Rating of the best card readers for 2022

Card readers greatly simplify the use of various gadgets in everyday life. Memory cards are used in phones, tablets, photographic equipment, e-books, video recorders and other devices. There is no need to carry individual cords from each device to transfer data to a computer or laptop. It is enough to insert the drive into a universal card reader that can read information and copy it to a computer. Most modern gadgets store data on Micro SD. Card readers do not require special drivers, they easily communicate with PC operating systems.

How to choose a card reader and where to buy

The speed of information transfer using a card reader will be higher than through a wire. Such a characteristic as speed is one of the most important when choosing a model. It is optimal if there is a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 connection standard. However, before buying, you should make sure that the computer is capable of supporting a fast device, if not, then you can limit yourself to card readers with previous versions of USB 2.0.

Today, such universal assistants are sold everywhere, it is easy to buy in a specialized online electronics store, in a communication salon, or order from Ali Express. In the article we will consider popular models. Compare the characteristics, prices and customer reviews. Two ratings of the best external and internal card readers are presented. The list is compiled from the most budgetary to the most expensive models.

The best external card readers for 2022

An external card reader is a small unit that has several slots for various memory cards. Connects to a PC or laptop via USB input. Such devices provide mobility in work. With their help, it is easy to transfer data from one computer to another, use it with a tablet, phone and other devices. In terms of functionality, they are not inferior to built-in blocks. They do not take up much space in size, you can pick up devices no larger than a flash drive.

Let's take a look at the top 5 models on the price increase list.

5th place Defender Ultra Swift USB 2.0

Price - 151 rubles.

A simple, budget card reader perfectly copes with its main function. There are four inputs for popular media.Supports most memory card formats - MC, SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC. Connects to a computer or tablet via USB 2.0. According to customer reviews, it is convenient to use, it does not require special drivers. In size - no more than a flash drive with a removable cap, which is easily lost. Six months warranty.

• low price;
• works with current memory cards;
• ease of use;
• compact dimensions.

• according to customer reviews - short-lived.

4th place Ginzzu GR-562UB

Price: 539 rubles.

The card reader of a popular Chinese manufacturer supports modern memory card formats - MC, SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC. The USB-C connector is used for connection. The device allows you to connect two standard drives via USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports and transfer data between memory cards and other media. In addition to the usual connectors, there is an input for micro USB 2.0 for working with special drives. Supported by most computer operating systems.

The dimensions of the plastic case are small - 68x30x13 mm. Manufacturer's warranty - six months.

• the presence of a USB Type-C connector;
• availability of USB0 and USB 2.0 ports;
• sufficient data transfer rate;
• good value for money.

• fragile device.

3rd place Transcend RDF9

The price is 1250 rubles.

A well-known Taiwanese manufacturer specializing in storage devices and other multimedia accessories presents one of the popular models of an external card reader. A professional device is suitable for moving large video or photo data, as well as for working with simple files. The model uses HIS-II flash memory technology.This allows you to use high-speed SDXC/SDHC UHS-II memory cards. Information is transferred up to 260 Mb/s via USB 3.1 port. The device is equipped with inputs for CompactFlash, SD and microSD, which are used in modern gadgets. The design of the connectors according to customer reviews is reliable, which ensures tight contact. An interesting fact is that the card reader can operate at temperatures from 0 to +70 °C. The dimensions of the device are compact 68x45x15 mm. Warranty 1 year.

The official website of the manufacturer has applications for updating the device.

• high data transfer rate;
• availability of ports for various memory cards;
• connection via high-speed USB1 input;
• the ability to recover deleted data using the RecoveRx utilities.

• users have no complaints.

2 place Satechi Aluminum Type-C UHS-II Micro/SD Card Reader

Price - 1989 rubles.

Stylish accessory with a choice of 4 colors of the model. Price may vary depending on color. As the name implies, the body is made of aluminum, which implies reliability in case of accidental drops. The dimensions are no larger than a regular flash drive. The presented model is not the cheapest on the market. It is proposed to pay not only for the appearance, but also for a transfer rate of up to 312 Mb / s. The device has special functions for fast downloading of photos and videos. The card reader is suitable for working with large media files. Connects via USB 3.0 and USB Type - C. Drivers for the device are found automatically. Supports microSD and SD storage formats. When buying, it is worth considering that it does not read other memory cards and MMC. Warranty - 12 months.

• stylish appearance;
• high-speed transmission of information;
• availability of accelerating technology;
• compact dimensions.

• high price;
• not suitable for all memory cards.

1 seat Kingston FCR-HS4

Price: 2160 rubles.

A well-known American company specializing in the production of data storage and reading devices presents a reliable card reader. Supports current formats of memory cards, there are four inputs for Compact Flash, SD, microSD and Memory Stick. To connect to a computer, there is a cable 1 meter long, which allows you to comfortably place the device during operation. Uses USB 3.0 technology. Compatible with USB 2.0. Drivers for work are found and installed automatically. The card reader has a good data transfer rate. The manufacturer claims up to 600 Mb/s. When using modern devices, a speed of 312 Mb / s was measured. Thus, there is a reserve for the future, when drives will be even faster. Appearance differs in original design with drawing. The top surface logo glows red in a prominent position to indicate media activity. The case is made of durable material and looks reliable, will protect from small falls. Dimensions: 93x53x16 mm.

