To Wire or Not to Wire – The Best SD Card Readers

Our most versatile USB SD card reader on this list is the Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader. This reader has slots for 25 different memory cards, so no matter what you are using—there’s a strong chance it works with this device. I really liked the pop-up slots when using this device because it protects them from all the crumbs and other spills when I throw it in my bag when I need to edit on the go.  

I only used the SD and MicroSD card slots, but the device was fast with 500MB/s speeds, I didn’t try concurrent reading with multiple cards, but it is possible with this device. You can also move data from card to card while they are in this device. I own two computers, an older editing laptop and a faster laptop that I use for uploading photos but not for editing, and an iPad that I use for photo editing while I’m traveling. One computer uses USB-C ports, and the other uses USB-A. Instead of using an adapter to the cords, I could simply remove the cord and swap it for another. I loved this modular option, given that I work with multiple devices.  

For those with many files to transfer and multiple cards, or types of cards, the Kingston Workflow Station is the effective and modular answer to your needs. This station provides four docks. Each reader, which sits in a dock, can also be used separately via a USB cable. The readers are available for compact flash, SD, and MicroSD cards. You can transfer data from up to eight cards simultaneously, making this an excellent product for professional photographers and videographers.  

What we love about this product is how modular and efficient it is. It works with multiple types of cards and allows impressively fast read and write speeds even when all the spaces are full. You can easily leave the main doc with your main editing computer and take the smaller readers on the go for big projects in far-off places.  

While USB-B is a less common port type, the SanDisk ImageMate PRO Multi-Card Reader provides an option for USB-B ports without the need for an adapter. However, this device also includes an adapter cord for USB-C ports. It can read up to three cards simultaneously and fits CF, SD, and MicroSD cards with three card slots.  

This reader is a bit larger than some of the other options on this list and makes for a great fixture at your desk but travels easily as well, as it is not overly bulky. This budget-friendly SD card reader is great for the amateur photographer and average user, so it makes a perfect gift for tech lovers.

The UGREEN SD Card Reader is our favorite USB-A card reader. It looks like a thumb drive upon first glance, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find four card slots that fit MS, SD, CF, and MicroSD cards along the sides of the device. This little device is slim, portable, and has no cords to fiddle with, as the end of the device sports a USB-A port and a cover to keep it clear of dirt and debris. 

We love the simplicity and ingenuity of the design that makes it functional, portable, and cost-effective. Additionally, with speeds of 5GB/s, your files will be transferred in no time, improving your workflow exponentially. For more must-have tech products, check out these reliable travel adapters.

The SanDisk Extreme PRO shines in its simplicity- a single SD card slot and a USB-C cord comprise the device. While this device isn’t as fast as other devices with 500 MB/s speeds, it is easy to use and small enough to fit in a pocket or any camera bag. It weighs .96 ounces, our lightest and most portable option.  

If you work solely with SD cards or MicroSD cards with an adapter, then this simple, portable, and simple device is a solid choice for transferring photos from a card to your computer for sharing or editing. Amazon reviews highlight the durability of this SanDisk card reader and the cord, so if you’re hard on your gear like me, this product isn’t easy to break.  

The Unitek USB-C SD Card Reader is a lightweight tech gadget weighing 1.6 ounces that fits in the palm of your hand. This product is easy to throw in your bag for use on the go. The USB-C port is compatible with some phones and almost all modern computers making it compatible with nearly any device you’ll find except my 13-year-old editing computer. But, a USB-C to USB-A adapter is an easy fix to that problem.  

This product boasts 5 GB/s write speeds with ports for three types of cards, SD, MicroSD, and CF. Additionally, you can add a card of each type and the device can read them simultaneously, expediting your workflow.