Best smartcard readers for Microsoft Surface, Surface Pro and Surface Go

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Relevant Products: ACR1252U SAM, ACR1255U, ACR39U-N1, ACR39U-NF, SCL3711, SCR3500-A, SCR3500-C

Microsoft’s more recent ultra-portable notebooks now include USB-C ports, while other models include the larger ‘classic’ USB-A ports. The readers below are ideally suited for use with Microsoft Surface devices.

Note – it’s important to understand that smartcard readers conforming to common industry standards (such as PC/SC1 & CCID2) will not make the information read from a smartcard visible natively in Windows (or any other OS). Windows and various different applications handle data from smartcards for specific purposes, so it’s the individual application that defines what kind of information the card needs to provide, the card technology used, and consequently the required reader compatibility.

Best Smartcard readers for Microsoft Surface – Contact Card Readers

Smartcards with physical chip contacts are commonly used for security and authentication applications. The CCID (Chip Card Interface Device) USB protocol allows a smartcard to be connected to a computer via a card reader using a standard USB interface.

CCID Readers for Microsoft Surface with USB-C Ports
CCID Readers for Microsoft Surface with USB-A Ports

The Surface Book, Surface Laptop and Surface Studio ranges include models with USB-A ports.

Best smart card readers for Microsoft Surface – contactless card readers

There is much greater variation in the extent to which standards are supported by contactless card readers, therefore is it even more important that reader compatibility is checked with the specific application. It is however often possible to make use of existing cards with other/additional application by using a flexible software utility:

Contactless Readers for Microsoft Surface via Bluetooth

All current Microsoft Surface models support Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

  • ACS ACR1255U contactless high frequency reader – Bluetooth

    13.56MHz contactless smartcard reader is designed to support on-the-go smartcard and NFC applications. Featuring Bluetooth Smart connectivity (Bluetooth Low Energy), this extremely portable reader includes a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and is ideal for use with most Bluetooth-enabled devices including smartphones and tablets.

    Note: Battery charging requires the use of the USB Mini-B connector provided with the reader, so a suitable adapter is required. The ACR1255U supports ISO 14443 Type A and B smartcards, as well as MIFARE, FeliCa, and most ISO 18092 compliant NFC tags and devices.

Contactless Readers for Microsoft Surface with USB-A Ports

The Surface Book, Surface Laptop and Surface Studio ranges include models with USB-A ports.

  • Identiv/SCM SCL3711 contactless high frequency USB-stick reader – USB-A

    13.56MHz contactless smartcard reader supporting MIFARE and ISO 14443 A/B cards as well as Felica and all 4 types of NFC cards and tags in all 3 NFC modes (reader, card emulation and peer-to-peer).

If you need further help or advice with choosing the right smartcard reader for your requirements contact Smartcard Focus.

1PC/SC (Personal Computer/Smart Card) is the most widely implemented standard for the integration of USB smartcard readers with computers – and supported by Windows.

2CCID (Chip Card Interface Device) protocol is a USB protocol, supported by Windows, that allows a smartcard to be connected to a computer via a card reader.

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