The golden age of DVD drives is over. Today, everything revolves around the cloud and online, the use of hard drives has become something exotic. Despite this, most people still need DVD drives from time to time, whether it's to dig through old photos or to play another round of your favorite teen PC game.
Although they are more of a thing of the past, they are still prevalent, but in modern times as internal and external impulses alike. Finding the best external DVD drive for your needs is probably a better solution these days because they are portable, which means they can be used on multiple devices, and because they offer easier installation and use than internal ones.
Better choice
[Amazon box="B00VWVZ0V0,B00H2GTXM6,B00ODDE33U,B011K4XZQ0,B07DLRG9VH,B00OD39P6A,B00DBV28TG,B00R29YR0Q,B07PV958PN" template="table"]
Of course, finding the right drive is not an easy task, but once you know exactly what you need, it becomes easier. In other words, think about what you need it for before you buy it.
How to Select External DVD Drive
On the other hand, if you need a DVD drive but have no idea what to look for, these lines can help you choose the important features of your future device. Here are some things to keep in mind.
speed
The higher the read/write speed, the faster the job will complete. That doesn't mean the speeds have to be super fast, of course, but it's up to the standards. x24 for CDs, around x8 for DVDs, and around x4 for BDs are perfect for the technology, which is closer to its end than its beginning.
USB compatibility
If there is an option to choose between USB3.0 interface and USB2.0 interface, please always choose the former.The advantages are multiple, but the most important is faster data transfer and better energy efficiency.
OS Compatibility
The last thing you need is to buy a device and find out that it doesn't work on your computer. So, don't be lazy, do your homework and check if the drive is compatible with your system.
Design
Of course, the best external DVD drive has to look good. Granted, you don't get any practical use out of it, but at least you're comfortable with it and don't mind having it lying around your workspace.
Size
External DVD drives are generally small these days, but their dimensions vary. The bag may be too big for your laptop bag, a good reason to check the dimensions in time.
Noise
Not a problem for some, worst for others. So if you're in the second group, read product reviews carefully and look up people who are already drive users to see what they have to say on the subject.
build quality
Better build quality requires durability and longevity. It's not a guarantee, but if you can have it, why not?
The 9 Best External DVD Drives
Dell DW316
An Affordable, High-Quality External DVD Drive
The Dell DW316 is a slim, easy-to-use external DVD-RW drive that offers a decent range of features at a great price. Due to its thickness of 1.5 centimeters, weight of only 200 grams and the fact that it is powered from the USB port of the PC or notebook, this unit is a great solution for both home use and on the go. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, so it can be used with most computer configurations.
With pre-installed CyberLink Media Suite software for easy DVD/CD reading and burning, and 24xCD and 8xDVD write speeds, the Dell DW316 will satisfy most users. Equipped with the USB2.0 interface, it offers good performance and few drawbacks, including a glossy finish (attracts fingerprints) and the fact that it is not Blu-ray compatible, making this drive one of the best drive options. of external DVDs. you can find for your money.
advantages:
- Luz
- simplicity of us
- Good price
- CyberLink Media Suite preinstalled
Disadvantages:
- no Blu-ray support
- The surface collects fingerprints
Pioneer BDR-XU03
A durable external Blu-ray burner with fast performance
Pioneer BDR-XU03 is a super slim and durable USB 3.0 interface drive (made of magnesium) that ensures fast performance. It has a write speed of 6xBD-R in the case of single and double layer discs, while this speed is reduced to 4x in the case of triple and quadruple layer discs. Compatible with BDXL, Blu-ray, DVD and CD, the Pioneer BDR-XU03 can work on both Mac and Windows, giving you the widest range of uses.
It comes with an Auto-Quiet mode for quiet performance and PowerRead Smooth and PureRead 2 Smarter Media Playback features that enable smoother playback of movies and audio from damaged (scratched, fingerprinted, etc.) discs. All in all, this is a great external drive that offers many features and excellent workmanship that will satisfy anyone, but the cost is questionable as you can buy a wide range of other burners for this price. Yes, it's great, but probably not that great.
advantages:
- compact
- USB3.0 interface
- quiet
- fast
- very compatible
Disadvantages:
- caro
- Many players do not support BDXL formats
LG GP65NB60
The best external DVD drive money can buy
If you're looking for the best overall external DVD drive, look no further. LG GP65NB60 offers a great combination of features and a very affordable price. Its maximum 8x DVDR and 24x CD write speeds are the same as most similar products, but what sets it apart from the crowd is its relatively robust construction, quiet operation, and great compatibility.
