Memory card prices have doubled in 2026. Do you need to buy one separately for your dash cam? Learn how to avoid hidden costs and choose smarter.
Introduction
If you're planning to buy a dash cam in 2026, there’s one hidden cost most people overlook: the memory card.
Just a few months ago, a 128GB microSD card cost around $17. Today, that same card can cost $40 or more. That means choosing the wrong dash cam could quietly add $50+ to your total cost.
So the real question isn’t just “which dash cam should I buy?” — it’s:
👉 Do you actually need to buy a memory card separately, or should it already be included?
1. Why Memory Card Prices Are Rising
Memory card prices are rising due to AI demand and supply shortages. Manufacturers prioritize enterprise storage, leaving less supply for consumers.
2. Real Scenario: What Happens If You Don’t Have a Memory Card?
Imagine this:
You’re driving home at night. A car suddenly cuts into your lane and causes a minor accident. You know it wasn’t your fault.
But when you check your dash cam… there’s no footage.
Why?
👉 Because you forgot to install a memory card.
👉 Or the card wasn’t compatible.
👉 Or it failed due to low endurance.
This happens more often than people think.
3. Do All Dash Cams Include a Memory Card?
EN：
No. Most dash cams do not include a memory card.
That means after buying the device, you still need to:
- Choose the right card
- Understand specs like U1, U3, A1, A2
- Spend extra money
4. The Hidden Cost of Buying Without a Card
A high-endurance 128GB card now costs $40–$70.
That’s not a small expense — it can be nearly half the price of the dash cam itself.
Hidden costs include:
- Compatibility risk
- Fake products
- Time spent researching
5. Detailed Comparison
| Item | With Card | Without Card |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Setup | Plug & Play | Complicated |
| Risk | Low | High |
| Time Cost | Minimal | High |
| Compatibility | Guaranteed | Uncertain |
6. Product Comparison
| Model | Price | Includes Card | Real Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERUNSOUL D016 | $100+ | ✅ Yes (128GB) | $100+ |
| VIOFO A229 Pro | $300+ | ❌ No | $350+ |
| Others | $80–150 | ❌ No | $120–220 |
👉 Real cost matters more than listed price
7. A Smarter Choice: Ready-to-Use Dash Cam
A dash cam that includes a memory card saves time, money, and effort.
The TERUNSOUL D016 offers:
- 4K+4K recording
- WiFi
- Parking mode
- Free 128GB card
No setup stress. No hidden cost.
8. How Much Can 128GB Record?
A 128GB card can store around 2–4 hours of dual 4K footage. With loop recording, old files are automatically overwritten.
9. Final Thoughts
Memory prices are rising — and likely won’t drop soon.
👉 Choosing a dash cam with a memory card today could save you more than you expect.
FAQ
Q1: Do dash cams work without an SD card?
No, they need storage to record video.
Q2: Is 128GB enough?
Yes, for most users.
Q3: What happens when storage is full?
Loop recording overwrites old footage.
Q4: Can I use any SD card?
No, high-endurance cards are recommended.
Q5: Why are memory cards so expensive now?
Due to AI demand and supply shortage.
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