Even though Apple’s MacBook Pro and the Mac Studio have a built-in SDXC memory card reader, there are good reasons to get an external one. Not every Mac has a reader, or you need to be able to read multiple cards at a time. Perhaps you want to use CFexpress memory cards, which are finding their way into more professional digital cameras. These memory cards currently offer data transfer rates of up to 3650MBps, significantly faster than the theoretical 312MBps of an SDXC UHS-II memory card.
What’s available
The range of memory card readers is as diverse as the demands of the people who use them. It is common for memory card readers for SDXC UHS-II memory cards to have two slots, either two SDXC UHS-II slots or separate slots for microSD and the normal SD memory card size. More expensive models can also use the two slots in parallel so that you can copy from one memory card to the other or transfer data from two memory cards to the Mac at the same time. For photographers, only the models that support the fast UHS-II, also known as SD4.0, memory cards are of interest.
An example of a professional memory card reader with two SDXC memory card readers is the Angelbird SD Dual Card Reader and for the entry-level class, the inexpensive Ugreen USB-C SD 4.0 card reader.
If you use professional CFexpress memory cards in a digital camera, you will need a corresponding memory card reader. CFexpress memory cards come in three different sizes, type A, B and C. The most common size is type B, which is used by Canon, Leica, Nikon and Panasonic, for example. Type A is used by Sony. There are two types of CFexpress memory card readers, the single card reader and the dual card reader with a combination of SDXC SD4.0 and CFexpress type B. For example, the ProGrade PG05.5 is a dual card reader and the two currently fastest memory card readers, the OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress memory card reader and the Prograde PG05.6, are single card readers with USB4 for type B memory cards.
Another option for users is a docking station with a card slot. This way, you can add additional ports as well. These can be USB-C multiport adapters, but also Thunderbolt docking stations. An example of a Thunderbolt docking station is the Sonnet Echo 20 and the OWC USB-C Travel Dock E for a USB-C multiport adapter. The Dockcase Studio Smart USB-C Hub 8-in-1 has both a CFexpress and UHS-II memory card readers. The Kingston Workflow Station plays a special role as a modular system with up to four freely configurable modules. This makes it both a multiport adapter and a memory card reader with up to eight memory card slots.
In addition to USB-C 3.2, Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 are also used as interfaces. The faster interfaces are particularly useful for memory cards that work with data transfer rates of 1200MBps to 3650MBps, as USB-C 3.2 cannot achieve data transfer rates above 1000MBps.
Recommendations
The good news is that you can find very good memory card readers such as the Kingston Workflow SD Reader or the Ugreen USB-C SD 4.0 card reader at relatively inexpensive prices. Here you can expect a fast data transfer rate, but you have to compromise on robustness. The Angelbird SD Dual Card Reader, on the other hand, is professional with its metal housing and two memory card readers that can be used in parallel.
With the docking stations and multiport adapters, you have to compromise on the data transfer rate in favor of variability. Anyone using UHS-I memory cards with a read data transfer rate of more than 90MBps, such as the Kingston Canvas Go Plus with 170MBps, must pay attention to the compatibility of the memory card reader.
The CFexpress memory card readers are at a completely different speed level but offer different speeds. However, if you want to take advantage of the high read speeds, you need to choose memory card readers that support Thunderbolt or USB 4. USB-C stops at around 900MBps.
Memory card reader for SD4.0 UHS-II memory cards
Ugreen USB-C SD 4.0 Card Reader
Pros
- Very good data transfer rates
- Robust cable
- Favorable price
- Compact dimensions
Cons
- Only one memory card can be read
The Ugreen SD4.0 card reader belongs to the affordable entry-level class and offers slots for microSD and SD memory cards. Even though the SD4.0 card reader has two slots, only one can be used at a time and not both. In terms of speed, the SD4.0 card reader is impressive with both UHS-II and UHS-I memory cards. It is compatible with UHS-I memory cards, which offer a higher read rate outside the standard.
Memory card reader for CFexpress type B
OWC Atlas FXR Thunderbolt
Pros
- High data transfer rates
- Compact metal housing
Cons
- Pricey
The slim, high-quality metal housing of the Atlas FXR Thunderbolt is immediately noticeable. The look corresponds to the high-quality SSDs from the same company. In addition to Thunderbolt 3 and 4, the connection is also compatible with USB 3.2, but then only at 10 GBit/s. In terms of data transfer rates, the Atlas FXR Thunderbolt leaves its competitors with USB-C far behind and is only beaten by its new USB 4 brother. The metal housing of the Atlas FXR is not only for its robustness but also for heat dissipation, which is noticeable in the endurance test.
OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress Typ B Card Reader
Pros
- Very high data transfer rates
- High-quality housing
Cons
- None
The memory card reader from OWC offers maximum performance. The Atlas USB4 CFexpress is designed for data transfer rates of up to 5000 MBps. Current CFexpress V4.0 class memory cards are specified up to 3600 MBps. The interface is compatible with USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4; when using USB-C, the data transfer rate remains below 1000 MBps due to the system. We measured the data rate with one of the fastest memory cards, the OWC Atlas Ultra, at over 3,000 MBps. The Innergize software, which can read out the health of the memory card in conjunction with an OWC memory card, is very exciting.
ProGrade PG05.5
Pros
- High data transfer rates
- Robust and stackable housing
Cons
- High price
- No USB 4
The sturdy plastic housing accommodates two memory card readers, one for UHS-II and one for CFexpress Type B. The housing is magnetic so that several memory card readers can be stacked or attached to the MacBook. A corresponding magnetic adhesive strip for the laptop is included. The data transfer rates meet professional standards.
ProGrade PG05.6
Pros
- Very high data transfer rates
- Robust and stackable housing
- USB 4
- Long cable included
Cons
- None
With the PG05.6, ProGrade offers a memory card reader with USB 4 connection in familiar housings, just like the other memory card readers from the same company. The housing is stable and also has a magnetic underside for stacking with other drives from Prograde. Alternatively, the magnetic adhesive strip supplied can be stuck to the MacBook. A novelty for memory card readers is the 70-centimeter-long USB 4 cable supplied. The data transfer rates meet the expectations of a USB4 memory card reader and break the 3000 MB/s barrier directly with the new CFexpress V4 memory cards from Prograde.
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Reader
Pros
- Very good data transfer rates
- Large rubberized surface
Cons
- Low data transfer rates
The Extreme Pro CFexpress card reader from SanDisk is a real price breaker at 44 euros. Sandisk has not saved on speed, which is on a par with the competition, but on features. The streamlined housing is made of plastic and only accommodates one memory card slot for CFexpress type B cards. For better handling, it is relatively heavy and has a large rubberized surface on the underside.