When it comes to capturing stunning aerial footage with your drone, having the right micro SD card is essential. As a drone enthusiast myself, I understand the importance of choosing a high-quality card that can keep up with the demands of recording in 4K resolution or capturing fast-paced action shots.
After testing various micro SD cards on the market, I have compiled a list of the best options that offer both reliability and performance for your drone. Whether you are a professional aerial photographer or simply enjoy flying your drone for fun, having a top-notch micro SD card can make all the difference in the quality of your footage.
In this article, I will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a micro SD card for your drone, as well as provide recommendations for some of the best options available. From fast read and write speeds to ample storage capacity, finding the right micro SD card can enhance your drone flying experience and help you capture breathtaking aerial shots with ease.
Choosing the Best Micro SD Card for Your Drone
When it comes to selecting the ideal micro SD card for your drone, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the storage capacity of the card is crucial. You want to ensure that you have enough space to store all of your high-quality aerial footage without running out of memory mid-flight.
Another important consideration is the speed of the micro SD card. A fast read and write speed is essential for capturing smooth, clear video footage and preventing any lag or delay in recording. Look for a card with a high-speed Class rating to ensure optimal performance.
- SanDisk Extreme Pro Micro SD Card: With its high-speed performance and ample storage capacity, the SanDisk Extreme Pro is a top choice for drone enthusiasts. Its Class rating ensures smooth recording and playback of 4K video.
- Samsung EVO Plus Micro SD Card: The Samsung EVO Plus offers reliable performance and a range of storage options to suit your needs. Its fast read and write speeds make it a great option for capturing stunning aerial footage.
- Lexar Professional Micro SD Card: The Lexar Professional is known for its durability and high-speed performance, making it a reliable choice for drone pilots. Its Class rating ensures optimal recording quality for your aerial adventures.
Overview of Micro SD Cards
When it comes to choosing a micro SD card for your drone, there are several factors to consider. The storage capacity of the card is one of the most important aspects to look at. You’ll want a card with enough space to store all your high-quality aerial footage without running out of memory mid-flight.
Another crucial factor to consider is the read and write speeds of the micro SD card. Faster read and write speeds ensure that your drone can quickly save images and videos to the card, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted recording. Additionally, the durability and reliability of the card are important, as drones are often used in rugged environments where the card may be subjected to vibrations and extreme temperatures.
- Storage Capacity: Choose a micro SD card with ample storage space for all your drone footage.
- Read and Write Speeds: Opt for a card with fast read and write speeds to ensure smooth recording and playback.
- Durability: Look for a card that is durable and reliable to withstand the rigors of drone flights.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Micro SD Card for a Drone
When selecting a micro SD card for your drone, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Storage Capacity: Consider the storage capacity of the micro SD card, as it will determine how many photos, videos, and other data your drone can store. Make sure to choose a card with sufficient space for your needs.
- Read/Write Speed: The read/write speed of the micro SD card is crucial for capturing high-quality footage without interruptions. Look for a card with a fast read/write speed to prevent lag or dropped frames.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the micro SD card is compatible with your drone model to avoid any compatibility issues. Check your drone’s specifications to determine the type and capacity of card it supports.
- Durability: Drones are often used in challenging environments, so it’s essential to choose a micro SD card that is durable and can withstand temperature extremes, moisture, and shock.
By considering these factors when selecting a micro SD card for your drone, you can ensure that you have a reliable storage solution that meets your needs and provides smooth operation during your flights.
Top Brands for Micro SD Cards
When it comes to choosing a reliable micro SD card for your drone, there are several reputable brands that stand out in terms of performance and durability. Here are some of the top brands that I recommend:
Samsung
Samsung is a well-known brand in the tech industry and has a strong reputation for producing high-quality micro SD cards. Their cards are known for their fast read and write speeds, making them ideal for capturing high-resolution photos and videos with your drone. Samsung micro SD cards are also durable and reliable, making them a popular choice among drone enthusiasts.
