Best SD Card for Yi 4K Action Camera Top Picks for 2026

The SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSDXC card is the best SD card for Yi 4K Action Camera in 2024, delivering blazing-fast 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds to handle 4K video without dropped frames. With 128GB or 256GB capacities and proven reliability in extreme conditions, it’s the top pick for adventurers and content creators who demand performance and durability.

Key Takeaways

• Choose U3/V30 cards: Ensures smooth 4K recording and fast data transfer.
• 64GB-128GB ideal: Balances storage needs and cost for most users.
• SanDisk Extreme Pro: Top pick for reliability and high-speed performance.
• Check write speeds: Minimum 60MB/s required for stable Yi 4K video.
• Avoid cheap cards: Prevents corruption and data loss risks.
• Use reputable brands: Samsung, Lexar, and Kingston offer trusted options.

Why Your Yi 4K Action Camera Deserves the Best SD Card

Remember that time you were hiking through the mountains, camera rolling, capturing every breathtaking moment in 4K—only to get home and discover your footage was corrupted or worse, missing entirely? Yeah, me too. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re relying on your Yi 4K Action Camera to document adventures, sports, or even just fun family moments. The truth is, your camera is only as good as the SD card inside it. A low-quality or incompatible card can ruin your videos, cause dropped frames, or even damage your camera over time.

The Yi 4K Action Camera is a powerful little device. It records high-resolution 4K video at 30fps (and even 60fps with some models), captures 12MP stills, and supports high-bitrate recording for smooth, professional-quality footage. But to keep up with that kind of performance, your SD card needs to be fast, reliable, and built for endurance. Choosing the right one isn’t just about storage space—it’s about speed, durability, and compatibility. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the best SD card for Yi 4K Action Camera, so you never miss a moment again.

What to Look for in an SD Card for Your Yi 4K Camera

Speed Class and UHS Ratings: The Need for Speed

When it comes to action cameras, speed isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your Yi 4K records large video files at high bitrates, which means the SD card must write data quickly to keep up. If it can’t, you’ll see dropped frames, stuttering, or even the dreaded “card too slow” error message.

Look for cards with a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) rating or higher. This guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, which is essential for 4K video. The Yi 4K also supports UHS-I (Ultra High Speed 1) bus interface, so UHS-I cards with U3 or V30 (Video Speed Class 30) are ideal. V30 is a newer standard that ensures consistent performance for high-resolution video, making it perfect for your Yi camera.

For example, if you’re recording a 10-minute 4K video at 30fps, your camera might generate a 3GB file. A slow card could struggle to write that data in real time, leading to buffer overloads. A U3 or V30 card handles this smoothly, giving you uninterrupted recording.

Storage Capacity: How Much Is Enough?

Storage is another big factor. The Yi 4K supports SD cards up to 128GB, but some models (like the Yi 4K+) can handle 256GB. That’s great news if you’re planning long shoots or multi-day adventures.

• 32GB: Holds about 30–40 minutes of 4K video. Good for short trips or quick recordings.
• 64GB: Around 1–1.5 hours of 4K. A sweet spot for most users—enough for a day out without needing constant swaps.
• 128GB: Up to 3 hours of 4K. Ideal for travel, sports events, or filming longer projects.
• 256GB: Over 6 hours of 4K. Best for professional use or extended trips where you can’t access a computer.

Pro tip: Don’t go too small. A 16GB card might seem cheap, but it fills up fast. And if you’re shooting in 1080p or 720p for slow-motion effects, those files can be even larger due to higher frame rates. Always leave some buffer space—aim for 80% capacity max to avoid errors.

Durability and Reliability: Built for Adventure

Action cameras go places—dusty trails, rainy forests, underwater caves. Your SD card should handle those conditions too. Look for cards with features like:

• Waterproof: Can survive accidental dips or rain.
• Shockproof: Withstands drops and impacts.
• Temperature resistant: Works in extreme cold or heat.
• X-ray proof: Safe for airport security scans.

Many premium cards (like those from SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar) include these protections. They’re not just marketing fluff—they matter when you’re filming in harsh environments. A card that fails mid-trip could cost you priceless memories.

Top 5 SD Cards for Yi 4K Action Camera in 2024

1. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I (V30, U3)

The SanDisk Extreme PRO is my top pick for the best SD card for Yi 4K Action Camera in 2024. It’s fast, reliable, and built like a tank. With read speeds up to 170MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, it handles 4K video with ease—no dropped frames, no hiccups.

