Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | KS-is USB Type C 11 in 1 KS-474 | Best laptop card reader |
2 | Transcend TS-RDF8 | Fast recovery of deleted data. Large list of formats |
3 | Ginzzu GR-417UB | Reliable model. USB hub and card reader in one |
4 | Eplutus CR-03 | The most versatile |
5 | CBR CR 455 | The most durable budget card reader |
6 | Ginzzu GR-317UB | Connectivity via USB 3.0 |
7 | Transcend RDF9 | CompactFlash and UHS-II support |
8 | Dewang microSD CR43 | The best card reader for iPhone |
9 | Ginzzu GR-562UB | Best value for money |
10 | Defender Ultra Swift USB 2.0 | The cheapest |
Any user at least once in his life faced with the purchase of such a simple thing as a card reader. Oddly enough, the acquisition of this particular device raises the most questions. Devices that look the same have different bandwidth, which directly affects the speed of writing and reading data.
In fact, a card reader is a special device that allows you to synchronize a memory card with another device. 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 used 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. An external card reader is the most purchased and convenient, it is the one used most often. Most models support several formats at once - from MicroSD to Compact Flash.
How to choose a card reader?
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 5Gbps, while the USB 2.0 standard is limited to 480Mbps.
You should also not forget that the card reader connection interface must match the capabilities of the PC, otherwise, if the computer motherboard supports only outdated standards (USB 1.1, USB 2.0), the idea of buying a high-speed card reader will simply be pointless. In practice, the most popular is an external microSD card reader. It allows you to easily transfer important information from any device, be it a smartphone, tablet or e-reader.
Thanks to the efforts of Chinese manufacturers, there are a lot of card readers of all stripes on store shelves, here you can find incredibly cheap devices and expensive representatives of this class.Having studied the variety of models and user reviews, we have compiled a kind of rating, which includes the best external card readers that support several formats at once, including the most popular microSD.
Top 10 best card readers
10 Defender Ultra Swift USB 2.0
Country: Russia
Average price: 280 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
The most inexpensive card reader with 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 occasionally need an external card reader, it is not rational to spend money on more expensive models.
The main disadvantage of the model is a large percentage of marriage and the fragility of the device. After a few months of use, the card reader stops seeing the card - such stories are told by the owners of the Defender Ultra Swift USB 2.0 in the reviews. Someone's work is unstable - you need to reconnect the card reader several times in order to achieve communication. Someone writes that the device suddenly stops seeing the card. If you need the cheapest card reader for one-time use, then this model will do.
9 Ginzzu GR-562UB
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 600 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
The Taiwanese company Ginzzu releases several new models of card readers every year. And all of them often stand out from the competition with their lower price. For example, a model called Ginzzu GR-562UB has an excellent value for money. This accessory was created for the owners of modern technology. This is evidenced by the fact that its connection is via a USB Type-C connector.
The device has at its disposal two slots for memory cards.They correspond to SD and microSD form factors. The accessory also has a pair of USB 2.0 ports. This is great news for owners of modern ultrabooks, who usually suffer from a shortage of USB connectors - in this case, this card reader can be used as a USB hub. But do not forget about the size of the device - if you insert an accessory directly into the port, it can block adjacent connectors. However, this problem is solved by buying an inexpensive extension cable.
8 Dewang microSD CR43

Country: China
Average price: 1250 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
As you know, all "apple" devices suffer from one misfortune. It lies in the inability to install a memory card to increase the amount of free space. That is why there are more and more card readers with a Lightning connector on sale. For example, it has a model called Dewang microSD CR43. Also at her disposal were micro-USB plugs, USB Type A and USB Type-C. This makes the accessory universal - it can be connected not only to the iPhone, but also to all other smartphones. The iPad, which has recently switched to a USB Type-C connector, will not stand aside either.
This model supports the third version of the USB interface. This means that the data transfer rate will depend solely on how productive the card you have inserted. If we talk about the shortcomings, then the buyer can only complain about the fact that only microSD is listed among the supported drives. Alas, it will not be possible to work with full-size SD cards. Also, not everyone will be satisfied with the shape of the card reader - somewhere in the depths of the backpack, the accessory may be damaged (or its connectors will gradually become clogged with dust).
7 Transcend RDF9
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 1790 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
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, making data transfer fast. But MicroSD does not support UHS-II, 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 case is made of tactilely pleasant plastic, the design is simple. This is a device that fully justifies its price and is the best card reader for those who require high data transfer speeds, UHS-II interface and CompactFlash connector.
