Just as when it comes to determining the most fitting SD card, selecting the best SD card readers is important. Choosing the right SD card reader ensures media is efficiently and reliably transferred between production and post-production. Factors such as interface, compatibility, durability, and quality should be considered.
We’ve narrowed down the list of the best SD card readers of 2020 for each category:
Best Overall:
Prograde Digital Dual Slot Card Reader
Features:
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface
- Transfer speeds up to 1.25 GB/s on each slot
- Magnetic mounting plate
The Prograde Digital Dual Slot is one of the very best SD card readers in 2020. This card reader is ideal for any type of workflow, project size, and setting. The Prograde Digital card reader uses the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface allowing for transfer speeds up to 1.25 GB/s from each of the two slots.
For the first time, the Prograde Digital Dual Slot card reader is designed with a magnetic base. The magnetic base attaches to a metal plate and can then be mounted onto the back of a laptop, work station, and more.
Best CFexpress Card Reader:
SanDisk Extreme PRO reader
Features:
- CFexpress Card Type B compatibility
- Ideal for RAW 4K workflows
- USB 3.1 interface
If you’re shooting in 4K, 6K, or even 8K, CFexpress Card Type B is the way to go, and the SanDisk Extreme Pro Reader is the first choice for transferring data from these blazing fast cards. The SanDisk Extreme PRO reader uses a USB 3.1 interface, so it’s capable of handling the sizable read and write speeds of CFexpress cards.
Best for XQD:
Sony MRW-G1
Features:
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 and USB Type-C interface
- Sony XQD, CFexpress, and M series compatibility
- USB-C to USB-C, and USB-C to USB-A cable included
- Compact and lightweight
The incredibly compact and lightweight Sony MRW-G1 card reader is perfect for creators who prefer XQD memory cards. The MRW-G1 has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 input for speeds up to 10Gbit/s, and a USB Type-C input for further compatibility. The package includes USB-C and USB-A conversion cables for convenience.
Best for CFast:
G-Technology EV Series Reader
Features:
- CFast 2.0 Memory Card compatibility
- USB interface
- Tough aluminum design
- 3-year limited warranty
The G-Technology EV Series Reader is geared towards those using CFast 2.0 memory cards. The CFast format is quicker than the CF format and can easily support a 4K workflow. The EV series reader uses the common USB interface and is crafted with aluminum so it can withstand traveling and drops. G-Technology offers a 3-year limited warranty on this CFast 2.0 reader.
Best Quality and Compatibility:
Lexar Multi-Card Reader
Features:
- SD, microSD, and CompactFlash compatibility
- USB 3.1 and 2.0 interface
The Lexar Multi-Card Reader is an awesome tool for those switching between card types and inputs. This card reader has read speeds of up to 312MB/s for SD and micro SD cards, and speeds up to 160MB/s for CompactFlash cards. The reader includes both USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports for different inputs.
Kingston Technology Hi-Speed Reader
Features:
- SD, microSD, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick compatibility
- USB 3.0 high-speed port
- USB 2.0 backwards compatibility
The Kingston Technology Hi-Speed Reader is similar to the above Lexar, but it also supports Memory Stick memory cards and relies on the USB 3.0 interface. The Kingston Hi-Speed reader is one of the more cost-effective options.
Best on a Budget:
Delkin Devices Universal Card Reader
Features:
- SD, microSD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, and xD Picture Card compatibility
- USB 3.0 interface with 2.0 and 1.1 backwards compatibility
- Plug & Play
The Delkin Devices Universal Card Reader is both price-friendly and adaptable. The reader supports five different memory card types, and does it all at a reasonable price. Users just need to plug the Delkin Devices Universal Card Reader in, and they are ready to transfer media via USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1.
Transcend Card Reader
Features:
- SD, microSD compatible
- USB 3.0 interface
If you’re on a budget, this Transcend Card Reader is the way to go. The card reader costs a mere , and works with SD and microSD memory card types.
Most Portable:
Green Extreme GX-CR-10
Features:
- 4-in-1 compatibility: SD, microSD, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick
- USB 2.0 interface
Last on the list is the Green Extreme GX-CR-10 card reader. The Green Extreme is no larger than a standard thumb drive but is capable of transferring media from four different memory card types via a USB 2.0 interface. It’s ideal for light photography SD cards.
Looking to upgrade your SD cards? Check out these 4 best SD cards for photography.
Feature photo via Shutterstock
