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Looking for a cheap USB 3.0 SD card reader for your PC? The Wansurs USB 3.0 Micro SD Card Reader is one of the most popular budget options on Amazon right now — just $4.98, Amazon Choice, over 7,000 ratings with 4.6 stars. But is it actually good? I bought one, tested it with real hardware, and here is my honest 1-week hands-on review.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $4.98 |
| Interface | USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0) |
| Max Speed | 5 Gbps (theoretical) |
| Slots | 1x SD + 1x MicroSD (2-in-1) |
| Card Compatibility | SDXC, SDHC, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SDHC, Micro SD, UHS-I |
| Dimensions | 2.36 x 0.79 x 0.39 inches (60 x 20 x 10 mm) |
| Weight | 0.35 oz (10g) |
| Build Material | Black ABS plastic |
| LED Indicator | Blue LED flashes during read/write |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS |
Who Is This For?
- 📸 Photographers / Videographers: Transfer camera RAW photos fast
- 🚁 Drone pilots: DJI, Potensic — microSD full of 4K clips
- 🎮 Steam Deck / Switch gamers: Format cards, copy ROMs, backup saves
- 💻 IT Pros: Boot from SD, recovery, clone drives
- 🧑💻 Raspberry Pi / Makers: Flash OS to microSD
- 📱 Android users: Read old microSD cards
Unboxing & First Impressions
The card reader comes in a small zip bag. Inside: the reader + a quick guide. The build is all black ABS plastic — feels inexpensive but solid, not flimsy. It is smaller than your thumb, easy to toss in a pocket or leave plugged into your laptop.
Two slots: full-size SD (cameras) and MicroSD (drones, Steam Deck). Plugged it into my Windows 11 laptop — recognized instantly, no driver needed. The blue LED lights up to show activity.
Note: You can only use one card at a time, not both simultaneously.
Real-World Performance Test
Test setup: Windows 11 — Dell Latitude 5000, USB 3.0 port, Samsung EVO Select 128GB (UHS-I, rated 130MB/s read). Also tested on MacBook Air M2.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Copy 2GB (RAW + JPEG photos) | ~28 seconds |
| Copy 10GB video file | ~2 min 10 sec |
| Sequential read (CrystalDiskMark) | 88 MB/s |
| Copy 500MB MP3 files | ~7 seconds |
| MacBook Air M2 | ~82 MB/s |
Takeaway: Real-world speed hits ~85-90 MB/s — 2-3x faster than USB 2.0 readers (30-40 MB/s).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ridiculously cheap: $4.98
- Decent speed: ~85-90 MB/s real-world
- 2-in-1 slots: SD + MicroSD
- True Plug & Play: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Ultra-light: 10g
- Amazon Choice: 4.6 stars
Cons
- No dual-card simultaneous use
- All-plastic build
- Gets warm under heavy use
- No USB-C
- Blocks adjacent USB ports due to width
Quick Comparison: How It Stacks Up
| Feature | Wansurs | Anker | UGREEN | Kingston |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.98 | ~$12.99 | ~$7.99 | ~$14.99 |
| Speed | ~88 MB/s | ~90 MB/s | ~85 MB/s | ~170 MB/s |
| Card Support | UHS-I | UHS-I | UHS-I | UHS-II |
| Build | Plastic | Aluminum | Plastic | Plastic+Metal |
| Rating | 4.6 star | 4.7 star | 4.5 star | 4.6 star |
Bottom line: Wansurs offers the best value under $10.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Wansurs card reader support SDXC cards?
Yes. It supports SDXC, SDHC, MMC, RS-MMC, and all MicroSD formats.
Will this card reader work on my Mac?
Yes. Tested on MacBook Air M2 – plug and play works.
Is it USB 2.0 compatible?
Yes, but speed will be capped at 30-40 MB/s.
Can I use it with Steam Deck?
Yes – works perfectly for game transfers and backups.
Does it work with Android?
Via USB OTG adapter if your phone supports it.
What SD card speed is best?
UHS-I cards are ideal for optimal USB 3.0 speeds.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
Score: 9/10
At just $4.98, the Wansurs USB 3.0 Card Reader is one of the best value buys on Amazon if you still use SD or MicroSD cards. Solid speed (~88 MB/s tested), flexible dual slots, ultra-portable, true plug-and-play.
Buy it if: You need a cheap, reliable card reader.
Skip it if: You need UHS-II speeds or a premium metal build.
As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases. Prices may change over time.
Related articles: Best SD Card Readers 2026 – coming soon
Updated: May 2026.