The ability to read SD cards is an important feature for many Mac users. SD cards allow you to transfer photos, videos, and other files from cameras, drones, and other devices to your Mac. But do all Macs come with built-in SD card readers? Let’s take a closer look.
Do All Macs Have SD Card Readers?
The short answer is no – not all Macs come with built-in SD card readers. Here’s a quick overview of which Mac models have built-in SD card readers and which require an external reader:
Macs with Built-In SD Card Readers
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- iMac (2012 and later)
- iMac Pro
- Mac Pro (2019)
- Mac Studio
As you can see, all current Mac models include built-in SD card readers except for the standard MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models without the Touch Bar.
For those models, you’ll need an external USB card reader, dongle, or other adapter to be able to access files on an SD card.
Macs Without Built-In SD Card Readers
- MacBook Air (before 2018)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar (2016 – 2019)
- iMac (before 2012)
- Previous generation Mac Pros (before 2019)
So if you have one of those Macs and need SD card access, you’ll have to use a workaround like a USB-C to USB adapter with an SD card reader. We’ll cover some options for that later in this article.
Why Don’t All Macs Have SD Card Readers?
There are a few reasons why Apple has not included SD card readers in all Mac models:
Space Constraints
Space is at a premium in smaller, thinner devices like the MacBook Air. Apple likely had to make tradeoffs on which ports and features to include in their limited space. For the thinnest MacBooks, Apple prioritized USB-C over built-in SD.
Promoting USB-C
Apple has been aggressively promoting USB-C as the future standard across their devices. The 2016 MacBook Pro was one of the first laptops to go all-in on USB-C at the expense of other ports like USB-A and HDMI. Not including an SD slot may be another attempt to push users towards USB-C accessories.
Cost Cutting
Leaving out the SD card reader likely saves Apple a bit on production costs. While not a huge savings, a couple dollars here and there adds up when manufacturing tens of millions of devices. This may have been a factor on lower-cost models like the MacBook Air.
Limited Demand
While photo professionals rely on SD cards, the average Mac owner may not use the SD slot very frequently. Apple may have determined that the demand did not justify including SD card readers in more models.
Workarounds for Macs Without SD Card Readers
If you have a Mac without a built-in SD card slot, you still have a few options for accessing files on an SD card:
USB-C to USB Adapter
A simple USB-C to USB-A adapter will allow you to plug in a standard USB SD card reader. Most USB card readers are compatible, and the adapter allows you to access the SD card like any other external drive. Just plug it into your MacBook’s USB-C port.
USB-C Multiport Hubs
For greater flexibility, consider a powered USB-C hub or multiport adapter. These hubs allow you to connect multiple accessories to your MacBook’s USB-C port. Many include an SD card reader alongside ports like USB-A, HDMI, and USB-C passthrough charging.
Thunderbolt 3 Card Readers
Higher-end card readers use super-fast Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. With read speeds up to 2700 MB/s, Thunderbolt card readers are ideal for transferring lots of data as fast as possible. The downside is the much higher cost for these accessories.
WiFi Card Readers
Finally, you can find SD card readers that transfer data wirelessly over WiFi. Simply insert your card and connect to the reader’s WiFi network from your Mac. This gives you fast wireless transfer speeds without any cords.
Choosing an External SD Card Reader for Mac
If you need to add SD card connectivity to your Mac with one of the adapters above, here are a few things to look for:
- Speed – Faster transfer speeds allow you to move files on and off the SD card more quickly. Look for UHS-II or UHS-III support for max speeds.
- Size – Compact, portable readers take up less space in your bag. Prioritize for small size if you plan to travel with it.
- Usability – Look for readers with good reviews that mention easy insertion/removal and well-constructed housing that protects the card and pins from damage.
- Versatility – Many SD card readers also support other card types like microSD or CompactFlash. Consider compatibility with other cards you use.
- Price – SD card adapters can range from $10 – $50+. Consider how frequently you need the reader and how much speed matters for your budget.
With so many options on the market, be sure to read reviews and understand the tradeoffs between price, performance, and design before purchasing an SD card reader for your Mac.
Top External SD Card Readers for Mac
Based on the criteria above, here are some of the best USB-C SD card readers to consider for your Mac:
| Reader | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Anker USB C Card Reader |
|
| Satechi USB-C Card Reader |
|
| Nekteck USB C Card Reader |
|
| Twelve South PlugBug |
|
These are just a few top-rated options to consider across a range of budgets. Be sure to check reviews and product details to confirm compatibility with your specific Mac model before purchasing.
Using an SD Card Reader with a Mac
Once you’ve selected an SD card reader for your Mac, using it is very simple:
- Insert the SD card into the reader.
- Connect the reader to your Mac using the appropriate cable (USB-C, USB, or Thunderbolt).
- A disk icon for the SD card will appear on your desktop, just like connecting any other external drive.
- You can now access, copy, move, or backup files on the SD card through Finder.
- Use the eject icon next to the disk icon before physically removing the SD card.
The process is the same whether you are using a simple USB adapter, multiport hub, or high-end Thunderbolt 3 reader. The SD card will mount like any other volume. Just remember to eject before removing!
Tips for Using SD Cards on a Mac
Here are a few handy tips for working with SD cards and card readers on your Mac:
- Import photos quickly using the Photos app – simply right click on the SD card volume and select “Import with Photos”.
- Use the Image Capture app to fine-tune how photos and videos are imported from the card.
- Automatically organize imports into dated folders based on when photos were taken. Enable this in Image Capture settings.
- Hold Option while dragging files from the SD card to your Mac to move the files instead of copy.
- Split large video files on the SD card into smaller 4GB chunks to prepare them for transferring to Mac.
Follow these tips to seamlessly transfer and organize files from your camera, drone, or other devices using your Mac’s SD card reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using SD cards with a Mac:
1. Do I need special software or drivers to use an SD card reader?
No additional software is needed! MacOS includes built-in support for SD cards. Simply plug in the reader and the SD card will appear on your desktop like any other drive.
2. Are there speed differences between built-in vs. external readers?
There can be – built-in readers often support faster transfer protocols like UHS-II, while cheap external readers may be bottlenecked by slow USB buses. A high-end Thunderbolt 3 reader will be fastest.
3. What is the maximum capacity SD card my Mac can support?
Modern Macs support SD cards up to 2TB in capacity. However, card support varies, so check your Mac tech specs for details. Using exFAT formatting allows support for larger capacity cards.
4. Can I use the same SD card between Mac and my camera?
Absolutely! SD cards use universally compatible formatting. Just remember to properly eject the card before removing it from your Mac or camera.
5. Do SD cards stick out far when inserted in a MacBook Pro?
Most will not extend far beyond the SD card slot. However, larger capacity cards may protrude further based on their size. Low-profile adapters can minimize this protrusion if needed.
Conclusion
While built-in SD card readers are not standard across all Macs, you have many options for adding SD support through adapters and external readers. With an understanding of the different connectivity methods and features available, you can find the right solution to meet your needs and budget. Follow the tips covered here to smoothly transfer files from your camera to your Mac!