12 best memory cards for dvr

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

When choosing a flash memory card for a smartphone, camera or any other gadget, many ordinary consumers are only interested in its capacity. Less often ask the question of the speed of writing and reading. And even less often they find out other parameters, such as compatibility with a specific device, but it is these parameters that are sometimes the most important, especially when it comes to their work in DVRs.

The editorial staff of the magazine has prepared for you an overview of the most current flash cards, most closely adapted for use in DVRs. Our dedicated experts have selected three groups of models with the maximum coverage of compatibility.

How to choose a memory card for a DVR

First, let's clarify the main points that should be borne in mind when choosing a memory card specifically for the DVR, and not for other, less demanding gadgets. This will help you better navigate the 2020 market conditions and make an informed choice.

What a memory card for a DVR should be able to do

Unlike most other ways of using an SD flash card and its derivatives, in a DVR such memory is most often subjected to a constant and continuous load. During the work on the way, data is continuously recorded on it, and when the volume is full, the recording continues (automatically with grouting old records or manual restarting) in a new circle. This means that a card, by definition, must have an increased rewriting resource, and not all models have this property.

The critical factor is the write speed, and in this context it is incomparably more important than the read speed. After all, if the DVR is new and configured to record video in high resolution, and even with geodata and other related information, then insufficient speed will cause fragmentary recording, which can become an unpleasant, if not fatal factor in resolving controversial situations.

The amount of memory is an important, but at the same time, a minor point. A large card requires less attention, and less often you need to merge data from it for storage. Often times, larger flash cards automatically mean higher data rates. But such specimens are much more expensive – often a multiple of the increase in volume.

Finally, compatibility. New cards may simply not be supported by DVRs of previous generations, and for a morally outdated, but solid and working device, a memory card must be selected especially carefully.

The most important differences between memory cards

1. The first and most obvious difference is the form factor. The options used in DVRs are SD, MicroSD, CompactFlash, SXS. Here, when choosing a model, there is no need to guess – which format is compatible with the DVR, that should be bought. The most common is MicroSD. For greater versatility, you can buy a MicroSD card with an adapter (adapter) for a large SD slot, and often manufacturers supply just such mini-kits. In our review, we will consider exactly the MicroSD format, optionally with an adapter.
2. The second point that determines whether the flash card will work in the DVR even if it physically enters it is the speed class. Here, if we ignore the subtle nuances, two criteria are distinguished – the speed class and the data organization format, and these criteria are closely interrelated.
3. So, if your DVR can record a stream with the maximum FullHD quality, then a card with a speed class of 10 (indicated on the card itself) will suffice. These are microSDHC cards, their minimum write speed is 10MB / sec, while the actual speed can be several times higher. A speed class lower than 10 for the normal operation of a more or less modern DVR is impractical to consider. Optimally, if the card also belongs to the UHS class 1, it is marked with a '1' icon.
4. If your DVR is more advanced and can record video in UHD 4K resolution, then you will need a UHS 3 class card – it is marked with a '3' icon. Here, the minimum speed is already 30MB / s, and the upper limit can exceed a hundred MB / s. UHS class 3 with high speeds automatically assumes a more perfect data organization format and, accordingly, the card format is microSDXC.
5. Now, the capacity of the memory card. The maximum volume for microSDHC cards is 32GB. For the microSDXC format, on the contrary, 32GB is the minimum base volume, while expensive models are hundreds of gigabytes in terms of volume. The most voluminous maps are prohibitively expensive and it is not very advisable to use them, if only for the reason of 'not keeping all eggs in one basket'.
6. And a few words about backward compatibility. A significant part of users of old model DVRs do not see the need to change an outdated, but properly working model. But rapidly developing technologies dictate their own terms, and old registrars may not support cards with a volume of 32GB or more. In this case, everything is quite simple – you need to select a card of such a volume that the recorder can 'digest'. Fortunately, there are still plenty of cards with a volume of 16GB or less on the 2020 market.

