Best Camera External Memory Card Readers of 2026

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

If you're a photography enthusiast, you know that having a reliable external memory card reader is essential for transferring your photos and videos quickly and efficiently. These devices are compact and easy to use, allowing you to transfer large files from your camera's memory card to your computer or other device. With a variety of models available on the market, you can choose from different features and capabilities to suit your needs. Whether you're a professional photographer or simply looking to organise your personal photos, a camera external memory card reader can greatly simplify your workflow.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

UGREEN 4-IN-1 USB C SD Card Reader Cover #TOP 1
UGREEN 4-IN-1 USB C SD Card Reader
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Vonxite USB C and iPhone Dual Slot SD Card Reader Cover #TOP 2
Vonxite USB C and iPhone Dual Slot SD Card Reader
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dual Connectors SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad Cover #TOP 3
Dual Connectors SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Camera External Memory Card Readers

#TOP 1

UGREEN 4-IN-1 USB C SD Card Reader

50443
Black
USB C
UGREEN 4-IN-1 USB C SD Card Reader Cover
UGREEN SD Card Reader, 4-IN-1 USB C to SD Card Adapter, 5Gbps High-Speed Camera Memory Cards Reader,4 Cards Reading Simultaneously for SD CF TF MS, Compatible with iPad Pro, MacBook Pro/Air

The UGREEN SD Card Reader allows you to read and write up to four memory cards simultaneously, meaning you can transfer data without the hassle of constant unplugging. With a high-speed transmission of 5Gbps, downloading high-resolution photos and Full HD videos becomes a quick task. This device is truly plug and play, requiring no additional apps or drivers, making it easy to use across various operating systems. Its universal compatibility ensures it works with a wide range of devices, including cameras and laptops.

What We Like
Simultaneous card reading
Fast 5Gbps transfer speed
Easy plug and play functionality
Wide device compatibility
Compact and portable design
#TOP 2

Vonxite USB C and iPhone Dual Slot SD Card Reader

Vonxite
A- 2-in-2 SD Reade
White
Vonxite USB C and iPhone Dual Slot SD Card Reader Cover
SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad, USB C SD Card Reader with Dual Slot for MicroSD/SD, Type C OTG Adapter, Camera Card Viewer Memory card reader, sd card Readers for i-Phone/iPad/Android/Camera

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.

What We Like
Dual USB C and iPhone connectors
Fast data transfer speed
Plug and play, no apps needed
Wide device compatibility
#TOP 3

Dual Connectors SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad

Denlane
SD+TF
Dual Connectors SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad Cover
Dual Connectors Dual Slots SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad, Lightning & USB C to MicroSD/SD Card Viewer Camera Memory Card Reader USB C OTG Adapter for Devices with iOS/Android/Other System

The Denlane SD Card Reader is a versatile device that features both USB-C and lightning connectors, making it compatible with various devices. You can easily transfer photos and videos at high speeds, which is perfect for quickly moving your media files. With its plug-and-play design, you won’t need Wi-Fi or additional software, allowing for instant access to your files. It supports a wide range of memory card formats and capacities, giving you the freedom to use different cards without hassle.

What We Like
Dual connector compatibility
High-speed data transfer
Easy plug-and-play usage
Supports various formats

UGREEN 4-IN-1 USB 3.0 SD Card Reader

30333
black
USB 3.0 Kartenleser
UGREEN 4-IN-1 USB 3.0 SD Card Reader Cover
UGREEN SD Card Reader, 4-IN-1 USB 3.0 to SD CF TF MS Card Adapter, 5Gbps High-Speed Camera Memory Cards 4 Cards Reading Simultaneously for SDHC, SDXC, Micro SD, Micro SDXC, MS Pro, CF

The UGREEN SD Card Reader offers universal compatibility, allowing you to connect with various operating systems and devices. This feature means you can read and write on multiple cards simultaneously, saving you from the hassle of constantly unplugging and re-plugging. With its 5Gbps high-speed transmission, you can quickly download high-resolution photos and Full HD videos in seconds. Additionally, its compact and portable design, featuring a durable 19.6-inch cable, makes it easy for you to carry and use wherever you go.

What We Like
Fast 5Gbps data transfer
Supports multiple card formats
Compact and portable design
Universal compatibility with devices
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I read my SD card on my camera?

Insert the SD card into your computer's 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.

2. What is a card reader for a camera?

A card reader is a universal device to work with memory cards. For example, if you decide to purchase a new mobile phone (or a digital camera), then, having a card reader, you do not have to replace a set of cables and install new drivers to connect your new device to the computer.

3. 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.

4. Are all SD card readers the same?

Card readers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with all types of connectors. They don't just read SD cards; some can read microSD cards, CompactFlash (CF) cards, and even Sony's Memory Stick Pro Duo. To find the best SD reader for your machine, we tested those that connect either via USB or by way of USB Type-C.

Editor's Notes

During our camera external memory card reader research, we found 306 camera external memory card reader products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 118,237 customer reviews through our big data system to write the camera external memory card readers list. We found that most customers choose camera external memory card readers with an average price of £7.73.

The camera external memory card readers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of camera external memory card readers, including UGREEN, Vonxite, Denlane.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

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.