Recommended Memory Cards for the GoPro HERO (2014)

Not every memory card will work or work well in a GoPro HERO (2014 model). Here are some recommendations for ones that will.

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Please note that there are now two cameras with the model name GoPro HERO. This post refers to the first one, released in 2014. In early 2018, they released a new camera also named the GoPro HERO. With the old model, you can’t use a memory card larger than 32GB. The new model does not have that limitation. I have a separate post on the best SD cards for the GoPro HERO (2018) here.

The GoPro HERO works with a wide variety of microSD cards that are on the market today, but there are still things you need to watch out for when buying one. And not every card is good value for use in a HERO; you don’t necessarily need to fork out the big bucks for the latest, greatest, and fastest memory card out there because once you meet the HERO’s minimum write speed requirements you’re not going to get any benefit in the camera.

The short version is that the GoPro HERO will work with memory cards up to 32GB with a minimum speed rating of Class 10.

64GB cards will not work in the GoPro HERO (2014).

Recommended Memory Cards for the GoPro HERO (2014)

If you’re looking to buy a new card for your GoPro HERO (2014), these offer good value combinations of speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. It’s by no means an exhaustive list of all microSD cards that are compatible with this camera.

In general, it’s best to go with a brand name and to purchase from a reputable retailer to avoid getting stuck with an underperforming counterfeit card.

SanDisk Ultra

SanDisk 32GB Ultra MicroSDHC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - 98MB/s, C10,...
  • Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, and MIL cameras
  • Capacities up to 512GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.) to store even more hours of...
The SanDisk Ultra line is one of the most popular of the Class 10 cards. While its write speed is not fast enough for the high-end video modes available on the HERO4 cameras, it is fast enough for use in a HERO. The card is available in 32GB and 16GB. One thing to watch out for is that SanDisk has had some confusing branding changes recently, and there are two versions of the Ultra available. The newer, faster, and better one is red and gray as in the picture here. The older version is entirely dark gray. The newer version comes with an SD adapter (the older version usually doesn’t).

Buy at: Amazon

SanDisk Extreme

SanDisk 32GB Extreme microSDHC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to...
  • Up to 60MB/s write speeds for fast shooting (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower...
  • Up to 100MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high-res images and 4K UHD videos (Based on internal...
The SanDisk Extreme is faster than the HERO needs, but it presents excellent value because of the way memory card flash memory technology keeps improving and prices falling. It comes with an SD adapter.

Buy at: Amazon

Lexar 300X

Lexar High-Performance MicroSDHC 300x 32GB UHS-I/U1 w/Adapter Flash Memory...
  • Premium memory solution for tablets, sports camcorders, and smartphones
  • Quickly captures, plays back, and transfers media files, including 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video
Lexar is another big player in the memory card game and makes excellent cards. This model meets the speed requirements of the HERO and is significantly less expensive than the faster offerings by Lexar. It comes with a USB adapter.

Buy at: Amazon

Samsung EVO Select

This is Samsung’s mid-range offering and works well in the GoPro HERO. It comes with an SD adapter.

Buy at: Amazon

Kingston Canvas Select

Kingston Canvas Select 32GB MicroSDHC Class 10 MicroSD Memory Card UHS-I...
  • Class 10 UHS-I speeds upto 80MB/s read ( Speed may vary due to host and device configuration)
  • Multiple capacities upto 256GB
Kingston is not as well known as SanDisk or Lexar, but they make good memory cards that are often excellent value. It comes with an SD adapter.

Buy at: Amazon

Transcend Premium

Transcend 32GB microSDHC Class10 Uhs-1 Memory Card with Adapter 60 MB/S...
  • Supports Ultra High Speed Class 1 specification (U1); Class 10 compliant
  • Up to 45 MB/s
Transcend is another company that often flies beneath the radar and yet makes very good flash memory cards. This is their mid-range card that meets the speed requirements of the GoPro HERO and presents excellent value. It comes with an SD adapter.

Buy at: Amazon

Not Recommended for the GoPro HERO (2014)

64GB cards or larger will not work in the GoPro HERO (2014). So make sure your card is 32GB or 16GB.

The limitation is because cards that are 64GB and above use a different disk format (exFAT) than those that are 32GB or below (FAT32). And the HERO (2014) can’t use cards that are formatted as exFAT.

General Tips

  • It’s always a good idea to format the card regularly in your camera rather than with a computer. That gets the card set up in a way that the camera expects and needs.
  • SD cards are pretty reliable these days, but they are still sophisticated electronic devices and a small percentage of them do fail. Always test the card before filming that once-in-a-lifetime footage.
  • I also have a more general guide to the best SD card for GoPro cameras that covers more GoPro models.

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-06-05 at 02:14. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Best SD Cards for GoPros

Since 2013, after running into trouble with an SD card that was too slow for the HERO3 Black, I've been putting together my recommendations on the best SD cards for GoPro cameras. Because some GoPro models have specific requirements, I've also put together detailed model-specific pages.

David Coleman / Photographer

David Coleman

I'm a freelance travel photographer based in Washington DC. Seven continents, up mountains, underwater, and a bunch of places in between. My images have appeared in numerous publications, and you can check out some of my travel photography here. I've been shooting with GoPros for years, starting with the HD HERO, and have owned and used every model since. More »