Are you struggling to access the data on your memory card? Or, maybe you want to transfer images and video files from your camera to your laptop? Sadly, not all laptops come with a slot for memory cards. You will need a memory card reader to help you do the job! This helpful tool allows you to quickly transfer data from all types of memory cards to other devices, like computers and phones.
After thorough research, Vanja's SD Card Reader got our attention for its three connection types, compact size, and dual-slots. Read on to see the other memory card readers that made it to our list. We've made sure to include a wide variety of products! We also discussed important pointers to keep in mind when shopping for a reader in our buying guide.
Our list highlights a wide variety of memory card readers. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. You're sure to find that will meet your specific needs!
USB C
$8.99
Media type supported | SD, TF |
---|---|
Connection type | USB A, USB C, micro USB |
Data transfer rate | 480 Mbps |
Dimensions | 3 x 1 x 0.04 in. |
Reads | 1 at a time |
$17.99
Media type supported | SD, TF, CF, MS |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-A |
Data transfer rate | 5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | 2.2 x 2.7 x 0.6 in., 1.5 ft. cable |
Reads | 4 at a time |
$16.99
Media type supported | SD, TF |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-A |
Data transfer rate | 5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | 1.38 in. wide |
Reads | 2 at a time |
$29.00
Media type supported | SD |
---|---|
Connection type | Lightning |
Data transfer rate | 480-5,000 Mbps (depending on iOS software) |
Dimensions | Not specified |
Reads | 1 |
$21.99
Media type supported | SD, TF, CF, MS |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-C |
Data transfer rate | 5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | Not specified |
Reads | Not specified |
$11.99
Media type supported | SD, TF |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-A |
Data transfer rate | 5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | 2.6 x 0.8 x 0.5 in. |
Reads | 2 at a time |
$15.95
Media type supported | SD, TF, CF, MS, M2, XD |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-A |
Data transfer rate | 5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | 2.83 x 1.88 x 0.5 in., 21 in. cable |
Reads | 5 at a time |
$17.99
Media type supported | SD, TF, CF, MS |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-A |
Data transfer rate | 480-5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | 2 x 3.5 in, 2.5 ft. cable |
Reads | 4 at a time |
$14.99
Media type supported | SD, TF |
---|---|
Connection type | USB Type-A, USB Type-C, micro USB, lightning cable |
Data transfer rate | 5,000 Mbps |
Dimensions | 2.8 x 1.4 x 0.4 in. |
Reads | 1 at a time |
$13.99
Media type supported | SD, TF |
---|---|
Connection type | Lightning |
Data transfer rate | 20-30 Mbps |
Dimensions | Not specified |
Reads | 1 |
Image | 1 ![]() Vanja | 2 ![]() Ugreen | 3 ![]() Anker | 4 ![]() Apple | 5 ![]() SmartQ | 6 ![]() Ugreen | 7 ![]() zedela | 8 ![]() Warkky | 9 ![]() Suntrsi | 10 ![]() Suntrsi |
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Name | SD Card Reader | USB 3.0 Card Reader | USB 3.0 SD | Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader | USB 3.0 Pro | USB 3.0 Card Reader | Multi Card Reader | SD Card Reader | SD Card Reader | SD Card Reader |
Features | Dual Memory Card Reader With 3 Ports | High-Speed Reader With 4 Slots | Compact Reader That Reads 2 Memory Cards at Once | Transfer Files From SD Cards to Apple Products | USB Type-C Memory Card Reader With 4 Slots | Portable Dual Card Reader With a Keychain Holder | Versatile Card Reader With 7 Slots | 7-in-1 Card Reader With an LED Indicator | Compact Reader With 4 Ports | Charge and Transfer Data to and From Apple Products |
Price | $8.99 | $17.99 | $16.99 | $29.00 | $21.99 | $11.99 | $15.95 | $17.99 | $14.99 | $13.99 |
Media type supported | SD, TF | SD, TF, CF, MS | SD, TF | SD | SD, TF, CF, MS | SD, TF | SD, TF, CF, MS, M2, XD | SD, TF, CF, MS | SD, TF | SD, TF |
Connection type | USB A, USB C, micro USB | USB Type-A | USB Type-A | Lightning | USB Type-C | USB Type-A | USB Type-A | USB Type-A | USB Type-A, USB Type-C, micro USB, lightning cable | Lightning |
Data transfer rate | 480 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 480-5,000 Mbps (depending on iOS software) | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 480-5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 20-30 Mbps |
Dimensions | 3 x 1 x 0.04 in. | 2.2 x 2.7 x 0.6 in., 1.5 ft. cable | 1.38 in. wide | Not specified | Not specified | 2.6 x 0.8 x 0.5 in. | 2.83 x 1.88 x 0.5 in., 21 in. cable | 2 x 3.5 in, 2.5 ft. cable | 2.8 x 1.4 x 0.4 in. | Not specified |
Reads | 1 at a time | 4 at a time | 2 at a time | 1 | Not specified | 2 at a time | 5 at a time | 4 at a time | 1 at a time | 1 |
Link |
A memory card reader streamlines transferring data from memory cards to another device, like a computer or phone. Often used by photographers, a card reader lets you quickly look at pictures taken from your camera. Here are some important factors to consider to pick the best one!
