External Dvd Drives

Mark Huerta
12 min readJun 10, 2024

Welcome back, tech enthusiasts! We’re shaking things up a bit today with a freshly brewed cup of tech insight. Ever found yourself in need of an external DVD drive to transfer files, burn CDs or simply make a backup of your favorite movies or games? We have got you covered. Today, we’re diving into the world of external DVD drives, rounding up our top choices to help you make the best selection.

The Top 6 Best External Dvd Drives

  1. LG GP65NB60 — External DVD Drive — Black — Enjoy seamless media playback on your Windows or Mac computer with the LG GP65NB60 Portable USB External DVD Burner and Drive, featuring fast 8X DVD-Max writing speed and Silent Play technology for noise reduction.
  2. Sanoxy Portable External DVD ROM CD-RW USB 2.0 Combo Drive — The Sanoxy Portable USB 2.0 Slim External DVD ROM CD-RW Combo is a versatile, plug-and-play solution for your PC, laptop, or desktop, offering easy installation and compatibility with multiple operating systems.
  3. Dell External USB DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive for Desktop PC/Laptop/Phone — Black — Experience exceptional performance and portability with the Dell External USB DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive — Black, perfect for on-the-go disc burning and software loading.
  4. External USB CD/DVD Drive for Laptops and PCs (Max 24x CD Read, 8x DVD Read Speed) — The Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player offers outstanding performance, compatibility, and ease of use while providing crystal-clear disc play and unparalleled noise reduction.
  5. Compact External USB CD/DVD Writer for Notebooks — Verbatim’s External Slimline CD-DVD Writer offers ease of use, portability, and compatibility with various CD and DVD formats, making it a top choice for notebook users, while delivering a 8x DVD write speed and 24x CD write speed.
  6. LG GP65NB60 Portable External DVD Burner Drive — Fast Write Speeds and Ultra Slim Design — Experience blazing-fast DVD playback and burn with the sleek, ultra-portable LG GP65NB60 External DVD Burner and Drive, boasting a MAX 8X DVD Write Speed and a MAX 24X CD Write Speed, all housed in a 0.55-inch high slim design.

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Reviews

LG GP65NB60 — External DVD Drive — Black

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Looking for a convenient way to read and write on DVDs and CDs? Look no further than the LG GP65NB60 Portable USB External DVD Burner and Drive, available in a sleek black design. This versatile device connects easily to your Windows or Mac computer via USB, allowing you to enjoy your favorite photos and media on the big screen.

One standout feature of this drive is its Silent Play technology. By automatically adjusting the read speed of the DVD, this drive significantly reduces the noise level during playback, ensuring a more enjoyable movie-watching experience. And with support for TV connectivity and optional hardware, you can take your content straight to the comfort of your living room.

Need the power to burn that extra disc quickly? The GP65NB60 delivers speed with an eight-times DVD-Max writing speed, ensuring that your data transfers happen seamlessly and efficiently.

If you’re concerned about durability, however, this drive may not be your best option. Users have reported that it lacks sturdiness, so be prepared to handle it with extra care.

Overall, the LG GP65NB60 External DVD Drive promises a smooth and multifaceted solution for your personal or professional use. Enjoy the convenience of connecting and burning your discs easily with this reliable device.

Sanoxy Portable External DVD ROM CD-RW USB 2.0 Combo Drive

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Looking for a portable solution to your DVD and CD burning needs? The Sanoxy Portable USB 2.0 Slim External DVD ROM CD-RW Combo Drive has got you covered. Its sleek, slim design allows it to fit perfectly into your PC, laptop, or desktop, providing you with a convenient way to read and burn CDs and DVDs.

Plug and play is the name of the game with this device, making installation a breeze. Plus, it supports multiple operating systems, so you can use it with ease regardless of your setup. The package includes everything you need, including the drive, USB cable, and power cable. And, with USB 2.0 compatibility, you can be confident that this device will perform well on any PC with a USB port.

This external USB drive boasts a durable plastic casing and is USB compliant, making it convenient to use in any location. With its slim profile and easy-to-use design, it’s the perfect addition to your travel gear or desktop setup. Whether you need to burn CDs for backup or watch your favorite movies on the go, the Sanoxy Portable USB 2.0 Slim External DVD ROM CD-RW Combo Drive is the ideal solution.

