The most common types of memory cards are Secure Digital (SD), microSD, SDHC, microSDHC, CompactFlash (CF), Memory Stick (MS), MS Duo, Mini SD, and MMC. Before buying a reader, make sure it's compatible with the memory card you are using. AxGear USB-C USB Micro USB Card Reader Type C USB 3.1 Read MicroSD SD for Phone PC Macbook: axGear USB-C USB Micro USB Card Reader Type C USB 3.1 Read MicroSD SD for Phone PC Macbook Black Friday SALE Take a sneak peek at our Black Friday flyer!
What is SD?
SD describes devices that conform to SD standards for non-volatile memory cards. See the SD Association website for details.
Are there size limitations for the cards that can be inserted into the SD slot?
Yes. The SD card specification for a memory card is 32mm by 24mm by 2.1mm. You can also use thinner cards, such as MultiMediaCards (MMC). Avoid using cards that have a thickness greater than 2.1mm, as they might damage the SD card slot if you try to insert them.
Which SD card formats work in the SD card slot?
Cards that conform to the SD 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x standards should work. The SD card slot can use:
- Standard SD, 4MB to 2GB
- SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity), 4GB to 32GB
- SDXC, 4GB to 2TB
- MMC (MultiMediaCards)
- UHS‑II, up to 2TB (iMac Pro only)
You can use a passive adapter like the one shown here to make MiniSD, MicroSD, and higher density formats like MiniSDHC and MicroSDHC conform to the width and thickness specifications listed above:
How fast can my Mac read or write to an SD card in the SD card slot?
Mac notebooks use the USB bus to communicate with the SD card slot. They have a maximum speed of up to 480Mbit/s. Mac desktops use the PCIe bus to communicate with the SD card slot. Desktops can transfer data at a faster rate.
Check the packaging that came with your SD media to determine the maximum transfer rate that your specific card uses.
To determine the maximum transfer speed of your Mac, you can use System Information. Choose Apple () menu > About This Mac and then click System Report.
If you use a Mac notebook:
- Select Hardware, then select USB.
- Select Internal Memory Card Reader and look for the Speed entry.
If you use a Mac desktop computer:
- Select Hardware, then select Card Reader.
- Look for the Link Speed entry. Computers that use the PCIe bus express their speed as GT/s.
Does the SD slot work with cards that exceed 32GB?
Yes. However, most media manufacturers preformat the media using common block-and-cluster sizes that don’t approach the theoretical limits of a given file system.
Most SD cards use the FAT32 file format, and preformatted FAT32 SD media is commonly available up to a capacity of 32GB. Media that exceeds 32GB usually uses the exFAT file system, while some smaller capacity cards use the FAT16 file format. Preformatted FAT16 media is generally available up to a capacity of 2GB.
If you use OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.5 or later, you can find out which file system you’re using:
- Insert the media into the SD card slot.
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
- Click System Report.
- In the Hardware section, click Card Reader, and find the File System field.
Will the SD card slot work with SD cards that use the exFAT file system?
Yes. Any Mac that has an SD card slot and is running OS X 10.6.5 or later can use the exFAT file system.
exFAT is also supported in Boot Camp with Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 on any Mac made in 2011 or later with an SD card slot.
How do I insert media into the SD card slot?
When you insert the card, make sure that the metal contacts face down and point toward the computer. Don’t force media into the SD card slot, as this might cause damage.
How does my Mac use the media inserted into the SD card slot?
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Your computer recognizes a card inserted into the SD card slot as a USB storage device. You can mount, read from, and write to the SD card just like you can with any other USB storage device.
I put the card in the slot, but it didn’t mount. What should I do?
Remove the card and insert it again. Sometimes the SD card won’t mount properly if you put it into the slot too slowly.
When I try to write content to the card, I get a 'cannot be modified' message. How can I fix this?
You see this message when you try to edit data on an SD card that’s locked. You need to use the lock slider to unlock the card before you can edit the data.
To eject the card, drag the icon that represents the card to the Trash. After the icon disappears from the desktop, you can remove the card from the computer. Adjust the lock slider tab to unlock the card, then reinsert the card into the slot. See the manufacturer’s instructions for the location of the slider tab.
