For an adapter that has a great combination of price and perforamnce, we like the Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type-C Dual Slot Card Reader ($12 on Amazon). VOGEK SD Card Reader, 3-in-1 USB 3.0/USB C/Micro USB Card Reader - SD, Micro SD, SDXC, SDHC, Micro SDHC, Micro SDXC Memory Card Reader for MacBook PC Tablets Smartphones with OTG Function, Black 4.2 out of 5 stars 420. We tested all 21 hubs in a variety of real-life situations, using The Wirecutter’s picks for desktop hard drive, portable hard drive, and flash drive, as well as a USB 3.0 card reader and a handful of 16 GB and 32 GB versions of our recommended USB 3.0 flash drive, to run simultaneous file transfers while charging a phone.
Computer Memory Card Readers and Adapters
Memory cards, which are also called flash cards and memory cartridges, are a type of portable data storage. The storage is non-volatile, and that persistence and portability make it an ideal storage solution for smartphones, tablets, and many other portable gadgets. Readers and adapters are what make these memory sticks usable across Windows PCs, laptops, Android devices, and more.
What is a memory card reader?
A card reader is a device that accepts compact flash media for reading and writing. Broadly, there are two kinds of readers: internal and external. Examples of internal card readers include the micro SD slot on a tablet, a memory card slot on a camera, or an SD card slot on a laptop. External readers may be standalone or part of a hub and often connect to the computer or other device via USB.
Sim Card Reader For Mac
What is a memory card adapter?
An adapter is often like a cross between an external and internal memory card reader. A card reader that connects to a computer via a USB port is an external solution. A reader that accepts micro SD cards by attaching to an internal SD card reader is an adapter. Both are interfacing, but the difference is that the second solution is acting as pass-through to an internal mechanism.
Do I need a different reader for each card type?
It depends. Some slots have a versatile connector that can, for instance, accept either SD or micro SD. Others accept only one card type or some but not others. Hubs are often quite versatile and convenient because they can feature multiple memory card readers, USB ports, and other connections in a form compact enough to be portable.
What card reader types are available?
Many memory stick standards have been developed over the years, and certainly, many more will be introduced in the years to come as the technology and standards advance. Some of the formats that have been prevalent over the years include:
- SD: SDSC stands for Secure Digital Standard Capacity. These cards feature a write-protect notch and are 2.1 millimeters thick.
- SDHC: The Secure Digital High Capacity format built on SD by supporting capacities up to 32 GB.
- SDXC: The Secure Digital eXtended Capacity format expands the base SD card format even more by supporting capacities up to 2 TB.
- Micro SD: This is a form factor extension to SD that allows for smaller physical cards. SDHC and SDXC are supported as well.
What USB connections are available for reader hubs?
- USB 2.0: This USB connection has an effective throughput of 35 MB/s.
- USB 3.0: This SuperSpeed implementation has an effective throughput of 3.2 Gbit/s.
- USB-C: This USB version has a reversible plug for easier use.
- Micro USB: This smaller physical connection is common on portable devices.
- USB OTG: On-the-Go connections can serve as host for other USB devices.
USB Type-C is slowly but surely becoming the standard connector for both charging and data on laptops, phones and tablets. While not every device has this powerful port yet, a number of prominent notebooks, including the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre Folio, employ it. So we compiled a list of the best USB Type-C accessories and cables as well as a short guide to help you through the madness.
With Type-C on board, you can copy files at USB 3.1 speeds, deliver enough power to charge a laptop or use Alt Mode to send other types of data using DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 connections. Speaking of DisplayPorts, The VESA recently published its DisplayPort 2 standard, which supports 16K video. Additionally, Microsoft recently changed the default setting on USB drives to 'quick removal,' so speeds will be slower. Check out our quick guide on how to make your drives operate faster on the latest Windows 10 update.
All Thunderbolt 3 ports use the Type-C connector and are compatible with both the faster Thunderbolt 3 standard and regular Type-C devices. Because Thunderbolt 3 has four times the bandwidth (40 Gbps) of standard USB Type-C 3.1, you can connect to external GPUs which let you play games on your thin and light notebook. Some docks and hard drives also take advantage of the faster speeds.
Looking forward, you can expect USB 3.2 to come soon, which is another version of USB Type-C. It doubles regular USB Type-C speeds at 20 Gbps, but is half of Thunderbolt 3 speeds. USB 4 is coming as well, and its throughput will have a speed of 40 Gbps. The best part, though, is that when you upgrade to a laptop that supports it, it will work on all of your existing cables, so no need to wait on buying them. And if you need some help setting up your laptop out of the box, we have a couple tips that'll ease your way forward.
MORE: USB Type-C FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Card Reader For Mac Pro
Below you’ll find a list of the best USB Type-C accessories and cables that will help you continue to use your older USB-A peripherals, charge your devices, provide extra ports and take advantage of USB Type-C’s ability to output 4K video. It’s everything you’ll need to make the most out of the new connector, especially as it ends up on a growing list of devices. If you're looking for something more expansive for your laptop, consider getting a docking station. And if you work at home, you might want to pick up an office chair or a lap desk, but if you're always travelling, maybe get a laptop sleeve with compartments to store your accessories or a portable charger. But if you prefer legacy tech, you might even want a laptop with a DVD drive.
WGGE USB-C to USB-C Cable
WGGE produces this tangle-free, nylon braided, 10-foot USB-C to USB-C cable for only $10.99. You can use it to charge USB-C devices as well as connect external hard drives and docking stations. And if you don’t want the joy of a really long, inexpensive wire, you can get the 6.6-foot version for an even cheaper $8.99. WGGE also includes a two-year warranty with it.
Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock
The Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock (UD-ULTCD) is the best pick for early adopters who need a dock. It works with the newest standards, like USB Type-C for charging and external displays and supports 4K monitors. We didn’t like that it’s locked into vertical orientation, but you can’t argue for great performance and support for three displays at the same time.
Asus ROG Strix XG17 Portable Gaming Monitor
If you're gaming on the road, and don't exactly have the best display on your current gaming laptop, you shouldn't force yourself to deal with it. Instead, spring for the Asus ROG Strix XG17, which is the first portable gaming monitor that sports a 240Hz refresh rate. It has a 17.3-inch IPS panel with a 1080p resolution and a 3-millisecond response time. The monitor also has an internal battery, so you can game freely for at least two hours before you have to reconnect to an outlet. It also has two USB-C ports and a mini HDMI input.
There's no word on pricing and availability as of yet, but we're excited to get our hands on it.
AverMedia’s Live Gamer Bolt (GC555)
If you're a streamer or content creator focused around gaming, you should know about AverMedia’s Live Gamer Bolt (GC555), which is the first 4K, 240FPS external game capture card. You can capture 4K HDR at 60 frames per second, 1440p at 144fps and 1080p at 240fps. The capture box has ports for HDMI, USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3.
There's no word on availability as of yet, but its estimated launch price is $499.
Aukey USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter
If you don’t want to buy a whole bunch of new cables, you can grab a tiny adapter. Aukey’s USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter is small and will work with any of your legacy peripherals. It also doesn’t hurt that you get a two-pack for just $10, so you can just multiple USB Type-A accessories with your new computer at once.
Samsung Portable SSD T5
The Samsung Portable SSD T5 takes the spot of its predecessor, the T3, on this list, with even faster speeds and a better design. It comes with both a USB Type-C cable and a USB-C to USB 3.0 cable, so you can use it with any laptop and many newer Android phones. It has blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 540MBps, and backed up my computer extremely quickly. I love the new blue color for the 250GB ($127.99) and 500GB models ($196) , while the 1TB ($397.99) and 2TB ($797.99) options come in black. The thing is tiny -- smaller than a credit card -- and includes a three-year warranty.
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive
If you're transferring data between USB Type-A and USB Type-C devices, SanDisk's two-sided Ultra Dual flash drive is the perfect storage solution. Starting at 16GB, this flash drive uses a slider to switch between a USB 3.0 Type-A connector on one side and a USB Type-C connector on the other, so you will see blazing speeds on both ends of the transfer. You can also get it in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB sizes.
Apple USB-C Power Adapter
No doubt your USB Type-C device came with a charger. But extras never hurt, and the 30W Apple USB Type-C Power Adapter is a compact and sleek-looking choice. Just remember that you need to bring your own USB Type-C to USB Type-C charging cable.
Dell USB Type-C to HDMI/Ethernet/VGA/USB 3.0 Adapter
This USB Type-C adapter from Dell can do the work of several adapters by allowing you to plug into displays, attach older USB accessories and connect to wired Internet with one compact adapter that’s easy to take with you anywhere. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of USB Type-C attachments.
Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB Type-C Power Bank
Laptops, tablets and smartphones keep getting thinner, and most don’t have replaceable batteries. Certain USB Type-C ports, like the ones on the 12-inch MacBook and Google’s Pixel C, support charging, so Anker has introduced a high-capacity external battery that will keep your battery full on the go. This battery also features two USB-A ports to feed hungry tablets, headphones and other rechargeable gadgets.
Lexar Usb 3 Card Reader
Kingston Nucleum 7-in-1 Connetion
Apple’s 12-inch MacBook has one measly USB Type-C port, but Kingston's hub can make it much more useful. It boasts two USB Type-A 3.1 ports, two Type-C ports (including one for power, an HDMI output for up to 4K resolution, an SD card slot and a microSD card slot. That's enough to transfer data, power monitors and use both new and old USB accessories.
AmazonBasics USB-C to USB-A Cable (White)
This 3-foot, $9.99 cable will come in handy wherever you go, especially in situations where you have a USB-C device and are surrounded by USB-A charging stations. And whether you need to transfer files to an older computer via a connected smartphone or hard drive, Amazon has got your back with that 10 Gbps data transfer speed. We updated this with the white cable because the black one was out of stock.
Scosche PowerVolt 3.0 USB-C / USB-A Fast Charger for Cars
With a blazing Power Deliver 3.0 system, Scosche's USB Type-C (18W) and Type-A (12W) car charger will keep up to two devices fully charged for a journey across the country, all for $24.99. It's up to 3 times faster than typical 5W chargers, and it also includes an LED power indicator as well as safety measures to prevent your device from overcharging.
Zulpunur USB C to Headphone Jack Adapter
There are plenty of laptops and tablets, like the Google Pixel Slate and the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro, that have forsaken the precious headphone jack. So instead of letting this bleak new future blindside you, come prepared with Zulpunur's USB C to Headphone Jack Adapter. The adapter supports music control as well as calling control, and it also comes with two in the pack, so you have a replacement wire on the spot.
CHOETECH USB-C (Female) to Micro USB (Male) Adapter
You may be running on the USB-C high life, but your controllers aren't (most of them anyway). If you need to plug-and-play or simply charge, why bother getting another cable when you can use your existing USB-C cable with a handy adapter from CHOETECH, which is only $7.99 for a pair of USB-C (female) to Micro USB (male) adapters.
Best Usb 3.0 Card Reader
Anker USB C to Lightning Cable
Anker's USB C to Lightning Cable is a necessary accessory if you're an iPhone or iPad user, as you can seamlessly connect your Apple device your MacBook or iPad Pro to charge and sync your data. The cable is 3 feet long and also has Apple's MFI certification, so you'll have no problems connecting with this cable.