10 Best External Cd Dvd Drives 2026 in the United States

The Apple USB SuperDrive (renewed) is a compact and lightweight external CD/DVD drive that fits well for Mac users needing to read or burn discs on the go. It supports both CDs and DVDs, making it useful for watching movies, installing software, or backing up files. Its size is very convenient—just a bit bigger than a CD case—so it easily fits into a bag or workspace without taking much room. The drive connects via USB and doesn’t need an extra power adapter, drawing power directly from your Mac, which is handy for portability.

In terms of compatibility, it works smoothly with many Mac models from 2009 onward. However, if you have a newer MacBook Pro with only USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) ports, you’ll need to buy a separate adapter to connect the drive, which adds to the cost and might be inconvenient. The USB 2.0 interface means data transfer speeds are decent but not the fastest available compared to newer drives with USB 3.0 or higher.

This drive supports all standard CD and DVD formats for reading and writing, which covers most common needs. Since it’s a renewed product, it has been tested and cleaned to work like new and comes with a 90-day warranty, giving some peace of mind though not as long as a brand-new product warranty. Being a simple external drive, it may not be the most durable option if you need heavy daily use or rugged conditions. The Apple USB SuperDrive is a reliable, easy-to-use external drive mainly for Mac users who want a portable and straightforward way to handle discs. It is less ideal if you have newer Mac models without USB-A ports or if you need faster data speeds or a more rugged design.

The BUFFALO MediaStation Desktop 16x External Blu-ray Writer is a solid choice for those needing a reliable external drive for their PC. It's compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, making it versatile for a range of users. This drive supports the writing of Blu-ray discs up to 128 GB, offering high capacity burning which is ideal for extensive data storage and video projects.

With read speeds of 12x and write speeds of 16x for Blu-ray, it provides efficient data processing, complemented by 16x read/write speeds for DVDs and 48x for CDs, ensuring quick access and recording across different formats. The fast USB 3.0 connection enhances its performance, significantly reducing transfer times compared to older versions. Portability might be a limitation due to its desktop nature, but it's not overly bulky considering its dimensions (1.97 x 6.3 x 8.66 inches) and weight (2.65 pounds).

As for power, it relies on USB, making it convenient without needing an external power source. Durability is implied through its Japanese manufacture and TAA compliance, promising quality and reliability. The device also includes CyberLink Media Suite for easy playback and burning, adding value to the package. However, if you're looking for a portable solution, this may not be the best fit given its desktop design. Additionally, while it ranks well among external Blu-ray drives, those needing frequent use on the go might consider more compact alternatives. It's a robust option for stationary setups requiring high-speed data handling and versatile media support.

The LG Electronics WP50NB40 is a slim and portable external Blu-ray drive that connects via USB 2.0, making it compatible with most Windows PCs from XP up to Windows 10. It reads and writes a variety of disc formats, including Blu-ray, DVD, and CD, which makes it versatile for personal, business, or gaming use. The drive offers decent read speeds (up to 8X for DVDs and 6X for Blu-rays) and respectable write speeds, though the Blu-ray write speed is on the slower side compared to some newer drives.

Its lightweight design (just under 10 ounces) and compact dimensions make it easy to carry around, ideal for users who need an optical drive on the go. It draws power directly from the USB port, so no extra power adapter is required, adding to its convenience. On the downside, the USB 2.0 interface limits data transfer speed compared to newer USB 3.0 drives, which means copying large files could take longer. The plastic build is typical for portable drives but may not feel as robust as metal-bodied options.

While it supports a broad range of formats including Blu-ray discs, which many external drives don’t, the slower write speeds and older interface mean it’s best suited for users who prioritize compatibility and portability over speed. If you need a reliable, easy-to-use external drive mainly for reading and occasional writing of Blu-ray and other discs, this LG drive is a solid choice.