Although it is made of plastic, its construction is solid enough to allow normal use without fear of sudden breakage, while its silent operation is the result of the implementation of Silent Play technology that optimizes playback based on the type of multimedia used. . Speaking of compatibility, it should be mentioned that it works with both Mac and Windows, but it also has TV connectivity, making this external drive a great option for home use.
LG GP65NB60 works with DVD+R, DVD-R, CD and rewritable discs, but also supports M. discs like mostExternal hard drives, this LG unit is powered from the USB port. It comes in four different colors, so you're guaranteed to find the one that matches your other devices. If you're looking for the best external DVD drive for Mac or Windows, here it is.
advantages:
- delgado
- still
- high tolerance
- disk support M
Disadvantages:
- made of plastic
- not so fast
Superdrive USB de Apple
The best external drive option for your Mac
What is the best external DVD drive for Mac if not from Apple? The Apple USB Superdrive offers a sleek, modern design with quality performance that meets the standards of any Apple fan. Just 17mm thick with a depth and width of 139mm. Weighing 335 grams, is powered from a USB port, and thanks to the minimalist design that eliminates all external moving parts, this drive is a great alternative for mobile workstations.
The Apple USB Superdrive works with MacBook, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini and offers write speeds like most drives today, ranging from 6x to 8x for DVDs and 16x to 24x for CDs. Nothing spectacular, but rest assured it works. Although this unit is pricey compared to other models, it's still a great option if you want Apple quality and reliability and, as we all know, quality costs.
advantages:
- compact
- still
- no need for external power supply
Disadvantages:
- caro
- no Blu-ray support
Riodda External CD Drive
Stylish external CD drive
Rioddas external CD drive is very easy to use as it can be connected via the USB port without the need to install any additional software. Just plug it in and your PC should recognize it.
When it comes to speed, this external CD drive supports USB 3.0 and 2.0 systems as well as USB 1.0 which makes it quite fast with a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbps and maintains fairly consistent performance.
Due to its excellent design, Riodda external DVD drive looks amazing and very elegant together with the integrated cable design.
Other than that, it has smart eject technology as it includes the standard drive eject button that automatically tells the device to eject the drive.
Also, this external DVD drive is compatible with almost all operating systems like Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8.1/10, Linux and Mac OS.
Note: If you are a desktop PC user, be sure to connect your device via the USB port on the back of the case, which connects directly to the motherboard.
advantages:
- easy to set up
- Compatible with almost all operating systems
- excellent design
- Fast file transfer
- Affordable
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes it just doesn't work
Pioneer BDR-XD05B
Overall a great external DVD drive
The Pioneer BDR-XD05B is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a drive with excellent compatibility and support for a wide range of media types. This small, lightweight drive works perfectly with Windows and Mac and is compatible with BD-R, BD-RE, BD-XL TL, BD-XL QL, BD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD-RAM, CD -R , CD-ROM and CD-RW. In other words, everything you need is there.
This drive also has a USB 3.0 interface and offers a number of great features including PowerRead and PureRead2+ for smoother playback of damaged files and Auto-Quiet mode. Although the official write speeds of 24xCD, 6x, or 8x for DVDs and x2, x4, or x6 for BDs sound the same as most drives today, the actual DVD write speed is one of the fastest. speeds of any unit on the market. market. For example, it is faster than LG GP65NB60, LG WP50NB40 and Dell DW316.
Unfortunately, its Blu-ray burning speed isn't great and it's among the slowest, which is another drawback besides the high price. Other than that, this drive offers a great mix of features that surely make it one of the best external CD, DVD, and BD drives all rolled into one option money can buy. You can't go wrong with this one. It will cost you, but it is worth it.
advantages:
- USB3.0 interface
- fast
- delgado
- Luz
- very compatible
Disadvantages:
- caro
- can be noisy at high speeds
- slow bd write
Samsung SE-218CB/RSBS
A compact and quiet external DVD drive that gets the job done
If you like simple but reliable solutions from a well-known brand, Samsung SE-218CB/RSBS should be your choice. At 148mm deep, 144mm wide, and just 14mm thick, this drive is one of the most compact you can find. Well made, with quiet performance, decent write speeds of 8x for DVD and 24x for CD, and support for numerous types of CDs and DVDs, this drive covers the widest possible market and, most importantly, leaves no one behind. dissatisfied.
