Still waiting on progress bars while your 8K footage crawls to your computer? Your CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD cards can fly—if your reader keeps up. The wrong reader turns a pro camera into a bottleneck (or worse, invites flaky connections and corrupted transfers).
In this guide, we analyzed and compared seven memory card readers built for photographers, from dual-slot CFexpress Type B/SD powerhouses to simple USB-C SD dongles. We ranked them by speed support, slot flexibility, build, and workflow perks—headlined by the ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II Dual-Slot Reader at 90/100 and the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B/SD USB 3.2 at 78/100.
You’ll learn which reader fits your cards and computer, what USB 3.2, SD 4.0, UHS-II (and UHS-I) actually mean for transfer times, and whether you’re better off with a pro dual-slot or a compact single-slot option. We’ll compare picks from ProGrade, Lexar, SanDisk Professional, Apple, Acer, Anker, and Rocketek so you can ditch the delays and start editing sooner.
- Our #1 pick, ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II Dual-Slot Reader, scored 90/100—true ~1.25 GB/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 and simultaneous CFexpress+SD offloads mean your 8K and wedding shoots import in minutes, not hours.
- Best value alert: Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B/SD USB 3.2 (78/100) packs dual-slot versatility up to 10 Gbps and includes both USB-C and USB-A cables—great speed without overspending.
- Protect irreplaceable family clips: SanDisk Professional PRO-Reader SD/microSD (74/100) adds a rugged aluminum shell and a write-protect switch, while Acer’s UHS-II SD 4.0 dual-slot (74/100) hits ~312 MB/s with 100W PD for on-location backups.
- Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader (72/100) is the grab-and-go UHS-II pick for iPhone/iPad/Mac—dump photos between locations before those moments vanish.
- Need pocket-friendly options? Anker’s UHS-II dual-slot reader (70/100) speeds SD/microSD to ~312 MB/s, and Rocketek’s 7-in-1 hub (63/100, $18.80) handles mixed formats—just note they don’t support CFexpress or top-end pro speeds.
- We cut through USB 3.2, SD 4.0, and UHS-I vs UHS-II jargon to match the right reader to your cards and computer—avoiding bottlenecks and safeguarding years of family memories.
CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II Dual-Slot Memory Card Reader by ProGrade Digital | USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Professional Filmmakers, Photographers & Content Creators
Amateur and professional photographers, videographers and content creators who use CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II cards and need fast, reliable offloads on the go (4K/8K workflows, drone and cinema cameras).
- True pro-grade speeds — USB 3.2 Gen 2 rated up to ~1.25 GB/s and simultaneous CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II transfers, so it won’t bottleneck CFexpress workflows when used with a compatible host.
- Designed for on-the-go pro use — compact, rugged build with a magnetic adhesive plate to mount to laptops and a 2-year warranty for reliability.
- Strong market signals — 4.6★ (1,658 reviews) and ‘400+ bought in past month’ show current demand and good user satisfaction.
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) host to reach advertised speeds — older USB ports will bottleneck transfer rates.
- Limited native card type coverage — supports CFexpress Type B and full-size SD (UHS-II); microSD users need adapters and there’s no other card form-factor support.
Need to move massive RAWs and 8K clips without waiting around? This ProGrade dual-slot CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II reader lands at #1 in our 2025 guide with a 90/100 because it delivers true pro-grade speed and a smart, travel-ready design. A top pick among the best sd card readers if you want fewer bottlenecks and more time creating.
With USB 3.2 Gen 2 throughput up to 1.25 GB/s and simultaneous CFexpress + SD transfers, you can dump a day’s shoot in minutes, not hours. That means quicker imports in Lightroom, faster backups on set, and immediate turnaround for clients and online content.
If you shoot high-bitrate 4K/8K, weddings with dual-card recording, or drones plus a main camera, this choice keeps everything moving. Snap it to your laptop with the magnetic plate and build a mini ingest station in a car, hotel lobby, or on a mountaintop. Have a 10 Gb/s USB-C port? You’ll unlock the full speed this reader can offer.
What stands out is the balance of durability and polish: compact, rugged housing, Refresh Pro support, and a 2-year warranty. Solid real-world proof backs it up (4.6★ rating and strong recent sales), and at $71.99 it pays for itself by shaving hours off your editing week. For busy creators, that’s real value.
Bottom line: if CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD are part of your workflow, this model is the one to get. It streamlines ingest, protects your schedule, and gives you pro confidence wherever you work. Buy it with confidence—our #1 choice for fast, reliable offloads in 2025.
Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B / SD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Reader, Transfer Speeds Up To 10Gbps, Designed for CFexpress Type B and SD Cards (LRW520U-RNBNG) CFexpress Readers CFexpress Type B / SD USB 3.2 Reader
Photographers and videographers who need a reliable, portable reader for SD and CFexpress Type B cards at an affordable pro-friendly price; great for fast SD/UHS-II workflows and many CFexpress use cases where maximum multi-GB/s speeds are not required.
- Dual-slot design (CFexpress Type B + SD) lets pros and hybrid shooters offload both card types without swapping readers.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) supports fast transfers for SD UHS-II cards and many CFexpress workflows.
- Includes both USB-C->C and USB-A->C cables for broad host compatibility out of the box.
- 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 is a practical cap — will bottleneck the fastest CFexpress Type B cards (high-end CFexpress cards can exceed 10 Gbps).
- Not Thunderbolt/USB4 — pros who need maximum CFexpress throughput for multi-GB/s transfers should prefer a TB3/TB4 reader.
Need a fast, do-it-all reader for both SD and CFexpress Type B? This Lexar dual-slot model lands at #2 in our roundup of the best sd card readers, earning a solid 78/100 for its blend of speed, versatility, and price. It’s the kind of plug-and-go tool that keeps your projects moving and your focus on the edit.
Shoot long wedding days, drone flights, or 8K B-roll? USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) means you can dump big RAW batches and lengthy clips quickly, then jump straight into your timeline. It’s built for UHS-II SD and many CFexpress workflows, trimming wait times so you can review, back up, and deliver faster.
If you’re a hybrid shooter juggling mirrorless SD cards and CFexpress Type B, this pick is a time saver. The dual-slot layout lets you offload both formats without swapping readers, and the compact body slips easily into a sling, DIT cart, or travel kit. Two included cables (USB-C to C and A to C) make it easy to connect to studio towers and modern laptops alike.
What stands out is the value. At around $40, you get pro-level speed, a portable build, and peace of mind backed by a 4.5★ rating from thousands of users—plus strong recent sales that signal real-world reliability. Add the two-year limited warranty, and it’s a smart buy that pays for itself in saved time.
Bottom line: choose this #2 pick if you want reliable, fast transfers for UHS‑II SD and CFexpress Type B without overspending. It’s perfect if you need a compact, dependable reader to streamline everyday offloads and keep your editing and backup workflow running smoothly.
Acer SD 4.0 Card Reader, UHS-II Micro SD Reader USB C, Dual Slot Type C Memory Card Adapter with 100W PD Port for MicroSD SDXC SDHC UHS-II & UHS-I for iPhone 15/16, Laptop, MacBook(Grey)
Advanced amateurs, prosumers, and many professional photographers/videographers who need a compact, affordable UHS-II SD + microSD reader for fast offloads (up to ~312 MB/s) on USB-C laptops, MacBooks, and modern phones. Good for travel, drone and action-camera workflows that use SD/microSD.
- UHS-II / SD 4.0 support (claims up to 312 MB/s) — matches the speed tier many photographers/videographers need for 4K workflows.
- Dual slots (full-size SD + microSD) with simultaneous read/write for quick card-to-card transfers.
- USB-C native design and compact, aluminum build — portable and durable for field use.
- Does not support XQD/CFexpress — not suitable for high-end cinema cameras that use those formats.
- PD port is charge-only (no data) and the product doesn’t specify host bus (USB generation), so real-world throughput may be host-limited.
Need a compact reader that keeps pace with 4K footage and burst RAWs? This Acer USB‑C dual‑slot model lands at #3 in our roundup of the best sd card readers, scoring 74/100 for its fast UHS‑II performance, pocketable build, and standout value.
You get up to 312 MB/s with UHS‑II cards, which means offloading a full wedding shoot or drone flights in minutes, not hours. The two slots handle SD and microSD at the same time, so you can clone cards, sort selects, or move clips between formats without constant swapping.
Perfect if your cameras, drones, and action cams live on SD/microSD and you want a simple, fast ingest setup. Plug straight into a MacBook, iPad, iPhone 15/16, or OTG‑enabled Android to back up on location, and keep your laptop powered with 100W PD while you edit in the field.
The aluminum housing feels solid, sheds heat well, and slips easily into a sling or tech pouch. With hundreds of positive reviews and a price around $22, this choice delivers pro‑leaning speed and convenience at a fraction of what many premium readers cost.
If you want a reliable, travel‑ready reader that streamlines SD and microSD workflows, this pick is easy to recommend. Add it to your kit to save time on every transfer and keep your editing and backup process smooth and predictable.
SanDisk Professional PRO-Reader SD and microSD – High Performance Card Reader for SD and MicroSD Cards, USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPR5A8-0000-GBAND
Amateur and pro photographers/videographers who mostly use UHS-I SD or microSD cards and want a rugged, portable, USB-C reader at a midrange price; good for single-card offloads and on-the-go backup workflows.
