Modern laptops rarely include optical drives for CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays, therefore you do require external DVD ROM to read or write data into a disc on your laptop or PC for any purpose. It is good to use external DVD drives because they come with readymade data burning software and can be easily plug and play into your PC and laptop via USB port. Following is a handpicked list of Top external DVD drives with their pros, cons, and website links.
BEST External DVD Drives | Blu-rays
Best External DVD, CD & Blu-ray Drive for Laptop & Windows PC
1) LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 – Best Overall USB 2.0 DVD Writer Drive
LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 is an external DVD player that enables you to burn your important files to a disc. It has a storage capacity equivalent to 5 Blu-ray discs and 27 DVDs. This disc player supports USB 2.0, but it is also compatible with USB 3.0. It provides easy connection with Mini USB cable, therefore you do not require any additional power source. The size of this DVD drive is 14.22 x 13.72 x 1.52 cm. This disc player design is just 0.55 inches that means it optimizes very less space as a slim OPU (Optical Pickup Unit) for installation. DVD Write Speed: 8x CD Write Speed: 24x Connectivity: USB 2.0 Operating System: Windows and Mac OS LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 DVD Writer uses silent play technology that helps you to reduce noise during playback. It automatically adjusts the disc speed for optimal performance. This is a good portable DVD burner that supports M-DISC for the secure storage of your data. It has a good disc write speed of DL: 6x, CD-R: 24X, and DVD-RAM: 5x. It also has a read good disc write speed DVD-RAM: 6x/ DVD+R/-R/ DVD+R/-R DL/ DVD+RW/-RW/ DVD-ROM: 8x/ CD-R/RW/ROM/CD-DA DAE: 24X, and DVD-Video (CSS Compliant Disc): 4X. This external DVD drive is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 DVD Writer includes CyberLink software therefore, you do not require to purchase any additional application to burn a disc. This is one of the best external DVD drives for laptop that has weighs just 5.6 ounces, which makes it easy to move around.
2) Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 – Best USB DVD Drive
Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 is a plug and play disc ROM that can be used with a USB port. It has a weight of just 200 gm, which makes it easy to carry. This drive has preloaded CyberLink Media Suite. The good thing about this external DVD drive is that it does not require any power cords or batteries to operate. This external DVD drive for Mac and Windows operating systems can be easily used with a laptop. However, you need to note that this product does not provide support for Blu ray. DVD Write Speed: 8x CD Write Speed: 24x Connectivity: USB Operating System: Windows and Mac OS It is preloaded with CyberLink Media Suite that enables you to easily burn videos, audios, and images to a disc. This is one of the best external DVD drives for Mac that uses USB 2.0 interface. It is of the largest external DVDs with a size of 5.41 x 5.67 x 0.55 inches, so it is not easy to carry and move around in pocket.
3) Pioneer Electronics BDR-XD07B – Best External DVD Drive for Performance
Pioneer Electronics BDR-XD07B is one of the best external DVD drives that allows you to burn your important files to Blu-ray, CD, or DVD media. This USB 3.0 external DVD drive helps you to read or write all BDXL(Blu-ray Disc Extra Large) discs at a good speed without any hassle. The size of this DVD writer is 133x133mm, and its weight is 230 gm. This feature makes it easy to carry and move this disc drive with no hassle. It uses micro USB 3.0 to transfer data faster from laptop to a CD or DVD. DVD Write Speed: 8x (BD 6x) CD Write Speed: 24x Connectivity: USB 3.0 Operating System: Windows and Mac OS It offers long-term data protection with M-DISC (Millennial Disc). This DVD drive can be used on Windows and Mac OS. This external Blu-ray burner includes free CyberLink Power2Go 8 Software for burning discs. It provides up to 6x writing speed on BD-R DL (Blu-ray dual layer) and BD-R (Blu-ray recordable disc). This external DVD drive produces very less noise when it is loaded. It is one of the best external DVD drives for a laptop that has a good slim design.
4) ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive – Best CD and DVD Blu-ray Disc Drive
ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive is one of the best CD and DVD Blu-ray disc drives that offer 16x faster data writing speed. It provides Windows and Mac OS compatibility via USB 3.0. This is one of the best external Blu-ray drives that has a diamond-shaped design for clean aesthetics and a luxury look. It burns DVD with optional encryption functionality for privacy protection. This is one of the best external CD drives that allows maximum data storage of 128 GB in one disc. It is bundled with CyberLink Power2Go 8 that helps you to simplify the burning process. This product has the size of 9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5. inches, which is too big, therefore it may occupy more space. DVD Write Speed: 16x (BD 16x) CD Write Speed: 24x Connectivity: USB 3.0 Operating System: Windows and Mac OS ASUS drive can be easily used with a computer and laptop. This external Blu-ray burner offers online backup solution for Android tablets and smartphones. It has a weight 2.60 lbs, which is bulky compared to other disc drives. This is one of the best external DVD drives for Mac that support M-DISC. It also enables you to protect your data, videos, and photos.
5) ASUS ZenDrive – Best Ultra Slim External 8X DVD Optical Drive
ASUS ZenDrive is a DVD-ROM that has a 13mm thickness, which makes it an ultra-portable disk storage solution. This external disc drive offers 8x DVD and 24x CD write speeds. It offers Windows and MacOs compatibility via a USB 2.0 connection. The size of this disc drive is 7.1 x 7 x 2.4 inches therefore, it is lightweight and easy to shift from one place to another. This is one of the best external CD drives that provides support for M-DISC which is a quality storage capable to protect your videos, photos, and data for up to 1000 years. This DVD player includes CyberLink Power2Go 8 and PowerBackup 2.5. This drive can be easily used with any laptop. ASUS ZenDrive offers powerful functions to burn your important data. However, this drive does not offer support for Blu ray. DVD Write Speed: 8x CD Write Speed: 24x Connectivity: USB 2.0 Type-A / Type-C Operating System: Windows and Mac OS
6) Amicool USB 3.0 Type- C – Best Portable External DVD Drive
External DVD Drive, Amicool USB 3.0 Type- C is one of the best disc reader and writer that can be easily used with desktop or laptop. It is compatible with a vast number of operating systems like Mac, Windows and Linux. This external DVD drive offers 8X DVD and 24X CD read speed, which is good to load a high amount of data from the disc. It is one of the best external DVD drives that has a 6.19 x 6.11 x 1.06 inches size. The slim and lightweight design of this DVD player enables you to easily carry and move around. This external drive does not come with burner software therefore, you need to purchase it additionally. DVD Write Speed: 8x CD Write Speed: 24x Connectivity: USB 3.0 Type-C Operating System: Linux, Windows, Mac It is easy to use as you just need to plug it into a USB port of your computer or laptop. If your device does not have internal drive, then this DVD ROM is a good option for you.
FAQs:
Speed: This is an important factor while you purchase external DVD drive. It is good that you pay attention for both read and write speed. You also need to check the supported version of the USB. However, it is preferable that you buy a DVD drive that supports USB 3.0. This will help you to operate the disk at a faster speed with no hassle.Compatibility: Almost all external drives are compatible with operating systems like Mac or Windows. However, you have to check the compatible version of the OS before buying a DVD or CD drive.Size: You have to choose compact external DVD drives as they are portable. It is preferable that you purchase a lightweight and slim CD writer that can be easily put in your bag.Single cable operation: Modern external DVD drives do not require an external power source. You will require only one cord for its work. However, you may need extra Y cable in case your computer is old.Build quality: DVD drives with smaller size are always fragile. You have to choose a disc player that is made of eitherplastic or metal and has a good build quality.
Many times, you can face the issue when you insert USB 3 port in USB 2. This happens because they are not compatible with each other. DVD drive is one of the components of computer that is designed specifically to read and write data to a computer or a laptop. It can be easily installed on laptops, desktop computers, cars, DVD players, and many other devices. Step 1) Insert the DVD you like to convert into the optical drive. Step 2) Go to My Computer from the Start menu. Step 3) Right-click on the DVD drive and select “Create ISO image”.