Includes several technologies for an enhanced user experience, including Speed Adjustment (corrects speed based on media type), Buffer Under Run Free and Double OPC (ensures proper recording), and Tilt Actuator Compensation (allows writing to slightly warped media ). Compatibility is also not an issue for the Samsung SE-218CB/RSBS as it works with both Windows and Mac.
Everything is present in the right amount, just like any other Samsung device. This unit is perfect for both professional and home use, as a great multimedia upgrade for your office orgaming pc.
advantages:
- compact
- fast
- can be used as a bootable device
Disadvantages:
- short cable
- no Blu-ray support
- USB2.0 interface
Superar TS8XDVDS-W
A reliable and affordable DVD drive that won't let you down
There aren't as many brands as Transcend that make affordable and high-quality devices at the same time. The Transcend TS8XDVDS-W offers decent performance at a reasonable price. There's a USB 2.0 interface and support for various types of CD and DVD media; Works with Mac and Windows, offers 8x DVDR and 24x CD write speeds, is ultra-slim, has a discreet design - everything a standard user needs without unnecessary features that would increase your cost.
If you are looking for a stylish accessory for your2 in 1 laptopor want more than basic options, skip this unit. This one will do a flawless job, but that's about it: there are no flashy options or features. The simplicity makes this drive the best external drive for Windows 10 or any other supported operating system. With this, you don't get a fancy package to brag about, you get great value for money, and most importantly, you can be sure your job will get done.
advantages:
- delgado
- reliable
- good compatibility
Disadvantages:
- USB2.0 interface
- no Blu-ray support
Amicool External DVD Drive
The Most Versatile External DVD Drive
This Amicool external drive is compatible with almost all operating systems. The external CD/DVD drive is compatible with all Linux operating system desktop and portable devices, as well as Apple Mac and MacBook Pro.
The CD burner is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8.1/10, Linux and all available versions of Mac OS.
In order for this external DVD drive to work on desktop computers, it needs to be connected directly to the USB port on the motherboard.
It's usually easy to install and use, just plug it in and wait for your system to recognize the device.
As for the file transfer speed, the Amicool external DVD drive offers quite fast and smooth file transfers, mainly due to the USB 3.0 compatibility.
Add to that the ability to burn any DVD+R, DVD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW. The maximum DVD read speed is 8x, while the maximum CD read speed is 24x and the write speed is 8x.
advantages:
- Support for different operating systems.
- Easy to connect and set up
- Fast file transfers
- multiple functions
- Cool and portable design.
Disadvantages:
- it doesn't take long
Diploma
This guide is intended to help you choose the best external DVD drive for your needs. We hope we have helped you in this area. At least we hope that we have cleared at least some of your doubts and that your shopping adventure is at least a little easier. Now you know what to look for and what the standards are and some great options. The rest is up to you, so good luck!
Related Posts:
- The best external hard drive in 2023
- The best Blu-Ray player in 2023
- The best sound card 2023
- The best SD card readers in 2023
- The best USB hubs in 2023
- The best USB WiFi adapters in 2023
- The best external hard drives for PS4 you can buy in 2023
- The best computer cases in 2023
- The best gaming hard drive in 2023
- Best USB Flash Drive in 2023
FAQs
Will any external DVD drive work with Mac? ›
So you'll need to be sure the disk drive you're buying works with USB-C. Compatibility — Most DVD drives work with Windows and Mac, but do check the specs before you buy to make sure the drive doesn't favor one or the other or need additional software to work.
Why does my Mac not recognize my external DVD drive? ›Why is my external hard drive not readable on Mac? The most common issue is your drive being formatted incorrectly. In this case, you'll need to change the format of your drive using Disk Utility. Other reasons might include issues with power supply, faulty cable, and your drive being corrupted or broken.
Why is DVD not permitted on Mac? ›If a “Not Permitted” message appears: You may see this message if you try to use a DVD Player feature that isn't supported by the movie (either at that time or at all), or if the movie was burned onto a type of DVD-RW disc that DVD Player doesn't recognize.
Which external disk is best? ›- #1) WD Elements Portable Drive.
- #2) Seagate Portable Drive.
- #3) Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Drive.
- #4) Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable Drive.
- #5) Silicon Power Portable Drive.
- #6) LaCie Rugged Mini Drive.
- #7) SanDisk Extreme Portable External SSD.
Computer manufacturers started to move away from internal drives for a number of reasons, including the fact that people began to access media in other ways, such as downloads and digital streaming.
