We Compared the Best SD Card Readers So You Don’t Have To

Have you ever asked yourself what you can do to speed up the file transfer process? No one wants to watch loading bars fill as images transfer at a snail’s pace. What you may not realize is that the best sd card readers can drastically reduce post-production time.

Learn to Talk the Talk

Before we dive deep into our reviews, let’s go over some basic SD card reader jargon. We’ve pulled together a small glossary to help differentiate between some of the most common memory card formats.

SD card – The “SD” stands for “Secure Digital”. A memory card format specifically designed for use in portable devices. Most digital cameras, regardless of brand or quality, store photographs on SD cards.
CF card – Stands for “Compact Flash”. Another memory card format commonly used in high-end cameras for photo storage. While not all cameras are CF-compatible, many prefer them because of their high memory capacity and overall durability.
XQD card – A memory card format targeted toward high definition, high-resolution cameras and camcorders. The format boasts quick read/write speeds and massive storage capacities.
SDHC card – Stands for “Secure Digital High Capacity”. An SD card designed to hold between 4GB and 32 GB of data.
SDXC card – Stands for “Secure Digital Extended Capacity”. An SD card designed to hold more than 32 GB of data.
microSD card – A miniature version of the standard SD card. Often used in smaller devices such as mobile phones. 

1. TRANSCEND RDF5 USB SD/microSD MEMORY CARD READER

PhotoWorkout Budget Pick!

This card reader’s bright pink coloring isn’t the only thing that sets it apart from the crowd. The TRANSCEND RDF5 USB SD/microSD MEMORY CARD READER keeps things as simple as possible to optimize the way you transfer your data.

• The Transcend RDF5 accepts SDHC/SDXC and microSD cards, sporting separate slots for each format.
• Each purchase includes free data recovery software.
• The RDF5 has a USB plug for instantaneous connection.
• With the help of an adaptor, the Transcend is compatible with tablets and Android phones with OTG capabilities.
• This card reader has a compact, lightweight build akin to standard thumb drives.

2. Apple Lightning to SD Card Reader

Die-hard Apple users, look no further – this is the choice for you. The Apple Lightning To Sd Card Camera Reader is designed to cooperate with your existing Apple devices.

In other words, it makes the process of transferring images a no-brainer.

• The Apple Lightning accepts standard SDHC/SDXC as well as microSD cards.
• Works seamlessly with iPhone and iPads. As soon as you plugin, the images from your SD card will begin to transfer into your Photos app without prompting.
• Small size makes it easy to stow away and travel with.
• Great choice for photographers working on location that need to deliver results quickly.

3. TekRepublic TUC-300

They say the greatest things come in small packages.

Certainly, the old adage is true for the TekRepublic TUC-300. With high data capacity, this little powerhouse is among the best SD card readers around.

RELATED POST: Best SD Card for Your Canon 6D and Nikon D3300

• The TUC-300 works with SDHC/SDXC as well as microSD cards
• Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
• Incredibly fast data transfer speeds of up to 5 GB/second.
• Compact design prioritizes portability and can easily slip into a pocket.

4. ANKER 2-IN-1 USB PORTABLE CARD READER

What’s not to love about this perfect marriage of functionality and affordability? The ANKER 2-IN-1 USB PORTABLE CARD READER may not look like much, but it’s fully capable of handling all of your image transfer needs.

• Works with SDXC/SDHC, microSD cards, and more!
• Plugs directly into a USB port, no wires necessary to make a connection
• Transfers data quickly at 5GB/second
• Despite being smaller than the average USB flash drive, sports an ultra-durable plastic build.
• The Anker 2-in-1 has the ability to read and write on multiple cards simultaneously.

5. LEXAR MULTI-CARD 25-IN-1 MEMORY CARD READER

The LEXAR MULTI-CARD 25-IN-1 MEMORY CARD READER is a great choice for photographers that aren’t sure exactly what they want from their card reader.

It’s versatile and supports just about anything you can throw at it.

• Accepts CF cards as well as standard SDHC/SDXC and microSD cards. Also works with less prominent memory card formats.
• The Lexar can transfer data from more than one card at a time. In addition, it can transfer data between cards.
• Pop-up design helps keep card slots protected when not in use.
• Works at speeds up to 500 MB/second.

6. UGREEN SD Card Reader

A PhotoWorkout Favorite!

What makes the UGREEN SD Card Reader one of the best SD card readers out there?

In short, it’s the total package. As if its broad compatibility and impressive performance weren’t enough, its price tag makes it an even more tempting offer.

• Slots support CF, SDXC/SDHC, and microSD cards
• UGreen can work with Mac, Linux, Windows, and Chrome operating systems.
• Can support cards with up to 512 GB of data.
• Works at impressive transfer speeds of up to 5GB/second.
• The card reader can read multiple cards simultaneously.

