10 Best External Cd Drives 2026 in the United States

The BUFFALO 6X Portable Blu-ray Drive is a compact and lightweight external optical drive that supports reading and writing Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs. It includes support for M-DISC, enabling the creation of highly durable backups that can last for centuries. The drive connects via USB 3.2 with both Type-A and Type-C options, making it compatible with most modern Windows and Mac computers. Being bus-powered means it draws power directly from your laptop or desktop without the need for an extra power cable, enhancing its portability.

In terms of speed, the drive offers up to 6x for Blu-ray reading and writing, and 8x for DVDs. These speeds are sufficient for everyday tasks such as watching movies, backing up data, or creating discs, though may be slower for frequent large data burns. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.

The included CyberLink Media Suite software supports disc playback and burning but is only available for PC, so Mac users may need alternative software solutions. The drive supports modern operating systems including Windows 10, 11, and macOS.

The LG Electronics BDXL WP50NB40 is a solid choice if you want an external drive that can read and write not only CDs and DVDs but also Blu-ray discs, including the larger BDXL format. It connects via USB 2.0, which is compatible with most PCs but is slower compared to newer USB versions, so transfers might take a bit longer. Its read speeds are decent: 24X for CDs, 8X for DVDs, and 6X for Blu-rays, with writing speeds slightly lower but still good for everyday use. The drive is quite portable, weighing under 10 ounces and slim enough to carry around easily, and it draws power directly from the USB port, so you don’t need an extra power adapter.

One limitation is that it only supports Windows operating systems up to Windows 8.1 officially, which could be an issue if you use a newer OS without checking compatibility. Also, the USB 2.0 interface may feel outdated if you’re used to faster USB 3.0 or higher connections. This drive suits users who want a reliable external Blu-ray player and burner for watching or backing up discs, especially if you don’t mind the slower USB 2.0 speed and mainly use compatible Windows PCs. If you need faster data transfer or Mac compatibility, you might want to consider other options.

The BUFFALO MediaStation Desktop Blu-ray Writer is a solid choice if you need a reliable external drive for reading and writing Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs. It supports both Windows and Mac, covering most computer users. With USB 3.0 connectivity, it offers fast data transfer, so burning or playing discs won’t feel slow. The write speeds are quite good—up to 16x on Blu-ray and DVD—meaning it handles data quickly for its category. A unique benefit is its support for high-capacity Blu-ray discs up to 128 GB, which is great if you need to store large files or backups. It also comes with CyberLink Media Suite software to help you play and burn discs easily.

The drive is TAA compliant and made in Japan, indicating good build quality and reliability, backed by a 2-year warranty with US-based support. On the downside, it’s a desktop-style drive, so it’s larger and heavier (around 2.65 pounds) than more portable external drives. It relies on USB power, so you don’t need an extra power source, but it’s better suited for a stationary setup rather than travel.

Since the device first appeared in 2013, it’s not the newest model, which might limit compatibility with future software or ultra-new formats. If you mainly want a dependable external Blu-ray drive for home or office use that balances speed, capacity, and quality, this BUFFALO drive represents a good pick, though not the best option if you prioritize compactness or very recent technology.