We consider a external smartcard reader to be a worthy investment in the long run. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best external smartcard reader for you.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Anker External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Data Transfer Rate: Buy: Ugreen External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Surface Pro: Buy: Hid Global External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Ipad: Buy: Smartq External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Better Durability: Buy: Socketech External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Great Tool: Buy: Identiv External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Reasonable Price: Buy: Saicoo External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Security Camera: Buy: Cococka External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Military: Buy: Rocketek External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best For Phone: Buy: Luckeswn External Smartcard Reader READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Anker External Smartcard Reader

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Anker offers a variety of readers for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Anker External Smartcard Reader works as described, is cheap in price, it is reliable and has a sturdy design. Got the anker usb 3.0 sd/tf card reader. Moreover, this is great for a great price, performs well, it is used for system requirements and has a compact design.

The reader is crafted with nice feature, has led light, it works flawlessly and has a smart design. Above all, the anker external smartcard reader is easy to store, it allows for fast downloads and has a nice design.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the reader takes 5 mins max plus and it's plug 'n' play. In addition, they say that the reader works well with a usb3.0 port. Further, they also found that the reader is recognized fast and transfers quickly. Overall, most buyers agree that the reader suits best, and no one questions it.

• This works well on various macs and memory cards.
• This is a nice cheap solution though.
• This is made durable, it is best for easy access and has a simple design.
• This last long, is durable, it comes with micro cards and has an excellent design.

Best For Data Transfer Rate: Ugreen External Smartcard Reader

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Next on the list, we've got yet another reader that manages to win our hearts. It's the Ugreen External Smartcard Reader and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient readers you can buy. The ugreen external smartcard reader works as described, transfers files quickly, it is very portable and has a great design. The ugreen 4 in 1 sd card reader is designed with a super mini size, which you can put in your briefcase or pocket, and use anywhere. The ugreen usb memory card reader is designed with SD, TF, CF, and MS 4 card slots, and supports reading and writing 4 different memory cards at the same time.

The reader works like a champ, it works fast and has a simple design. And, the reader is great with prompt shipping, it is practical and has an integrated design. Most importantly, the ugreen external smartcard reader worked like a champ, It provides great value and has a good design.

Almost all customers agree that the reader can be positioned away from the computer. And, they say that the reader is easy to use, and fast enough for reading speed. And, they also found that the card reader is well made, and looks very good. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

• This allows for quicker operation and quality.
• It will save you a lot of time from data transfer.
• This provides fast photo download.
• This is constructed with a nice thick usb 3.0 cable.

Best For Surface Pro: Hid Global External Smartcard Reader

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The Hid Global External Smartcard Reader's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. The hid global external smartcard reader is very happy, works well for compatible devices and it is used for operating system.s. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, it comes with a standing base for convenient vertical use.

The reader works perfectly, is great for regular users and it is reliable. And, this works on windows and it is medical. Most importantly, the hid global external smartcard reader is great for developers, is compliant and it is for operating systems.

Most buyers agree that the reader is one of the recommended readers. And, a few say that the reader works with Windows 7, 8 & 10. Moreover, a few strongly agree that this reader is capable of writing to the chip but this would be controlled by external software.

• This has play kinda deal and it is very nice.
• This is time to upgrade since that one started working intermittently.
• This is great for replacing the laptop card reader.
• All major operating systems supported: Windows 7, 8, 10, Linux OS, Apple macos x.

Best For Ipad: Smartq External Smartcard Reader

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If you want nothing but the most reliable reader, then Smartq External Smartcard Reader is the one you should definitely consider. The smartq external smartcard reader is working great, Thus far, it is serial and has a lightweight design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the reader is attractive, works as expected, It works well for memory stick pro duo and has a convenient design.

Finally, the smartq external smartcard reader allows for great things. It is perfect for transferring pictures, It has enter this one and has a compact design.

Almost all customers agree that the reader has a micro usb female connector, so c368 needs to have an adapter (usb a to micro USB ) to work with fire hd 10. In addition, they say that the reader can not read a credit card and there is no cd for install. Also, a few strongly agree that the reader will survive many cycles of bending. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

• This is also usb powered, so no external power is required.
• This works for micro SD slot, It is really good and has a nice design.
• This provides great value, It is great for macbook air and has an efficient design.
• This fits in luggage easily to add that it will work with a MAC book.

Best For Better Durability: Socketech External Smartcard Reader

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Socketech External Smartcard Reader for daily purpose. The socketech external smartcardreader is easy to carry around. The memory card reader adopts an aluminum body and protective caps for ultra durability and practicability, while the portable design enables you to take it with you wherever you go. In addition, it is for better durability, very fast, it is straight forward and has a nice design.

Lastly, the socketech externalsmartcard reader is for mobile phones, is durable, it is expensive and has an ultra design.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the reader has all of the modern chip inputs. And, a few strongly agree that the reader includes a key chain holder. And, a few say that the reader has a standard usb port into which you can plug a regular usb drive. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

• This provides a hassle-free 18.
• These features are also very compact and smooth.
• This does not matter what port your device uses.
• This is one of the most versatile items in comparison to other products.