7. COASD SD Card Reader

PhotoWorkout Budget Pick!

Don’t let your eyes deceive you – the COASD SD Card Reader is much more than a run-of-the-mill thumb drive. Transferring your images is as simple as plugging in with this little card reader.

RELATED POST: Best Compact Flash Cards

• Slots for SDHC/SDXC cards as well as micro SD products.
• The Coasd has a USB and a microUSB plug built-in. That means that it’s compatible with tablets as well as Android smartphones with OTG functionality.
• Small enough to fit in a pocket, this card reader weighs in at less than an ounce.

8. SONY XQD/SD Card Reader

The SONY XQD/SD Card Reader has the alluring and unique feature of being XQD card compatible. However, if you’re not ready to switch over to the emerging format, it’s plenty capable of working with SD card formats as well.

• Outside of standard SDHC/SDXC cards, Sony’s card reader also works with XQD cards.
• While the price is a bit higher than the average card reader, Sony offers a one year warranty with purchase.
• Manufacturers claim that the device can back up an impressive 64 GB of data in less than three minutes.
• Excellent choice for Sony and Lexar users that would like to take advantage of latest memory innovations

9. SANDISK IMAGEMATE PRO

Sleek, simple, and straightforward, the SANDISK IMAGEMATE PRO is a solid candidate as one of the best SD card readers around. SanDisk has always been at the forefront of flash memory technology, and they don’t disappoint with the Imagemate

• Slots for microSD, CF, and SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Can transfer up to 500MB of data per second.
• A little bulkier and sturdier than the pocket-sized card readers.
• Works with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

10. XCELLON 4-SLOT PRO USB CARD READER

The XCELLON 4-SLOT PRO USB CARD READER may be the priciest option on our list, but the reliability it provides makes it worth every penny. Designed for professionals looking for the best results money can be, the XCellon smoothly transfers data.

• Two slots support SDHC/SDXC, while the other two slots handle CF cards.
• Aluminum build keeps the device from overheating/breaking down when working with large files.
• Data transfer speeds are as high as 800MB/second
• The device can read multiple cards at once.
• In addition, it’s possible to transfer data from one card to another for convenient backups.

RELATED POST: Comparing Sandisk Extreme vs Extreme Pro

Deciding on the Best SD Card Reader for You

We’ve covered a wide range of readers and included something for every budget. In fact, deciding on what your budget will be is a pretty good place to start when you’re shopping for the best SD card reader.

As you’ve noticed, the prices can vary from a few bucks to close to a hundred!

Once you know what kinda money you’re willing to drop, consider the speed you want, what kind of cards you need it to read and make the best choice!

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Bonus Pick: the Moshi USB-C Adapter

The Moshi USB-C Multimedia Adapter gets your USB inputs and SD card reader back to your MacBook Pro. Plus, you get an HDMI output to connect a monitor, tv, or projector.

Here is what you get with the new Moshi USB-C Multimedia Adapter:

• Two USB A (USB 3.0) Ports
• One SD Card Slot
• Plus, one 4K HDMI (@30 Hz) Connection

The design is quite sleek and the adapter is relatively small. What would be nice though is a slightly longer cable so it won’t hang in the air if you put your Mac on a laptop stand (a common set-up when you work with an additional monitor for editing your photos).

Perfect for those on the Move

The Moshi USB-C Multimedia Adapter is a perfect companion when on the move because it is lightweight and it enables you to download your photos or videos from your SD card on your laptop or even an external hard disk which you could also connect using the Moshi USB A port.

As Fast as it Can Get

By the way, the USB A (USB 3.0) ports have a transfer speed of 5 Gbps. That’s almost as high as the latest USB 3 standard can get. Even if you get your hands on adapters with a faster transfer rate (USB 3.1), it may not help you much as most external drives can anyways not handle a speed over 5 Gbps.

Charge Your USB Devices

In addition to transferring data, the adapter will also charge your devices fast (even if your laptop is not connected to a power source). So no worries when your mobile or Apple Watch runs out of battery, just plug them into your Moshi USB adapter for a quick recharge.

SDHC/XC Memory Card Support

The USB-C Multimedia Adapter supports all types: SD, SDHC, and SDXC (HC = High Capacity, XC = Xtended Capacity). If your camera or smartphone uses micro SD cards you can just get a microSD to SD adapter. The transfer speed is up to 104 MB/s which is higher than most of the SD cards currently on the market (e.g. the popular Sandisk Extreme Pro can handle up to 95 MB/s).

HDMI Output

At 1080p the HDMI connection works at a refresh rate of 60 Hz and at 4K the refresh rate is 30 Hz. The adapter is also HDCP-compatible.

With this HDMI output, you can mirror your comoputer on an external monitor or watch movies or your photos on a tv screen.

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