Dell External USB DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive for Desktop PC/Laptop/Phone — Black

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Recently, I had the chance to test out the Dell External USB DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive. This little device ended up becoming my lifesaver when I needed to transfer files from an old DVD to my computer. Its slim and sleek design made it portable enough to take with me wherever I went, and its plug-and-play feature meant I didn’t have to stress about installing any software or drivers.

One huge advantage I found with this Dell External USB DVD/RW Drive was its exceptional performance. Its ability to read both CD and DVD discs at a blazing 24x speed really impressed me — especially when I needed to get those files transferred quickly. However, one downside I noticed was that the device could be a bit noisy, especially when it was reading or writing data.

Another great feature that stood out to me was its simple, elegant design. It looked great sitting on my desk or carrying it in my bag. The only negative aspect I found was that it wasn’t the most sturdy device, and I had to be careful not to drop it or put too much pressure on it.

Overall, the Dell External USB DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive was a handy tool to have around. Its portability, performance, and ease of use made it a solid addition to my tech arsenal. Despite its durability concerns and noise levels, it certainly got the job done when I needed it the most.

External USB CD/DVD Drive for Laptops and PCs (Max 24x CD Read, 8x DVD Read Speed)

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I recently got my hands on the Laurensory External DVD Drive, and it has quickly become a staple in my daily life. This versatile device functions as a CD/DVD burner, writer, player, reader, and ripper, making it perfect for all my music and movie needs. Its wide compatibility with various operating systems and laptop models means it works seamlessly with my MacBook Pro and I can use it anywhere, whether at home or on-the-go.

One of the standout features of this external DVD drive is its high-speed data transmission capabilities, allowing me to transfer files with ease. The high-quality construction and durable design are evident, making it a reliable and long-lasting option. Additionally, its portable design with the USB Cable slot, dual USB-A and USB-C connectors, and anti-skid rubber base make it easy to use and carry around.

Despite being a bit noisy initially, I found that it quickly became quiet as it continued to operate. The only downside I encountered was that the first CD I tried to play wouldn’t read properly, but I suspect that might have been due to a problem with the disc itself.

Overall, I’m quite satisfied with the Laurensory External DVD Drive, and it has proven to be a reliable and convenient addition to my laptop setup.

Compact External USB CD/DVD Writer for Notebooks

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When my old CD/DVD burner stopped working, I needed a solution that was portable, lightweight, and most importantly, compatible with my ultrabook. The Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer quickly exceeded my expectations. Its slimline design and USB-powered capabilities made it easy to carry around, perfect for my on-the-go needs.

I used this slim CD/DVD writer to install software, create backups, and even rip some of my favorite CDs. The 8x DVD write speed and 24x CD write speed were impressive, significantly faster than I expected. However, I did notice that the drive felt a bit fragile, and I had to handle it with care to avoid any potential damage.

Its compatibility with a wide range of CD and DVD formats, as well as M-Discs, added to its appeal. The included 10pc DVD+R 8x DL 8.5GB Cakebox was a nice bonus. It allowed me to store plenty of data on a single disc, which was particularly useful for my media files.

Overall, the Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer has been a reliable and easy-to-use addition to my digital setup. Although it might not be the sturdiest device on the market, it more than makes up for it in both convenience and performance.

LG GP65NB60 Portable External DVD Burner Drive — Fast Write Speeds and Ultra Slim Design

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I recently tried the LG portable DVD burner drive, and I have to say, it was quite impressive. The ultra-slim design made it incredibly easy to carry around, and the USB 2.0 interface worked smoothly without any issues.

One feature that stood out to me was the high-speed 8X DVD and 24X CD write speeds. Having a DVD burner that can handle the maximum 8X DVD writing speed made the process of ripping a DVD relatively quick. I was also pleased with the fast 24X CD writing speed, which came in handy for recording files, music, or even copying discs.

However, there was a minor drawback. The drive didn’t come with a power adapter, which meant I had to rely on my laptop’s USB port to charge it. Also, the DVD drive itself was slightly tricky to open, making disc loading a bit more challenging.

Despite these minor setbacks, overall, the LG GP65NB60 portable DVD burner and drive proved to be a reliable and versatile option for ripping DVDs or creating backup CDs. Its fast-writing speeds, sleek design, and wide compatibility with various CD and DVD formats make it a solid choice for a portable burner drive.

Buyer’s Guide

An external DVD drive allows users to read and burn DVDs without the need for a built-in drive. This can be particularly useful for those who use optical discs for backup purposes or for watching DVD movies on their computers. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss important features, considerations, and general advice for selecting the right external DVD drive for your needs.