Rating of the best memory cards for DVR

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best microSDHC memory cards for dash cam	1	SanDisk Ultra microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I 80MB / s 32GB	285 r
	2	Kingston Canvas Select microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I U1 32GB + SD adapter (SDCS / 32GB)	390 RUB
	3	Transcend microSDHC 300S Class 10 UHS-I U1 32GB + SD adapter	363 r
	4	SmartBuy microSDHC Class 10 32GB + SD adapter	210 RUB
Best microSDXC memory cards for dash cam	1	SanDisk Ultra microSDXC Class 10 UHS Class 1 A1 100MB / s 64GB + SD adapter	890 RUB
	2	Transcend microSDXC 300S Class 10 UHS-I U3 A1 V30 128GB + SD adapter	RUB 1,041
	3	Samsung Evo Plus U3	1 290 rub.
	4	Viofo Professional High Endurance	RUB 1,490
The best memory cards for older dashcams	1	Kingston SDCS / 16GBSP	191 r
	2	SanDisk Ultra microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I 80MB / s 16GB	210 RUB
	3	SmartBuy microSDHC Class 10 8GB + SD adapter	181 r
	4	Transcend microSDHC 300S Class 10 8GB	RUB 290

Best microSDHC memory cards for dash cam

And now we turn to the analysis of specific models. In the first collection, we will consider microSDHC memory cards, the maximum size of which cannot exceed 32GB. Actually, we will take such 32GB cards into account, fortunately, they cost a few hundred rubles. This capacity is enough to record approximately 160 minutes of video in Full HD, and at a lower resolution – almost a multiple of the time.

Experts have suggested each position as an example, and in the model range of each manufacturer there are specimens identical in technical characteristics, only of a smaller volume. As a rule, there is no fundamental difference between 32GB and 16GB cards of the same line. As a rule, the price difference in this segment is also minimal.

SanDisk Ultra microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I 80MB / s 32GB

Rating: 4.9

First, consider an inexpensive, reliable microSDHC memory card from the well-known SanDisk brand. The brand is associated with the American corporation of the same name. Most of the products are manufactured in China.

As you can see from the specification, this card belongs to the speed classes Class 10 and UHS-I, which implies a write speed of at least 10MB / s. Here we draw your attention to the fact that there may be a very similar card on sale with a HIGH ENDURANCE mark in the specification. Despite such a loud statement, it applies only to Class 10 and does not support UHS-I, which means it has limitations on read and write speed. Do not take into account the HIGH ENDURANCE wording, as these are just words that do not commit to anything. Hereinafter, this applies to all cards with loud slogans in the name. It is the speed class that matters, which should be marked, as we described above.

As for the reviewed model, the manufacturer emphasizes a good 80MB / s read speed, but modestly keeps silent about the write speed. And this is quite understandable, since in this respect the card barely fits into the minimum characteristics of the class. So, according to tests carried out by specialists, the write speed of small files corresponds to a minimum of 10MB / s, occasionally dropping to 8MB / s. As for large files, the write speed here reaches 15MB / sec and even slightly higher.

Against the background of not too record speed, this model pleases with endurance. The official warranty period is 1 year, and the declared service life is 3 years. There are cases of failure and failure, but not higher than the statistical error.

The obvious disadvantage here is the real volume, which may be less by 2 or even 3 GB. Although this is a 'disease' of many cards, experts still credit this circumstance as a disadvantage. A less obvious drawback is a noticeable percentage of failure before the manufacturer's stated service life. Therefore, after the warranty period, you should think about replacing it 'just in case', since the price is more than affordable. The old card can be rearranged into a smartphone or any other gadget, where, with a much lower load, it can work for more than one year.

Advantages

• generally reliable and trouble-free;
• affordable price;
• high reading speed.

disadvantages

• a noticeable percentage of failure before the declared service life;
• the real volume can be less than 10%.

Kingston Canvas Select microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I U1 32GB + SD adapter (SDCS / 32GB)

Rating: 4.8

The second item is the kit – a microSDHC card with an SD adapter for a large slot. Manufacturer – American company Kingston. The products themselves are manufactured in China and Taiwan.

The declared read and write speed for this model is exactly the same as for the previous one – 80MB / s – read, 10MB / s – write. And independent tests show that this model exactly matches the official specifications, even slightly better than the previous one, that is, without drawdowns when recording small files.

The manufacturer also emphasizes that this model belongs to the V10 class according to another standard – Video Speed ​​Class. This is the standard by which memory cards are classified depending on the speed of recording video files. In this case, V10 stands for the second most efficient class. The informational content of such a classification is not very representative, since it only emphasizes belonging to the C10 class, that is, the ability to write any data at a speed of at least 10MB / s. But this also confirms once again that the card can confidently record video in FullHD 1080 resolution.

What's remarkable about this card is the warranty period. There are discrepancies here on various trading platforms – 60 or 120 months. But, in any case, even a 5-year warranty is a lot. Another thing is that when used in DVRs, even such an increased resource will give a real life (according to users' observations) only 2-3 years. One way or another, if we take the average figure, this model is noticeably more hardy and durable than the previous one.