SanDisk
SanDisk is another leading brand when it comes to micro SD cards. They offer a wide range of options to suit different storage needs, from entry-level cards to high-performance ones. SanDisk micro SD cards are known for their compatibility with various devices, including drones, and their robust construction ensures that your data is safe even in extreme conditions.
Lexar
Lexar is a trusted brand that specializes in memory products, including micro SD cards. Their cards are known for their fast transfer speeds and reliable performance, making them a great choice for drone users who require quick access to their data. Lexar micro SD cards are also designed to withstand harsh environments, making them a dependable option for aerial photography and videography.
Comparison of Different Storage Capacities
When it comes to choosing a micro SD card for your drone, it’s essential to consider the storage capacity that best suits your needs. Different storage capacities offer varying levels of storage space, allowing you to record more footage or take more photos without constantly transferring files.
Micro SD cards are available in a range of storage capacities, including 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The smaller 32GB card is suitable for casual drone users who don’t require a large amount of storage space. It can hold a decent amount of footage and photos but may fill up quickly if you record frequently.
- 32GB: Suitable for casual users, limited storage space
- 64GB: Offers more space for recording videos and photos
- 128GB: Ideal for enthusiasts or professionals requiring ample storage
- 256GB: Provides extensive storage for extended recording sessions
Understanding Speed Class Ratings
When it comes to choosing a micro SD card for your drone, understanding the speed class ratings is essential. Speed class ratings indicate the minimum sustained write speed of the card, which is crucial for capturing high-quality video footage without any interruptions or lag.
There are different speed class ratings such as Class 10, UHS Class 1 (U1), UHS Class 3 (U3), and V30. Class 10 cards have a minimum write speed of 10 MB/s, while U1 and U3 cards have minimum write speeds of 10 MB/s and 30 MB/s respectively. V30 cards have a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s, making them ideal for recording 4K video.
- Class 10: Minimum write speed of 10 MB/s.
- UHS Class 1 (U1): Minimum write speed of 10 MB/s.
- UHS Class 3 (U3): Minimum write speed of 30 MB/s.
- V30: Minimum write speed of 30 MB/s.
Best Micro SD Cards for Drones in 2021
As a drone enthusiast, I understand the importance of having a reliable micro SD card for capturing stunning aerial footage. After testing several options, I have compiled a list of the best micro SD cards that offer high performance and durability for drone photography and videography.
1. SanDisk Extreme Pro Micro SDXC UHS-I Card
- Capacity: 128GB
- Speed: Up to 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write
- Features: V30 video speed class, UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), and A2 for faster app performance
With its impressive read and write speeds, the SanDisk Extreme Pro Micro SDXC card is perfect for capturing 4K videos and high-resolution photos with your drone. Its robust construction makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, ensuring your data is safe even in extreme conditions.
Tips for Proper Handling and Storage of Micro SD Cards
Proper handling and storage of micro SD cards are essential to ensure their longevity and performance. Here are some tips to help you take care of your valuable data storage devices:
- Handle with Care: When inserting or removing the micro SD card from your drone or card reader, make sure to do it gently to avoid any damage to the card or the device’s slot.
- Avoid Physical Damage: Keep your micro SD cards away from extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical impacts to prevent them from getting damaged.
- Use Protective Cases: Invest in protective cases or holders for your micro SD cards to keep them safe from dust, dirt, and accidental drops.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your micro SD cards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent any data corruption or deterioration.
- Label and Organize: Label your micro SD cards with the content they store and organize them properly to easily locate the data you need without risking damage from frequent handling.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your micro SD cards remain in optimal condition, allowing you to capture and store your drone footage without any worries about data loss or corruption.
Best micro sd card for drone
Features
Part Number | MB-MD512SA/AM |
Model | MB-MD512SA/AM |
Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer |
Color | Read/Write 180/130MB/s |
Release Date | 2023-04-10T00:00:01Z |
Size | 512GB |

