9 Best External Dvd Drives in 2025 – Reviewed & Rated

If you require a DVD drive, but your computer lacks one, fret not. There are plenty of models available on the market that offer great quality at an affordable price.

Take a look at our ranking at the bottom: you will find the review of what are the best devices for us for this year. First, however, let’s examine some features in the guide that will help you get a clearer idea of ​​the product you are about to buy.

Right below we had selected some of the best models of the external DVD drives.

SaleRANK NO. 1
LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim...
  • 14 millimeter height ultra slim portable DVD writer drive
  • USB 2.0 interface (upto 480Mbits/s, USB 3.0 Compatible)
  • Max 8x DVDR write speed
SaleRANK NO. 2
Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 , Black
  • At home or on the go: Simply plug the low profile (14mm), lightweight (200g) drive into your Ultrabook or notebook's USB port and you'll be ready to play or burn your favorite DVD or CD at home in even a small workspace. Or, place the drive in your bag to take this functionality with you
  • Pre–loaded CyberLink Media Suite: Take advantage of the pre–loaded CyberLink Media Suite to easily play and burn DVD/CDs, or install disc–based computer programs.
  • Exceptional performance: Play or burn your favorite DVDs or CDs with the Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive. This premium, external optical drive is powered by your Ultrabook's or notebook's USB port, so no batteries or power cords are necessary.
SaleRANK NO. 3
External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner Amicool...
  • 【PLUG & PLAY External DVD Drive】CD drive external USB, no need for external driver and Power supply. Just plug it into your USB port, then our Amicool External dvd burner will be detected. USB 3.0 external cd dirve is a perfect companion for computers without the internal drive.
  • 【HIGH SPEED USB 3.0 & Type-C】Amicool CD ROM External Drive adopted advanced burning technology, supported DVD+R, DVD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW. With USB3.0 and Type C Interface. Max DVD read speed 8x; Max CD read speed 24x and max CD burn speed 8x. bringing you faster data transmission speed (max 5Gbps), plays music and movies without lag or distortion.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】External CD/DVD drive for laptop PC desktop Linux OS Apple Mac MacBook Pro. cd burner dvd player compatible with Windows 10 /8.1/7/XP/Vista, Linux, all versions of Mac OS. Ideal for APPLE / DELL / SONY / SAMSUNG / ASUS / ACER / HP and other brands notebook, Ultrabook, PC, desktop that without drive hardware. Not for chrome / tv / car / tablet
RANK NO. 4
Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0...
  • Plug & Play. Easy to use,powered by USB port. No external driver and Power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected. For the desktops, Please connect the device to the back USB port of the motherboard for normal use
  • High Speed. Compatible with USB3. 0 and backwards compatible with USB2. 0 , bringing faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance
  • Intelligent tech. Designed with eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. The copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission
RANK NO. 5
External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB...
  • 【5 in 1 DVD Drive】External CD/DVD drive for laptop has an independent SD/TF card slot, 2 USB ports and micro USB ports. It can transfer photos, videos or musics directly from SD / TF card into the computer. NOTE: SD card and TF card can't work together at the same time, only choose one each time.
  • 【Read and Write】External DVD drive for pc supports any devices of usb or type c, support to read CD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and burn CD+/-RW, DVD+/-RW, etc. Max DVD-ROM drive reading speed 8X; Max CD-ROM drive burning speed 24X and DVD drive reading speed 8X; Max CD drive reading speed 24X
  • 【Wide Compatibility】External CD drive is compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ XP, Linux and all versions of Mac OS. You can use external CD DVD drive on almost all computers such as MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac Mini, Laptop, and Desktop, PC. Please note: This DVD drive external can not work for iPad/ Tablet/ Projector/ TV/ Chrome OS/ Car/ Smart Phone
RANK NO. 6
Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB...
  • Portable CD/DVD Burner & Player - This external cd/dvd drive can be a CD/DVD burner, writer, player, reader, or ripper. Use this disk drive to play or burn music or movies, back up, store or transfer all files or material you wanted, like copying photos, reading X-ray on disk, or ripping some DVDs to your Apple MacBook Air. Also use this cd reader for laptop to download and install games or any other programs