And one more thing – unlike the previous model, there is practically no noticeable discrepancy between the declared volume and the real one.

Advantages

• compliance of speed and reading with the declared characteristics;
• reliability;
• increased resource;
• SD adapter included;
• long warranty period.

disadvantages

• no fundamental shortcomings have been identified.

Transcend microSDHC 300S Class 10 UHS-I U1 32GB + SD adapter

Rating: 4.7

Continuing the review of the best memory cards for DVRs, a model of another well-known world manufacturer of flash drives, Transcend, similar in class and volume.

Here we see slightly higher declared performance indicators in terms of read speed – up to 95MB / s; and significantly, several times higher rates of write speed – up to 45MB / s. Yes, indeed, the write speed of this model is noticeably higher, but in terms of the upper limit, the whole trick is in this 'do'. The write speed is extremely rare up to 45MB / s, but in general the speed is still higher than that of the neighboring models. Variations may depend on the performance of the DVR itself. Almost all the same can be said about the reading speed.

Transcend also advises users of some of the card's operating conditions. So, the officially permissible operating temperature range is from -25 to +85 degrees Celsius. Protection class – IPX7. This means that the card is completely protected from dust penetration and can confidently withstand immersion under water to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Like its predecessor, Transcend comes with a 60-month warranty on this model. There is one drawback in this card, and that is not a fundamental one for everyone – the real volume does not correspond to the declared 32GB, but a little less.

Advantages

• increased maximum read speed;
• significantly increased maximum write speed;
• protection class IPX7;
• 60 months warranty;
• SD adapter included.

disadvantages

• the real volume is slightly more than 29GB.

SmartBuy microSDHC Class 10 32GB + SD adapter

Rating: 4.6

The first part of the review of the best memory cards for DVRs according to the magazine is completed by one of the most bought models of the SmartBuy trademark. The secret of such popularity on all more or less well-known trading floors in Russia is the simplest – the minimum cost.

We emphasize right away that miracles do not happen, and such an affordable price, and even with an adapter in the kit, cannot but contain a catch. Here it is expressed in the low endurance of the card. This can already be seen from the warranty period. If previous manufacturers are not afraid to give a warranty for their flash cards for 5 years or more, SmartBuy offers a standard 12 months, and does not declare the service life at all. In user reviews, you can see not the smallest percentage of complaints about failure after six months or a year of use.

All things considered, this model is listed as the 'best temporary' card for DVRs in our review. It is best suited if you urgently need to replace your existing card, and there is only a few hundred rubles available. Then, at the first opportunity, it is better to change it to something more durable.

Now about dry statistics. Independent tests show that this card is not without difficulty, but still fits into the write speed of 10MB / s, which corresponds to class 10. Reading is slightly faster – 17MB / s, sometimes up to 20MB / s. Different testing programs may show different results, but on average the results converge at the indicated level.

Advantages

• corresponds to the declared speed indicators;
• SD adapter included;
• the most affordable price;
• best temporary memory card for dvr.

disadvantages

• fragility, only applicable as temporary.

Best microSDXC memory cards for dash cam

The second selection of the best memory cards for DVRs includes models of a much more powerful format. If for the previous group 32GB of volume is the maximum, then for microSDXC it is the minimum. These models are suitable for new or not outdated registrars capable of working with large-volume cards. Selected instances can record video in UHD 4K resolution.

SanDisk Ultra microSDXC Class 10 UHS Class 1 A1 100MB / s 64GB + SD adapter

Rating: 4.9

The first in this part of the review is to analyze another SanDisk brand card, but this time in microSDXC format. Hereinafter, we will mean the volume of 64GB, although in the same line there are copies of the basic volume – 32GB, and much more – 128GB and above. This particular series is known for serious discounts at the start of sales, which attracted a large audience. It must be said that most of the buyers were not disappointed, and the line remains stable in demand to this day.

As you can see from the specification, this model complies with speed class 10 and also supports UHS-I class. This means that the DVR can easily record a video stream with a FullHD resolution on the card. The declared read speed is 100MB / s. The minimum write speed, according to the class, is 10MB / s, the real write speed, according to independent tests, is up to 30MB / s.

In general, this is a very good and reliable 'workhorse', for which the manufacturer gives a decent 3-year warranty. And this is an international guarantee that is really valid, so there are practically no questions about the service from the official representatives of SanDisk.

