The Best External CD and DVD Drives of 2023 (2024)

Most desktop computers and laptops forgo optical drives nowadays. But if you still rely on CDs and DVDs, an external drive is a must-have device. From premium Blu-ray writers to affordable external DVD drives, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs.

Best External CD Drive Overall: ASUS ZenDrive U9M

The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is one of the slimmest external DVD drives you can find. It’s just over a half-inch thick and reads and writes CDs at a speed of 24x the standard. It also handles DVDs pretty quickly at 8x.

The package includes both USB 2.0 and USB-C cables for your convenience and has a solid build. For the price, it’s an excellent purchase, and Android users will be happy with the Nero BackItUp software for photo, video, and data protection.

ASUS ZenDrive U9M

Best External CD Drive Overall

The ASUS ZenDrive U9M offers fast CD read and write speeds, while DVD speeds are also pretty good. It’s ultra-slim, lightweight, and durable and includes the necessary cables. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows and, best of all, comes at a very pleasing price.

Pros

• Mac and Windows compatible
• Affordable
• Slim and lightweight
• M-Disc support

Cons

• Incompatible with Blu-ray

$32 at Amazon$40 at Newegg

Best External DVD Drive Overall: ASUS BW-16D1X-U

Not only do you get speedy 16x DVD reading and writing with the ASUS BW-16D1X-U, but it’s also capable of reading and writing Blu-rays at the same speeds. The drive also has BDXL support, allowing you to store up to 128GB on a single BDXL disc. Add on 40x CD read and write speeds, and you have one of the best external optical drives on the market.

Not only is the ASUS BW-16D1X-U Blu-ray drive one of the fastest external writers out there, but it's also one of the best-looking. With its unique shape and LED-lit diamond, it has the aesthetics to match its performance.

ASUS BW-16D1X-U Blu-ray drive

Best External DVD Drive Overall

$125 $140 Save $15

If you need a speedy external DVD drive that also delivers fast Blu-ray read and write speeds, choose the ASUS BW-16D1X-U. With 16x DVD and Blu-ray reading and writing, as well as 40x for CDs, it’s one of the best choices on the market.

Pros

• USB 3.0 connectivity
• MacOS and Windows compatible
• Optional encryption
• Extremely fast writing speeds
• BDXL support

Cons

• Expensive

$125 at Amazon$140 at Walmart$145 at Newegg

Best Budget External CD Drive: LG GP65NB60

If you’re on a budget, the LG GP65NB60 delivers respectable read and write speeds at an affordable price. The 24x CD speeds are plenty fast for most users, and the 8x DVD speeds are sufficient. Whether you’re backing up files or enjoying a movie from your collection of classics, this drive is an excellent budget-friendly choice.

It’s also a slim and lightweight option. At just over half an inch thick and weighing just 7oz, it’s easily portable, won’t take up much room in a bag, and should even fit into a jacket pocket. The drive’s USB port further enhances portability, allowing you to connect to a laptop for power.

LG GP65NB60

Best Budget External CD Drive

$29 $30 Save $1

If you’re looking for a portable drive at a rock-bottom price, you don’t need to compromise too much on read and write speeds. The LG GP65NB60 offers solid speeds for CDs, and DVD read and write rates are also ample. It’s a highly portable option, and it is available in traditional black or silver, or you can opt for a more eye-catching gold or white.

Pros

• M-DISC support
• Nice range of colors
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Silent Play reduces noise during playback

Cons

• USB 2.0
• No Blu-ray support

$29 at Amazon$34 at Newegg$30 at Walmart

Best Budget External DVD Drive: Hyripe DVD player

The Hyripe DVD Player is a solid portable CD/DVD player that offers fantastic value. It’s designed to run quietly, and thanks to its slim and compact design, you can easily travel with it.

If you need to copy files, burn CDs, or back up data while on the go, this simple plug-and-play device is an excellent choice. Using USB 3.0 Type-C, the Hyripe DVD Player can read and write DVDs at decent 8x speeds, which is a reasonable rate given its very affordable price tag. It also reads and writes CDs at speeds of up to 24x, making it an excellent choice for the budget-conscious.

Hyripe DVD Player

Best Budget External DVD Drive

$15 $20 Save $5

The Hyripe DVD player is an excellent choice if you want a simple, plug-and-play device at a price that won’t break the bank. It offers sufficient speeds for DVDs and CDs, and its slim and compact design makes it an excellent, affordable choice for travel.

Pros

• Plug and play
• USB-A and USB-C
• Lightweight and portable
• Affordable

Cons

• No Blu-ray support
• Short (10 inches) USB cable

$15 at Amazon

Best CD/DVD Drive for Mac: Apple USB SuperDrive

While there are CD/DVD writers and drives that will support macOS devices, the Apple USB SuperDrive is one of the best options if you want an official Apple product. You can easily play and burn CDs and DVDs on the go, and it offers 24x CD and 8x DVD writing speeds.

Thanks to the Apple USB SuperDrive's slim and minimalist design, you can pack and travel with this device without worry. Whether you need it in the car, at home, or at work, it will take up little space, and its small, lightweight build makes it easy to carry in a bag.

Apple USB SuperDrive

Best CD/DVD Drive for Mac

Mac lovers who like to keep with authentic products will enjoy the Apple USB SuperDrive. It’s the official optical drive from Apple and offers good read and write speeds in addition to dimensions and weight that make it the ideal drive for on-the-go use.

Pros

• Aesthetics match MacBooks
• Small and portable
• Official Apple product

Cons

• No USB 3.0

$78 at Amazon$80 at Best Buy

FAQ

Q: What is an external optical drive?

External optical drives aren't built into your computer or laptop. Instead, they connect externally via a cable (commonly a USB) and are able to read disks such as CDs and DVDs. Since they're external, you can use your optical drive on multiple devices, much like an external storage drive or USB stick.

Q: Are CD and DVD drives being phased out?

In most cases, yes. When you purchase a new desktop PC or laptop, you likely won't see a built-in optical drive. Many services that previously used CDs or DVDs are now available online.

Similarly, storage drives offer higher capacities and can also be external. So, if you need to store data, music, or photos, an external SSD is likely to be a better value for your money since it can store more and read/write faster than an optical drive.

Q: Can I play a DVD on my CD drive?

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to play DVDs on a CD player. While they look similar, DVDs and CDs use different technologies and formats. CD players are simply not designed to read DVDs.

Q: Can I play a CD on my DVD player?

Yes, you can play CDs on any DVD player. DVD players can read and decode CD data without any difficulty.