Memory cards come in a range of sizes, memory capacities, and transfer speeds. People use them to store data like videos and photos on their cameras, phones, and other devices. The memory card reader you decide to get should support the media type you use. This is the most crucial factor when making a purchase!
The main memory card types are SD (SDHC, SDXC, RS-MMC, MMC Micro), TF (MicroSD, MicroSDHC, MicroSDXC), CF (CompactFlash), and MS (MS Pro, MS Pro-HG, MS Pro Duo). SD stands for Secure Digital, TF for T-Flash Card, and MS for Memory Stick.
Generally, mobile phones use TF cards, which are commonly referred to as MicroSD cards. Digital cameras use SD, SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity), SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity), and all TF card types. Laptops and computers typically work with SD, SDHC, and SDXC.
On the other hand, tablets only use MicroSD cards. Lastly, DSLR and digital cameras use SDHC, SDXC, and CF cards. Memory card readers will specify what media types they support and how fast they can transfer the data from the cards to your device, which will be explained in-depth in the following section.
A memory card reader can have multiple connection types. Do you want to connect the device to your computer? Or, do you plan to connect it to your smartphone? The connection type you should get depends on where you plan to transfer, read, and write data.
The most common connection types memory card readers have are USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and lighting cables. USB Type-A is the most common connection type; it is rectangular shaped and can be found in almost all laptops.
On the other hand, USB Type-C came out in 2014. It is more versatile and offers a faster transfer connection than its predecessor that came out in 1996. It also connects to Android phones. However, not all laptops and computers have a port that supports this sleek connector.
Lastly, some memory card readers come with a lightning cable connector. These devices are used mainly for transferring data from Apple products to SD cards. Some memory card readers with a lighting cable come with different ports that allow you to transfer data while charging your phones.
Although memory card readers come in compact sizes as small as a flash drive, you can find others as large as an external hard drive. Consider the card reader’s size and ease of storage when making your purchase.
If you are an on-the-go photographer who owns multiple memory cards and needs to view the RAW file on laptops or smartphones, go for compact card readers. Typically, the more media types the card reader supports, the bulkier it will be.
While most memory card readers can only read one card at a time and require you to pull out other cards in the dock, some readers can read multiple cards simultaneously. You will find memory card readers that specify that they can handle three, four, and sometimes five cards at the same time!
Card readers that can only support one type of memory card are usually smaller in size. Smaller options usually plug right into your device, while larger ones often have cables. Readers with cables take up more space than those that stick directly in a laptop or computer. However, longer cables give you more room to move your device around.
The last factor to look into when buying a memory card reader is the device's software compatibility and if you need to install computer drivers before use. Some readers are driver-free and automatically work for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and iPhones.
Other readers require a quick download of a driver before it can be detected on your device. As soon as your computer has detected your memory card reader, it will tell you what driver you need.
Readers also have different transfer speeds. We suggest looking for USB 3.0 memory readers with a speed of around 5,000 megabits per second for the fastest transfer time. Lower speeds will still work, but they take more time, especially if you have large files or many photos!
Are you looking for new memory cards and a place to store them? We've got you covered!
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