The only thing is that for the microSDXC format, the speed characteristics are still closer to the basic ones, and for two-channel recorders or video recording with a high bitrate, you should still look at a more productive model with a higher price. We will consider this as the second point.

Advantages

• reliability;
• durability;
• affordable price;
• the real write speed is much higher than the declared one;
• valid 3 years warranty.

disadvantages

• relatively low speed as for microSDXC.

Transcend microSDXC 300S Class 10 UHS-I U3 A1 V30 128GB + SD adapter

Rating: 4.8

The second number in this part of the review is already a much more interesting memory card of the Transcend trademark. It is twice as large as the previous one, but this is not the main thing. And most importantly – its capabilities in terms of data exchange speed.

The first noticeable advantage of this model is compliance with the U3 class and the V30 video recording speed standard. This assumes that the minimum write speed to the card is 30MB / s. The declared read speed is 95MB / s. Independent tests show that the read speed is generally in line with the stated, and the write speed can even be higher than the minimum 30MB / s.

Here we emphasize that this particular model with a volume of 128GB corresponds to the U3 class with its speeds. A card with exactly the same specification, but on 64GB, will already be of the U1 class with a much lower write speed, and it is no longer suitable for high bitrates and dual-channel recorders.

The card comes with an adapter for a large SD slot. The manufacturer's declared nominal service life of this model is 730 days.

Advantages

• large volume;
• speed class U3;
• write speed exceeds the declared one;
• Suitable for 2-channel DVRs and 4K recording;
• reliability;
• SD adapter included.

disadvantages

• no obvious flaws were found.

Samsung Evo Plus U3

Rating: 4.7

The third number in this part of the review is one of the most popular Samsung microSDXC memory cards. It has outstanding characteristics in terms of data exchange speed, but it has some purely recommendatory limitations from the manufacturer.

Let's immediately clarify this point about the restrictions. The Evo Plus U3 is Samsung's so-called 'red' series of microSDXC memory cards, renowned for not only impressive speeds, but also stability, long lifespan and low failure rates. However, the manufacturer himself clearly states that cards of this series are not recommended for use in video surveillance systems and other similar devices, where multiple rewriting is expected.

In fact, this warning does not mean that the Evo Plus U3 card in the DVR will immediately burn out or will not work normally. The thing is that Samsung gives this line at least a five-year warranty, and if you use it continuously and repeatedly overwrite it for 5 years, the card will definitely not survive. However, with strong equals, the reliability and durability of this model is noticeably higher than that of any other of the above. So Samsung's statements like this are just a policy to protect ourselves from unnecessary claims and returns.

As for the specific speed indicators, there is full compliance with the U3 class. The average read speed is up to 100MB / s, and the write reaches 90MB / s. Obviously, this model is definitely suitable for recording high bitrate video in high definition 4K.

Most often, the package includes an adapter for a large SD slot, and the price for such a kit is more than competitive;

Advantages

• brand;
• reliability;
• durability;
• compliance with class U3;
• high real write speed;
• suitable for 4K recording;
• SD adapter included.

disadvantages

• no objective disadvantages have been identified.

Viofo Professional High Endurance

Rating: 4.6

And to conclude this collection of reviews of the best memory cards for DVRs, probably the most interesting model from the Viofo brand. We will see sufficient read and write speeds here, but not as outstanding as in the case of the Samsung flash card described above. So what is the advantage of this particular model?

It's all about the manufacturer, or rather, about the original technological orientation of this model. Viofo is a well-known manufacturer famous for its wide range of DVRs. And in this particular case we are talking about a memory card, which is initially 'sharpened' for heavy loads, long continuous sessions and multiple rewriting. So the High Endurance formulation here is not pretty words, but the reality itself.

This model belongs to the UHS-3 class. Nominal declared speed of writing 30MB / s, reading – up to 80MB / s. Depending on the characteristics of the receiving device, the writing speed may even be higher than the stated one.

We emphasize once again – despite the relatively low speed compared to the previous model, it is completely sufficient for recording video with high bitrate and 4K resolution.

Advantages

• maximally adapted for heavy loads and multiple rewriting;
• high endurance, reliability and reliability in general;
• UHS-3 class;
• sufficient speed for 4K recording and use in two-channel recorders;
• SD adapter included.

disadvantages

• no serious disadvantages have been identified.

The best memory cards for older dashcams

The third and final collection in the review of the best memory cards for DVRs according to the magazine presents cards with a volume of less than 32GB. Such solutions may be suitable for obsolete, but working DVRs, which their owners do not see the point in changing to more advanced modern models.

