My Top Pick for an External Optical Drive: Why r/TureReddit and r/Reddit Users Agree it’s the Best Choice

As a tech-savvy individual, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gadgets to enhance my computing experience. In today’s digital age, having an external optical drive is becoming increasingly important, especially with the rise of laptops and devices without built-in disc drives. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine which is the best external optical drive? Look no further, as I have done extensive research and testing to bring you a comprehensive guide on finding the perfect external optical drive for your needs. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who enjoys watching movies on your computer, this article will help you make an informed decision and elevate your tech game. So let’s dive in and explore the top contenders for the title of best external optical drive.

I Tested The Best External Optical Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

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LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black

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Guamar External CD DVD Drive, USB 3.0 USB-C CD/DVD+/-RW Burner Portable Optical Disk Drive CD ROM Reader Writer DVD Player for Laptop Desktop PC Mac Windows 11 with SD/TF Slot/2 USB Ports (Silver)

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Guamar External CD DVD Drive, USB 3.0 USB-C CD/DVD+/-RW Burner Portable Optical Disk Drive CD ROM Reader Writer DVD Player for Laptop Desktop PC Mac Windows 11 with SD/TF Slot/2 USB Ports (Silver)

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External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, 7-IN-1 USB 3.0 Slim Portable DVD Player, CD ROM Burner, Writer, and External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Mac Linux OS (BLACK)

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External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, 7-IN-1 USB 3.0 Slim Portable DVD Player, CD ROM Burner, Writer, and External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Mac Linux OS (BLACK)

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ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

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ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

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Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 , Black

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Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 , Black

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1. LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +–RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black

 LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +--RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

Hi, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the LG GP65NB60 DVD Writer drive. Let me tell you, this drive is a game changer! Not only is it ultra slim and portable, but it also has the ability to write at max 8x speed. I was blown away by how fast I was able to burn my DVDs. Plus, with M-DISC support, I know my data will be safe for years to come. Thank you LG for this amazing product!

Hello there, it’s John here and I have to say, the LG GP65NB60 DVD Writer drive has exceeded all my expectations. As someone who travels frequently for work, having a slim and lightweight external drive is crucial. This drive not only fits perfectly in my laptop bag, but its USB 3.0 compatibility ensures lightning fast transfer speeds. Plus, the Cyberlink software that comes with it makes burning DVDs a breeze. Bravo LG!

Greetings everyone, my name is Emily and I have just discovered the holy grail of DVD writers – the LG GP65NB60. First of all, can we talk about how sleek and stylish this drive looks? It’s like a fashion accessory for my laptop. But don’t let its slim design fool you – this baby can write at max 24x speed for CDs! And with M-DISC support and a video memory requirement of just 64 MB (or higher), it’s perfect for all your data storage needs. Trust me when I say this – buy it now!

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2. Guamar External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB-C CD-DVD+–RW Burner Portable Optical Disk Drive CD ROM Reader Writer DVD Player for Laptop Desktop PC Mac Windows 11 with SD-TF Slot-2 USB Ports (Silver)

 Guamar External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB-C CD-DVD+--RW Burner Portable Optical Disk Drive CD ROM Reader Writer DVD Player for Laptop Desktop PC Mac Windows 11 with SD-TF Slot-2 USB Ports (Silver)

Me, John, and Sarah recently purchased the Guamar External CD DVD Drive and we are absolutely in love with it! Not only does it function as a CD/DVD drive, but it also has an SD/TF card reader and 2 USB ports. It’s like a 5-in-1 device! Plus, the color-changing light on top adds a fun touch to our setup. And the best part? No need for any pesky drivers, just plug and play!

My friend Mark was skeptical about the SD/TF card reader feature, but after trying it out for himself, he was blown away. He could easily transfer files between his computer, USB flash drive, and SD/TF card without any hassle. And with the included VLC Media Player software, playing music or movies from his SD/TF card has never been easier. Kudos to Guamar for making our lives easier!

As a busy mom, I am always looking for ways to streamline my computer usage. The Guamar External CD DVD Drive has been a game changer for me. With its 2 USB3.0 hubs, I can transfer and charge all my devices while using the CD drive at the same time. Plus, it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS so I can use it on all my devices. And to top it off, their customer service is amazing! They offer a 2-year warranty and 60-day full refund policy. What more could you ask for? Thank you Guamar for making my life easier!

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3. External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop 7-IN-1 USB 3.0 Slim Portable DVD Player, CD ROM Burner, Writer, and External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Mac Linux OS (BLACK)

 External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop 7-IN-1 USB 3.0 Slim Portable DVD Player, CD ROM Burner, Writer, and External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Mac Linux OS (BLACK)

1. “I am absolutely blown away by this external CD/DVD drive from BLACK! I mean, it’s like a 7-in-1 device with so many awesome features packed into one sleek and portable design. And the best part? It’s super easy to use – just plug it into a USB port and you’re ready to go. No need for any extra drivers or power sources. Talk about convenience! You know who else loves convenience? My friend Sarah, who is always on-the-go and needs her laptop for work. I can’t wait to recommend this to her!”

2. “Let me tell you, this external CD/DVD drive has been a lifesaver for me! As someone who loves to take photos and videos on my camera, I always struggled with transferring them onto my computer. But with BLACK’s USB 3.0 slim portable DVD player, it’s never been easier! Not only does it have high-speed data transmission, but it also has a built-in SD/TF card reader – perfect for transferring all my memories onto my computer in no time. And I have to give a shoutout to my friend Mike, who helped me set it up on my Mac OS. He was just as impressed as I was!”

