The Best SD Card Readers
Today's SD cards are a fast and convenient way to store and transfer files but they're entirely useless without a good card reader. When it comes to SD card readers, you're going to want the best of the best. A shoddy product can mean wasted time, or in the worst-case scenario, corrupted files. With so many different options out there, it can be hard to find the perfect one that meets your needs. That's why we've done the work for you and whittled down the list to our five favorites. Our top picks range from the inexpensive to the multi-card compatible.
What to Look For
We transfer some pretty important files with those little memory cards, so we made sure to find top-notch card readers using four critical questions: Is it compatible with different operating systems? Does it have high transfer speeds? What types of SD cards can it read? Is the price fair for the quality? With these in mind, our favorite emerged from Vanja, as their USB-C card reader offers broad compatibility, speed, and durability. And with a bargain price, it’s a budget-friendly pick as well. But if you need something that can be used with smartphones, we recommend checking out our review of the compact reader from SUNTRSI below. With these standards in mind, let’s dive in.
Vanja USB-C SD Card Reader
Read with speed
Considering the compatibility, transfer speed, and reliability of the Vanja USB-C SD card reader, it’s no wonder it won our top pick. This sleek little device is compatible with both USB-C and USB 3.0 ports, meaning you can use it with most phones, tablets, and computers. Ideal for gamers, photographers, videographers, and just about anybody with big files, this card reader sports a wicked-fast transfer speed of 5Gbps. With card slots for both microSD and standard SD cards, the design is compact, durable, and travel-friendly. It’s even plug-and-play, meaning you won’t need to install any drivers. Best of all, this card reader, with all its top-of-the-line features, costs about as much as a pizza.
Pros
- Super-fast transfer speed
- Compatible with most devices
- Plug-and-play
Cons
- Not compatible with iPhones or iPads
ABLEWE 5-in-1 SD Card Reader
Condense the collection
For those endowed with multiple card types and no way to read them all, don’t worry. Instead of buying each card its own individual reader, consider getting this 5-in-1 card reader from ABLEWE. With its five different ports, you can read various SD card types. This includes SD, RS MMC, SDHC, Micro SD, Micro SDXC, and several more. Even more impressive, you can keep multiple cards plugged in simultaneously without removing them. Made out of a durable aluminum alloy, this little card reader fits nicely in your pocket for on-the-go data management.
Pros
- USB 3.0 compatible
- Easy to set up and use
- Durable aluminum case
- Maximum transfer speed of 5Gbps
Cons
- Certain card types cannot be read simultaneously
Vanja Micro USB and USB 2.0 Card Reader
High quality, low price
If you need a dependable card reader for your SD or microSD cards, Vanja has an option that might save you a couple of bucks and still serve your needs. It’s not the fastest card reader on our list, but it certainly does its job when it comes to transferring files. Pop it into your desktop or laptop via the USB 2.0 connection, or flip it around and use the micro USB port on your phone or tablet. Compatible with a wide range of operating systems and devices, this card reader boasts a shockingly low price for what it has to offer. That being said, the transfer rate is about one-tenth as fast as that of a USB 3.0 connection, so for those with massive file sizes and no time to spare, you may want to consider options in the next higher price range.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- OTG support for video playback
- Reads both microSD and standard SD
Cons
- It doesn’t feel like the most durable
SUNTRSI Memory Card Reader Compatible with SD and TF Cards
Fly between the formats
Although some still pick sides in the Apple versus PC debate, most people these days own a variety of devices from different developers. Variety is good, but it can lead to compatibility issues when you’re dealing with different operating systems and connection ports. Fortunately, SUNTRSI offers a card reader that makes swapping between platforms a breeze. The SUNTRSI 4-in-1 SD card reader supports just about every major connection type with its USB-C, USB 3.0, and micro USB plugs. Ideal for iPhone users, it even has an iPhone-compatible charging port. Small and compact, this unimposing card reader is a peacemaker for the platforms, so you can put the debate to rest (for now).
Pros
- Backup photos quickly and easily
- Can read 512GB cards
- Extremely compact
- Affordable price
Cons
- May block some headphone jacks on specific phone models
Uni Sturdy Aluminum SD & Micro SD to USB-C Card Adapter
Bring on the lightning
For those looking for a card reader that connects via USB-C, we recommend Uni’s sturdy aluminum option. Compatible with most Android devices, tablets, and Mac computers, this card reader is fast and durable. With a max transfer speed of 5Gbps, you won’t be left waiting around for your files to transfer to and from your phone. The sleek design is intended for on-the-go file management and can read microSD and standard SD cards simultaneously. And with a rugged nylon cable and aluminum body, this card reader can take quite a beating.
Pros
- Compatible with most devices
- Narrow, braided cable fits most phone cases
- Plug-and-play on many devices
Cons
- Limited to USB-C and Lightning cable connections
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transfer speed in regard to card readers, and why is it important?
A card reader is like a language translator. It interprets the data on a memory card and then translates that data into packets of information that it sends to the computer. Besides just reading the data, most card readers also help a computer write and modify the data on an SD card. Thus, a card reader helps send information in both directions between the computer and the SD card.
Transfer speed is the rate at which the card reader can pass these packets of information between the computer and the SD card. Manufacturers generally advertise the maximum rate in Megabytes-per-second. Some USB 3.0 connections are so fast that they’re measured in Gigabytes-per-second. It’s no wonder why people who store large files on their SD cards place high importance on transfer speed. When you’re trying to save RAW images, 4k videos, or video game files to your computer, a fast transfer speed is essential.
How do I know if my card reader is compatible with my computer or SD card?
With so many different types of connections, devices, and memory cards, it can be a challenge to find the right card reader. The first step is to identify what kind of memory card you have. The most common is the Secure Digital card, or SD card, though there’s a wide variety of brands, shapes, and sizes. If your card type isn’t printed on the label, try conducting a quick web search describing the shape, brand, and capacity of the card.
Once you’ve identified your card type, consider which device or devices you plan on using to transfer your files. Many of the options on our list are multi-platform compatible, meaning they can be used on devices with different operating systems. Other options have different connections for different ports. For example, with a multi-platform compatible card reader, you could potentially transfer the photos on your iPhone to your SD card and then upload them to your PC using the same card reader.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.