Can I use Disk Utility to reformat an SD card?
You can use Disk Utility to partition and format an SD device as FAT32 (using the MS-DOS FAT setting) or Mac OS Extended. The Mac OS Extended format can be used only on Macintosh systems. Non-Apple systems won’t recognize cards formatted to Mac OS Extended.
You might have to format a card that’s larger than 32GB with exFAT if you want to use it with a digital camera, GPS, or another device. When in doubt, format the card in the device that you intend to use it with.
Can I install macOS on an SD storage device and use it as a startup volume?
Use Disk Utility to change the default partition table to GUID. Then format the card to use the Mac OS Extended file format.
How do I remove a card from the SD card slot?
Before you remove the card, allow any data transfer to SD media to complete. To eject the card, drag the icon that represents the card to the Trash. After the icon disappears from your desktop, you can remove the card from the slot.
Don't remove a card while your Mac is sleeping, as this could lead to data loss. Always wake your computer and eject the SD card before removing it from your Mac.
Can I use Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) cards?
Can I use macOS to see the specifications for the interface hardware and media inserted in the SD card slot?
You can get information about the interface hardware and the media that you inserted in the slot from the System Information:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
- Click System Report.
- In the Hardware section of System Information, select USB.
- In the list of USB devices, select Internal Memory Card Reader to access information about the interface hardware and the media inserted into the SD card slot.
Can I use the SD card slot while running Windows using Boot Camp?
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The SD card slot works with Boot Camp in all supported versions of Windows. You’ll need to download and install the Windows Support Software to use the SD card slot with Windows.
Learn more about using Windows on a Mac.
Can I use an SDXC card on my Mac with Windows?
You can use an SDXC card in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 with these Mac computers:
- MacBook Pro (Early 2011 and later)
MacBook Pro models from 2016 and later don't have a built-in SD card slot. You can use a USB-C card reader, or a combination of a USB-C to USB Adapter and a USB card reader. - MacBook Air (Mid 2011 and later)
- Mac mini (Mid 2011 and later)
Mac mini (Mid 2010) doesn't support SDXC cards. - iMac (Mid 2011 and later)
iMac (Mid 2010) doesn't support SDXC cards.
Can I use an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card to install Windows on my Mac?
No. You can’t use SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards with Boot Camp to install Windows software on Mac computers.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
Sd Card Readers For Mac
- Most Popular:SanDisk Ultra Class 10 SDHC at Amazon, 'A solid option for casual photographers.'
- Best Overall:Samsung MicroSD EVO Memory Card at Amazon, 'Strong enough to process 4K footage and RAW files.'
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Polaroid 64GB at Amazon, “Perfect for photographers of all levels, balancing speed with value and versatility.”
- Best Value: PNY Elite Performance SDHC Class 10 UHS-I at Amazon, 'Provides a cost-effective alternative to better-known brands, without compromising on quality.'
- Runner-Up, Best Value:Samsung Evo Select 64GB SD Card at Amazon, “An amazing value for the price.”
- Best for RAW Shooting:Transcend Class 10 SDXC at Amazon, “Some high-powered specs at a lower price point.”
- Runner-Up, Best for RAW Shooting:Sony SF-G32/T1 SDHC UHS-II at Amazon, 'Can reach transfer speeds of up to 300 MB/s.'
- Best for Pros: Lexar Professional 2000x SDHC at Amazon, “For serious, high-energy photographers and video producers.”
- Best Capacity:Lexar Pro 256GB SD Card at Amazon, “Transfers data at high speeds and holds a ton of it.”
Our Top Picks
Most Popular: SanDisk Ultra Class 10 SDHC
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper and don’t mind the slower write speeds (maybe you’re not a super fast photographer), then you’re perfectly safe going with a budget SD card. The SanDisk Ultra is that card. It’s available in 16, 32, 64, and 128 GB, and offers a tepid write of about 10 MB per second, meaning it could struggle to keep up with burst shooting in RAW format. Read/transfer speeds are significantly faster at 80 MB/s. This is faster than SanDisk’s previous Ultra SD, which offered read speeds of 40 MB/s. Either way, this is a solid option for casual photographers who do not anticipate firing off 10 wide format shots a second. It’s waterproof, heatproof, freezeproof, X-ray proof, magnetproof and shockproof, and it’s got a 10-year warranty. Most people will walk away happy.