  • Wide Compatibility - This plug-and-play external cd drive for mac is compatible with many OS systems and laptop models. Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/2003/XP/10/8/7/Vista/Linux OS/Mojave OS/all version Mac OS system (ios 8.6 to 10.14). Ideal for PC and laptops like Mac laptop 2015/MacBook Pro/ASUS gaming laptop/Apple MacBook Air 2020/iMac/Mac Mini and more. For desktops, connect the usb dvd burner to the back USB port of the motherboard (Not support TV, car, iPad, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu)
  • High Speed - This dvd player portable is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 and USB 1.0, this cd reader for pc provides high speed of data transfer. With Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed, this external cd drive for pc provides maximum 5Gbps data transfer speed without lag or distortion. Plug this usb dvd player/cd dvd burner into your USB port, your laptop wwil recognize it without stuttering and noise nor jammed discs
SaleRANK NO. 7
ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 &...
  • 【Best External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop Mac】Considering that most of the latest laptop and desktop PCs are not equipped with an internal CD/DVD drive. This ROOFULL USB 3.0 external CD/DVD drive is a perfect solution for most computers to read and write CDs and DVDs. Just plug the data cable into your computer's USB-A or USB-C port, and insert your CDs or DVDs, it will install the driver and be recognized automatically, you can then use the corresponding software to read and write your discs, no complex settings, plug and play! (Scroll down to see detailed steps and recommended software)
  • 【Not Just CD/DVD-ROM】This is not just an external CD and DVD reader player, but also a fast CD & DVD burner writer rewriter recorder, and ripper. With this CD/DVD adapter, you can use media player app (e.g. VLC Player, Windows media player, Apple Music/iTunes, etc.) to read your collections of music CDs, movie DVDs, or self-burned discs; Use burning software to burn mp3 music, video, photos, or data to blank CDs or DVDs; Or use a ripping software to digitize/import music, video, photos, or files from CDs/DVDs to your computer. Furthermore, you can also use it to install software, games, and systems from CD or DVD discs
  • 【Wide Compatibility】This USB external CD/DVD drive for PC is compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ Vista/ XP/98/SE/ME/2000, Linux, and Mac OS. It seamlessly complements a variety of laptops, notebooks, desktops, and all-in-one computers from renowned brands like HP, LG, SAMSUNG, ASUS, DELL, ThinkPad, Microsoft, Apple MacBook, and more. Enjoy support for reading and writing CD+/-R, CD+/-RW, CD-ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD disks. (Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported, and it cannot work with ChromeOS, Ubuntu, TV, Car, Projector, Phone, iPad/Tablet, PS4/5, Xbox)
SaleRANK NO. 8
External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop – 7-in-1USB...
  • 【7-in-1 Multifunction Optical Drive】 This external CD/DVD drive offers more than just reading and burning disks. It features an integrated SD/TF card reader and 4 USB 3.0 ports, giving you a versatile expansion hub for your laptop or desktop. (Note: SD and TF cards cannot be read simultaneously.)
  • 【Plug-and-Play Convenience】 Enjoy quick setup with our plug-and-play external disk drive—no additional software needed. Just connect it to a USB port, and you’re ready to play or burn CDs and DVDs. The device offers excellent error correction, quiet operation, and anti-slip functionality. (Note: Not compatible with iPad, phones, Chromebook, TV, cars, or Blu-ray discs.)
  • 【Fast USB 3.0 Data Transmission】 Equipped with USB 3.0 technology, this external DVD drive ensures smooth data transfers and reliable burning performance. Experience faster loading speeds—DVD reading/writing speed up to 8x, and CD reading speed up to 24x—perfect for watching movies or burning media files
RANK NO. 9
YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD...
  • 【Plug and Play】 Simply plug the drive into your USB port or Type-C port, wait for the drive to finish installing automatically, open the compartment door, insert the disc and it will be detected and used immediately (for desktops, please connect it to the USB port on the back to avoid power shortage).
  • 【Easy to carry and stylish appearance】Recessed cable design for easy cable organisation. The body is slim, sleek and minimalist, scratch-resistant and comes with a fleece pouch. This CD/DVD drive is only 1.8 cm thick and weighs approximately 0.4 kg. It can easily fit into your travel bag, take it with you and connect it wherever you go.
  • 【High speed】Features a dual USB 3.0 and Type C port. Maximum DVD reading speed of 8x; maximum CD reading speed of 24x. Giving you faster data transfer speeds (up to 5Gbps), play music and movies without lag or distortion.