Compatibility

Ensure the external DVD drive is compatible with your operating system. Most external DVD drives support Windows, macOS, and Linux, but some may require additional drivers or software. Before making a purchase, check the compatibility of the drive with your computer’s operating system to avoid any issues.

Speed

External DVD drive speeds can vary significantly, ranging from 4x to 24x. Faster drives will burn DVDs more quickly, but it’s essential to balance speed with performance. A slower drive may be more reliable, while a faster drive might be more prone to errors. Consider your intended usage when choosing a drive’s speed. For example, if you plan to burn a lot of data-intensive files, a faster drive could be beneficial.

Portability

If you plan to use the external DVD drive on different computers or need to take it with you, portability is a crucial factor. Look for a drive with a lightweight, durable design that includes a carrying case or a protective cover. Additionally, ensure that the drive comes with appropriate cables for connecting to various devices, such as USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C.

Quality and Performance

External DVD drives can vary in quality and performance. Before making a purchase, read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the drive’s reliability and performance. A well-built drive should have sturdy construction, offer smooth operation, and provide consistent reading and writing speeds. Additionally, consider the drive’s noise level, as some external drives can be quite loud, which may be bothersome if you plan to use it for extended periods.

FAQ

What are external DVD drives?

External DVD drives are portable devices that can be connected to a computer via USB cable. These devices allow users to read or write DVDs on a computer without the need for an internal optical drive. Due to their portability and the decline in use of physical media, external DVD drives have become increasingly popular among users who prefer physical copies for movies or data storage.

Many external DVD drives support Blu-ray discs, providing a versatile option for those who still prefer physical copies. These drives are compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, making them a convenient choice for users of different platforms.

Why should I purchase an external DVD drive?

There are several reasons to consider purchasing an external DVD drive. Firstly, many newer laptops and computers do not come with built-in optical drives, making external drives essential for tasks like installing operating systems, transferring data, or backing up files. External drives provide the convenience of having a standalone device for these purposes.

Secondly, external DVD drives offer greater flexibility and compatibility. They can be connected to multiple devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and gaming consoles, and can also serve as a backup option for important files stored on DVDs. Additionally, the availability of external DVD drives has declined in recent years, making them more valuable as a reliable solution for users who need them.

What are the benefits of using an external DVD drive?

There are several advantages to using an external DVD drive. Firstly, the portability of the device allows users to easily move it between different computers or locations, making it a convenient option for those who need access to DVD files on the go. The USB interface generally provides a fast and reliable connection, ensuring efficient data transfer.

Secondly, many external DVD drives offer additional features that make them more versatile than built-in drives. These features can include the ability to burn DVDs, perform video editing for home movies, or access files directly without the need for a computer. Some models also support Blu-ray discs, offering increased capacity for storing or transferring large files.

How do I select the best external DVD drive for my needs?

When choosing an external DVD drive, several factors should be considered, such as compatibility with your computer’s operating system, transfer speed, capacity, and features. Ensure that the drive is compatible with your operating system to avoid compatibility issues and look for a drive with a fast transfer speed, high capacity, and useful features like disc burning capabilities or backup utilities.

Check the reviews and user ratings to get an idea of the drive’s reliability and performance in real-world scenarios. Additionally, consider the build quality and durability of the drive to ensure it can withstand everyday use and travel. An integrated slot-loading mechanism also ensures a smooth and easy disc loading experience.

Can external DVD drives be used for burning CDs and DVDs?

Yes, external DVD drives can be used for burning CDs and DVDs, providing a versatile option for users who need to create physical copies of their data or media files. To burn data onto a disc, simply insert a blank CD or DVD into the drive, and the software provided by the manufacturer will guide you through the process. Some drives also offer advanced features for burning discs, such as creating bootable discs or ISO images.

Always choose high-quality rewriteable (RW) or recordable (R) discs for burning, as low-quality media can result in poor image quality or data loss. Additionally, ensure that the external DVD drive is compatible with the type of disc you are using, as some drives may only support specific types of media.

What types of external DVD drives are available on the market?

Several categories of external DVD drives are available, each with its own specific design and features. The most common types are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, which offer different transfer speeds depending on the interface. Some drives also support USB-C connections for increased data transfer rates and compatibility with newer devices.

The size and portability of the external DVD drive are also important factors to consider. Some models offer a more compact and lightweight design, making them easier to carry around or store when not in use. Additionally, some drives may come with additional software or accessories, such as carrying cases or backup utilities, which can enhance the overall user experience.

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you

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