K video
- Highly durable and reliable in extreme conditions
- Generous 128GB capacity for extended shooting
- Includes a convenient card reader for quick data transfer
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Cons:
- Write speed (90MB/s) is great but not the absolute fastest available
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise this card for its reliability and speed with GoPro cameras. Many highlight the peace of mind that comes with SanDisk’s reputation for durability and the added value of the included card reader. It’s a solid workhorse for daily use.
TEAMGROUP GO Card 256GB Micro SDXC UHS-I U3 V30 4K
For those who never want to worry about running out of space, the TEAMGROUP GO Card 256GB is a fantastic option. Its massive capacity allows for hours upon hours of 4K footage, meaning you can record all day without swapping cards. Beyond the space, it boasts U3 and V30 speed ratings, making it perfectly capable of handling the high demands of your GoPro Hero 7, all while offering robust protection against the elements and an eco-friendly approach.
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Key Features:
- Outstanding preserve & transfer performance with up to 100MB/s read and 50MB/s write speeds
- Built for use in extreme environments: waterproof, dustproof, x-ray proof, and cold resistant
- Adopts new printing technology for an eco-friendly product
- UHS-I U3 V30 4K rating for seamless video recording
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Pros:
- Massive 256GB capacity for extensive 4K recording
- U3 and V30 compliant for smooth high-resolution video
- Highly durable with multiple protective features
- Eco-friendly manufacturing process
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Cons:
- Write speed (50MB/s) is on the lower end compared to SanDisk Extreme cards, though still sufficient for V30 requirements
- TEAMGROUP might be a less familiar brand to some compared to SanDisk
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the immense storage capacity, which reduces the need to offload footage frequently. While the speeds aren’t chart-topping, users report consistent and reliable performance for 4K video on their GoPros, making it a great value for long-form content creators.
SanDisk 256GB Micro SDXC Memory Card Extreme
Combining a huge 256GB capacity with SanDisk’s renowned Extreme performance, this card is a powerhouse for serious GoPro users. If you’re shooting a lot of 4K video at high frame rates, or embarking on long trips where offloading footage isn’t immediately possible, this 256GB beast has your back. It inherits all the robust features of the SanDisk Extreme line and comes with a card reader, cementing its status as a top contender for the best card for GoPro Hero 7 for demanding users.
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Key Features:
- Bundle includes: (1) 256GB Micro Extreme A2 Memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli Card Reader
- Transfer speeds of 160MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds
- Temperature-proof, water-proof, shock-proof, and x-ray proof
- Compatible with a wide range of GoPro models, including the Hero 7 series
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Pros:
- Exceptional 256GB capacity for extensive shooting
- High read and write speeds (UHS-I U3 / V30 equivalent)
- Extremely durable and reliable in harsh environments
- A2 rating for faster app performance (though less critical for GoPros)
- Includes a useful card reader
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to high capacity and performance
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User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the sheer capacity combined with SanDisk’s consistent reliability. It’s often cited as the ultimate “set it and forget it” card for GoPro owners who hate having to manage storage during adventures. The included reader is a bonus for quick transfers.
SanDisk 64GB Micro SDXC Extreme Pro Memory Card Bundle
When only the absolute best will do, the SanDisk 64GB Micro SDXC Extreme Pro steps up to the plate. This card offers the fastest read speeds in our lineup, ensuring that transferring your large 4K files back to your computer is done in a flash. While 64GB might seem modest compared to the 256GB options, for many users, it’s the perfect sweet spot for a single day of intense shooting, offering top-tier performance and reliability that’s hard to beat.
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Key Features:
- Bundle includes (1) SanDisk 64GB Micro Extreme Pro and (1) Everything But Stromboli (TM) Micro Card Reader
- Blazing transfer speeds of 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds
- Temperature-proof, water-proof, shock-proof, and x-ray proof
- A2 for extremely fast app performance and Speed Class 10 for Full HD video recording
- Fully compatible with the GoPro Hero 7 and other GoPro cameras
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Pros:
- Fastest read speed in the list, quick data offloading
- Excellent write speed for sustained 4K recording
- Unmatched durability and reliability from the Extreme Pro line
- Includes a convenient card reader
- A2 rating future-proofs it for various device uses
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Cons:
- 64GB capacity may be insufficient for multi-day trips or extended 4K sessions
- Premium pricing for the Pro-level performance
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User Impressions: Users report flawless 4K recording with this card, emphasizing its consistent performance under pressure. The speed for offloading footage is a frequently mentioned highlight. While some wish for more capacity, they acknowledge the trade-off for top-tier speed and reliability.
