FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

If you want the best out of your card reader, check for these subtle differences that separate the best readers from the rest

01 Connection type

Many card readers now connect to your computer using a USB-C plug, but adapters are readily available to convert to normal USB.

02 USB speed

USB 3.1 Gen 2 is twice as fast as Gen 1, but there are currently very few readers that use it, and even fewer memory cards are fast enough to make complete use of Gen 2’s capabilities.

03 UHS-I vs UHS-II

UHS-II SD cards are faster, and all the readers here are compatible. UHS-I card readers will read UHS-II cards, just slower.

04 Wire it up

Some readers use a USB cable that’s hard-wired to the reader body, which can be problematic if the cable ever gets damaged.

05 Extra ports

With fewer and fewer ports on the sides of most modern laptops, a card reader hub with a few extra USB sockets may be just the ticket when it comes to accessibility.