Apple’s Mac computers have been a success for the past couple of years. However, it is well known that Apple computers lack ports and slots. Instead of putting built-in ports on their computers, they sell a separate dongle for you to expand your ports. But, these external dongles from Apple are usually expensive. If you are a professional photographer and use Mac as your post-processing device, then it could be really frustrating especially if you have to transfer files from your camera’s memory card to your Mac computer. What SD card adapter for Mac to choose?
In this case, we are here to help. Today, we are going to review some of the best SD card adapters for your Mac which can help you a lot when taking images and videos from your camera to your Mac.
But first, let us discuss some key features that you should look out if you are to buy an SD card adapter for your Mac.
Let’s get started, shall we?
7 Fast SD Card Adapters for Mac
Without further delays, here’s the best SD card adapter that you can get on the market today.
#1: USB C Hub HDMI Adapter for MacBook Pro
If you are into a minimalistic design that matches well with your Macbook or iMac then you should take a look at the Mokin USB-C SD card adapter. It is made from an aluminum alloy which gives you that premium feels even if the actual reader is cheap. The Mokin USB-C reader has two card slots one for Micro SD card and one for a standard-sized memory card. Aside from the SD card slots, you also get a bonus of two USB ports and an HDMI port which is excellent considering the SD Card’s price tag. You can get the Mokin USB-C reader on Amazon for $20.
#2: Hicober USB C to SD Card Reader
The Hicober USB-C memory card reader has support for up to 2 TB of memory card storage capacity. It has two memory card slots that support both the SD card and Micro SD Card types. For the build quality, the Hicober SD card adapter also uses an aluminum frame for its body making the device feel premium even for a cheap price. When it comes to compatibility, the Hicober USB C memory card adapter has support for most Macbook and iMac models. You can get this SD card adapter on Amazon for $13 and comes with two years of warranty.
#3: Hiearcool USB C Hub, MacBook Pro Adapter
If you want an SD card adapter that also serves other functions then you should take a look at the Hiearcool Macbook Pro adapter. It has two SD card slots one for Micro SD Cards and one for SD Cards. For its other ports, the Hiearcool adapter also features an HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports, and a USB-C charging port. For performance, both card slots can reach up to 104 MB per second in terms of transfer speed which is decent for medium to large file transfers. The Hiearcool USB-C SD card adapter is available on Amazon for $25.
#4: Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader
Now, if you want something that would guarantee to work on all Mac computers then you should consider buying the original Apple USB-C to SD card adapter. The best thing about this product is that you have the peace of mind that nothing can go wrong as this product is officially sold by Apple. However, there’s a downside, the card only has one slot and that is for an SD card. If you plan to read a Micro SD card then you would need to use an adapter to use it. The Apple USB-C SD card reader is available on Amazon for $35.
#5: Nonda USB C to SD Card Reader
Do you like the OEM Apple product design? then you should take a look at the Nonda USB-C SD card adapter. It looks almost the same as the original SD card adapter from Apple. The difference is that it is way cheaper and has two card slots for both Micro SD card and standard SD card. It works plug-and-play on most Mac computers without the need for extra software or drivers. You can get the Nonda USB C card reader on Amazon for $14.
#6: iHoryson USB C SD Card Reader Adapter
The iHoryson USB C memory card reader is another budget-friendly option for you. It is only priced on Amazon for $13 and it gets you two card slots both for SD card and Micro SD card. In addition, you also get a fast USB 3.0 port which is capable of up to 5 gigabits per second bandwidth. The card slots can read data from your memory card at a maximum speed of 120 MB per second which is really good considering the price. There’s also an 18-month warranty offered if you decide to get the iHoryson USB-C memory card reader.
#7: STARWARE USB C to SD/MicroSD Card Reader
Here’s a compact type SD card adapter from STARWARE. The memory card adapter measures less than 2 inches in length and manages to have 2 card slots for both Micro SD card and SD card. It also has an aluminum body and the structure of the card reader feels solid and durable. This card reader allows you to use both card slots simultaneously so that you can transfer more files at the same time. It is compatible with most Macbook and iMac models and comes with a price tag of $10 on Amazon.
What to Consider When Buying an External SD Card Adapter?
An SD card adapter is a small device that comes in different shapes and sizes, and it is designed to convert the SD card’s interface to a USB interface. This way, the Mac can read and write data on the SD card, and you can use the built-in Disk Utility app to format the card.
To be honest, there are a lot of good options to choose from out there in the market. However, to simplify things when picking the right memory card adapter you should look out for two things, the adapter’s performance and the adapter’s available SD card slots.
Let’s discuss this further below.
- SD Card Adapter’s Performance – when buying an SD card adapter or reader, it is important that it can take advantage of your memory card’s read speed. The read speed of your memory card would be useless if your SD card adapter is slow. In this case, it is advisable to get a memory card adapter that has support for USB 3.0 or higher. USB with version 3.0 or higher can handle up to 5 gigabits per second of data which helps a lot in maximizing your memory card’s transfer speed.
- Available SD Card Slot – if you are a professional photographer, there’s a high chance that you would want to transfer photos and videos from more than one memory card. With this, you would also want to get an SD Card with a few slots available and has support for bot Micro SD card and Standard SD Card. In this way, you can transfer photos and videos from more than one card at a single time.
Why Do You Need An Adapter?
When it comes to formatting an SD card on a Mac, you cannot directly connect the SD card to your computer. Instead, you need to use a card adapter that allows you to insert the SD card into it and then plug the adapter into your Mac’s USB port. Read more on formatting SD Cards to FAT32 on Mac by clicking the link.
Therefore, if you want to format an SD card on a Mac, it is essential to have a compatible card adapter to enable your Mac to recognize and access the SD card. Without a card adapter, you cannot connect the SD card to your Mac directly, and hence, you will not be able to format it.
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