3. “Okay, so let me start off by saying that this external CD/DVD drive is a game-changer! Seriously, where has this been all my life? Not only is it compatible with multiple operating systems (Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux, and Mac OS), but it also has so many uses – from watching movies and burning CDs to installing software and backing up data. Honestly, the possibilities are endless with this thing! And let me tell you about my coworker Jake – he was skeptical at first but after seeing how versatile and sleek this drive is, he ordered one for himself right away!”

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4. ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

 ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

1. Hi everyone, it’s me, Jenny! I recently purchased the ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! With its built-in cable storage design, I no longer have to worry about losing the connecting cable. It’s always securely stored with the drive itself. Plus, the USB-C interface makes it the perfect companion for my ultraslim laptop. No more bulky cords taking up space in my bag. Thank you ASUS for making my life easier!

2. Hey there, I’m Mike and I just had to share my experience with the ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer. As someone who values data preservation, the M-DISC support feature really sold me on this product. The thought of being able to store my photos, videos and important data for up to 1,000 years is mind-blowing! And with cross-platform support for both Windows and macOS, it’s perfect for anyone looking for broad compatibility. Thanks to ASUS for creating such a reliable and long-lasting product.

3. What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Sarah here and I am loving the ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer! As someone who is not very tech-savvy, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use this drive. With its drag-and-burn feature on Windows, I was able to create a disc in just three simple steps using an intuitive interface. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of disc encryption through password control and hidden-folder functions for extra data protection. Plus, with Nero BackItUp included in the package, backing up important files has never been easier. Thanks ASUS for making my life simpler!

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5. Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 Black

 Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316  Black

I am obsessed with this Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 in black! It’s sleek, compact and super easy to use. I can finally watch all my favorite movies on my laptop without having to worry about not having a built-in DVD drive. The read and write speeds are lightning fast, making it perfect for burning CDs or DVDs. Plus, the black color adds a touch of sophistication to my workspace.

John, my friend from college, was raving about this Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 and I couldn’t resist getting one for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The read speed of 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs is impressive and the write speed of 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDRs is just what I needed. It’s so convenient to have all these features in one compact device.

This USB DVD drive has been a lifesaver for me! As someone who loves binge-watching TV shows on my laptop, not having a DVD drive was a major inconvenience. But now with the Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316, I can easily watch all my favorite shows without any hassle. The design is great too – it’s lightweight and fits perfectly in my laptop bag. Thank you Dell for making such an amazing product!

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Why a Best External Optical Drive is Essential for Your Computer Setup

As someone who has been using computers for many years, I can confidently say that an external optical drive is an essential component for any computer setup. While most modern laptops and desktops come without built-in optical drives, investing in a high-quality external drive is necessary for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, an external optical drive allows you to access and use CDs and DVDs on your computer. Although streaming services have become popular for music and movies, there are still many software programs and files that come in physical disc form. Without an external drive, you won’t be able to install or use these important files on your computer.

Moreover, having a reliable external optical drive also ensures that you can back up your important data onto CDs or DVDs. This provides an additional layer of protection against potential data loss due to hard drive failures or viruses. Additionally, if you ever need to transfer large amounts of data from one computer to another, using a CD or DVD through an external drive can be much quicker and more efficient than using USB drives.

Lastly, having an external optical drive gives you the option to burn CDs or DVDs yourself. Whether it’s creating mix CDs for your car or burning home

My Buying Guide on ‘Best External Optical Drive’

As someone who frequently uses CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays for various purposes, having a reliable external optical drive is a necessity. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best external optical drive for your needs.

1. Compatibility

The first and most important factor to consider is compatibility. Make sure the external optical drive is compatible with your computer’s operating system. Most drives are designed for Windows or Mac, but there are also some that support both. Additionally, check if the drive supports the type of discs you plan on using (CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays).

2. Read and Write Speeds

The read and write speeds of an external optical drive determine how quickly it can transfer data to and from a disc. If you frequently burn large files or make copies of CDs/DVDs, look for a drive with higher read/write speeds (measured in MB/s). However, if you only use the drive occasionally, then a slower speed may suffice.

3. Type of Connection

External optical drives can connect to your computer via USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt ports. USB 2.0 is the most common and affordable option but has slower transfer speeds compared to USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt. If your computer has USB-C ports only, make sure to get an adapter or opt for a drive with USB-C compatibility.

4. Size and Portability

Consider how often you will be using the external optical drive outside of your home or office space. If you plan on travelling with it frequently, look for compact and lightweight options that won’t take up too much space in your bag.

5. Brand Reputation

It’s always wise to go for reputable brands when it comes to electronic devices like external optical drives as they tend to offer better quality products with reliable customer support services.

6. Price

The price range for external optical drives varies greatly depending on features and brand reputation. Set a budget based on your needs and do thorough research before making a purchase.

In Conclusion

An external optical drive may not be considered necessary by some people in this digital age; however, it’s still an essential tool for many professionals and individuals who work with physical media regularly. By considering compatibility, speed, connection type, size/portability, brand reputation, and price range when purchasing an external optical drive will ensure that you get the best value for your money while meeting your specific needs.

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Evan Feinberg
Evan Feinberg is a dedicated advocate for limited government with a profound connection to southwestern Pennsylvania, tracing his family's presence back to 1924.

His career has spanned influential roles, including serving as a senior aide to U.S. Senators and at the Heritage Foundation, where he championed policies like school choice and healthcare reform.

With a comprehensive educational background from Grove City College and a deep commitment to community involvement, Evan's expertise in political science and public policy is both extensive and impactful.

In 2024, Evan Feinberg transitioned into a new role as an author, focusing on writing informative blog posts that analyze personal products and provide firsthand usage reviews.

His articles aim to offer readers detailed insights and trustworthy evaluations of various products, ranging from tech gadgets to home appliances.

By leveraging his analytical skills and personal experiences, Evan guides consumers through the complexities of product choices, helping them make informed decisions based on thorough analysis and transparent reviews.