10 Best External Cd Drives 2025 in the United States

The Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07UHD is a versatile and portable option for users in need of an external CD, DVD, and Blu-ray writer. Its compatibility is impressive, supporting a wide range of operating systems including multiple versions of Windows and macOS. This ensures that most users won't face any issues using it with their devices.

The drive uses a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.0) connection with a USB Type-C connector, making it both modern and fast in terms of data transfer speeds. It includes cables for both USB Type-A to USB Type-C and USB Type-C to USB Type-C, catering to different user needs. The read and write speeds are 6x for Blu-rays, which is decent for an external drive. One standout feature is its support for M-DISC, which offers long-term data protection, making it suitable for users looking to archive important data reliably.

The slot-loading mechanism is designed to be dustproof and quiet, enhancing the user experience. Its compact and lightweight design at 5.31 x 5.31 x 0.71 inches and weighing just 9.9 ounces makes it highly portable. The included Cyberlink software adds value by providing useful tools for media management. However, it's worth noting that the drive's write speed might be slower compared to some internal drives, and users looking for the highest possible speeds might find this limiting. Also, while the design is sleek, the vertical stand might not be to everyone's preference. The Pioneer BDR-XS07UHD is a robust and versatile external drive ideal for users needing portability, broad compatibility, and reliable data storage options.

The ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive BW-16D1X-U is a versatile external optical drive that excels in several key areas. Its standout feature is the super-fast 16x Blu-ray writing speed with BDXL support, which allows for storing up to 128 GB of data. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need to handle large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

Compatibility is another strong point, as it works with both Mac and PC via a USB 3.0 connection, and supports various Windows operating systems (from XP to Windows 10) as well as macOS 10.6 and higher. This ensures broad usability across different devices and systems. Additionally, the drive includes a cloud backup solution for Android devices, adding a layer of convenience for mobile users.

The diamond-shaped design of the drive adds a touch of luxury and style, making it visually appealing. The inclusion of CyberLink Power2Go 8 with optional encryption functionality enhances data protection and security. Despite some minor limitations, such as the drive's size and weight (9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches and 2.6 pounds) potentially impacting portability, the ASUS BW-16D1X-U remains a highly capable and reliable external Blu-ray drive, especially for those looking for fast writing speeds and extensive compatibility.

The Pioneer BDR-XD07B is a compact and lightweight external drive that supports a broad range of disc formats, including Blu-ray (BD-R, BD-R DL), DVD, and CD. It stands out with its 6x writing speed on Blu-ray discs, which is decent for an external burner. Its USB 3.0 connection ensures faster data transfer compared to older USB versions, making it suitable for use with both Windows (7 to 10) and modern Mac OS X versions (10.11 and up). This wide compatibility is great if you switch between systems. The slim and portable design means you can easily carry it around or use it on the go, and it draws power directly from the USB connection, so there's no need for an extra power adapter. The inclusion of CyberLink software helps with burning discs and managing files, adding convenience.

This drive does not offer the fastest write speeds available on the market and may require additional drivers or updates to support newer operating systems beyond macOS 10.14. While it supports useful formats like BDXL and M-Disc for long-term storage, it might not meet the needs of users requiring ultra-fast performance or specialized formats.

Pioneer’s external drive serves as a reliable and portable solution for everyday Blu-ray and DVD burning tasks, especially for users who prioritize compatibility and convenience rather than top-tier speed.