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10 Best External Blu Ray Drives 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Produplicator LG BP60NB10 Portable 6X Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray Burner External Drive with CyberLink Software, 25GB M-DISC BD-R, and USB Cable - Burns CD DVD BD DL BDXL Discs

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility

Most important from
179 reviews

Read/Write Speed
Burning Blu-ray discs to ISO files works seamlessly and quickly, especially when used with a laptop.
Compatibility
After some initial setup challenges, the drive can be configured to play UHD 4K content using alternative firmware like LibreDrive.

The Produplicator LG BP60NB10 Blu-ray drive is a versatile and portable device designed to meet various media needs. With a write speed of 6X, it efficiently handles different disc formats including CD, DVD, BD, DL, and BDXL, making it suitable for users who need to burn or read a wide range of discs. The BDXL support is particularly notable as it allows recording up to 100GB of data on a single disc, which is great for heavy multimedia storage or business documentation. Compatibility is a strong suit, as it works with multiple Windows versions and macOS, ensuring broad usability across different systems.

The bundle includes CyberLink Media Suite software, which adds value by providing comprehensive media management and playback options. Connectivity is straightforward with a USB interface, making it easy to plug into most computers. Portability is another advantage, with compact dimensions (6.1 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches) and a lightweight design (1.27 pounds), which makes it easy to carry around. The power source is handled through the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter which adds convenience.

Silent Play and Jamless Play technologies enhance the user experience by reducing noise and ensuring smooth playback even with damaged discs. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The drive might not be the fastest option out there with a 6X write speed, which could be slow for users needing quicker data transfer rates. Additionally, while the USB interface is convenient, it is USB 1.1 which is relatively outdated and could impact performance compared to newer USB standards. Despite these minor issues, the Produplicator LG BP60NB10 is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and portable Blu-ray drive with broad compatibility and useful software support.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility

Most important from
179 reviews

Read/Write Speed
Burning Blu-ray discs to ISO files works seamlessly and quickly, especially when used with a laptop.
Compatibility
After some initial setup challenges, the drive can be configured to play UHD 4K content using alternative firmware like LibreDrive.
#2

ASUS SBW-06D5H-U BDXL External Ultra Slim Blu-ray and MDisc Burner USB 3.1 USB-C 2 Cables Black

Rating
9.7
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
566 reviews

Read/Write Speed
ASUS delivers everything needed in a slim, compact external drive that can read, write, and rewrite CDs, DVDs, and BDs.
Compatibility
Paying a bit more for this drive is worth it due to its consistent playback and compatibility.
Connectivity
The detachable cable is a huge plus, avoiding the frustration of hardwired cables.
Software
Bundled software is unnecessary as VLC can handle all tasks, including ripping and burning.

The ASUS SBW-06D5H-U BDXL External Ultra Slim Blu-ray and MDisc Burner is a solid choice for those needing a reliable external Blu-ray drive. It offers multiple write speeds (up to 8x), making it quite efficient for burning discs. This drive is compatible with both macOS and Windows, which is great for flexibility across different devices.

In terms of connectivity, it includes both USB 3.1 and USB-C cables, providing fast data transfer speeds and convenience for modern laptops and PCs. The drive is also compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry around, especially for users who travel frequently or have limited desk space. However, it requires an external power source, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.

The included software and support for MDisc archival quality recording are valuable features, ensuring long-term data storage. The ASUS external Blu-ray drive is an excellent option for users looking for a versatile, portable, and fast-performing external drive, though its need for an external power source and higher price might be drawbacks for some.

Rating
9.7
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
566 reviews

Read/Write Speed
ASUS delivers everything needed in a slim, compact external drive that can read, write, and rewrite CDs, DVDs, and BDs.
Compatibility
Paying a bit more for this drive is worth it due to its consistent playback and compatibility.
Connectivity
The detachable cable is a huge plus, avoiding the frustration of hardwired cables.
Software
Bundled software is unnecessary as VLC can handle all tasks, including ripping and burning.
#3

Verbatim External Slimline CD DVD Blu-Ray Writer USB 3.2 Gen 1 Drive M-Disc Ready Compatible with Windows 8/10/11 Mac OS X 10.6 or higher Blu-ray Burner with free 25GB Blu-ray disc

Rating
9.7
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
6700 reviews

Read/Write Speed
Successfully burned large 100GB BDXL discs on Mac using native OS features without needing third-party software.
Compatibility
While the bundled software only supports Windows, Mac users can rely on native burning features or third-party options.
Connectivity
The USB connection can be tricky due to the need for an optional Y cable or adapter, which may complicate setup.
Portability
The drive’s slim and sturdy design feels high quality and is easy to carry around.
Software
Comes with complicated, paid software that is difficult to navigate and lacks free Blu-ray recognition features, so finding compatible software is necessary.

