Most desktop computer systems and laptops forgo optical drives these days. However in the event you nonetheless depend on CDs and DVDs, an exterior drive is a must have gadget. From premium Blu-ray writers to inexpensive exterior DVD drives, there’s one thing to swimsuit everybody’s wants.
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is among the slimmest exterior DVD drives you will discover. It’s simply over a half-inch thick and reads and writes CDs at a velocity of 24x the usual. It additionally handles DVDs fairly rapidly at 8x.
The bundle contains each USB 2.0 and USB-C cables on your comfort and has a stable construct. For the value, it’s a wonderful buy, and Android customers can be proud of the Nero BackItUp software program for picture, video, and knowledge safety.

ASUS ZenDrive U9M
Finest Exterior CD Drive Total
$33 $40 Save
$7
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M presents quick CD learn and write speeds, whereas DVD speeds are additionally fairly good. It’s ultra-slim, light-weight, and sturdy and contains the mandatory cables. It’s appropriate with Mac and Home windows and, better of all, comes at a really pleasing worth.
- Mac and Home windows appropriate
- Reasonably priced
- Slim and light-weight
- M-Disc assist
- Incompatible with Blu-ray
Finest Exterior DVD Drive Total: ASUS BW-16D1X-U
Not solely do you get speedy 16x DVD studying and writing with the ASUS BW-16D1X-U, however it’s additionally able to studying and writing Blu-rays on the identical speeds. The drive additionally has BDXL assist, permitting you to retailer as much as 128GB on a single BDXL disc. Add on 40x CD learn and write speeds, and you’ve got among the finest exterior optical drives in the marketplace.
Not solely is the ASUS BW-16D1X-U Blu-ray drive one of many quickest exterior writers on the market, however it’s additionally one of many best-looking. With its distinctive form and LED-lit diamond, it has the aesthetics to match its efficiency.

ASUS BW-16D1X-U Blu-ray drive
Finest Exterior DVD Drive Total
$125 $140 Save
$15
For those who want a speedy exterior DVD drive that additionally delivers quick Blu-ray learn and write speeds, select the ASUS BW-16D1X-U. With 16x DVD and Blu-ray studying and writing, in addition to 40x for CDs, it’s among the finest selections in the marketplace.
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- MacOS and Home windows appropriate
- Elective encryption
- Extraordinarily quick writing speeds
- BDXL assist
Finest Finances Exterior CD Drive: LG GP65NB60
For those who’re on a price range, the LG GP65NB60 delivers respectable learn and write speeds at an inexpensive worth. The 24x CD speeds are loads quick for many customers, and the 8x DVD speeds are adequate. Whether or not you’re backing up recordsdata or having fun with a film out of your assortment of classics, this drive is a wonderful budget-friendly selection.
It’s additionally a slim and light-weight choice. At simply over half an inch thick and weighing simply 7oz, it’s simply transportable, received’t take up a lot room in a bag, and will even match right into a jacket pocket. The drive’s USB port additional enhances portability, permitting you to hook up with a laptop computer for energy.

LG GP65NB60
Finest Finances Exterior CD Drive
$25 $30 Save
$5
For those who’re on the lookout for a transportable drive at a rock-bottom worth, you don’t must compromise an excessive amount of on learn and write speeds. The LG GP65NB60 presents stable speeds for CDs, and DVD learn and write charges are additionally ample. It’s a extremely transportable choice, and it’s obtainable in conventional black or silver, or you’ll be able to go for a extra eye-catching gold or white.
- M-DISC assist
- Good vary of colours
- Home windows and Mac appropriate
- Silent Play reduces noise throughout playback
- USB 2.0
- No Blu-ray assist
The Hyripe DVD Participant is a stable transportable CD/DVD participant that gives unbelievable worth. It’s designed to run quietly, and because of its slim and compact design, you’ll be able to simply journey with it.
If you could copy recordsdata, burn CDs, or again up knowledge whereas on the go, this easy plug-and-play gadget is a wonderful selection. Utilizing USB 3.0 Kind-C, the Hyripe DVD Participant can learn and write DVDs at first rate 8x speeds, which is an affordable price given its very inexpensive price ticket. It additionally reads and writes CDs at speeds of as much as 24x, making it a wonderful selection for the budget-conscious.

Hyripe DVD Participant
Finest Finances Exterior DVD Drive
$18 $24 Save
$6
The Hyripe DVD participant is a wonderful selection if you need a easy, plug-and-play gadget at a worth that received’t break the financial institution. It presents adequate speeds for DVDs and CDs, and its slim and compact design makes it a wonderful, inexpensive selection for journey.
- Plug and play
- USB-A and USB-C
- Light-weight and transportable
- Reasonably priced
- No Blu-ray assist
- Quick (10 inches) USB cable
Whereas there are CD/DVD writers and drives that may assist macOS units, the Apple USB SuperDrive is among the greatest choices if you need an official Apple product. You possibly can simply play and burn CDs and DVDs on the go, and it presents 24x CD and 8x DVD writing speeds.
Due to the Apple USB SuperDrive’s slim and minimalist design, you’ll be able to pack and journey with this gadget with out fear. Whether or not you want it within the automotive, at house, or at work, it should take up little house, and its small, light-weight construct makes it straightforward to hold in a bag.

Apple USB SuperDrive
Finest CD/DVD Drive for Mac
Mac lovers who wish to hold with genuine merchandise will benefit from the Apple USB SuperDrive. It’s the official optical drive from Apple and presents good learn and write speeds along with dimensions and weight that make it the perfect drive for on-the-go use.
- Aesthetics match MacBooks
- Small and transportable
- Official Apple product
FAQ
Q: What’s an exterior optical drive?
Exterior optical drives aren’t constructed into your laptop or laptop computer. As a substitute, they join externally through a cable (generally a USB) and are capable of learn disks corresponding to CDs and DVDs. Since they’re exterior, you need to use your optical drive on a number of units, very similar to an exterior storage drive or USB stick.
Q: Are CD and DVD drives being phased out?
Normally, sure. Once you buy a brand new desktop PC or laptop computer, you doubtless will not see a built-in optical drive. Many companies that beforehand used CDs or DVDs are actually obtainable on-line.
Equally, storage drives supply larger capacities and will also be exterior. So, if you could retailer knowledge, music, or images, an exterior SSD is more likely to be a greater worth on your cash since it could actually retailer extra and skim/write quicker than an optical drive.
Q: Can I play a DVD on my CD drive?
Sadly, it’s inconceivable to play DVDs on a CD participant. Whereas they appear comparable, DVDs and CDs use completely different applied sciences and codecs. CD gamers are merely not designed to learn DVDs.
Q: Can I play a CD on my DVD participant?
Sure, you’ll be able to play CDs on any DVD participant. DVD gamers can learn and decode CD knowledge with none issue.