Apple’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are popular among creative folks for a valid reason. You can edit videos, photos, and other post-processing work without breaking a sweat. However, you’ll feel the pinch when you want to connect accessories to the MacBooks. They do not have any slots to insert an Ethernet cable, SD Cards, or HDMI cable. What if you want to connect a memory card and transfer photos? That’s why we have compiled a list of reliable USB-C card readers that let you transfer files and photos.
The best part about most USB-C card readers designed for MacBooks is that they are slim and sleek. All you need to do is insert the card into the adapter or reader and hook it to your MacBook.
Secondly, the small and compact build means that they are easily portable. And guess what, some even lets you do more than simply read the contents of an SD card.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s see some of the best USB-C card readers that Apple MacBook users can buy.
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1. Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Compatible With: SD/SDHC/SDXC Cards
If you want to buy an Apple-made reader, then the official USB-C to SD Card Reader is a decent choice. Like most Apple products, this one also has a slightly steep price. However, it supports UHS-II mode. So, it can read and transfer data to and from UHS-II cards.
It’s worth noting that UHS-II cards have read/write speeds up to 156 Mbps, and combined with the USB-C speeds, you will be able to get the most transfer speed out of this device.
It’s a simple card reader with a single slot. With the wire connecting the main unit to the USB-C connector, you can rest assured that the adjacent ports of your MacBook won’t be jammed or blocked.
Apart from the MacBook Pro laptops, this card reader is also compatible with some of the iPad models (including the iPad Air), iMac, and Mac mini. For the complete list, you can refer to Apple’s official listing of the product.
2. SanDisk Extreme PRO
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Compatible With: SD/SDHC/SDXC Cards
SanDisk, a popular maker of memory cards and card readers, offers a decent SD card reader for Mac. It works best if you have UHS-II compatible SD cards. Like its counterpart above, it has a single wide slot for SD cards and delivers the advertised speed. It has a rather unique look with a flat end, making it easy to hold the device.
The card reader built feels solid. The cable connecting the card reader to the USB-C connector is strong and provided you take good care of its handling, this card reader should last you a long time. Besides that, the long and flexible neck ensures that the other USB-C port on your MacBook remains free to be used.
Apart from that, it’s backed by a 2 year (limited) warranty. So far, it has managed to rake in good user reviews, with users vouching for its speed and performance.
3. Hicober USB-C to SD Card Reader
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Compatible With: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Micro SD/Micro SDXC Cards
If you need more than just an SD card reader, you should have a look at the one by Hicober. It houses an SD card reader, Micro SD card reader, and a USB-A port. Both the card readers will let you connect both UHS-I and USH-II SD cards and Micro SD cards, unlike the two above. It’s a simple device and you simply need to connect the adapter to your Mac to get it working.
It comes in an aluminum casing, and it’s space grey color complement your MacBook. While it’s well-made, you’ll be able to use it without any hassles.
It bundles a USB 3.0 USB-C connector and has a USB-A port to connect USB drives and hard disks. That said, the speeds may not be amazing since the card reader will sit in the middle of the transfer chain. That said, you can make the best of UHS-II speeds (156 MBps each way) with compatible cards.
Several users have praised it for its no-nonsense design and usability. It costs less than $15, which makes it bang for a buck.
4. Uni Store SD Card Reader
- UHS Speed Class: UHS-I
- Compatible With: SD/SDHC/SDXC/MicroSD/MicroSDHC/MicroSDXC Cards
Uni Store’s SD card reader is a simple device and doesn’t support UHS-II speeds. You should buy this only if you have a slew of UHS-I cards lying around and have no plans to upgrade to UHS-II cards. It has a slot each for SD cards and Micro SD cards. It gives you consistent UHS-I speeds.
It has a solid build, and the cable connecting the body and the USB-C connector is strong and well-made. In fact, the small wire is braided, which ensures that the cable stays protected from regular wear and tear. And that’s not the end of the story. The USB plug has little raised textures to help you grip it better when unplugging. If you ask me, it’s these little details that help a product stand apart from the rest.
Several users praise it for the consistent UHS-I speeds. Overall, it falls under the affordable pricing bracket, it bundles the best features for the price.
5. Cable Matters Dual Slot USB-C Card Reader
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC/Micro SD Cards
Cable Matters provides an inexpensive UHS-I card reader for MacBook users. It has a small footprint and barely measures 4.19 x 1.92 x 0.41 inches. The card reader features two slots for SD cards and Micro SD cards. Also, it can handle simultaneous connections well. When it comes to performance, it can go toe-to-toe with its UHS-I counterparts above.
The minimal footprint makes it easy to be used on Android phones (with OTG) as well. Since it isn’t heavy, you’ll be able to carry on your work seamlessly.
It’s quite popular on Amazon primarily because of its price to performance ratio. So far, it has seen more than a thousand reviews where the users like its durability and easy usability. And Fakespot estimates you can trust most of the user reviews.
6. MOKiN Store USB-C Hub
- UHS Bus Speed: UHS-I
- Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC Cards
The USB-C Hub from MoKiN Store brings you a couple of extra features in addition to an SD card reader. For one, you can extend the display of your MacBook to a 4K display. Secondly, you get two extra USB 3.0 ports to transfer content to and fro from a USB-A pen drive. More importantly, it bundles two dedicated slots for UHS-I speeds supporting SD and Micro SD cards.
So be it getting your photos and videos transferred from your camera or your phone, this adapter will be able to do it all seamlessly. Quite obviously, it will take its time since it’s a UHS-I reader. If you must know, UHS-I cards max out at 104 MBps. On the upside, the performance is consistent and doesn’t drop.
Other than that, it’s a USB 3.0 device, and you will see comparatively less speed when using the USB-A ports.
Moving on, this adapter is compact and travel-friendly, and the sleek look complements the design of Macs.
Accessories Smartly
With the right accessory by your side, you can rest assured that you will get the desired output. Be it connecting your MacBook to a 4K monitor or using a simple SD card reader.
So, which of these readers will you buy?
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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