The Verbatim External Slimline Blu-ray Writer is a compact and lightweight drive that’s easy to carry around, making it a good choice if you need a portable solution for reading and writing Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs. It supports decent write speeds—6X for Blu-ray, 8X for DVD, and 24X for CD—and can handle large BDXL discs up to 100GB, which is great if you want to store high-capacity files. It connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1, offering fast data transfer and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0, so it works with most laptops and desktops.

The drive works with Windows 8/10/11 and Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, covering a wide range of computers. However, the included Nero Burn & Archive software only works on Windows, so Mac users will need alternative software. Another point to note is that it requires either a USB Y cable or an external power supply, which might be less convenient if you want to avoid extra cables or power adapters. The aluminum enclosure not only looks sleek but also helps with durability.

Backed by Verbatim’s trusted reputation and a 2-year warranty, this drive provides some peace of mind. It is suitable for anyone needing a reliable external Blu-ray burner for occasional use, especially if portability and compatibility with different discs are important. If you’re a Mac user or prefer simpler power connections, you might want to consider those aspects before buying.

Rating
9.7
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
6700 reviews

Read/Write Speed
Successfully burned large 100GB BDXL discs on Mac using native OS features without needing third-party software.
Compatibility
While the bundled software only supports Windows, Mac users can rely on native burning features or third-party options.
Connectivity
The USB connection can be tricky due to the need for an optional Y cable or adapter, which may complicate setup.
Portability
The drive’s slim and sturdy design feels high quality and is easy to carry around.
Software
Comes with complicated, paid software that is difficult to navigate and lacks free Blu-ray recognition features, so finding compatible software is necessary.

Buying Guide for the Best External Blu Ray Drives

When choosing an external Blu-ray drive, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Whether you're looking to watch high-definition movies, back up large amounts of data, or create your own Blu-ray discs, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Read/Write SpeedRead/Write speed refers to how quickly the drive can read data from or write data to a Blu-ray disc. This is important because faster speeds mean less waiting time when transferring data or watching movies. Read/Write speeds are usually measured in multiples of 'X', where 1X equals 36 megabits per second. For casual use, such as watching movies, a 6X speed might be sufficient. However, if you plan to burn large amounts of data or create Blu-ray discs, you might want to look for speeds of 12X or higher.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to the types of discs and operating systems the Blu-ray drive can work with. It's important because not all drives support all disc formats or operating systems. Look for a drive that supports BD-R, BD-RE, DVD, and CD formats if you need versatility. Additionally, ensure the drive is compatible with your computer's operating system, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux. If you use multiple devices, a drive with broad compatibility will be more convenient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the Blu-ray drive connects to your computer. This is important because it affects the ease of use and data transfer speeds. Most external Blu-ray drives connect via USB, with USB 3.0 being the most common and offering faster data transfer rates than USB 2.0. If you have a newer computer with USB-C ports, you might want to look for a drive that supports USB-C for even faster speeds and easier connectivity. Consider your computer's available ports and choose a drive that matches.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the Blu-ray drive. This is important if you plan to use the drive on the go or with multiple devices. Smaller, lighter drives are easier to carry around and take up less space. If you need a drive for travel or frequent use in different locations, look for a compact and lightweight model. However, if the drive will mostly stay in one place, portability might be less of a concern.
Power SourcePower source refers to how the Blu-ray drive is powered. This is important because it affects convenience and usability. Some drives are powered through the USB connection, which means you don't need an extra power adapter. This is ideal for portability and ease of use. Other drives require an external power source, which might provide more stable performance but can be less convenient. Consider where and how you'll use the drive to decide which power source is best for you.
SoftwareSoftware refers to the programs that come with the Blu-ray drive for playing, burning, and managing discs. This is important because good software can enhance your experience and provide additional functionality. Some drives come with comprehensive software suites that include everything you need to watch movies, burn discs, and back up data. Others might come with basic software or none at all. If you need specific features, such as 3D playback or advanced burning options, look for a drive that includes the appropriate software.

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