Best Overall: Samsung MicroSD EVO Memory Card
For those who need a card that can handle a heavier workload, the Samsung EVO is a better choice than our Most Popular pick. The EVO is perfect for filmmakers and photographers since it is strong enough to process 4K footage and RAW files, which take longer to upload. The EVO boasts its high storage capacity (up to 128GB) as well as its efficient speeds for reading and writing files, 100MB/s and 60 MB/s respectively. Additionally, the EVO offers a high level of durability and excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, seawater, magnets, and other harsh conditions. The EVO comes with a full-size adapter, allowing you to download files to your smartphone, tablet, PC, or other devices.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Polaroid 64GB
This plug-and-shoot high performance SD card is perfect for photographers of all levels, balancing speed with value and versatility for a solid all-around memory solution. It has class 10 and UHS-1/U3 compatibility, meaning it can handle 4k photos and videos, as well as all other traditional file types. It hits 95Mb/s read speed and 90MB/s write speed, letting you transfer large files at quick speeds. It also supports burst mode for continuous shooting, and is shockproof and waterproof to survive adventurous outings.
Best Value: PNY Elite Performance SDHC Class 10 UHS-I
PNY isn't the most recognizable brand, but it delivers performance that is comparable to better-known products in its class. The card provides reads speeds of 95 MB/s, which is a respectable rate if you’re looking for a professional-grade product. For photographers and filmmakers, the PNY Elite Performance works well with DSLRs and can support the demands of capturing action shots, HD videos, and other high-quality photos. In terms of storage, the card offers 32GB and 64GB options for less than $20 and up to 512GB if you’re willing to splurge. However, for the best value, 32 to 64GB is plenty of storage space. Additionally, the PNY Elite Performance card boasts a high level of durability as it is magnet-proof, shock-proof, waterproof, and resistant to extreme temperatures.
The PNY’s 32GB option is a UHS-I/U1 card, meaning it has a writing speed of 10 MB/s, so it only supports full HD resolution (1080p). The 64GB, on the other hand, is a UHS-1/U3 card, which features a 30 MB/s rate, meaning it can handle 3D, 4K, and ultra HD shooting. For photographers, the 32GB card offers plenty of space, but filmmakers should consider upgrading to the 64GB. Regardless, both cards provide cost-effective alternatives to household names like Sandisk and Lexar, without compromising on quality.
Runner-Up, Best Value: Samsung Evo Select 64GB SD Card
The Evo series from Samsung offers an amazing value for the price because they’ve optimized these SD cards for massive UHD video files while also keeping the 64GB price below $20 -- no small feat when you look at how well this card operates. That 64GB capacity offers read speeds up to 100 mb/s, with write speeds capping at 60 mb/s. Those speeds factor out to accommodate a 3GB video transfer in as little as 38 seconds (under specific conditions). That’s certainly a far cry from the days of floppy disks. The full capacity can accommodate up to 8 hours and 30 minutes of full HD video, 14,000 photos or 5,500 songs.
The card has been tested with dozens of different devices from tablets to cameras to phones and more, and it can accommodate 4K videos, too. Samsung’s four-point protection claims 72 hours in seawater, extreme temperatures, airport X-ray machines, as well as magnetic fields equivalent to an MRI scanner, so the card will go basically anywhere you need it to go without issue. It offers grade 3 and class 10 distinctions, meaning it’s about as pro as it gets, and it comes with a full-sized SD card adapter.
Best for RAW Shooting: Transcend Class 10 SDXC
A step down from both the Toshiba Exceria Pro and the Lexar Professional, the Transcend Class 10 line of SDHC and SDXC cards offer some high-powered specs at a lower price point. The 32 GB SDHC can be found for less than $50, while the 64 GB SDXC costs around $70. Both offer read and write speeds of 285 MB/s and 180 MB/s, respectively, and both include built-in ECC technology that helps detect and correct for writing and transfer errors. Owners are also offered a free download of RecoveRx data recovery software. This is an ideal option for professional photographers and video producers who prefer to shoot in RAW or ultra-high quality 4K video modes—anything that’s likely to produce large swaths of data. While still somewhat pricey, the Transcend SD cards may be a more affordable option than Toshiba’s Exceria Pro line.
