Before, almost every desktop cabinet used to feature a floppy drive that was being used to transfer data via floppy drives. But slowly, floppy drives were phased out due to their limitations and can be barely seen on any system nowadays. Well, the same is happening to the DVD drives in the current generation of laptops or computers. As the content that could be stored on a DVD can also be stored on USB drives or external hard drives with better efficiency, most manufacturers do not include a DVD drive on the laptop or computer. Therefore, you need to get an external DVD player to use a DVD on your laptop or computer. While doing so, make sure you understand the following properties.
- Size of the DVD Drive: If you need an external DVD drive for professional use, you will probably need to carry it along with your laptop. Thus, the size and form factor of the drive becomes a very crucial factor. A compact option with similar performance and compatibility compared to a larger one is obviously the better choice.
- Connectivity Options: The main reason for DVD drives being phased out is the advancement of USB drives. Nowadays, there are even laptops that only feature a single universal USB port for all purposes. In such cases, you need to make sure that you can connect your external DVD drive with your laptop.
- Supported Operating System: Unlike external storage devices, the external DVD drives have limited compatibility when it comes to operating systems. While some devices will be functional with all types of OS, such as Windows, macOS, and even Android, some will only work with Windows or macOS.
DVD drives are not as easy to come by as other popular electronic devices. Because these devices are not being used by the mass consumer, you will probably struggle to find a decent option from a reputable brand. Therefore, it will be beneficial for you to go through our picks of the best external DVD drives, even though these are fairly cheap devices. We will also provide a “Buying Guide” for the best external DVD drive before we conclude our discussion.
Best External DVD Drive List
| External DVD Drive | Connectivity Options | Compatibility | Supported OS | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rioddas External Portable CD DVD Drive | USB 3.0 | CD, DVD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Check On Amazon |
| Gotega External DVD Drive | USB 3.0 | CD, DVD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Check On Amazon |
| ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive | USB 3.0 Type A, USB Type C | CD, DVD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Check On Amazon |
| Amicool External DVD Drive | USB 3.0 | CD, DVD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Check On Amazon |
| MthsTec External Blu-ray DVD Drive | USB, CD-R, USB 3.0 | CD, DVD, Blu-ray | Windows, macOS | Check On Amazon |
| Hitachi LG GP96Y External DVD Drive | USB Type C, USB 2.0 | CD, DVD | Windows, macOS, Linux, Fire OS, Android | Check On Amazon |
| Wintale External Blu-ray Drive | USB 1.0, USB, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 | CD, DVD, Blu-ray | Windows, macOS | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS ZEN External CD/DVD Drive | USB Type C, USB 2.0 | CD, DVD | Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp | Check On Amazon |
| LG External CD DVD Drive | USB 3.0 | CD, DVD | Windows, macOS | Check On Amazon |
| Ziweo External DVD Drive | USB 3.0, USB Type C | CD, DVD | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | Check On Amazon |
Best External DVD Drive Reviews
1. Rioddas External CD Drive USB 3.0 Portable CD DVD
The external CD drive from Rioddas is a very popular choice and has a customer base of more than 20000 existing customers. Thus, it is present at the top of our picks.
Our 1st choice for the best external DVD drive is a proven and tested device from Rioddas. It has a highly positive response from all of its existing customers as it is a very reliable choice for a low-budget option. It is a plug-and-play type of external DVD drive that supports DVDs as well as CDs. You can not only play the content from the CDs but also work with the CDs, such as burning and rewriting with this external DVD player. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
Rioddas external DVD player does not require any additional driver installation or configuration for the stated operating systems. It connects with the device via a high-speed USB 3.0 cable that is also backward compatible with older generation USB 2.0 ports. Thus, you can get a maximum data transmission speed of up to 5 Gbps on this DVD drive. It offers a single-button operation for opening the play or ejecting the DVD that is inside the player. The Rioddas external DVD player measures 5.77 x 5.65 x 0.63 inches that are surely compact and thin.
