10 Reviews: Best Card Reader for DSLR (Apr 2024)

A trio of card slots is nicely placed across the front, with options for CF, UHS-II SD, and MicroSD. If you want to connect to a USB-C port, you’ll need an adapter because it comes with a detachable USB Type-A cable. With a UHS-II SD card, video transfer rates of 252MB/s read and 210MB/s write were achieved, which were comparable to the much more costly ProGrade Digital USB 3.1 Gen 2 Dual-Slot Card Reader. Maximum sustained transfer speeds of 96MB/s read and 83MB/s write on UHS-I SD cards aren’t exactly class-leading, but not to the point that you’d notice in real-world use.

Product has weight to it, feels like the Casing is metal. Connected some old CF cards, photo extraction rates was very fast, about 26GB were transferred under 5 minutes VIA USB-C definitely worth the money.

by The enginist

With so many high-end cameras now supporting both the CFexpress and SD card formats, getting a card reader that supports both is a no-brainer. This Prograde Digital product is a high-quality option that works well with today’s mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It features a magnetic base and is 68x68x19mm. It comes with a convenient stick-on metal plate for attaching to your computer, as well as a handy stick-on metal plate for attaching to your computer. The SD slot is below the CFexpress slot, which is placed at the top of the reader.

This reader supports both card types I use with my camera: CF Type B and SD-UHS II. The read performance is very good, which is nice now that image and video files are getting larger than ever. The magnetic back of the reader is a convenient way to attach it to my desktop PC case while I'm using it.

by Bradford E. Hampson

Kingston Workflow Station Readers are created with a basic concept in mind, with fewer wires, simpler devices, and more convenient ways for organizing and transferring information. The Kingston Workflow Station Dock is an attempt to make that idea a reality. It’s a USB-C docking station with a stack of SD card readers that lets you attach multiple USB-C or USB-A devices and simultaneously download from up to eight cards. You may set up the station properly if you have more microSD cards than SD cards.

This is the best MicroSD card reader I've found. If you have multiple action cameras, GoPros, drones, or dashcams you need to copy files from, you need this. Two MicroSD slots makes a big difference because it means no more fiddling with adapters.

by jackalope

With new computers like the MacBook Pro ditching all ports save Thunderbolt/USB Type-C, it’s not only your memory card you could be having trouble connecting. The Nucleum from Kingston is a premium, metal-encased hub with SD and MicroSD connectors, as well as two USB Type-A ports, a full-size HDMI socket, and two USB Type-C ports, one of which is used to connect your MacBook’s charger. All of this comes from a gadget that’s barely bigger than some regular card readers, with a short hard-wired cable terminating in a USB Type-C socket.

I use the dock on my Mac Mini because it only came with two USB-A ports and no SDI-card slot like my old Mac Mini. It's a good value and has plug-and-play reliability. Not much more to say.

by Marc Luoma

Despite its low price, this small reader is a really competent gadget, with a USB 3.0 connection that allows for fast data transfer rates. It doesn’t support all card kinds, including XQD, CompactFlash, and UHS-II SD (though it does support UHS-I), but if this isn’t a concern for you, the Anker USB 3.0 Card Reader will do the job fast and effectively. It’s also small enough to carry anywhere, measuring 5.3 x 2.7 x 1.1cm and weighing only 16g, and it comes with an 18-month guarantee for further peace of mind.

Arrived on time, securely packaged. Good feel, not flimsy. No issues with connecting to computer or memory card. (standard SD, didn't use the micro slot) Worked quickly and easily. Happy with my purchase and definitely would buy again.

by DT, CA

Sandisk’s Extreme Pro CFexpress card reader is a well-designed piece of equipment, almost the same size, and form as a computer mouse. The memory card slot, which is spring-loaded, has a pleasant movement as well, with a soft push of the memory card ejecting it from the reader. The only tiny drawback is that CFexpress cards can transport data at even faster speeds, up to 1700MB/s. The reader’s USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection is most likely the bottleneck here since it can’t keep up with the scorching performance offered by CFexpress cards, despite being incredibly fast.

Fantastic card reader. I did NOT have the heat issues that others mention in their reviews. I use it for transferring my 8K video files and my RAW images from my Canon R5 to my old Dell for editing. I have been happy with the performance

by Diane

It boasts a slim and small design that measures 67 x 54 x 15 mm, making it ideal for use at home or on the road. Despite its small size, it has four card slots (CF, MS, SD card, and microSD), each of which can read up to 13 different card types! The UGREEN is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and is plug-and-play, making it simple to operate. It comes with a built-in USB 3.0 strengthened cable that is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports.

My new Desktop did not come with an SD reader. This UGREEN device solved that problem and added versatility for numerous SD sizes. Very good.

by Dishmantex

This compact card reader supports various standards by having four slots for CF, SD, MS, and microSD cards. It can only read or write from one card at a time, unfortunately. It comes with a built-in USB 3.0 type A connector for quick data transfer, and a MacBook version with a USB type C cable is also available. This way, you can customize it and choose from four distinct variations, each with a different price based on your preferences — it’s always quite affordable.

This is a great buy: easy to set up; easy to use, and easy to access all pictures and videos. Thank you!

by Cattiann

This multi-card reader has seven slots and can read and write on five of them at the same time. It supports USB 3.0, but it can also switch between USB 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0. It includes a detachable 21-inch USB cable with a type-A connection and is incredibly portable (71.9 x 48 x 12.8 mm). With this low-cost card reader, you get a lot of bang for your buck and a lot of variety. It boasts worldwide plug-and-play compatibility, as well as free technical assistance and a one-year guarantee if you need it.

The device reads various types of memory cards. I was able to transfer old photos from old camera memory cards to my laptop easily.

by MB

Because this is an SD card reader, it can only read that specific card format. It features a single slot that can accommodate UHS-II, UHS-I, and non-UHS cards. The tiny size and minimalist design allow for complete mobility. It may be plugged in and used without the need for a driver, and its long ‘neck’ means it won’t obstruct any other ports on your computer. The port is USB Type-C, and the transfer speed is USB 3.0. With the reliability of SanDisk products and a two-year limited guarantee, this SD card reader is a superb value for money.

This reader will transfer from a 300 Mb/sec UHS-II card at very close to the cards rated speed. The design of the reader is robust and it looks like it should last a long time.

by MFD14534