Best External Memory Card Readers of 2026
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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
Vonxite USB C and iPhone Dual Slot SD Card Reader
The Vonxite SD Card Reader is a handy accessory that connects to both USB C and iPhone ports, allowing you to easily transfer photos and videos from SD and Micro SD cards. It offers high-speed data transfer, saving you time when moving important media files. With its plug-and-play design, you don’t need any extra apps or power, making it very convenient to use on the go. Plus, it is widely compatible with many devices including iPhones, iPads, and Android phones, so you can share your memories quickly and effortlessly.
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.
SmartQ C368 USB 3.0 Card Reader
The SmartQ C368 Reader is a versatile four-in-one device that supports various card formats, including Micro SD and CF cards. With a high data transfer speed of up to 5GB per second, it enables you to quickly transfer files, saving you valuable time. This reader is compatible with multiple operating systems, such as Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free Plug N Play experience. The blue LED light indicator provides a clear visual of the device's status, ensuring you know when it is powered on and ready for use.
UGREEN USB 3.0 SD Card Reader Adapter
The UGREEN Card Reader offers impressive features for managing your files efficiently. With its 5Gbps high-speed transfer, you can quickly move data, saving you valuable time. The ability to read two cards simultaneously means you can easily handle multiple memory cards without the hassle of constant plugging and unplugging. Its plug-and-play functionality ensures that you won't need to install any drivers or apps, making it incredibly user-friendly. Additionally, its universal compatibility allows it to work with a wide range of devices, including various cameras and consoles.
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.
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.
AIYEEN 4-in-1 USB C Dual Slot Card Reader
The AIYEEN USB Card Reader offers a versatile 4-in-1 design with two ports and two slots, allowing you to connect USB, USB C, Micro SD, and TF memory cards easily. With high-speed USB 2.0 transfer rates of up to 5Gbps, you can upload images and files swiftly, saving you valuable time. It supports a wide range of memory cards such as SD, SDXC, Micro SDXC, and more, making it compatible with various devices. Plus, it’s plug and play, so you can use it immediately without needing extra software, adding convenience to your workflow.
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.
Loydia USB C SD Card Reader Adapter
The Loydia USB C Reader is a handy adapter that lets you quickly access photos and videos from SD and TF memory cards, ideal for sharing your memories effortlessly. With high-speed transfer rates up to 5Gbps, you can move large files like HD movies in seconds, saving you valuable time. It supports a wide range of card formats and capacities up to 1TB, so you can use it with most modern memory cards. Plus, it works with many USB-C devices, from iPads and MacBooks to Samsung Galaxy phones, making it a versatile tool for various gadgets.
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 370,455 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 £7.29.
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 Vonxite, UGREEN, SmartQ, Loydia, AIYEEN.
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.