Best USB Memory Card Readers of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
USB memory card readers are an essential tool for anyone who needs to transfer data between their computer and a memory card. These small devices are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around in a backpack or purse. They typically have a USB connector on one end and a slot for a memory card on the other. Users simply insert their memory card into the reader and plug it into their computer's USB port. This allows them to quickly and easily transfer photos, videos, music, and other files to and from their memory card. With a USB memory card reader, users can easily access and manage their digital content, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 USB Memory Card Readers
acer Dual Slot USB-C SD Card Reader
The acer USB-C Card Reader offers super-fast data transfers at speeds up to 5Gbps, so you can quickly move your photos, videos, and files without waiting. It supports both USB 3.0 and is backward-compatible with USB 2.0, giving you flexibility with your devices. With dual slots, you can read and write to microSD and SD cards at the same time, saving you time and helping you manage files efficiently. Its slim, lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, with protective covers to keep the ports safe from dust and liquids. Plus, it’s plug-and-play, meaning no drivers are needed—just connect and start using it right away.
Anker 2-in-1 USB C Card Reader
The Anker USB C Card Reader is designed for convenience and versatility. Its ultra-compact size allows you to connect it easily alongside other devices, making it perfect for on-the-go use. With universal compatibility, it works seamlessly with various USB-C devices such as MacBook and Galaxy smartphones, ensuring you can access your files anytime. The dual slots for standard and microSD cards let you quickly sync and share files without hassle. Whether at home or traveling, this reader is a practical tool for managing your digital content.
SmartQ C368 USB 3.0 Card Reader
The SmartQ C368 USB 3.0 Card Reader is a four-in-one design that supports Micro SD/SD/MS/CF card and reads data independently. It has high data transfer speed, supporting data transfer speed up to 5GB per second. The card reader is compatible with Windows/Mac OS/Linux and other systems, enjoy a Plug N Play experience with no driver needed. The device status is clearly visible with the blue LED light indicator. The box includes a SmartQ C368 USB 3.0 Card Reader, cable organizer, and user manual.
SZHAIYIJIN Memory Card Reader for iPhone
The SZHAIYIJIN Card Reader is a versatile accessory for photographers using Canon or Nikon SLR cameras. With this card reader, you can easily transfer photos and videos from your camera's memory card to your iPhone or iPad. Simply insert the memory card, connect it to your device, and import the media files using the 'Photos' app. The card reader supports both SD and TF cards, including standard SD/SDHC and micro SD cards. It also features a female USB interface, allowing you to connect various peripherals such as USB flash drives, card readers, headphones, MIDI keyboards, and more. The two-way transfer capability allows you to import data from the SD/TF card to your iOS device or export files from your device to the card. With high-speed data transfer, you can quickly share your photos and videos on social media or anywhere else.
USB C to SD Card Reader with USB 3.0 Thunderbolt
This SZHAIYIJIN USB C SD Card Reader features a USB Type-C Connector and SD/Micro SD Dual Card Slot, enabling you to transfer files from your Dash Cam, Trial Camera, or Digital Camera to your USB-C laptop, smartphone, or tablet, while providing a USB 3.0 Female Interface to connect USB devices. With its plug-and-play feature, there is no need for driver installation. It also has over-current and short-circuit protection, ensuring the safety of your files. This USB-C card reader is compatible with various USB-C devices, including MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S10/S20/S21/S22.
xdgeLoad USB-C Dual SD Card Reader
The xdgeLoad USB-C Card Reader is designed with two slots, allowing you to use both SD and MicroSD cards easily. This means you can quickly access and save photos or videos from your memory cards to your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, making it perfect for traveling or sharing on social media. It supports fast, two-way data transfer, so you can upload files to your device or save data back to your memory card without waiting long. The reader is built with durable materials and a stable USB-C connection, ensuring smooth and reliable use even when you're on the go. Plus, it's compatible with many Apple devices and other USB-C gadgets that support OTG.
UGREEN Micro SD Card Reader USB C USB 3.0
UGREEN SD Card Reader is a 2-in-1 memory card reader that comes with USB C and USB 3.0 dual ports and SD & Micro SD card slots, allowing you to easily connect memory cards to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. With a speedy transfer rate of up to 5Gbps, which is ten times faster than a USB 2.0 card reader, you can transfer 1GB files in seconds. The reader also allows you to read SD and microSD cards simultaneously, which saves you time and improves your efficiency. The reader is compatible with various memory cards of up to 2TB, and it's made of wear-resistant metal, which is both fashionable and portable. The aluminum shell helps fast heat dissipation and extended life. The UGREEN SD Card Reader is plug-and-play for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome OS, iPad, Android, and other devices.
CULGC USB C SD Card Reader for iPhone and iPad
The CULGC USB C Card Reader is a versatile tool designed for photographers and tech users who need to transfer files effortlessly. It features dual USB C and iOS interfaces, allowing you to connect your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or other devices to your camera’s memory cards. You can use it with SD, Micro SD, and USB drives, making it easy to access photos, videos, and other files. With fast data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, you won’t have to wait long to move your files. Plus, it supports two-way transfer, so you can import and export documents, music, and videos between your devices and memory cards with ease.
Acer USB 3.0 Dual Slot SD Card Reader
The Acer Dual Slot Card Reader offers fast data transfers with its USB 3.0 connection, allowing you to quickly move photos, videos, and files to your computer. Its dual slots let you read and write on both SD and Micro SD cards simultaneously, saving you time by avoiding card swapping. The compact aluminum design makes it easy to carry and durable for travel or remote work, while the corded setup ensures it won’t block other ports on your device. Plus, it’s plug-and-play compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux, so you can start using it immediately without installing drivers.
Sd Card Reader for iPhone iPad Camera
The Sd Card Reader for iPhone iPad Camera is a portable, dual card slot memory card reader that supports both SD and micro SD memory cards. It is compatible with all iPhones with iOS 9.2 or later and iPads with iOS 8.0 or later. The reader allows for high-speed data transmission, with a speed of 20MB/S~30MB/S. The device is plug and play, requiring no computer or applications to use. It supports standard photo formats, including JPER and RAW, and SD, HD video formats, including H.264 and MPEG 4, and can support memory cards with a maximum capacity of 512GB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a USB memory card reader?
By Vangie Beal A small USB plug-and-play device used to read, copy and backup data from portable flash memory cards such as an SD Card, MiniSD, MicroSD, SIM and others that are used in a wide variety of consumer electronics products.
2. How does a USB SD card reader work?
SD card reader is a small USB plug-and-play device that can be used to read data from portable flash memory cards like MicroSD, Mini SD or SD cards. You can read data from your memory cards, perform copy, paste, more or backup data from it to your computer with the help of SD card readers.
3. What is a USB memory card reader?
A memory card reader is a device for accessing the data on a memory card such as a CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC). ... Some kinds of memory cards with their own USB functions do not need the card reader, such as the Intelligent Stick memory card, which can plug directly into a USB slot.
4. Do computers have SD card readers?
Most laptops and computers come with built-in SD card slots to accommodate SD memory cards. ... Look for a device labeled “SD host adapter.” If you see this device, your computer has a built-in SD card reader.
During our usb memory card reader research, we found 24 usb memory card reader products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 455,717 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb memory card readers list. We found that most customers choose usb memory card readers with an average price of $9.25.
The usb memory card readers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb memory card readers, including acer, Anker, SmartQ, SZHAIYIJIN, xdgeLoad. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,555 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.