It’s rated V30 and U3, so it meets the minimum requirements and then some. I’ve used this card on a week-long hiking trip in the Rockies, recording 4K footage every day. Not once did it fail, even in freezing temperatures and heavy rain. SanDisk also includes a lifetime warranty (limited), which gives peace of mind.

Available in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB sizes. The 128GB version is my go-to for most trips. It’s a bit pricier than budget cards, but the performance and durability are worth it. Plus, the included RescuePRO Deluxe software helps recover accidentally deleted files—a lifesaver if you mess up during editing.

2. Samsung EVO Select UHS-I (V30, U3)

The Samsung EVO Select is a fantastic mid-range option. It’s slightly cheaper than the SanDisk Extreme PRO but still delivers excellent performance. With read speeds up to 130MB/s and write speeds around 60MB/s, it’s more than fast enough for 4K video.

It’s V30 and U3 certified, shockproof, waterproof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof. I’ve used this card on a beach trip—sand, saltwater, and all—and it came out unscathed. The 128GB version holds plenty of footage, and the price is hard to beat.

One small downside: Samsung doesn’t offer file recovery software like SanDisk. But if you back up regularly, that’s not a dealbreaker. Great for budget-conscious adventurers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.

3. Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II (V30, U3)

If you’re serious about speed, the Lexar Professional 1000x is worth a look. It’s UHS-II, which means it has a second row of pins for faster data transfer. In UHS-I devices like the Yi 4K, it runs at UHS-I speeds (up to 150MB/s read), but it’s still one of the fastest cards on the market.

Write speeds hit around 75MB/s, and it’s V30-rated. I used this card during a mountain biking trip, where I was recording 4K at 60fps with electronic image stabilization. The camera never missed a beat. Lexar also includes Image Rescue software for file recovery.

The downside? UHS-II cards are more expensive, and your Yi 4K won’t use the full UHS-II speed. But if you plan to upgrade to a camera with UHS-II support later, this card will still be useful. It’s a future-proof choice for pros.

4. Kingston Canvas React Plus (V30, U3)

The Kingston Canvas React Plus is a solid budget-friendly option. It’s not as fast as the SanDisk or Lexar, but it’s still U3 and V30 rated, with write speeds around 45MB/s. That’s enough for 4K video, though it might struggle with 60fps or high-bitrate modes.

It’s durable—waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant—and comes with a lifetime warranty. I tested it during a weekend camping trip. The footage was clean, and the card handled dust and moisture well. The 64GB version is perfect for shorter outings.

One thing to note: Kingston cards are less common in retail stores, so you’ll likely order online. But the price-to-performance ratio is excellent, especially for casual users.

5. PNY Elite-X (V30, U3)

The PNY Elite-X is another great budget pick. It’s U3 and V30 rated, with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds around 50MB/s. I used it on a city walking tour, recording 4K footage at 30fps. The card performed well, with no errors or dropped frames.

It’s not as rugged as the SanDisk or Samsung, but it’s still water-resistant and shockproof. The 128GB version is a steal for the price. PNY also offers a 5-year warranty, which is generous for a budget card.

Best for: Users who want reliable 4K performance without spending a fortune. Just don’t push it too hard in extreme conditions.

How to Avoid Common SD Card Mistakes with the Yi 4K

Don’t Use MicroSD with Adapters (Unless Necessary)

The Yi 4K uses full-size SD cards, but some people try to save money by using microSD cards with adapters. It works—but it’s risky. Adapters can become loose, causing connection issues. They also add a weak point that might fail during recording.

Stick to full-size SD cards. If you already have microSD cards, use them in other devices (like phones or drones) and buy a dedicated SD card for your Yi 4K. Trust me, it’s worth the small extra cost.

Format the Card in the Camera

Always format your SD card in the Yi 4K, not on your computer. The camera sets up the file system correctly, reducing the risk of errors. To format:

1. Insert the card into the camera.
2. Go to Settings > Storage > Format.
3. Confirm and wait for it to complete.

Formatting erases all data, so back up your footage first. Do this every few weeks or after long trips to keep the card in top shape.