- USB-C 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1) offers fast transfers for UHS-I cards — good real-world speed for most RAW and 4K workflows.
- Solid build: premium aluminum housing for heat dissipation and durability.
- Write-protect switch adds a useful safety layer against accidental overwrites.
- Not advertised as UHS-II compatible — may not extract full speed from UHS-II cards used by advanced pros.
- Limited to SD and microSD only (no CFexpress/CFast) and effectively a single-card consumer/pro-sumer reader.
Want a rugged, travel-ready reader that keeps up with busy shoot days? The SanDisk Professional PRO-Reader SD and microSD lands at #4 in our best sd card readers roundup with a solid 74/100 score for dependable speed, portability, and build quality. It’s a smart pick when you want reliable single-card offloads without babying your gear.
Need fast dumps after a wedding or drone flight? The USB-C 5Gbps interface moves UHS-I RAWs and 4K clips quickly, while the aluminum housing helps keep cards cool so transfers stay consistent on long copies. A handy write-protect switch adds peace of mind when you’re rushing to back up irreplaceable footage.
If you mostly shoot on UHS-I SD or microSD, this option fits right into an on-the-go workflow. It’s ideal for travel shoots, same-day edits, and quick laptop ingest on location where you need simple, dependable performance.
What stands out is the premium feel and real-world reliability—backed by a 4.6-star rating from over a thousand reviews. At around the mid-$50 range, you get a durable metal build, Mac/PC compatibility, and the ability to slot into a PRO-DOCK 4 later if you scale up your studio.
Bottom line: choose this pick if you want a sturdy, USB-C workhorse for everyday SD and microSD transfers. It streamlines your ingest so you can get to editing faster and protect your files along the way. A solid value that earns its #4 spot.
Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader
Photographers, videographers, and content creators who need a compact, reliable UHS-II SD reader for single-card offloads on USB-C laptops, iPads, or iPhones — especially useful for quick field backups and fast transfers of large files from cameras and drones.
- UHS-II support for high sustained read speeds — suitable for RAW and 4K/8K offloads.
- Native USB-C plug and compact design (won’t block adjacent ports) — excellent for on-the-go workflows with modern laptops/iPads.
- Strong brand reliability, high rating (4.8) and clear sales momentum (1K+ bought last month).
- Single full-size SD slot only — no dedicated microSD or CFexpress slots (microSD requires adapter).
- No multi-card simultaneous offload or advanced hub features (no built-in USB hub, pass-through, or card backup button).
Need a quick, no‑drama way to move big files to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone? The Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader lands at #5 in our roundup with a 72/100 score for its dependable UHS‑II speed and pocketable design, placing it among the best sd card readers for simple, fast offloads. It’s a clean, grab‑and‑go choice when you value reliability and ease.
UHS‑II support means sustained high transfer rates, so your RAW bursts and 4K/8K clips reach your editor sooner. The native Type‑C plug sits flush and won’t block nearby ports, keeping your desk or travel rig neat and efficient.
Perfect if you often offload a single card at a time—think wedding portraits between locations, drone flights in the field, or same‑day edits on an iPad. It also works with older SD media and microSD via an adapter, giving you flexibility across cameras and drones.
What stands out is the reliability: plug‑and‑play operation, solid build, and a track record of happy buyers (4.8/5 with strong recent sales). At $39, it delivers premium‑feeling speed and consistency without paying for hub extras you may not need, and it slips into any pouch without adding bulk.
If you want a compact, trustworthy reader for everyday shoots and travel, this pick is easy to recommend. Choose it for fast single‑card dumps, clean connectivity, and a smoother workflow on modern Type‑C devices.
Anker USB-C SD 4.0 Card Reader, PowerExpand+ 2-in-1 Memory Card Reader, for SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SDHC, UHS-II, and UHS-I
Enthusiast and professional photographers/videographers who need a fast, portable, and affordable SD/UHS-II reader for offloading RAW and 4K footage on the go, and who work primarily from modern USB-C laptops or docks.
- UHS-II support with advertised transfer speeds up to 312 MB/s — well suited for RAW and 4K workflows.
- Dual slots (full-size SD + microSD) with broad compatibility (SDXC/SDHC/UHS-I/UHS-II) — flexible for cameras, drones, action cams.
- Compact, affordable ($38.99) and highly rated (4.7/5, 1.7k reviews) with strong recent sales — good value and market validation.
- Not Thunderbolt-class — sustained offloads of very large 8K RAW files could be faster with a TB3/TB4 reader (possible bottleneck for top-end pro workflows).
- Manufacturer doesn’t publish host-interface generation (USB 3.x spec) — real-world speeds depend on your computer’s USB-C port and cables.
