Top Best SD Card Readers
Travel photographers take a lot of photographs using SD memory cards everyday. With a good memory card reader, you won’t have difficulty or problem with photo transfer. Which is the fastest SD Card reader for Mac users and photographers?
In this list, you’ll find my selected top rated USB SD card readers designed for digital camera and iPhone and Android smartphone. The fast SD card reader will help you transfer your large photo or video files to your computer laptop in minutes, not hours. In this review, I ranked the best SD card readers (including the USB-C card readers and ones for iPhone users and photographers).
Also recommended: Best XQD Card Readers
It’s a good idea to have more than one memory card reader. Why? Having one card reader in your camera backpack and the other in the home or studio makes it very convenient. You can backup your valuable photos from the cameras to your computer at any time, and anywhere.
What should you have the right card readers in your camera backpack? Well, it’s plain simple. For example, you cannot use an XQD card reader with a CFexpress card.
These card readers are for microSD, SD, XQD memory cards, and CompactFlash cards. This is a list of the best SD card readers for most photographers.
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A List of Top Best SD Card Readers for Photographers
Sony MRWE90/BC1 XQD USB 3.0 Reader
This Sony high speed card reader is for all XQD series and UHS-II SD memory cards. Although a bit expensive, but this is a good quality product to have. When inserting and removing cards, the card reader works smoothly. The Sony MRW-E90/BC2 XQD USB 3.0 Reader is ideal for transferring large RAW files.
- Super speed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1)
- Speed: 440MB/s transfer and 400MB/s write
- Great build quality
Anker 8-in-1 USB 3.0 Portable Card Reader
Anker is a new, high quality brand for everyday electronic products. USB 3.0 memory card reader enables data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps for faster sync times.
- Fast and portable reader
- Durable, high-grade plastics and premium chips
Transcend USB 3.0 Super Speed Multi-Card Reader
This Transcend USB 3.0 Super Speed Multi-Card Reader makes it quicker to transfer large files from your camera. The good thing about this RDF8 Card Reader is a multi-slot card reader (SD, microSD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick) that supports a wide range of interfaces. With high speed memory cards like SanDisk, Transcend USB 3.0 Super Speed Multi-Card Reader is a must-have.
- Read: 130MB/s and Write: 95MB/s
- Supports for all new card formats
- Advanced USB 3.0 technology
SanDisk ImageMate USB 3.0 Card Reader/Writer
SanDisk is well known for its product line of memory cards for professional photographers. When it comes to the best memory card reader, this ImageMate from SanDisk is highly recommended.
- Supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, miniSD, microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC
- USB 3.0 interface
- Data transfer rates up to 500 Mbps
UGREEN SD Card Reader
This small, compact memory card reader is a good companion of most travel photographers. Overall, the Ugreen card reader is a hassle-free and well-made product.
- Compatible with Card Reader TF, SD, Micro SD, SDXC, SDHC, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SDHC, UHS-I
- The reading and writing speed is up to 5Gbps.
AMALINK XQD 2.0 USB 3.0 Card Reader
The aluminum alloy shell makes this memory card more durable and fashionable. It looks professional and portable.
- 3.0 USB card reader supports the Sony G series
- High-speed transfer speed for RAW images and 4K video files
Plugable USB C SD Card Reader
For those who use the latest Apple MacBook Pro laptops, the chance is that you need this USB C SD card reader. With this USB C, you’ll enjoy the fast transfer even for large RAW files. Also, it’s a big bang for your buck.
- 104 MB/sec
- Compatible with most memory cards (except the CompactFlash card)
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II USB-C Reader
With this interface, this SanDisk card reader can transfer large RAW photo files at high speed.
- Read Speed up to 312MB/s
- plug-and-play functionality
- USB Type‐C (USB‐C) connector
CFast Card Reader – USB C – Memory Card Reader
If you’re a photographer or videographer who has a laptop with USB C port, the CFast Card Reader is for you. It’s one of the fastest USB-C card readers available.
- USB-C cable for portable use
- Compact and lightweight design
RayCue XQD Card Reader
This 3.0 XQD card reader is a great, cheaper option for your Sony or Lexar XQD memory card for its hot swapping and auto detection feature.
- Plug and play
- Small, compact, and portable
- Durable design
Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 Four-Bay USB 3.0 Reader Hub
This Lexar card reader hub is ideal for transferring RAW images, high-res photos, and HD, 3D, and 4K video.
- Four slots for memory cards
- USB 3.0 transfer speeds
EC Technology SD Card Reader Aluminum Superspeed USB 3.0 Multi-In-1 Card Reader
A top-rated card reader on Amazon, I have to say that its aluminum case makes it durable and resistant soiling.
- Lightweight
Lexar Multi-Card 25-In-1 USB 3.0 Reader
Everything you need in one card reader. The Lexar Multi-Card reader is one of the most favorites among professional photographers.
- 25 popular memory card formats
- speed up to 500MB/s
YiKaiEn iReader
The YiKaiEn iReader belongs to our list of the best SD card readers for iPhone. It’s easy to connect not only to iPhones but also to Android devices and both PCs and Mac computers.
- Compact design
- Portable to bring
- Easy to use
EVita
The EVita Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader Adapter works with virtually anywhere. It works very well with my GoPro microSD card.
- Read speed: 14 MB/S to 16 MB/S
RAVPower
The RAVPower 64GB iPhone Flash Drive 2 in 1 SD Card Reader easily makes our list for the best SD card readers for iPhone.
- USB 3.0 for 300% faster transfer speeds to a PC
Leap Outdoors
Leap Outdoors is a tough little device that is still capable of providing some great functionality.
- Durable
- Lightweight
Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader
The Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader should definitely belong in this list of the top rate SD cards readers for iPhone. Why? It’s made by Apple. As a result, it’s the top best SD card reader for photographers and filmmakers with an iPad.
UGREEN USB C SD Card Reader USB 3.1 Type C OTG Memory Card Reader
Universally compatible with laptops and smartphones with USB Type C. Top rated USB C SD card reader for for Google Pixel phones. Buy this. Why? The Ugreen card reader is small and easy to carry, so you can transfer photos on the go from my DSLR to my phone and laptop.
- Transfers data with highest speed up to 100MB/s
- Compact for travelers
- For Micro SD, SDXC, SDHC, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SDHC, UHS-I, Olympus camera card
LovinFive Trail Scouting Game Camera Viewer 3 in 1 Hunter Reader
A 3 in 1 card reader USB hub with host OTG adapter, the LovinFive card allows you to copy, view, and transfer photos to micro SD card/ TF card, SD card, USB flash drive straight from Android phones.
- Small lightweight and pocket friendly