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If your laptop has no built-in SD slot, Anker’s USB-C 2-in-1 Card Reader (A8370) adds one full-size SD slot and one microSD slot through a single USB-C connection. It is the direct way to copy camera, drone, or phone-card files without replacing your laptop. The “$10” figure in the headline should be treated as a market-specific or promotional price: Anker’s current Canada listing shows CA$17.99, and prices and stock change by region.
What the Anker A8370 adds
The reader connects to a USB-C port and exposes two card slots:
- Full-size SD: for the standard cards used in many cameras and laptops.
- microSD: for cards commonly used in phones, action cameras, drones, and game devices.
Anker advertises transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps. That is a maximum manufacturer claim, not a guarantee of the speed you will see: the card, the laptop’s USB-C bus, file sizes, and other system activity all affect actual transfers.
Check compatibility before you buy
USB-C describes the connector’s shape, not every capability behind it. The laptop port must support data; some USB-C ports provide charging or display functions without supporting the required data connection. Check the laptop manual, port markings, or manufacturer specifications for USB data support.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Anker cites compatibility with a broad range of USB-C computers and devices, including MacBook, MacBook Pro, Chromebook, XPS, and Galaxy examples. Anker explicitly lists Nintendo Switch as incompatible. If your device is not among the examples, confirm its USB-C data support and the reader’s requirements before ordering.
How to transfer photos and videos
- Insert the SD or microSD card into the matching slot. Do not force a card; align its contacts with the reader’s markings.
- Plug the A8370 into the laptop’s USB-C data port.
- Open the operating system’s file manager. The card should appear as removable storage without a separate driver or setup process; Anker presents the reader as plug and play.
- Copy files to the laptop or another drive. For large photo or video libraries, copy rather than move until you have verified the destination files.
- Use the file manager’s eject command for the card or reader before unplugging it. Anker’s FAQ specifically advises ejecting it through the computer or device’s file-management system.
What the 5 Gbps claim means in practice
“Up to 5 Gbps” is the reader’s advertised interface ceiling. It does not mean a memory card will sustain 5 Gbps, and it is not the same unit as the 312 MB/s claim on Anker’s faster SD 4.0 reader. Older or slower cards, a USB-C port with a lower bus speed, and many small files can produce substantially lower results. Treat the A8370 as a convenient general-purpose reader rather than a guarantee of professional UHS-II performance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Price and purchase caveats
Anker’s cited Canadian listing prices the A8370 at CA$17.99 and provides an Amazon purchase path. That is a current regional listing, not a universal price. A US$10 offer may be a sale or a different market listing; verify the final price, seller, shipping, and stock for your country before checkout.
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When another reader makes more sense
| Reader | Slots | Advertised speed | Listed regional price and status | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker USB-C 2-in-1 Card Reader (A8370) | SD and microSD | Up to 5 Gbps | CA$17.99 on Anker Canada’s cited listing | Basic SD and microSD transfers from a USB-C laptop |
| Anker PowerExpand 2-in-1 SD 4.0 reader | SD and microSD | Up to 312 MB/s | ¥3,590 on Anker Japan’s cited listing; shown out of stock at crawl time | Higher-speed UHS-II workflows when the card and host also support them |
| Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) | SD and microSD, plus hub ports | Up to 5 Gbps on its data ports | £36.99 on the cited UK page | Users who also need HDMI, USB, Ethernet, or charging expansion |
The faster reader and the hub solve different problems. Choose the A8370 when you only need card access. Consider the SD 4.0 model when your workflow depends on higher-speed UHS-II cards and the rest of your equipment can use that standard. Choose the 341 hub when adding several laptop ports matters as much as reading cards.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Common problems and fixes
The card does not appear
- Confirm the USB-C port supports data rather than charging only.
- Remove and reinsert the card with the correct orientation.
- Try the other slot if you are using a card format that does not match the slot.
- Test the card in another reader or camera to distinguish a card problem from a reader or port problem.
Transfers are slower than expected
- Check the card’s speed rating and the laptop port’s USB capability.
- Large sequential files usually transfer more efficiently than thousands of small files.
- Do not interpret the 5 Gbps maximum as a sustained card-write speed.
The reader disconnects or files are missing
Stop the transfer, reconnect the reader, and repeat the copy after confirming the source card is healthy. Always eject the card or reader in the operating system before unplugging it to reduce the risk of filesystem corruption.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line
The A8370 is a straightforward fix for a USB-C laptop that lacks an SD slot: it supplies both full-size SD and microSD access, requires no separate setup according to Anker’s product information, and advertises up to 5 Gbps. Verify that your USB-C port carries data, remember that Nintendo Switch is excluded, and check your region’s live price rather than assuming the headline’s US$10.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