Need a pocket-size reader that keeps up with RAW and 4K shoots? This Anker USB-C SD 4.0 Card Reader, PowerExpand+ 2-in-1 Memory Card Reader lands at #6 in our roundup, scoring 70/100 for its balance of speed, portability, and price. It earns a spot among the best sd card readers for creators who want dependable UHS-II transfers in a tiny shell.
With UHS-II support up to 312 MB/s, you can empty a 64–128 GB card in minutes, keeping your edit moving instead of waiting on copies. The dual SD and microSD slots let you jump from mirrorless stills to drone footage without adapters, and USB-C plug-and-play means quick offloads on set or in a coffee shop.
If you shoot weddings, travel, or run-and-gun video, this pick is great for rapid card dumps to your laptop or portable SSD between scenes. It’s also handy for action cam and FPV pilots—pop in a microSD after a flight and back up clips before the next battery.
The compact body sits flush and won’t block nearby ports, so your drives and dongles can stay connected. At $38.99 with a strong 4.7/5 rating, it delivers fast UHS-II performance and dual-slot flexibility for less than many bulkier hubs. Anker backs it with an 18-month warranty for extra peace of mind.
Pick this model if you want a reliable, travel-friendly UHS-II reader that streamlines your ingest without inflating your budget. It’s a smart, no-nonsense tool for RAW photos, 4K footage, and everyday card swaps—our #6 choice for creators who value speed, simplicity, and price.
USB C USB3.0 Multi Card Reader for SD, CF, Micro SD, XD, MS Cards – 7 in 1 Adapter Hub for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android USB A+C
Amateur and enthusiast photographers/content creators who need an inexpensive, portable, multi-slot reader for mixed cards and casual fast transfers; users on a budget who value versatility over peak professional throughput.
- Very affordable for the feature set — strong price/value at $18.80.
- Extremely broad card compatibility (CF, 2xSD, microSD/TF, XD, MS) and dual USB-A/USB-C connectors — useful for varied gear.
- High user adoption and positive ratings (4.5/5 from ~2.8k reviews; 1k+ sold last month) indicating reliable real-world performance.
- No explicit UHS-II/UHS-III or CFexpress support listed — risk of bottlenecking high-bitrate UHS-II cameras and 4K/8K video workflows.
- Claims ‘5Gbps’ (USB 3.0) throughput but simultaneous multi-card use will share that bandwidth — speeds depend on host and card standards.
Juggling SD, microSD, CF, and older formats? Our #7 choice in the best sd card readers guide, Rocketek USB C USB3.0 Multi Card Reader, scores 63/100 because it packs serious versatility and dual USB-A/C connectivity into a compact, $18.80 package. It’s a simple, affordable way to streamline your daily transfers.
Picture this: you’re back from a wedding, a drone flight, and some B‑roll. This 7‑in‑1 model can mount up to five cards at once, so you can offload RAW images and 4K clips in one go. USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) keeps things moving, and it’s plug‑and‑play with Mac, Windows, Linux, and even Android.
Perfect if you bounce between a USB‑C laptop on set and a USB‑A desktop in the studio—no extra dongles required. It’s also great when you mix gear (drones, action cams, and older DSLRs with CF), letting you travel light with one tool that covers it all.
Standout touches include two SD slots, SDXC support up to 2 TB, and UDMA CF compatibility for legacy bodies. Backed by thousands of positive ratings and a 12‑month warranty, this pick delivers proven reliability. At this price, it pays for itself after a couple of shoots.
If you want a versatile, travel‑friendly reader that speeds up everyday offloads and backups, this option is easy to recommend. Add it to your kit as an affordable workhorse—and a dependable spare for on‑location work.
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Budget-Friendly Options & Final Picks
We analyzed and ranked seven CFexpress Type B and SD card readers, and our top pick is the ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II Dual-Slot Reader (90/100). It combines fast, reliable transfers with true two-card flexibility—perfect for hybrid shooters moving large CFexpress and UHS-II SD files. If you want similar versatility for less, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B/SD USB 3.2 (78/100) is our best-value choice and a smart everyday pick.
For tighter budgets, we compared several wallet-friendly readers scoring 70+ overall: the Anker SD 4.0 offers UHS-II speed at a low price, Apple’s USB-C to SD is a simple, reliable plug-and-play option for Mac/iPad users, and Acer’s SD 4.0 UHS-I suits casual shooters with older or UHS-I cards. Prefer a rugged, single-slot unit for a pro rig? The SanDisk Professional PRO-Reader line is a dependable bet. On the cheapest end, Rocketek’s USB-C multi-card reader covers multiple formats for occasional transfers, though it’s slower.
Make your choice based on the cards you shoot (CFexpress Type B vs SD), the speed you need, and your budget—any of these ranked options will streamline your workflow with confidence.
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