Best For Great Tool: Identiv External Smartcard Reader

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The Identiv External Smartcard Reader has killer features for the price point. The identiv external smartcard reader is sleek, It is perfect for macbook and has a convenient design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The scr3500 is ideally suited as a mobile reader device which easily fits into the pocket of the user, or can be attached to a key ring. This is a cac.

Above all, the identiv external smartcard reader works really well, is effective, it is perfect for a laptop bag and has a white style. look look.

Most customers quickly discovered that the reader fits the bill perfectly and also works well for piv cards. And, they strongly agree that the reader is perfect for on the go access. Also, a few say that the reader comes with starts to fray when wrapped around a key ring and carried in a pocket. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

• This worked immediately, it has play operation and has a sleek design.
• This is perfect with the government cac cards and is super compact for travelers.
• Compact and lightweight dongle form-factor card reader.
• This is great with a Mac to access stubborn military websites where a computer is required.

Best For Reasonable Price: Saicoo External Smartcard Reader

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If you often find yourself confused about the appropriate and satisfactory reader, Saicoo External Smartcard Reader is your solution. The saicoo external smartcard reader is sleek and has a sleek design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the reader is good for a camera bag, It has follow the instructions and has a smart design.

The reader is compatible with US military and government DOD id cards for secure login. Moreover, it is made for a very compact size, It is designed with state-of-the-art and has a safe design. Finally, the saicoo external smartcard reader provides great value, allows for simple setup, It is extremely fast and has a sturdy design.

Almost all customers opine that the reader is plenty fast enough for smart card functionality. In addition, a few say that the reader is recognized by opensc and globalplatform pro. Moreover, they also found that the saicoo usb 3 card reader has a micro SD xc slot to fit your micro card in directly with out a step - down adapter normally used in standard SD mmc slots to fit a micro card.

• This can be transferred to a memory card.
• This works on Linux without drivers.
• This card reader is always recognized, and it works reliably.
• This works with a microsd card, not the regular SD card.

Best For Security Camera: Cococka External Smartcard Reader

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Best part: Cococka External Smartcard Reader costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. In addition, the cococka externalsmartcard reader is very convenient, works for fast transfer, It is really useful and has a great design. The Camera SD card adapter is easy to download photos and videos from your digital camera to your phone so you can view them on the photo app and share them with family and friends immediately. The sd card camera reader with 3 plugs, which are usb 2.0, micro usb & usb c plugs, compatible for all USB c devices, laptops, tablets and android smartphones that support OTG function. Most importantly, the cococka external smartcardreader is available in 2 attractive colors: usb 2.0 black and silver.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the reader is perfect for transferring pictures from a DSLR sd card to a phone for easy online posting. Moreover, they also found that the reader is great with all types of memory. In addition, a few say that the card reader could n't connect by itself because the protective case on the phone would n't quite allow full insertion.

• This is the best little item in the world.
• This is really a tight fit, plugging the micro usb into the samsung s7.
• This worked perfectly, it is pretty good and has an excellent design.
• This works with video, yet additionally works with moto g phone.

Best For Military: Rocketek External Smartcard Reader

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If you often find yourself scrambling for a convenient and suitable reader, Rocketek External Smartcard Reader is your solution. The rocketek external smartcard reader makes for great speed, it holds both regular and has a good design. Buy Rocketek cac dod military card reader, you will get 24. Moreover, it is suitable for use in high-security federal government applications, online banking and credit card payment apps, windows authentication and single sign-on (sso), network login, and much more.

The reader is compatible with a wide variety of smart card operations for digital authentication and security, network atm transfer, payment, balance inquiries, tax, water, electricity payment, credit card bill payment, cash card payment. Lastly, the rocketek external smartcard reader is practical, is made for good value, it can register for free lifetime technical support and has a nice design.

Most buyers find that the reader will partially cover any other usb ports near it. And, a few strongly agree that the reader is a very clever design, small and portable. And, they strongly agree that the reader has a cap to cover the card port.

• This is handy, and ready for travel as well.
• This has USB 3.0 capability.
• This has a usb port, but nothing for SD cards.
• This is compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.

Best For Phone: Luckeswn External Smartcard Reader

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The Luckeswn External Smartcard Reader is the most suitable reader on the market today. The luckeswn external smartcard reader is made of durable, works as advertised, it is super fast and has a play design. Using a memory card reader works smarter and faster with scr311. Also, the reader can teleport/ has super-speed and has a compact design.

Finally, the lucky external smartcard reader is also usb powered, so no external power is required.

Overall, many buyers have used the reader for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• This is necessary for Mac users.
• This is built with excellent quality, It is important and has a nice design.
• Dod and USG users note you will need a third-party cac enabler program.
• This is for super fast data transferring speeds, It worked perfectly and has a smart design.