Why are DVD drives being phased out? ›Discs Are Dying
Optical drives tend to occupy much space, thus making computers bulky, which isn't attractive anymore. Moreover, discs don't have the same storage capacity as USB flash drives or external hard drives. There are also security issues with the Blu-Ray format that discourages some users from purchasing it.
DVD sales have been on the decline for over a decade, but a slew of new streaming services and a shift in how consumers are watching movies and TV shows could be the final death knell for the technology. The same can be said for Blu-Ray discs.
Does Windows 10 have a DVD burner? ›Windows DVD Maker isn't supported on Windows 10. To create DVD-Video or Blu-ray discs compatible with home-theater components, try using an app. Select the Start menu and then choose Microsoft Store .
What is the best DVD player for Windows 10? ›- PotPlayer - Best for 3D.
- VLC Media Player - Best for Video Files.
- KMPlayer - Best Playback Support.
- GOM Player - Best for Subtitles.
- Leawo Blu-ray Player - Best for CPU.
- Macgo Player - Best for Audio.
- Corel WinDVD - Best Search Function.
- 5KPlayer - Best for Streaming Radio.
You can use ROOFULL USB CD/DVD RW Drive on your Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux, and Mac computer to play movie DVDs, create your own music CDs, burn photos/videos to DVDs, or copy files from discs to your computer.
Why will Windows 11 not play DVD? ›
Windows 10 or 11 can't play DVDs because there's no built-in DVD codec, outdated DVD drivers, or corrupted specific registry entries. You can run the Windows Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the problem automatically, or you can manually find what's causing the issue and fix it accordingly.
Does Windows 11 have a DVD burner? ›You can easily burn a DC or DVD in Windows 11. Many computers have a CD or DVD drive that can create recordable CDs or DVDs. This drive lets you save content from your computer onto removable media for transfer.
How do I use an external DVD drive on a Mac with Windows? ›Plug the SuperDrive into an available USB port on the Windows PC. Download that latest Boot Camp drivers from Apple. Right-click on the Boot Camp zip file in the Downloads folder, and then, click Extract All.
How do I get my Mac to recognize my DVD Player? ›Click the little Spotlight icon in the upper right corner of your Mac's screen. Search for DVD Player, and the app's icon will appear at the top of the Top Hits. Double click on the icon and the app will launch. Once launched you can open a DVD by going to File > Open DVD Player.
How do I get my Mac to recognize my SuperDrive? ›To use your SuperDrive, connect it to a USB-A port on your Mac*, then insert a disc. Make sure that the aluminum enclosure of the SuperDrive is facing up. To connect your SuperDrive to a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port on your Mac, you can use one of these adapters: USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
Why did Apple get rid of the DVD Player? ›Apple's Phil Schiller says that “in general, it's a good idea to remove these rotating medias” because they are bulky and use power. Such an engineering decision helps the company “create products that are smaller, lighter and consume less power”.
Does Mac DVD Player work on PC? ›Once the drivers are installed properly in Windows, the Apple SuperDrive should accept discs, read, write, and eject them as expected, just like it does on the Mac.
When did Apple stop putting DVD drives in MacBook? ›Released in June 2012, this 13-inch MacBook Pro model was the last Mac with a built-in CD/DVD drive sold by Apple.
What is the longest lasting external drive? ›- LaCie Rugged Mini 1TB Hard Drive. Touting drop, crush, and water resistance, this external hard drive is durable and built to last. ...
- Western Digital WD Purple 8TB Hard Drive. ...
- G-Technology 6TB G-DRIVE. ...
- Western Digital 4TB External Hard Drive. ...
- Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive.
As you can see, Seagate Internal Hard Drive is much better than Western Digital Internal Hard Drive in all terms. So, whether it's price, speed, or storage capacity, Seagate Internal Hard Drive will deliver better results by being cheaper and affordable than Western Digital Internal Hard Drive.
Which is more reliable WD or Seagate? ›
🚩 Reliability
Despite the different models and capacities, according to a study by BackBlaze, among all HDD manufacturers such as Western Digital, Seagate, and Toshiba, Western Digital has the highest failure rate. The feedback results of users on the network can also prove this point.
| Optical disc formats | Average longevity |
|---|---|
| DVD+RW (erasable DVD) | 20 to 50 years |
| BD-R (non-dye, gold metal layer) | 10 to 20 years |
| DVD-R (silver alloy metal layer) | 10 to 20 years |
| DVD and BD (read-only, such as a DVD or Blu-ray movie) | 10 to 20 years |
Those who enjoy physical media may be suffering quite the blow next year. According to animation historian Jerry Beck, Warner Bros. will begin to phase out DVD and Blu-ray releases beginning in 2022. This means that future movies and TV shows will likely not be released physically, with the focus shifting to streaming.