Price history for SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSD Memory Card + Adapter, 512GB MicroSDXC, Up to 180 MB/s, Full HD & 4K UHD, UHS-I, C10, U3, V30, A2 for Android Phones, Tablets, GoPRO, DJI Drone, MB-MD512SA/AM, 2023 | |
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Features
Part Number | LMSESXX128G-B5AAU |
Model | LMSESXX128G-B5AAA |
Warranty | Lexar 10-year limited warranty for sd card and 1-year limited warranty for adapter. |
Color | 128GB x5 |
Size | 128GB x5 |

Price history for Lexar E-Series 128GB Micro SD Card 5 Pack, microSDXC UHS-I Flash Memory Card with Adapter, 100MB/s, C10, U3, A1, V30, Full HD, 4K UHD, High Speed TF Card | |
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Price history for TEAMGROUP GO Card 256GB x 5 PACK Micro SDXC UHS-I U3 V30 4K for GoPro & Drone & Action Cameras High Speed Flash Memory Card with Adapter for Outdoor Sports, 4K Shooting, Nintendo-Switch TGUSDX256GU363 | |
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Features
Part Number | SDSQXAV-1T00-GN6MA |
Model | SDSQXAV-1T00-GN6MA |
Warranty | Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty |
Color | Gold/Red |
Release Date | 2022-05-30T00:00:01Z |
Size | 1TB |
Language | English |

Price history for SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 190MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, 5K, A2, Micro SD Card- SDSQXAV-1T00-GN6MA, Gold/Red | |
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Features
Part Number | GS-2IN1666XU3V30A1-512GB-R |
Model | GS-2IN1666XU3V30A1-512GB-R |
Warranty | 5 years |
Color | 512GB 4K Camera Pro 1-Pack |
Is Adult Product | |
Release Date | 2019-04-02T00:00:01Z |
Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |

Price history for [5-Yrs Free Data Recovery] Gigastone 512GB Micro SD Card, 4K Camera Pro, A2 V30 for Smartphone, Gopro, Action Cams, 4K UHD Video, For Nintendo-Switch, Up to 100MB/s, UHS-I U3 C10 Class 10 with Adapter | |
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Features
Part Number | MSD-1TB-4-1PK |
Model | MSD-1TB-4-1PK |
Color | 1TB Camera Pro MAX 1PK |
Size | 4K Camera Pro |

Price history for [5-Yrs Free Data Recovery] Gigastone 1TB Micro SD Card, 4K Camera Pro, R/W up to 150/130 MB/s, 4K Video Recording for GoPro, DJI, Drone, MicroSDXC Memory Card UHS-I U3 A2 V30, with Adapter | |
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Features
Part Number | 64GB_TF_Extreme Pro_x5_R4 |
Model | 64GB_TF_Extreme Pro_x5_R4 |
Color | Red |

Price history for SanDisk Extreme 64GB (5 Pack) MicroSD Memory Card for DJI Mavic Mini 2, Mavic Mini, Mavic Air 2 Drone - C10 A2 V30 SDXC (SDSQXA2-064G-GN6MN) Bundle with (1) Everything But Stromboli Micro Card Reader | |
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Features
Part Number | SDSQXA1-256G-GN6MN |
Model | 256GB_TF_Extreme Pro_x2_R4 |
Color | Red |

Price history for SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 (2 Pack) 256GB MicroSD Card for DJI Mavic Mini 2, Mavic Mini, Mavic Air 2 Drone - C10 U3 A2 (SDSQXA1-256G-GN6MN) Bundle with 1 Everything But Stromboli Micro Memory Card Reader | |
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Features
Part Number | SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA |
Model | SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA |
Warranty | Lifetime Manufacturer |
Color | Red |
Language | English |

Price history for SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB + Adapter & RescuePRO Deluxe (for Smartphones, Action Cameras or Drones, A2, Class 10, V30, U3, 200 MB/s Transfer) | |
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Price history for SanDisk 128GB Extreme MicroSD (5 Pack) Memory Card for DJI FPV Drone (SDSQXAA-128G-GN6MN) Class 10 4K V30 UHS-I U3 A2 SDXC Bundle with (1) Everything But Stromboli MicroSD and SD Card Reader | |
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Q&A:
What is the best micro SD card for a drone?
The best micro SD card for a drone is one that has a high capacity, fast read/write speeds, and is compatible with your drone’s specifications. Look for brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar that offer reliable performance.
How much storage capacity should a micro SD card for a drone have?
For a drone, it is recommended to use a micro SD card with at least 32GB of storage capacity. However, if you plan to record a lot of high-quality footage or use advanced features like 4K video recording, consider opting for a 64GB or 128GB card.