Card readers for laptops and desktop PCs, from USB readers for SD and microSD cards to multi-slot models and a few payment card terminals. They suit photographers, drone and dashcam owners, and anyone whose laptop has no card slot. Leading brands in our range include AXAGON, LOGILINK, SumUp and RAIDSONIC.
How to choose a card reader
Card format. Check which cards you actually use. Cameras mostly take SD, action cameras and phones take microSD, and older professional cameras may use CompactFlash. A multi-slot reader covers several formats, while a single-slot model is smaller and easier to carry.
Connection type. Match the plug to your laptop. Many newer laptops only have USB-C ports, while older ones rely on USB-A. Some readers include both connectors or come with a small adapter, which saves carrying extra parts.
Transfer speed. The reader and the card both limit the speed. A fast UHS-II card in a basic UHS-I reader will not reach its full speed, so it is worth matching the two if you copy large batches of photos or 4K video regularly. For occasional file transfers, a standard USB 3.0 reader is usually enough.
Number of slots. Some readers let you use two cards at once, for example to copy files directly from one card to another. If you only import from one card at a time, a single slot is enough.
Memory cards or payment cards. The category is not limited to memory card readers. Payment terminals, such as those from SumUp, accept bank cards from customers and do not read camera cards. Make sure you choose the right type before buying.
Card reader brands we carry
- AXAGON: a Czech brand known for USB adapters, hubs and card readers, including slim models for USB-A and USB-C.
- LOGILINK: a supplier of cables, adapters and PC accessories, which makes it a common source of simple, everyday USB card readers.
- SumUp: a payments company best known for portable card terminals that take contactless and chip payments for small businesses.
- RAIDSONIC: the company behind the ICY BOX range of storage enclosures, docking stations and connectivity accessories.
- SATECHI: known for aluminium USB-C hubs and adapters designed to match Apple laptops.
Also in our range: DIGITUS, NATEC and INLINE.
Card readers FAQ
Do I need a card reader if my laptop has an SD slot?
Not always. A built-in slot is fine for occasional use with full-size SD cards. An external reader is worth having if you use microSD or CompactFlash cards, or if the built-in slot is slow or not working properly.
Is a USB-C card reader faster than a USB-A one?
Not by itself. Speed depends on the USB standard behind the connector, the reader's electronics and the card. A USB-C reader built on USB 3.0 or newer can match a USB-A reader of the same standard, so check the stated speed rather than the plug shape.
Can I read a microSD card with an SD card reader?
Only if the reader has a microSD slot or you use an SD adapter. Most multi-slot readers include a separate microSD slot. A small adapter that comes with many microSD cards also lets the card fit into a standard SD slot.
Can a card reader be used to take card payments?
Only a payment card terminal can do this. A memory card reader cannot process bank cards. Terminals such as those from SumUp are made for taking payments, and they usually connect to a phone or tablet through a payment app.
