10 Best External Cd Dvd Drives 2026 in the United States

This portable external USB DVD drive is a versatile option for users needing an external optical drive. It scores well on compatibility, supporting a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, making it suitable for various laptops and desktop computers from brands like Dell, Acer, ASUS, Apple, and Samsung. The ease of use is a significant strength, with a plug-and-play feature that requires no external power or drivers, which simplifies setup and use, especially for those who may not be tech-savvy.

The embedded cable design and lightweight, compact build enhance its portability, making it an excellent companion for on-the-go users. In terms of performance, it offers decent read and write speeds (24x for CD and 8x for DVD), which should suffice for general tasks like burning files, installing software, and creating backup CDs. The supported formats are comprehensive, accommodating most common disc types. Users seeking faster data transfer rates might find the drive speed moderate.

Durability appears to be reasonable with the use of premium wire drawing material, although heavy or frequent use might require a more robust option. The reliance on USB power is convenient but may limit performance if not connected to a high-power USB port. This drive is ideal for those needing a reliable, portable, and easy-to-use external CD/DVD drive for occasional use.

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is a robust external Blu-ray drive designed to handle both Mac and PC systems. Its standout feature is the super-fast 16x Blu-ray writing speed, which is ideal for those needing quick and efficient data storage, supporting up to 128 GB using BDXL discs. Compatibility is excellent, covering a wide range of operating systems including various versions of Windows and Mac OS X, ensuring it works seamlessly with most modern computers.

The USB 3.0 interface provides a stable and speedy connection, crucial for efficient data transfer and minimal waiting time during operations. Additionally, the drive offers a cloud backup solution for Android devices, adding an extra layer of versatility. With Cyber Link Power2Go 8, users get a reliable disc-burning solution with optional encryption to protect sensitive data, offering peace of mind for privacy-conscious individuals.

The sleek, diamond-shaped design not only looks good but also adds to its durability, making it a stylish addition to your tech setup. Portability might be a slight drawback due to its relatively larger dimensions (9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches) and weight (2.6 pounds), which could be a consideration for users needing a more compact solution. However, its solid build quality ensures it can withstand regular use without issues. The power source is typical for external drives, drawing power via the USB connection, so there's no need for an additional power adapter, which adds to its convenience. The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is a powerful and versatile external Blu-ray drive best suited for users who require high-speed data transfer, extensive compatibility, and reliable performance in a sleek and durable package.

The Lenovo External ThinkPad UltraSlim USB DVD Burner is a compact and lightweight external drive designed mainly for Windows PCs, supporting Windows 7 through 11. It connects via USB 3.0 or 2.0 ports, making it widely compatible with many laptops and desktops. Its slim design is about 20% thinner than previous models, which makes it easy to carry around, weighing just about 235 grams.

It supports common DVD and CD formats, including DVD+R DL, and offers decent read speeds (up to 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs), suitable for everyday use like watching movies or backing up files. Writing speeds are typical for drives of this type. The device draws power straight from the USB port, so no extra power cables are needed, which adds to its portability. While it features a small cache size (0.75 MB) and does not support very fast data transfers compared to more recent drives, its slim and portable build may not be as rugged as some heavier or more expensive external drives.

This drive is well suited for users who need a reliable, easy-to-use external DVD/CD burner for occasional use, such as watching discs or creating backups, especially if you own a ThinkPad or a Windows laptop. It is less suited for heavy-duty burning or very fast data transfers but offers good value for its portability and compatibility.