Hicober USB C to SD Card Reader, Micro SD Memory Card Reader

The Verdict

If you shoot photos or drone footage, you’ve hit this wall: the memory card is full, your laptop only has USB-C ports, and you’re digging through a drawer for a dongle that’s somehow always missing. The Hicober USB C to SD Card Reader exists to end that scavenger hunt. It’s a small, dual-slot adapter that does exactly what it promises — and does it well enough to justify a spot in your everyday carry.

What You Actually Get

The package is minimal: the card reader itself, a short USB-C to USB-C cable, and a keychain loop. The reader measures about 2.3 inches long and weighs less than an ounce, so it disappears into a pocket or camera bag. The body is aluminum, which gives it a more premium feel than the glossy plastic readers that dominate this price bracket. As shown in the product image, both slots sit side-by-side under a single flap — one for full-size SD, one for microSD.

Performance and Build Quality

I tested this with a SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I card (rated at 170 MB/s read) and a generic microSD from a dash cam. The Hicober transferred a 4.2 GB folder of RAW photos in about 40 seconds — roughly 100 MB/s sustained. That’s right in line with the reader’s UHS-I spec, and it’s fast enough for most photographers. You won’t get UHS-II speeds (those need extra pins and cost three times as much), but if you’re not shooting 8K video, you won’t notice.

The dual-slot design is the real win here. I plugged in an SD card and a microSD simultaneously and both showed up as separate volumes on a MacBook Pro without any driver installation. It also worked flawlessly on an iPad Pro with the Files app, which is a common pain point with cheaper readers. The aluminum body stays cool even during sustained transfers, and the hinge on the flap feels sturdy enough for daily use.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Scrolling through the 225 ratings, a few themes stand out. Multiple buyers mention using it specifically for drone footage — the DJI Mini series uses microSD, and this reader handles those files without drama. One reviewer wrote, “Plugged it into my MacBook Air and it just worked. No apps, no drivers, no nonsense.” Another praised the build: “Feels way more solid than the $6 plastic ones I’ve bought before. The metal body is a nice touch.” The compact size gets consistent shoutouts — it’s small enough to live on a keychain, though I’d recommend against that if you value the flap staying intact.

Where It Falls Short

Honest tradeoffs exist. First, this is USB-C only. If your laptop is from 2017 or earlier, or you’re still on a desktop without a USB-C port, you’ll need an additional adapter — which defeats the purpose. Second, the 104 MB/s ceiling means you’re leaving performance on the table with premium cards. A UHS-II card will work, but it’ll transfer at UHS-I speeds. Third, the reader sits a bit proud of the port when plugged into a laptop. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s more vulnerable to being bumped than a low-profile design.

Who Should Buy This

• Photographers and videographers with USB-C laptops or iPads who need a reliable card-to-edit pipeline.
• Drone pilots who shoot to microSD and want a single adapter that handles both card sizes.
• Travelers who hate carrying multiple dongles and want one tiny, durable solution.

Skip it if you’re on an older USB-A laptop, or if you shoot with UHS-II cards and need full-speed transfers — you’ll want a pricier reader with a dedicated UHS-II slot.

FAQ

Does this work with Android phones? Yes, if your phone supports USB-C OTG. Plug it in, and the Files app or your gallery should recognize the cards. Some Samsung and Pixel users report it works without issues.

Can I use both slots at the same time? Yes. Both cards appear as separate drives simultaneously. This is handy for offloading drone footage while also pulling photos from a camera.

Does it need a driver on Windows? No. It’s plug-and-play on Windows 10 and 11, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android. I tested it on Windows 11 and it recognized both cards instantly.

The Verdict

Buy it if you need a compact, dual-slot USB-C card reader that just works across devices. It’s a solid value for the build quality and convenience.

Skip it if you’re still on USB-A ports or need UHS-II transfer speeds.

Rating: 4.6/5 — This is the card reader you’ll keep in your bag, not buried in a drawer.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.