Are DVD players in decline? ›DVD/Blu-ray Disc player use remains in decline, with household penetration dropping to 67% in the first quarter of 2018 from 73% at the end of 2017, according to new data from Nielsen. The drop underscores ongoing changes in consumer home entertainment behavior as fewer people watch, purchase and rent packaged media.
Do people still buy DVDs 2022? ›Streaming is a popular way to consume media these days, and DVD sales have declined by 86% since 2008. Curiously, many stores fill their shelves with DVDs and Blu-rays, and Technicolor Home Entertainment Services plans to ship as many as 750 million discs in 2022.
What is replacing DVD? ›Blu-ray storage technology was introduced in 2006 and the name refers to the blue-violet laser that is used to read/write information on the disc.
Which lasts longer DVD or flash drive? ›Flash drives are significantly more durable than DVDs.
Can a DVD last 100 years? ›Among the manufacturers that have done testing, there is consensus that, under recommended storage conditions, CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R discs should have a life expectancy of 100 to 200 years or more; CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM discs should have a life expectancy of 25 years or more.
What is the highest quality DVD format? ›HD DVD is the only high-def disc format that can decode 1080p25 while Blu-ray and HD DVD can both decode 1080p24 and 1080p30.
Should I keep old DVDs? ›Reasons to Keep Your Old DVDs
When you purchase a digital version of a movie, you are only licensing the content. You do not own it. Film collectors often like to have hard copies of their purchases. Also, some older movies or rare films are difficult to find in digital.
What is the DVD player called on Windows 10? ›
The Windows DVD Player app enables Windows 10 PCs with an optical disc drive to play DVD movies (but not Blu-ray discs).
How do I get Windows 10 to recognize my external DVD drive? ›Boot to the Windows 10 desktop, then launch Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and clicking Device Manager. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the optical drive listed, then click Uninstall. Exit Device Manager then restart your computer. Windows 10 will detect the drive then reinstall it.
Is 4.7 GB DVD enough for Windows 10? ›A standard 4.7 GB DVD disk wouldn't be able to accommodate a Windows 10 installation media. You would have to use a dual layer DVD. We recommend creating a USB drive to install Media. USB should be 8 GB in size or more.
Which is better DVD-R or DVD-R? ›DVD-R and DVD+R are nearly identical formats. The discs look the same and are both supported by most DVD-ROM drives and DVD burners. The only difference between the formats is the way they determine the location of the laser beam on the disc.
Is DVD quality better than CD quality? ›DVD-audio has the potential to replace CDs because of the higher quality of the sound.
Can I install Windows 10 from DVD ISO or USB? ›- Step 1 - Format the drive and set the primary partition as active. Connect the USB flash drive to your technician PC. ...
- Step 2 - Copy Windows Setup to the USB flash drive. Use File Explorer to copy and paste the entire contents of the Windows product DVD or ISO to the USB flash drive. ...
- Step 3 - Install Windows to the new PC.
Do I need to install a device driver for my external USB CD/DVD optical drive? You do not need to install a device driver for the external USB CD / DVD optical drive because the operating system includes the required drivers.
What size USB drive do I need for Windows 11? ›Most USB drives with at least 8GB of space should work for installation, and the Media Creation utility on the Windows website will format the Windows 11 boot USB for you. If you can't get the drive to work, it may be defective, not formatted correctly, or have a physical issue that prevents you from using it.
How do I play my external DVD drive on my Mac? ›Click the little Spotlight icon in the upper right corner of your Mac's screen. Search for DVD Player, and the app's icon will appear at the top of the Top Hits. Double click on the icon and the app will launch. Once launched you can open a DVD by going to File > Open DVD Player.
Can I use a Dell external DVD drive on Mac? ›YES. It works on my iMac. Easy Plug & Play in seconds without any issues.
How do I get my DVD Player to work on my Mac? ›
In the DVD Player app on your Mac, choose File > Open DVD Media. Navigate to the VIDEO_TS folder that contains the movie file you want to play, then click Open.
How do I play a DVD on my Mac with an external DVD Player? ›Insert a disc, and the DVD Player app starts playing the disc. If the disc doesn't play automatically, press the Space bar after the disc is recognised.