Overall Best
LG GP65NB60
9.5
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Looking for the best external DVD drive to read, write, or burn discs? We've tested top-rated USB CD/DVD drives for laptops and desktops without optical drives.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Interface | Read/Write Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG GP65NB60 | Overall Best | DVD±RW | USB 2.0 | 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R | Check Price |
| 2 | Asus ZenDrive U9M | Premium Design | DVD±RW | USB 2.0 | 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R | Check Price |
| 3 | HP External DVD Drive | Budget Friendly | DVD±RW | USB 2.0 | 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R | Check Price |
| 4 | Verbatim External Slimline DVD Writer | M-DISC Archival | DVD±RW | USB 2.0 | 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R | Check Price |
| 5 | Apple USB SuperDrive | Mac Users | DVD±RW | USB 2.0 | 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The LG GP65NB60 is the most reliable external DVD drive on the market. It offers consistent read/write performance with a slim, portable design. It supports M-DISC for archival quality burns. Compatible with Windows and macOS without extra software.
Users needing a dependable, everyday DVD burner for backups or media playback.
Those requiring USB-C connectivity or 4K Blu-ray support.
Key specs: DVD±RW - USB 2.0 - 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R - M-DISC support - Windows & Mac
Why we picked it: The Asus ZenDrive U9M features a stylish, ultra-slim design with a textured finish. It includes disc encryption software and M-DISC support. Its quiet operation and vertical or horizontal placement add versatility. Ideal for users who value aesthetics and portability.
Style-conscious users who want a premium-looking external drive for occasional use.
Budget buyers or those needing high-speed burning.
Key specs: DVD±RW - USB 2.0 - 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R - M-DISC - Disc encryption - Windows & Mac
Why we picked it: HP's external DVD drive offers great value for the price. It comes with a USB Y-cable for power stability and supports multiple disc formats. Its compact design fits easily in a laptop bag. It is a reliable choice for basic burning and playback needs.
Budget-conscious users who need a functional DVD drive for occasional use.
Users requiring ruggedness or advanced features.
Key specs: DVD±RW - USB 2.0 - 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R - Y-cable - Windows & Mac
Why we picked it: Verbatim is known for media quality, and their slimline DVD writer lives up to that reputation. It supports M-DISC for long-term data preservation. The drive is bus-powered and includes Nero Burn & Archive software. It's a top pick for users who need reliable archival burns.
Users who want to archive photos, videos, or documents on M-DISC for decades.
Those needing a drive for everyday movie playback.
Key specs: DVD±RW - USB 2.0 - 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R - M-DISC - Nero Burn & Archive - Windows & Mac
Why we picked it: The Apple USB SuperDrive is designed specifically for Macs with a sleek aluminum enclosure. It works seamlessly with macOS without drivers. However, it requires a USB-C to USB adapter for modern MacBooks. It's the official Apple solution for reading and burning CDs/DVDs.
Mac users who want a first-party drive with guaranteed compatibility.
Windows users or those on a tight budget.
Key specs: DVD±RW - USB 2.0 - 8x DVD±R, 24x CD-R - Aluminum - Mac only
Yes, most external DVD drives can play DVD movies. You'll need media player software like VLC or Windows DVD Player. Note that Blu-ray movies require a Blu-ray drive and compatible software.
Many newer drives come with USB-C connectors or include both USB-C and USB-A cables. If your drive only has USB-A, you can use a USB-C to USB-A adapter or hub.
M-DISC is a write-once optical disc designed to last hundreds of years. If you plan to archive important data long-term, a drive with M-DISC support is recommended.
Some external DVD drives work with Chrome OS, but support is limited. Check the manufacturer's specifications. Most drives require additional software for DVD playback on Chromebooks.
Check your computer's ports. USB-A is common on older devices, while newer laptops may have USB-C. Some drives offer both cables. USB 3.0 is faster than USB 2.0 but not essential for DVD speeds.
If you only need to read and write CDs and DVDs, a standard DVD±RW drive suffices. For Blu-ray playback or burning, choose a Blu-ray combo drive. M-DISC support is important for long-term archiving.
Most drives are plug-and-play on Windows and macOS. For DVD playback, you may need third-party software. Some drives include burning software. Ensure the drive supports your operating system.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Portability | A slim, lightweight design is crucial if you travel frequently. Look for bus-powered drives that don't need an external power adapter. |
| M-DISC support | M-DISC allows you to archive data for centuries. If you plan to store important files long-term, choose a drive that supports M-DISC burning. |
| Interface type | USB 3.0 offers faster data transfer, but for DVD speeds, USB 2.0 is sufficient. USB-C is becoming standard on modern laptops. Ensure the drive matches your computer's ports. |
| Included software | Some drives come with burning and playback software, saving you from purchasing separately. This can be a valuable addition, especially for Mac users who need DVD player software. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.