• 2 year warranty from a trusted manufacturer;
• high transfer speed is suitable for working with large media files;
• Stylish device with a work indicator.

• high price.

Best Internal Card Readers for 2022

On the market of modern devices, there are card readers that users independently or with the help of specialists build into their computer by connecting to the motherboard. The need for this is due to the frequent use of various storage media and their communication with one permanent PC.Most devices have software that connects to operating systems. However, before buying, it is worth checking the compatibility of devices and the necessary characteristics from specialists.

The top 5 starts with the cheapest option and goes up to the most expensive.

5th place Ginzzu GR - 116

The price is 249 rubles.

The most budgetary version of an embedded device can help in everyday work with the transfer of simple data. Connects to the system unit via a USB 2.0 cable. This is due to the low speed. Installed by standard drivers present in operating systems, no additional drivers are required. Suitable for office work without transferring large media files. The unit will require a standard 3.5-inch system unit bay. On the plastic panel of the card reader there are 6 slots for cards of various formats: SD, micro SD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Du, xD-picture, Compact Flash. Six months warranty.

• low price;
• compatibility with most current media formats;
• easy connection and use.

• short-lived device;
• not suitable for permanent work with large files.

4th place Gembird FDI2-ALLIN1S-B

The price is 328 rubles.

Another model at an affordable price with a set of necessary characteristics. Fits in 3.5 inch system unit bay. Attaches to the motherboard with a set of screws that are included in the kit. Works on USB 2.0 or Sata. Reads the most used memory cards. Support Micro SDXC, Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo, X-picture, SDXC/SDHC/MMC, Compact Flash. The panel has 4 slots for media input, as well as a USB 2.0 input. The inputs are equipped with status indicators of the connected devices.A great option for office work without large amounts of data. Manufacturer's warranty - 1 year.

• a budget option;
• support for most memory cards;
• simple card reader to work.

• low speed compared to card readers, where a USB 0 and higher connection is provided.

3rd place GL3233 SuperSpeed ​​ALL-in-ONE

The price is 960 rubles.

The universal unit is built into a free 3.5-inch slot in the system unit. Connecting to a PC via a USB 3.0 port, which allows you to gain transfer speeds up to 170 Mb / s, even when working with multiple memory cards. Reads all the most used formats. The panel has 6 inputs for Micro SDXC, Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo, X-picture, SDXC/SDHC/MMC, Compact Flash. Users note the ease of connection and further work. 1 year Chinese manufacturer's warranty.

• work with several memory cards at the same time;
• sufficient speed of work;
• good value for money.

• Flimsy, cheap plastic case.

4th place Ginzzu GR - 166U

The price is 988 rubles.

The plug-in unit will require a standard size 3.5" HDD bay, while the card inputs are on the PC panel. The device is connected inside via a high-speed USB 3.0 bus. It is also possible to connect via Sata. The front part is covered with durable plastic to protect against minor damage. An LED for the media activity indicator has been removed. There are 7 outputs for various memory cards and flash drives. Supports major Micro SDXC, Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo, X-picture, SDXC/SDHC/MMC, Compact Flash formats. Six months warranty.

• can work with several memory cards at the same time;
• users note a good data transfer rate;
• easy to install;
• no drivers required to work.

• users complain about build quality;
• small guarantee for the price.

1 seat Espada Multifunction panel 5, 25 EHUBUSB3&4P2

The price is 358 rubles.

One of the most functional models with a 5.25-inch form factor. This size may not suit everyone. A high-quality option at a price above the average has a resource for fast work. The transfer rate is up to 5 Gbps. The panel has slots for all existing memory cards: CF Type II, CF Type I, SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, MS Duo, MS Pro, MS, xD. There are outputs for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. MiniJack output for headphones and microphone. One of the important characteristics of the device is the Molex connector, where you can connect an additional hard drive. There are Sata, eSata outputs for connecting external devices to a PC. With the help of such a card reader, it is possible to improve the system disk by connecting additional devices. It has more functionality than other devices from the list.

• support for most memory card formats of both old and new gadgets;
• high speed of work;
• availability of ports for connecting additional devices;
• compatible with almost all computer operating systems.

• the complexity of self-connection to a PC;
• high price.

In order to choose the best card reader, you need to decide on the main question - why does the user need it.If for constant work with multimedia information formats, then it is worth looking at better models at an above-average price with certain characteristics. Especially pay attention to the data transfer rate. If a card reader is needed for isolated cases, then there are many worthy budget devices on the market for modern gadget accessories. They can easily cope with simple tasks and do not require costs.

Another of the most important components of the choice is whether the user will constantly work on the same computer or the card reader should be mobile with its owner. It depends on whether to purchase an embedded or external device.

It is worth analyzing which drives from gadgets will be most often used so that the selected card reader can read their memory cards without any problems. If there is no such information in advance, then you should pay attention to universal devices marked “All in one”.

It is better to buy any goods from reliable suppliers, this applies to both offline and online stores. We recommend paying attention to the brand of the manufacturer - many trusted companies offer decent models in different price categories. It is better to purchase from a reputable manufacturer by studying their official websites.

Before buying a device, it would be useful to read customer reviews and clarify the necessary characteristics from sellers.

Some still consider card readers not mandatory devices, but these devices greatly simplify the work with modern gadgets, save time and nerves. Buyers should start using to make sure the purchase is up to date.