Kingston SDCS / 16GBSP

Rating: 4.9

The first is a Kingston SDCS card. Specifically, this modification has a capacity of 16GB, but the model range offers other options, both smaller and larger, respectively, already in SDXC format.

The declared read speed of this model is quite high – up to 80MB / s. Writing is much slower at 10MB / s. But this is already a guaranteed speed, since the card fully complies with class 10 in speed and at the same time supports the UHS-I class, which is indicated in the marking on the case.

The manufacturer provides an official warranty for this model for a period of 12 months. Moreover, the declared service life is much longer. The real service life with intensive use in the DVR, according to users' observations, is 2-3 years, and this can be considered a good result.

In general, the card calls for a very good combination of price, features and quality. Refusals are extremely rare and are not considered a regularity.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• supports UHS Class 1;
• sufficiently high speeds;
• reliability and reliability;
• durability.

disadvantages

• no fundamental flaws were identified.

SanDisk Ultra microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I 80MB / s 16GB

Rating: 4.8

Another memory card that is highly popular, despite the modest size of 16GB, or perhaps because of this. This is the third member of the SanDisk Ultra series, and overall performance is very similar to the card of the same brand in the first category.

So, here the formats are the same – microSDHC; and the speed classes are Class 10 UHS-I, which means that the write speed must be at least 10MB / S. Actually, this is actually the case – independent tests show a minimum write speed of about 10MB / s. The card does not show 'miracles' like a significant excess of the declared indicator, and this is expected, since this does not happen often in small-volume cards. Pleases high read speed – up to 80MB / s.

The declared service life is 3 years, and it coincides with the warranty period, which can be considered an advantage of this model. The card is half the price of the previous one of the same size and with comparable capabilities, but it has a much wider sample of feedback from real users.

Advantages

• quite reliable;
• durable;
• the declared service life coincides with the period of the official warranty;
• UHS-I support;
• high reading speed.

disadvantages

• not fundamental.

SmartBuy microSDHC Class 10 8GB + SD adapter

Rating: 4.7

We will also halve the barrier of the minimum volume and in the third paragraph of the section we will consider an 8GB memory card of the SmartBuy trademark, which has already appeared in the first section.

In this price category, the difference between the cost of models is in the tens of rubles, so it is pointless to highlight any advantages in price. Here you should be guided only by considerations of compatibility with the receiving device and the performance of the card itself.

In terms of speed, this card belongs to class 10, which implies a minimum write speed of 10MB / s. Reading speed is not particularly emphasized by the manufacturer, and this is understandable. Whereas the majority of other manufacturers' memory cards show a reading speed several times higher than the write speed, SmartBuy here grazes the back ones – the reading speed is only slightly higher than the same 10MB / s.

Official manufacturer's warranty – 12 months. However, judging by the feedback from users, it is not so easy to change the card or return the money – the supplier simply may not respond to complaints in any way. This is when it comes to the official manufacturer's warranty. If there is a desire to insure even such a small purchase amount (less than 200 rubles), then one can only hope for a guarantee of the point of sale.

Advantages

• quite reliable;
• speed class – 10;
• SD adapter included.

disadvantages

• low reading speed;
• difficult to return under an official guarantee.

Transcend microSDHC 300S Class 10 8GB

Rating: 4.6

Completing this collection, and at the same time the entire review of the best memory cards for DVRs according to the magazine, a model of the Transcend trademark comparable to the previous card in formal characteristics.

The similarities between these cards are manifested in the minimum size – 8GB, belonging to the speed class 10 and the manufacturer's warranty for a period of 12 months. This is where the similarities almost end and the differences begin. The read speed is slightly higher here, the write speed is almost the same, but depending on the specific DVR, it can be slightly higher than the nominal.

In terms of reliability and durability, this model boasts more positive feedback than the SmartBuy, but it is also almost twice as expensive.

In the review above we have already featured the Transcend 300S series card. However, there is no need to be deceived, as belonging to the series here does not oblige much. This model does not even have the same characteristics. Actually, it should not have them, since it is designed for a completely different class of devices.

Moreover, the warranty for this model is 1 year, the declared service life is 730 days. On average, it works for users – 2-3 years.

Advantages

• sufficiently reliable and trouble-free;
• read and write speed corresponds to the declared class, and in some places even higher;
• real service life more or less corresponds to the declared one.

disadvantages

• no fundamental flaws were found.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.