Best Features
- Measures 5.77 x 5.65 x 0.63 inches in size
- Choice of thousands of users
- Plug-and-play external DVD player
- Supports DVD rewriting and burning
- Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS
- No drivers required
- High-speed USB 3.0 connection
Pros
- Easy to use and carry
- Up to 5 Gbps data transmission capacity
- Single switch operation
Cons
- Will not work with USB Type C laptops without a connector
2. Gotega External DVD Drive
Gotega is a similarly popular choice of brand as our first choice, if not more. It also has tonnes of existing users that have backed the device with a highly positive response.
In 2nd place, we have the Gotega External DVD Drive. Similar to our last choice, it is also a standard external DVD device that comes with a single USB connector for hassle-free installation. As for rewriting the DVDs, you will be getting about 8x speed on the DVDs and nearly 24x speed for CDs. It is compatible with older versions of Windows operating systems, including starting from Windows 98 up to the latest Windows 10. Apart from that, it also works with macOS versions 8.6 to 10.14 without any problem.
For the stated system platforms, it does not require any driver installation or preset configurations. All you need to do is plug the device into the computer and insert the DVD to play it. It operates over an advanced USB 3.0 connector to provide a high-speed data transfer and provide an overall stable connection with the laptop or computer. The Gotega External DVD Drive measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 1 inch in dimensions and comes with a permanent cable attached to the device.
Best Features
- Measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches in size
- Choice of thousands of users
- Standard external DVD player
- Works over USB 3.0 cable
- Embedded USB cable
- 8x writing speed on the DVDs
- 24x writing speed for CDs
Pros
- Rewriting speed is great
- It fits on the palm of your hand
- Supports even older versions of Windows and macOS
Cons
- Only a single connectivity option is provided
3. ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive
By spending a little higher on the external DVD drive, you can pick up the one made by ROOFULL. It is a versatile device and offers more than one connectivity option.
Our 3rd choice is the ROOFULL External CD DVD player which is slightly more expensive than the options you have seen so far. But, it includes some additional goodies with the drive that justifies the extra bucks. The ROOFULL External CD DVD comes with a protective case which makes it perfect for packing and using on the go with laptops. Furthermore, it comes with embedded USB Type-A as well as USB Type C cables for versatile connectivity options. It supports macOS as well as Windows and Linux operating systems so that you can use it on the latest Apple laptops that only have a USB Type C port.
There is a single ejector button provided on the front of the external DVD player. And if you face problems with the ejection, you can use the forced ejection slot provided right next to the button. The cables are embedded on the drive and can be stored in the space present behind the device. The cable is about 24 cm long, so that you will not have to use any sort of extender to connect this device. It also has an additional micro USB port for power input in case it cannot be powered by a connected laptop or similar device. Even with additional options, it is only 5.79 x 5.63 x 0.71 inches in size, excluding the protective cover.
Best Features
- Measures 5.79 x 5.63 x 0.71 inches in size
- Supports multiple connectivity options
- Suitable for external use
- 24 cm embedded connectivity cable
- USB Type A and Type C connections are supported
- Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux operating system
- Forced ejection possible
Pros
- Additional micro USB port to power the device
- Compact in size
- Carrying cover included
Cons
- The cable is not detachable
4. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0
The external DVD drive from Amicool is also a decent choice if you want a pocket-sized external DVD player. It works perfectly with most laptops and computers.
Here, we have another external DVD drive that offers plug-and-play functionality. Once plugged in, it automatically detects the connected device and configures automatically on the device. Thus, you won’t have to do any installation to use the DVD player. It also features dual connectivity options that are USB Type C and the standard USB Type-A connections. As for the discs, you will be able to play a variety of options such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD+R, and many more.
The maximum reading speed for DVDs is 8x on this external DVD player, whereas it is as high as 24x for CDs. If you are burning a CD on this DVD player, you will get about 8x speed. Thus, it offers you up to 5 Gbps bandwidth capacity, which will result in flawless performance whether you are watching a movie or burning a large file on the DVD.
While the USB cable is embedded on the drive itself, the Type C connection is possible with the additional connector included within the package. Thus, you can use that when required and avoid excess clutter on your desk when not needed. The Amicool external DVD player is also quite a slim device as it measures only 5.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches.