SanDisk 64GB Micro SDXC Memory Card Extreme
Rounding out our list is another excellent SanDisk Extreme option, this time in the 64GB capacity. This card offers all the core benefits of the Extreme line – robust durability, solid speeds, and A2 performance – in a more compact and often more budget-friendly package. If you primarily shoot shorter clips, or are good at offloading footage regularly, this 64GB Extreme card provides exceptional value and reliability, making it a strong choice if you’re looking for a dependable best card for GoPro Hero 7 without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- Bundle includes: (1) 64GB Micro Extreme A2 Memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli Micro Reader
- Compatible with the new Gopro Hero 7 Black, Hero7 Silver, Hero 7 White, and other GoPro models
- Temperature-proof, water-proof, shock-proof, and x-ray proof
- Transfer speeds of 160MB/s read and 60MB/s write speeds
- A2 for extremely fast app performance and Speed Class 10 for Full HD video recording
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Pros:
- Reliable SanDisk Extreme performance in a popular capacity
- Excellent durability for action camera use
- A2 rating for versatile use beyond just GoPro
- Comes with a useful card reader
- Good balance of price and performance
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Cons:
- 64GB might fill up quickly if you record a lot of 4K video
- Write speed (60MB/s) is good but not as high as the 90MB/s on the other Extreme models
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User Impressions: This 64GB Extreme card is a perennial favorite among GoPro users. They love its consistent performance, durability, and the value it provides. It’s often recommended as a perfect starter card or for those who don’t need massive storage but demand reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What speed class is absolutely essential for my GoPro Hero 7?
A1: For optimal performance, especially when recording 4K video, your GoPro Hero 7 requires a microSD card with a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or Video Speed Class 30 (V30) rating. This ensures a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, preventing dropped frames and ensuring smooth, high-quality recordings.
Q2: How much storage capacity do I really need for my GoPro Hero 7?
A2: It depends on your shooting habits! For casual users or short adventures, 64GB can be enough. If you plan to shoot a lot of 4K video, use high frame rates (like 2.7K at 120fps), or embark on multi-day trips without offloading footage, 128GB or even 256GB will give you much more peace of mind and recording time.
Q3: Can I just use any old microSD card with my GoPro Hero 7?
A3: No, absolutely not! Using a slow or low-quality card can lead to serious issues, including corrupted files, dropped frames, choppy video playback, and even camera freezing. Always use a recommended, high-speed card from a reputable brand that meets the U3/V30 speed requirements.
Q4: What’s the difference between SDHC and SDXC cards?
A4: The main difference is capacity. SDHC (High Capacity) cards range from 4GB to 32GB, while SDXC (Extended Capacity) cards range from 64GB to 2TB. Your GoPro Hero 7 supports both, but for modern high-resolution video, you’ll almost certainly be looking at SDXC cards for their larger capacities.
Q5: Why do some memory card bundles include a card reader?
A5: A card reader allows you to transfer files directly from the microSD card to your computer much faster than connecting the camera itself. This is especially useful for large 4K video files, saving you time and battery life on your GoPro. It’s a great bonus that adds convenience.
Q6: Are SanDisk cards always the best choice for GoPro?
A6: SanDisk is undeniably a top-tier brand and their Extreme and Extreme Pro lines are consistently excellent choices for GoPro cameras due to their speed, reliability, and durability. However, other reputable brands like Samsung (EVO Select/Plus) and Lexar also offer high-quality cards that work perfectly with the GoPro Hero 7.
Q7: What happens if my memory card is too slow for my GoPro Hero 7?
A7: If your card can’t keep up with the data rate, you’ll experience problems such as “dropped frames” (meaning your video will be choppy or have glitches), corrupted video files that are unplayable, and potentially the camera freezing or showing an error message like “SD card error.” It’s definitely worth investing in a proper fast card!