6 Ginzzu GR-317UB
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 1267 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Functional compact card reader with a durable, reliable housing and trouble-free operation. There is support for MicroSD and SD cards, as well as other formats of flash drives. There is also a USB hub, and it works correctly simultaneously with the card reader, if drives are connected both there and there.
As disadvantages, users write down the fact that the cord from the card reader is too short, and also that it cannot be disconnected from the case. The number of connectors is sufficient to simultaneously connect all the flash drives you need. I am glad that there are not many connectors for non-existent card formats - here each connector is really useful. If you are looking for a stable working card reader with the ability to connect a MicroSD card without an adapter, then Ginzzu GR-317UB is your choice.
5 CBR CR 455
Country: China
Average price: 699 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
A universal multi-card reader from a little-known Chinese brand will please you not only with the price, but also with a long service life. In our rating, this is the most reliable external card reader, which also supports the most commonly used types of memory cards. The device is connected via USB 2.0 and shows a good data transfer rate - up to 480 Mbps. Of course, the lightning speed that the USB 3.0 port boasts should not be expected from this card reader, but this is not required for daily use. 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 CBR CR 455 external card reader supports the Plug&Play function, which provides a quick detection of all available card formats without installing additional software, and also guarantees the safety of data in the event of an unexpected disconnection of the device.
4 Eplutus CR-03
Country: China
Average price: 1500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Usually card readers have only one connection interface. However, there are also exceptions to the rule. For example, Eplutus CR-03 has two connectors. Full size USB 3.0 is used to connect the accessory to a desktop computer or laptop. It also allows you to help the TV determine the contents of your memory card. The second connector is the increasingly popular USB Type-C. It will help everyone who is going to use the card reader paired with a smartphone or tablet.It will allow you to copy photos and videos to an SD card, which simply does not fit in the appropriate slot.
There is no doubt that in the future such accessories will become more and more popular. The fact is that now more and more smartphones do not get an expansion slot at their disposal. And memory cards remain in our hands. Such a card reader allows you to use them in the manner of a regular USB flash drive. That is why the product received two slots - for regular SD cards and reduced microSD. And support for the modern version of the USB interface allows you to count on high copying speed - everything here depends solely on the capabilities of the card itself.
3 Ginzzu GR-417UB
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 750 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Inexpensive compact card reader that deserves the title of the best. In the reviews, users share their operating experience: the device was purchased 7 years ago and still works perfectly and without failures. There are three USB ports and a card reader. All connected drives work simultaneously. Quickly reads different types of SD cards, no crashes or slowdowns. The wire is soft, but it does not fray even after several years of operation.
Connects to PC via USB 2.0 Type A. Supports MicroSD, SD, MS, MMC, Memory Stick Duo and other flash card formats. This is the best solution for those who are looking for an inexpensive card reader that can read different formats of flash drives and has a USB hub function.
2 Transcend TS-RDF8
Country: China
Average price: 1990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The smart external card reader from Transcend will delight the user with fast operation and high speed of writing and reading data. Speed is achieved thanks to the data transfer interface - USB 3.0, this allows you to quickly transfer even the heaviest graphic images from a USB 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 the rather compact size, the device boasts an impressive list of supported flash card formats. These include, popular among active users - MicroSD, MicroSDXC, SDHC, MS, and CompactFlash, which will certainly please fans of professional photography. The main feature of the device is the instant recovery of accidentally deleted files from a memory card using the built-in RecoveRx utility.
1 KS-is USB Type C 11 in 1 KS-474
Country: China
Average price: 5800 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
This accessory is often bought by MacBook owners. The fact is that the body of the device is painted in the colors of this particular laptop. For connection, a high-speed USB Type-C connector is used, located at the end of a short cable. On the docking station itself, there are not only slots for SD and microSD memory cards, but also a huge number of different connectors. In particular, the device literally saves from the lack of USB 3.0 ports. There are four of them here! As much as possible, they are ready to provide data exchange at speeds up to 5 Gb / s.
As you know, some modern laptops are sharpened exclusively for interaction with a Wi-Fi router.But what if you need a more stable connection? If you need to reduce ping? This card reader solves this problem and provides an Ethernet port. And here there was a place for an HDMI connector, ready to transmit an image in 4K resolution. The ability to send electricity via USB Type-C should also please - for this you just need to connect the card reader to the power supply. Perhaps, KS-is KS-474 deserves no complaints. Even the seemingly high price does not scare at all - Apple itself also produces similar docking stations, but sells them at a completely astronomical cost.