External Dvd Drives Buyer Guide

Type and Technology

Most modern computers tend to eliminate the disc player inside which could also be useful for installing programs, watching DVDs or creating backup media. The best brand recorders differ from the others because they are also compatible with Blu-ray.

Therefore, if you have a collection at home that you have decided to burn or simply to watch when you have time, this is the type of reader/burner that might be right for you.

The others, those who only read/burn CDs and DVDs, however cheaper, risk proving to be a bad investment. As for technology, the most sophisticated models are equipped with a system capable of supporting 2D-3D conversion.

In other words, they manage to give greater depth to the images and the impression for the user will be to enjoy a three-dimensional film or show, almost as if he were at home or in the cinema wearing glasses.

Of course, the level of realism does not go that far but remains, however, higher than the two dimensions. During the read/write phase, there are many burners that generate an annoying noise that could become inappropriate in the late evening or in environments where silence is required such as a library.

That’s why the models most appreciated by consumers are those that, thanks to the latest technologies, are able to read and write on the disc in an incredibly silent way, ideal for using them anytime and anywhere.

Compatibility and Use

Not all burners are compatible with any operating system, so compare prices and performance but check if the model you like is suitable for the version of Windows or Mac you have.

Normally these devices are very simple to use because they are plug & play, so just connect them and they are immediately recognized by the operating system, there is no need to download programs or install drivers, ideal for those who are not a technology expert.

Sometimes it may happen that you have to burn a disc that is not in perfect condition and in this case a device capable of continuing playback even in the presence of scratches, fingerprints, damaged areas and incorrect data could be useful.

Many times, finally, users complain of excessive slowness in burning and, in this case, you may prefer models with USB 3.0 technology for a much faster data transfer.

Other Characteristics

Among the other features that could have a weight to choose your burner, there is the supported capacity, especially for those who want to buy a model compatible with Blu-ray.

In this case, the most capable devices are the so-called BDXL with a storage capacity that allows you to write even up to 128 GB.

The design could be another important element both from an aesthetic and functional point of view since light and the compact burner is easier and more comfortable to carry.

Finally, if you want to protect files, in particular, you may appreciate the function that allows you to hide them or the possibility of entering a password or, better yet, the presence of both.

How to Use an External Dvd Drive?

Today, external storage systems are extremely popular, such as USB sticks and hard drives, which are getting smaller and more performing.

Of course, this evolution has often had a negative impact on the further spread of burners, once widely used for storing files on media such as CDs and DVDs.

However, those who do not trust the durability of hard drives or practical USB sticks may still prefer the use of these products to secure photos, videos and important documents.

Right below we had shared the video guide on how to use the external DVD drive.

How to keep a DVD

The average length of CDs and DVDs varies according to the burn process and where they are stored. We usually recommend storing them in places that are not excessively humid or subject to extreme temperature changes.

Given the right conditions, a CD can last much longer than modern mechanical hard drives that often run into problems with reading and writing.

Even comparing them with USB sticks they come out with their heads held high. The latter, in fact, in contact with different computers could be infected with dangerous viruses that act without the user noticing.

Wiring

Now take the power cord, if it is provided, and connect it to the power outlet. You just have to use the USB cable to interface the recorder with your computer.

As a rule, since they are Plug & Play systems, all you have to do is wait for the automatic installation of the drivers. However, if a different procedure is indicated in the instruction booklet, we invite you to follow it carefully.

In fact, it may be necessary to access the manufacturer’s website to download the updated drivers necessary for the correct functioning of the device.

Burning Software

Once you have completed this essential step, you will have to obtain a burning software or use the extremely basic one of Windows.

It is possible to find free, performing and reliable ad hoc programs, however, our advice is to buy a dedicated one, perhaps equipped with a wizard (automated procedure) to guide you step by step in your first burns.

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