UGREEN SD Card Reader USB-C Review: Fast and Reliable Media Transfer

Introduction

For anyone working with cameras and drones, a reliable SD card reader is an essential tool. UGREEN’s USB-C SD card reader offers UHS-II compatibility with both SD and microSD slots, making it a versatile companion for creative professionals.

Priced at ¥49–¥79 (~$7–$11) on JD.com, the UGREEN reader competes with ORICO’s card reader (¥39) and Anker’s offering (¥89). UGREEN’s reputation for quality cables and adapters in China gives it an edge in the competitive accessory market.

Specifications

Item	Spec
Interface	USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Card Slots	SD (UHS-II) + microSD (UHS-I)
Max Speed	SD: up to 312 MB/s / microSD: up to 104 MB/s
Material	Aluminum alloy + ABS
Cable	Integrated short USB-C cable (~15cm)
Dimensions	55 × 24 × 9mm
Weight	~18g
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android, Linux
Price	¥49–¥79 (~$7–$11)

Design and Build Quality

UGREEN’s card reader follows the brand’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. The aluminum alloy housing gives it a premium feel and helps with heat dissipation — important when transferring large files from fast UHS-II cards. The compact size (about the length of a key) makes it easy to keep in a camera bag pocket.

The integrated USB-C cable is a mixed design choice. On one hand, there’s no risk of losing a cable. On the other, the 15cm stubby cable can be inconvenient if your computer’s USB-C ports are in an awkward position. A keyring hole on the body is a thoughtful addition for attaching to keys or a bag.

Card insertion is smooth with clear tactile feedback. The SD slot is spring-loaded with a push-to-insert, push-to-eject mechanism. The microSD slot is a spring-less push-and-click type. Both work reliably with thousands of insertions.

Performance

When paired with a UHS-II SD card (Sony Tough G 300MB/s), CrystalDiskMark shows:

• SD slot read: ~305 MB/s (near UHS-II limit)
• SD slot write: ~280 MB/s
• microSD slot read: ~98 MB/s (UHS-I limited)
• microSD slot write: ~85 MB/s

Real-world transfer of 50GB of RAW photos (Sony A7R V, compressed RAW) took approximately 3 minutes — about 280 MB/s sustained. The aluminum body remained cool throughout the transfer, reaching only ~35°C.

One notable feature: both slots can be used simultaneously (detected as two separate drives), allowing simultaneous offloading from SD and microSD. This is useful for drone pilots who record to both cards.

What Chinese Users Say

“Perfect for my workflow. I shoot on a Sony A7 IV and a DJI Mini 4 Pro — this reader handles both SD and microSD cards. Transfer speeds are excellent and the compact size lives in my bag permanently.” — Wei Yan (魏岩), JD Verified Buyer ★★★★★

“Good build quality as expected from UGREEN. The aluminum body feels premium. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is the short integrated cable — I’d prefer a detachable one.” — Shi Lei (石磊), Tmall Verified Buyer ★★★★

“Works perfectly with my iPad Pro for offloading photos on the go. Plug and play, no drivers needed. Reads both my SD and microSD cards simultaneously.” — Lyu Bin (吕斌), JD Verified Buyer ★★★★★

“I’ve had cheaper readers fail after a few months. This one feels like it will last. The transfer speeds are consistently fast — no dropouts or disconnections during large transfers.” — Jiang Hui (蒋辉), Tmall Verified Buyer ★★★★★

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. UHS-II support for fast 312 MB/s transfers
2. Dual slot design (SD + microSD)
3. Premium aluminum alloy body
4. Compact and portable with keyring hole
5. Simultaneous card reading
6. Broad OS compatibility (no drivers needed)
7. Affordable pricing

Cons

1. Integrated cable may be inconvenient
2. USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) caps at ~312 MB/s
3. microSD slot limited to UHS-I speeds
4. No USB-A version included
5. Cable is fragile at the connection point

FAQ

Q1: Does this reader support UHS-II SD cards at full speed? Yes. The SD slot supports UHS-II (312 MB/s). Note that your card must also be UHS-II to achieve these speeds. UHS-I cards max out at 104 MB/s regardless of the reader.

Q2: Can I use this reader with my iPhone 15 Pro? Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro’s USB-C port supports external storage accessories. The UGREEN reader works for importing photos and videos natively through the Files app.

Q3: Does it work with Nintendo Switch? Yes, the Switch supports USB card readers in the dock. You can use it to transfer screenshots and recordings from microSD cards.

Q4: What’s the difference between this and UGREEN’s cheaper USB-A reader? The USB-C version supports UHS-II and higher transfer speeds. UGREEN’s USB-A reader (¥29) is UHS-I only and caps at 104 MB/s. The USB-C version is recommended for anyone with UHS-II cards.

Q5: Is the reader compatible with Linux? Yes, the reader uses the standard USB mass storage protocol and works without additional drivers on all major Linux distributions. It’s been tested on Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch.

Verdict and Rating

The UGREEN USB-C SD Card Reader is a reliable, well-built accessory that does exactly what it promises. The UHS-II compatibility, dual slots, and compact design make it a practical choice for photographers and content creators. The integrated cable is the only notable compromise, and it’s a minor one for the price.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)

• Transfer Speed: 4.5/5
• Build Quality: 4.4/5
• Portability: 4.7/5
• Compatibility: 4.6/5
• Value for Money: 4.5/5