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Raspberry Pi 5 SD card requirements

Best SD Card for Raspberry Pi 5

Expert recommendations based on Raspberry Pi 5 specifications

Recommended Spec

microSD (A1 or A2 rated or faster)

With a high-quality microSD A1 or A2 card, you can experience seamless app launches and buttery-smooth navigation on your Raspberry Pi 5, turning your projects into reality faster. It's ideal for developers, artists, and makers who require lightning-fast performance to bring their ideas to life.

Official Raspberry Pi 5 SD Card Requirements

  • Format: microSD
  • Minimum Speed: A1 or A2 rated (10 MB/s (Class 10) write)
  • Maximum Capacity: Up to No official limit
Why these requirements? The Raspberry Pi 5 boots its operating system from the microSD card. An 'A1' or, ideally, an 'A2' rated card is crucial for performance. These ratings signify faster random read/write speeds, which dramatically improves OS responsiveness and application loading times.

Detailed Specifications

Type
microSD
Min Speed Class
A1 or A2 rated
Write Speed
10 MB/s (Class 10)
Recommended Size
32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Max Capacity
No official limit

Top SD Card Recommendations

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SD Card Verified Speed Class Write Speed Pros Price
SanDisk Extreme microSD V30 SD card - 45USD
SanDisk Extreme microSD
 Full Review 		V30 Up to 130 MB/s
  • The gold standard. Fast
  • reliable
  • A2 rated
  • and widely available.
 $ Check Price
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus V30 SD card - 45USD
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
 		V30 Up to 90 MB/s
  • Fantastic performance. Often includes a fast reader.
 $ Check Price
SanDisk Ultra microSD V10 SD card - 20USD
SanDisk Ultra microSD
 Full Review 		V10 Up to 20 MB/s
  • Cheap
  • reliable
  • huge capacities available.
 $ Check Price

Compare These Cards

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See how the recommended cards for Raspberry Pi 5 stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.

recommended
SanDisk Extreme microSD

SanDisk Extreme microSD

 $ · Mid-Range
  • UHS RatingUHS-I
  • Speed ClassV30
  • App PerformanceA2
  • Read SpeedUp to 190 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 130 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB, 1500GB

Pros

  • The gold standard. Fast
  • reliable
  • A2 rated
  • and widely available.

Cons

  • Write speeds are slower on 32GB/64GB capacities.
View on Amazon
recommended
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus

 $ · Mid-Range
  • UHS RatingUHS-I
  • Speed ClassV30
  • App PerformanceA2
  • Read SpeedUp to 170 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 90 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Pros

  • Fantastic performance. Often includes a fast reader.

Cons

  • Harder to find in retail stores than SanDisk.
View on Amazon
budget
SanDisk Ultra microSD

SanDisk Ultra microSD

 $ · Budget
  • UHS RatingUHS-I
  • Speed ClassV10
  • App PerformanceA1
  • Read SpeedUp to 195 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 20 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB, 1500GB

Pros

  • Cheap
  • reliable
  • huge capacities available.

Cons

  • Too slow for 4K video.
View on Amazon

SanDisk Extreme microSD

The SanDisk Extreme microSD is the best-selling microSD card on Amazon, pairing V30 video speed with A2 app performance and read speeds up to 190 MB/s. It's a dependable all-rounder for 4K recording, app storage, and everyday file transfers, with capacities ranging from 32GB up to 1TB.

Target User: Smartphone, drone, and action camera users who want one reliable card for both 4K video and app storage
Best For: Action Cameras, Drones, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras

Step up to the SanDisk Extreme PRO for higher sustained write speeds, or down to the Samsung EVO Select if 4K recording isn't a priority and price matters more.

SanDisk Ultra microSD

The SanDisk Ultra microSD is a high-volume budget pick offering read speeds up to 195 MB/s for quick transfers and app loading. Its lighter write performance and V10 rating make it better suited to photos and everyday storage than sustained 4K video.

Target User: Budget-conscious smartphone and tablet users who want fast file transfers without 4K video demands
Best For: Smartphones & Tablets, Dash Cams, Drones

Upgrade to the SanDisk Extreme microSD if you need V30-rated write speeds for 4K video; stick with the Ultra for photos and casual use where price is the priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SD Card Do I Need for Raspberry Pi 5?
The Raspberry Pi 5 requires a microSD card with A1 or A2 rated speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 128GB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to No official limit, though most users find 128GB sufficient for daily use. Always choose from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Kingston to ensure consistent performance and avoid data loss.
What's more important for the Raspberry Pi 5, V30 or A2?
The A2 rating is more important. The 'V' rating (e.g., V30) is for sustained video recording speed, while the 'A' rating (Application Performance Class) is for random read/write operations, which is what an operating system does. An A2 card will feel much faster in daily use.
Is A1 or A2 rated required for Raspberry Pi 5?
Yes, A1 or A2 rated is recommended for Raspberry Pi 5. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 10 MB/s (Class 10), which is necessary for stable recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for Raspberry Pi 5?
We recommend 32GB or 64GB or 128GB cards. A 32GB card is good for typical use, with No official limit as the maximum supported capacity. Larger sizes are useful if you shoot frequently and want to minimize card swaps.
Can I use older or slower cards with Raspberry Pi 5?
Not recommended. Cards slower than A1 or A2 rated may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use A1 or A2 rated minimum for reliability.
Does the brand matter for Raspberry Pi 5?
Yes, trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston are recommended. Quality brands have better reliability and warranty support. Avoid unknown brands, especially for demanding devices.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Raspberry Pi 5?
Using cards slower than A1 or A2 rated can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to A1 or A2 rated minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with Raspberry Pi 5?
Quality SD cards typically last 3-5 years with normal use. Replace your card if you experience read/write errors, corrupted files, or if it's been dropped or exposed to extreme conditions.