Best Features
- Measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches in size
- Plug-and-play functionality
- Auto-detects the connected system
- No configuration required
- Embedded Type-A USB cable
- Additional USB Type C connector
- High-speed USB 3.0 connection
Pros
- Clean installation and usage
- No setup is required
- Supports all types of VCDs, CDs, and DVDs
Cons
- It does not work with Android devices
5. MthsTec External Blu-ray DVD Drive
If you don’t already have a Blu-ray player at your home, you can get one that works over a USB connection so that you get a 2 in 1 device. The external Blu-ray player from MthsTec is a premium choice for such a device.
It is a wise choice to get a 2-in-1 device that you can use for various purposes. In the case of an external DVD drive, you can simply get a premium external Blu-ray player like the MthsTec External Bluray DVD Drive that you can use for best quality entertainment as well as for your work. It is backed with the latest HD burning technology that offers a reading speed of up to 6x for Blu-ray discs, 8x for DVDs, and 24x for CDs. On top of that, it works over a USB 3.0 connection so that you get a stutter-free movie-watching experience thanks to the 5 Gbps data transmission capacity.
The MthsTec External Bluray DVD Drive has a brilliant and highly attractive design. Unlike most DVD players that are flat, this option has a unique design powered by LEDs on the top for an overall elegant aesthetic. Along with Blu-ray movies, you can also watch 3D movies on this external player, which is great if you own a collection of your favorite movies in 3D.
You get an embedded USB Type A and Type C cable on the device, which makes it much easier to connect with any device right away. As for compatibility with the system, it supports Windows and macOS. The MthsTec External Bluray DVD Drive measures 5.74 x 6.18 x 1 inches which are good enough for the features.
Best Features
- Measures 5.74 x 6.18 x 1 inch in size
- 2-in-1 external player
- Supports Blu-ray as well as 3D movies
- Latest HD burning technology
- 6x speed for Blu-ray discs
- 8x speed for DVDs
- USB Type-A and Type C connection supported
Pros
- Great functionality
- Compact Blu-ray layer
- Supports 3D movies
Cons
- Expensive for professional users
6. Hitachi LG GP96Y Multi OS External
Hitachi is bringing a premium choice for an external DVD player into the competition. Nut, it is offering the best compatibility range, which you cannot complain about.
The Hitachi LG GP96Y is the best device if you consider the compatibility of this external DVD player. This works over a number of different devices running on FireOS, Android, Windows, macOS, or Linux. Thus, you can probably connect this device with any of the devices that you own and use it to play the content from DVDs or CDs. It also comes with dedicated app support that helps to recognize the connected device and is also helpful with smart content detection. Hitachi is also offering automatic firmware updates to this device so that it can stay up to date with standard changes in other devices.
The supported application is also available on the Amazon app store. Thus, you can easily use this external DVD player with Firestick or FireTV without any compatibility issues. The Hitachi LG GP96Y measures 5.3 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches which makes it very slim and attractive in design. You will also receive the detachable USB cables that offer USB Type-A as well as USB Type C connections. Therefore you can use the appropriate cable for the connection and pack it when not required.
Best Features
- Measures 5.3 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches in size
- A wide range of systems are supported
- Works with Windows, FireOS, Android, macOS, and Linux
- Dedicated app on Android and FireOS
- Automatic firmware updates
- Detachable Type A and Type C connection
- 24x optical storage read speed
Pros
- Highly compatible device with various systems
- Automatic firmware updates for best performance
- Plug-and-play operation
Cons
- The expensive choice for an external DVD player
7. Wintale 5 in 1 External Blu-ray Drive
If you are looking for an all-in-one product, then Wintale is bringing you the finest choice in the market. The following Blu-ray drive from Wintale is a 5-in-1 option that consists of many ports and functionalities.
The 5-in-1 external DVD player from Wintale will be definitely a worthy choice if you are spending a large sum on your purchase. This device comes with almost everything you need to use with a budget-focused or compact form factor laptop. There are two additional USB ports provided on top of the micro USB-powered connectivity cable. The cable also has two ends which are USB Type-A and USB Type C, to provide better options for connectivity. Furthermore, there is an additional power port on the back in case you require extra power to run the device.