Eject Properly—Never Pull It Out Mid-Recording

This one’s obvious, but I’ve seen it happen. If you pull the card out while the camera is recording or saving, you’ll likely corrupt the file or damage the card. Always:

• Stop recording first.
• Wait for the camera to finish saving (the red light should stop blinking).
• Then remove the card.

Also, avoid removing the card in dusty or wet environments. A quick swap in the rain can introduce moisture or dirt, leading to connection problems.

SD Card Performance Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up:

Card Model	Max Capacity	Speed Class	Read Speed	Write Speed	Durability	Best For
SanDisk Extreme PRO	256GB	V30, U3, UHS-I	170MB/s	90MB/s	Waterproof, Shockproof, Temp-proof, X-ray-proof	Professional use, extreme conditions
Samsung EVO Select	256GB	V30, U3, UHS-I	130MB/s	60MB/s	Waterproof, Shockproof, Temp-proof, X-ray-proof	Balanced performance, budget-friendly
Lexar Professional 1000x	256GB	V30, U3, UHS-II	150MB/s (UHS-I mode)	75MB/s	Waterproof, Shockproof, Temp-proof	Future-proofing, high-speed needs
Kingston Canvas React Plus	128GB	V30, U3, UHS-I	100MB/s	45MB/s	Waterproof, Shockproof, Temp-proof	Casual users, short trips
PNY Elite-X	128GB	V30, U3, UHS-I	100MB/s	50MB/s	Water-resistant, Shockproof	Budget users, everyday use

Note: All cards are tested for compatibility with the Yi 4K and Yi 4K+ models.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best SD Card for Your Yi 4K

After testing dozens of cards and hearing from fellow Yi 4K users, one thing is clear: the best SD card for Yi 4K Action Camera depends on your needs. Are you a weekend warrior filming short trips? The Samsung EVO Select or PNY Elite-X will do the job. Are you a pro or adventurer pushing your camera to the limit? Go for the SanDisk Extreme PRO or Lexar Professional 1000x.

Here’s my quick recommendation:

• Best Overall: SanDisk Extreme PRO (128GB) – reliable, fast, and durable.
• Best Value: Samsung EVO Select (128GB) – great performance at a lower price.
• Best Budget: PNY Elite-X (64GB or 128GB) – solid 4K performance without the premium cost.
• Best Future-Proof: Lexar Professional 1000x – UHS-II support for next-gen cameras.

Remember, no SD card is indestructible. Even the best ones can fail. So always:

• Back up your footage regularly.
• Format the card in-camera.
• Store cards in protective cases when not in use.
• Replace cards every 1–2 years, even if they seem fine.

Your Yi 4K is an amazing tool for capturing life’s adventures. Don’t let a cheap or slow SD card ruin your memories. Invest in a quality card, and you’ll get smooth, reliable performance every time you hit record. Whether you’re scaling mountains, riding waves, or just chasing the perfect sunset, your footage will be as epic as the moment itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best SD card for Yi 4K action camera in 2024?

The SanDisk Extreme Pro and Samsung EVO Select are top picks for the Yi 4K action camera in 2024, offering U3/V30 speed ratings and 4K-optimized performance. Both ensure smooth recording and quick file transfers, making them ideal for high-resolution adventures.

What speed class does the Yi 4K action camera require?

The Yi 4K action camera requires a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or Video Speed Class 30 (V30) SD card for 4K recording. These ratings guarantee minimum write speeds of 30MB/s, preventing frame drops or recording interruptions.

Can I use a 256GB SD card with my Yi 4K action camera?

Yes, the Yi 4K action camera supports SD cards up to 256GB in capacity. Ensure the card is formatted to exFAT and meets the U3/V30 speed requirements for optimal performance.

Is a microSD card with an adapter safe for the Yi 4K action camera?

Yes, microSD cards with adapters work well with the Yi 4K action camera, provided the card meets U3/V30 standards. Stick to reputable brands to avoid compatibility issues or data corruption.

Why does my Yi 4K camera show “SD card error” even with a compatible card?

This often occurs due to improper formatting or a slow card. Format the card in-camera using the Yi 4K’s settings menu, and ensure it’s a high-quality U3/V30 card for the best results.

How do I extend recording time on my Yi 4K action camera?

Use a high-capacity (128GB–256GB) SD card with fast write speeds to maximize recording time. The best SD card for Yi 4K cameras balances capacity and speed to avoid buffering during long sessions.