Card readers let you copy photos, videos and other files from memory cards to a laptop or desktop computer. Our range has over 40 models, including USB readers, readers with a USB Type-C connector and multi-format devices. Delock, Axagon and LogiLink are the best represented brands, and Transcend is available too.
How to choose a card reader
Card formats. Start with the cards you actually use: SD, microSD, CompactFlash or others. Many readers have several slots, so a single device can read the card from a camera, a phone or a drone. If you only use microSD, a simpler model will do.
Interface and speed. Our range includes readers with USB 2.0, as well as models with USB 3.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 1. USB 2.0 is enough for the occasional batch of photos, but large video files copy more comfortably over USB 3.x, where the interface limits speed less. Fast UHS-II cards only reach their full speed in a reader that supports that standard.
Connector on your computer. Many newer laptops have only USB Type-C ports, so a reader with a Type-C plug is worth considering. Our range includes Type-C models, and some readers have both Type-A and Type-C connectors, which suits older and newer computers alike.
Type of device. Most readers are small external units that plug straight into a USB port. There are other designs too, such as a model with a SATA interface or a wireless reader with Wi-Fi. Read the product description before buying to confirm how the device connects to your computer.
Brands in our range
- Delock: a maker of computer connectors, adapters and cables, and the brand with the most card readers in our range.
- Axagon: a Czech manufacturer known for USB adapters, hubs and external drive enclosures.
- Transcend: also makes memory cards and USB flash drives, so its readers sit alongside its core products.
- Raidsonic: specialises in external drive enclosures and docking stations.
Also in our range: LogiLink, ACT, Natec, Digitus, Inter-Tech, InLine, Allnet and Roline.
Card reader FAQ
How do I choose a card reader for a laptop?
Choose by card format, interface and the port on your computer. Check that the reader has a slot for your card, whether your laptop has a USB Type-A or Type-C port, and whether you want USB 3.x speed. If you are unsure about the port, a model with both plugs is a safe option.
Do I need a separate card reader if my laptop has an SD slot?
Not necessarily, because a built-in SD slot is usually enough for SD cards. An external reader helps when you use other formats such as CompactFlash, or when your computer has no slot at all. It is also handy if you read several cards in a row and do not want to keep swapping them.
Will a USB 2.0 card reader work with new cards?
Yes, the card will be read, but the USB 2.0 interface limits the speed, with a theoretical ceiling of 480 Mbit/s. A fast card will not reach its full potential in such a reader. For large amounts of data, a USB 3.x model is the better choice.
Can I read a microSD card in an SD reader?
Yes, if you have a microSD to SD adapter, which often comes with the card. It is simpler to pick a reader with a separate microSD slot, as you then need no adapter. This is especially convenient when you swap cards often between a phone and an action camera.