Runner-Up, Best for RAW Shooting: Sony SF-G32/T1 SDHC UHS-II
RAW files are significantly larger than other file types, which means that transferring them from your camera to a PC demands a large amount of processing power. And while the Sony SF-G32/T1 will cost you a hefty penny, it’s absolutely worth it. The card’s performance is unmatched by its cheaper alternatives. The SF-G32/T1 offers three sizes from 32 to 128GB, and the price increases along with the expanded memory. Its main draw lies in its speed class, UHS-II, Class 10, meaning it can reach transfer speeds of up to 300 MB/s. The SF-G32/T1 is best suited for professional filmmakers, especially those working with 4K continuous shooting, burst mode shooting, and action photography.
Best for Pros: Lexar Professional 2000x SDHC
Now we enter the realm of high-capacity, high-powered SD cards for serious, high-energy photographers and video producers. While a little pricey, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDHC and SDXC cards are available in 32, 64 and 128 GB. Why would you spend that much on an SD card? Because you’re getting perhaps the best SD card on the market, and probably because you’re a professional photographer who doesn’t mess around. Each format offers a remarkable read/transfer speed of up to 300MB/s. Write speeds are pretty much guaranteed to be much slower than that, but depending on your conditions, it can still reach as a high as 275 MB/s. Regardless, the Lexar Professional can handle 1080p (Full HD), 3D, and 4K video, whether you’re shooting from a DSLR camera, HD video camera or 3D camera. This thing is meant to handle a variety of conditions and is equipped to do so with unprecedented speed.
Best Capacity: Lexar Pro 256GB SD Card
The Lexar Pro 256GB class 10 SD card does exactly everything you’d hope for it to do -- it transfers data at high speeds and holds a ton of it. The card utilizes UHS-I technology for ultra-fast transfers that clock in at a speed of 95 MB/s for the read levels and a whopping 45 mb/s on writing. But what can you read and write with those speeds? Well, this massive SD card is optimized for high quality, raw images, as well as full video footage from 1080p all the way to 4K, even supporting massive 3D video files. As such, it’ll work formatted with your DSLR, camcorder or 3D camera.
The cards are rigorously tested in Lexar’s Quality labs to ensure that they will work uninterrupted as advertised. But if, for some reason, it does fail and you lose some files, Lexar has included a lifetime license for their Image Rescue software that will do its best to recover lost files due to a corrupt disk.
Tested by
How We Tested
Our reviewers spent 15 hours testing one of the most popular SD cards the market. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using this SD card, from its storage space to its transfer speed. We've outlined the key points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in an SD Card
Type - Before you start browsing for the fastest cards, you’ll need to determine the exact type of SD card that your device takes. There are three types available — standard SD, miniSD, and microSD — so check your device manual to figure out the one you need.
Storage - Before you make your decision, you’ll need to decide how much content you’re looking to store on your SD card. Smaller 16GB and 32GB options can be great for the budding photographer, but if you’re looking to capture 4K video, you’ll want to aim for the largest card you can afford.
Speed - Cards are available in different speeds, and while the average individual should be fine with most options, those looking to shoot high-definition video or those demanding peak performance should make sure the card they’re purchasing has a “class 10” speed rating.
Test Results: SanDisk Ultra Class 10 SDHC (Most Popular)
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t come with case
Overall, our testers felt this was a great SD card, especially for the price. One reviewer — who used it with a Fujifilm X-T20 DSLR camera, a Fujifilm X-T20 point and shoot camera, and a MacBook Air laptop — loved its speed and amount of storage space. “I was taking pictures on a couple of trips — including photos for this product review! — and I still had room for more,” he noted. Our reviewers didn’t have much to say in the way of negatives — just that they wished it came with a case of its own.