Rating of the best card readers
A card reader is a special device that allows you to synchronize a memory card with another device. Today there are two types of card readers on the market - internal and external. Each of them is endowed with its own specific features and is applied based on the technical capabilities of the device to which it is connected. The internal one has the largest number of inputs and is large in size, as a rule, it is installed permanently in a computer or laptop, as they say - once and for a long time. An external card reader is the most purchased and convenient, it is he who is used most often. Most models support several formats at once - from microsd to Compact Flash.
TOP best card readers
In order not to miscalculate and choose the best card reader, it is necessary, first of all, to build on its main feature - data transfer speed. It varies depending on the connection method and the capabilities of the computer itself. It is best to give preference to card readers with a modern connection interface - USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. They transfer data at speeds up to 5 Gbps, while the USB 2.0 standard is limited to 480 Mbps.
Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader
An external card reader from Apple that will quickly transfer photos and video content from your SD card to your device with the apple logo on board. The ergonomics of the case are well thought out - the adjacent ports are not blocked. The model supports UHS-II SD cards, backward compatibility with other SD cards and adapters is provided.
The case is durable, looks minimalist and stylish. The main disadvantage of the Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader is the high price tag. Suitable for those looking for a reliable SD card reader, high transfer speed and optimized performance for MacBooks and iPads. Please note that the card reader is not compatible with all Apple laptops and tablets. A complete list of compatible devices is available on the manufacturer's website.
Transcend TS-RDF8
A smart external card reader from Transcend will delight the user with fast operation and high speed of data writing and reading. High-speed performance is achieved thanks to the data transfer interface - USB 3.0, this allows you to quickly transfer even the heaviest graphic images from a flash drive to a computer and vice versa. The card reader is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and can be connected to any of the USB ports.
The model has a nice design, complemented by a stylish LED indicator, which signals the stable operation of the device. Despite its rather compact size, the device boasts an impressive list of supported flash card formats. These include, popular among active users - MicroSD, MicroSDXC, SDHC, MS, as well as CompactFlash, which will certainly delight fans of professional photography. The main feature of the device is instant recovery of accidentally deleted files from a memory card using the built-in RecoveRx utility.
CBR CR 455
A universal multi-card reader from a little-known Chinese brand will delight you not only with the price, but also with a long service life. In our rating, it is the most reliable external card reader, which also supports the most commonly used types of memory cards.
The device is connected via the USB 2.0 bus and shows a good data transfer rate - up to 480 Mbps. Of course, you shouldn't expect the lightning speed that a USB 3.0 port boasts from this card reader, but with daily use it is not required. The device supports such types of memory cards as MicroSD, MMC, MemoryStick, CompactFlash and others.
The adapter is incredibly compact, so you can always take it with you and use it on long trips or business trips. It is compatible with all types of operating systems, is instantly recognized and does not require a long installation of additional drivers.The external card reader CBR CR 455 supports the Plug & Play function, which provides quick detection of all available card formats without installing additional software, and also guarantees the safety of data in case of unexpected disconnection of the device.
Transcend RDF9
A card reader that connects via a micro-USB to USB Type-A cable and boasts a CompactFlash connector. All important card formats are also supported: micro SD and SD. The SD slot supports UHS-II data transfer technology, so data is transferred quickly. But MicroSD does not have UHS-II support, so in order to transfer through the interface at high speeds, you will have to use an adapter for SD UHS-II.
The device itself looks neat and reliable. The body is made of tactile plastic, the design is simple. It is a device that fully justifies its price, and it is the best card reader for those who require high data transfer rates, UHS-II interface and CompactFlash connector.
Defender Ultra Swift USB 2.0
The most inexpensive card reader with a USB 2.0 Type A connection. The device has slots for accepting SD and micro, MS and Memory Stick Duo cards. It is suitable for infrequent use: when you rarely need an external card reader, and it is irrational to spend money on more expensive models.
The main drawback of the model is a large percentage of defects and fragility of the device. After several months of use, the card reader stops seeing the card - such stories are told by the owners of Defender Ultra Swift USB 2.0 in reviews. Someone's work is unstable - it is necessary to reconnect the card reader several times in order to achieve communication. Someone writes that the device suddenly stops seeing the card. If you are looking for the cheapest single-use card reader, then this model will do the trick.