Best External Memory Card Readers of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
External memory card readers are useful tools for quickly and easily transferring data between devices. These devices typically feature multiple card slots, allowing users to read and write data to various types of memory cards, including SD, MicroSD, and CompactFlash cards. They can be particularly useful for photographers who need to transfer large amounts of data from their cameras to a computer or for anyone who needs to quickly transfer files between multiple devices. There are a variety of external memory card readers available on the market, each with their own unique features and advantages.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 External Memory Card Readers
BENFEI 4in1 USB Card Reader Adapter
The BENFEI Card Reader is a versatile device that allows you to access four different card types simultaneously. With its integrated design, you can easily connect it to your computer or laptop via USB 3.0 or USB-C. The incredible performance enables fast data transfer rates of up to 104MB/sec, perfect for quickly browsing and viewing photos. Its superior stability ensures that you can transfer HD movies in mere seconds, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing efficient data management.
UGREEN USB C & USB 3.0 SD Card Reader
The UGREEN SD Card Reader is a versatile tool that enhances your data transfer experience. With its USB 3.0 and USB C capabilities, you can enjoy high-speed data transfer of up to 5Gbps, making it easy to move large files quickly. You can read two memory cards simultaneously, saving you the hassle of constant plugging and unplugging. Its plug-and-play feature means no driver installation is required, allowing you to access your photos and videos instantly. Plus, its portable design ensures it’s always within reach, whether at home or on the go.
Loydia 2 in 1 SD Card Reader for iPhone
The Loydia SD Card Reader offers a convenient solution for transferring photos and videos from SD and TF memory cards directly to your iPhone or iPad. With its high-speed data transfer capability, you can quickly move files at 20MB to 30MB per second, saving you valuable time. It also allows for two-way data transfer, enabling you to import files from your memory card or export them back to it. Plus, the plug-and-play feature means you can start using it immediately without downloading any apps, making it incredibly user-friendly.
Beikell Dual Connector USB C Card Reader
The Beikell USB Card Reader offers fast data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, allowing you to quickly move large files and photos without the frustration of long waits. It supports dual card simultaneous access, which means you can read two cards at once, streamlining your workflow. With its plug-and-play feature, you can start using the reader immediately on various devices without the need for additional software. The humanised design includes a durable aluminium shell and a protective cover, ensuring the reader remains safe during use.
Beikell USB 3.0 High-Speed Card Reader
The Beikell Card Reader offers super speed transmission with USB 3.0, allowing you to transfer data at impressive rates of up to 5Gbps. Its broad compatibility means you can easily use various memory cards, including SD and Micro SD formats, with Windows and OS devices. You can trust this device to protect your data, as it is designed to minimise the risk of loss during card reading and writing. Plus, its portable design, featuring a keychain and lightweight construction, makes it easy to carry wherever you go.
UGREEN USB C SD Card Reader Adapter
The UGREEN SD Card Reader offers high-speed data transfer up to 5Gbps, making it incredibly efficient for transferring large files, such as HD movies, in mere seconds. You can read from two memory cards simultaneously, which saves you the hassle of constant plugging and unplugging. This device is designed for plug-and-play convenience, requiring no additional apps or drivers, ensuring ease of use across various operating systems. Its lightweight aluminium design not only enhances durability but also provides excellent heat dissipation for stable performance.
Omivine USB C Card Reader for Multiple Cards
The Omivine USB C Card Reader is a versatile device with dual card slots, allowing you to read various card types such as SD and Micro SD. This feature is particularly convenient for transferring photos and files between your devices. It is compatible with popular models like the iPhone 15 and MacBook, ensuring you can easily access your data. With its plug-and-play functionality, you can start transferring files immediately without the need for additional drivers. This reader also supports a wide range of operating systems, making it a flexible choice for users.
Loydia 2-in-2 SD Card Reader for iPhone
The Loydia SD Card Reader is a versatile accessory designed for seamless use with iPhones and USB-C devices. Its dual slots accommodate both SD and Micro SD cards, allowing you to easily transfer photos, videos, and files without needing third-party apps. With a plug-and-play feature, you can connect it to your devices without any drivers. This card reader also supports RAW files and various video formats, making it perfect for photographers looking to access their camera's content quickly and conveniently.
SHUXIA 2 in 1 SD Card Reader for iPhone
The SHUXIA SD Card Reader offers a convenient solution for transferring data between your SD and iPhone or iPad. With dual card slots, it supports various formats, allowing you to use multiple memory cards. Experience fast data transfers of 20MB to 30MB per second, saving you valuable time when moving photos and videos. Its two-way transfer feature means you can easily import and export files, giving you complete control over your media. Plus, with no software required, you can plug it in and start using it instantly.
Beikell 4 in 1 USB C Card Reader
The Beikell Card Reader offers exceptional convenience for anyone needing to access multiple memory cards. With its ability to read and write to four cards simultaneously, you can save time by avoiding constant card swapping. High-speed transfer of up to 5 Gbps ensures that transferring large files is quick and efficient. The plug-and-play feature means no additional drivers are required, allowing you to start using it immediately. Plus, its ingenious design keeps your other ports accessible while providing easy visibility of the connection status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an external memory card reader?
An SD card reader is a device that allows the files on an SD memory card to be accessed. This type of reader can be an external accessory, or it can be built into a larger device. ... SD cards can be used to store photos and video taken on digital cameras. An external SD card reader is generally a basic device.
2. What devices can read SD cards?
Common uses for SD cards They're found in digital cameras, video game consoles, set-top boxes, and home theater devices like Blu-ray players, as well as smart home/Internet of Things devices like security cameras. While early smartphones used SD cards, most phones have migrated to the smaller Micro SD card format.
3. How do I access my external memory card?
Open the Settings app, tap the “Storage & USB” option, and you'll see any external storage devices appear here.
4. How can I read my SD card without card reader?
If your computer doesn't have a card reader, you can purchase an external adapter that connects via USB. MicroSD cards will likely need to be inserted into an SD card adapter to fit into most conventional SD card slots.
During our external memory card reader research, we found 306 external memory card reader products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 457,434 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external memory card readers list. We found that most customers choose external memory card readers with an average price of £6.32.
The external memory card readers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external memory card readers, including BENFEI, UGREEN, Loydia, Beikell, Omivine. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,652 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.