You also get a dedicated SD card and TF card slot on this device which is essential if you deal with photography and cameras that work with these cards. Coming to the DVD player, it supports Blu-ray discs along with DVDs and CDs. You can also play 3D movies with ease and enjoy them on a larger screen that supports the same input options.
The given USB connection offers great speed as it is a USB 3.0 cable. You will be able to use this device with various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, or Linux. The Wintale Blu-ray player measures only 5.55 x 5.75 x 0.71 inches which are astounding for its features.
Best Features
- Measures 5.55 x 5.75 x 0.71 inches in size
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux OS
- Works with Blu-ray discs
- Dual USB connectivity options
- Supports 3D movies
- 2 extra USB ports are provided
- It comes with TF and SD card ports
Pros
- Extra micro USB and power port on the back
- Many connectivity options
- High capacity player
Cons
- The very expensive choice for an external DVD player
8. ASUS ZEN External CD/DVD Drive
In the end, we are bringing yet another highly known brand external DVD player for you. The ASUS is presenting a reliable external DVD player which you can use for years to come.
Our final pick for the best external DVD player is the ASUS ZenDrive Silver 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive, a sleek and powerful optical storage solution that seamlessly combines style and functionality. With M-Disc support, compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems, and innovative features like Nero BackItUp for Android devices, this external drive is designed to meet all your data storage and backup needs.
The ZenDrive boasts an ultra-slim profile of just 13mm, making it not only stylish but also highly portable. Carry it with ease wherever you go, without compromising on performance. Designed to work seamlessly with both Mac and Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. Equipped with both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables, the ZenDrive provides user-friendly connections for smooth data transmission.
Best Features
- USB 2.0 and Type-C cables included
- 13mm thickness for portability and style
- Works with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Mac OS X 10.6 or higher
- Nero BackItUp
- Disc Encryption II
- 8X optical storage write speed
Pros
- DVD/CD player is sleek looking, and it played well
- Super easy to set up and use.
- Whisper quiet, plenty of speed.
Cons
- Has a weird cable
- Short lifespan
9. LG External CD DVD Drive for Laptop
LG GP65NB60, an ultra-slim portable DVD writer designed to redefine your disc-writing experience. With a sleek 14-millimeter height, this drive offers unparalleled portability, fitting seamlessly into your on-the-go lifestyle. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the LG GP65NB60 stands out in its category. M-DISC support ensures the longevity of your data, providing enhanced durability and peace of mind.
Experience high-speed performance with the USB 2.0 interface and impressive write speeds. The drive’s connectivity reaches up to 480Mbits/s, with USB 3.0 compatibility for seamless operations. Impressively, the LG GP65NB60 boasts an 8x DVDR write speed and a blazing 24x CD write speed.
Best Features
- Ultra-slim 14mm height portable DVD writer
- USB 2.0 interface (up to 480Mbits/s, USB 3.0 compatible)
- 8x DVDR write speed, 24x CD write speed
- M-DISC support for enhanced data longevity
- Jamless Play to prevent interruptions from damaged discs
- Silent Play for a noiseless operation
- Stylish design for on-the-go convenience
Pros
- Works great & is very quiet
- Excellent for Mac
-
Cons
- Slow
- Not Plug and Play + Had to Pay for Software Uprgrade
10. Ziweo External DVD Drive
If you can spend a bit higher on the external DVD drive, then you can pick this model from the house of Ziweo, which manufactures a versatile wide range of pocket-sized devices.
This portable external DVD drive offers a plug-and-play functionality, which means it detects the connected devices automatically after you plug them and configure them on the device. Also, it features USB type C and USB 3.0 connections that let you play various options like CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM, DVD, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, and others. Thus, it is a perfect option for a PC without an internal DVD drive.
However, the maximum RW speed for CDs is 24x on this external player, whereas 8x for DVDs. It is widely compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS and offers you up to 5 Gbps bandwidth capacity for a flawless performance to watch a movie, install software, or burn a large file on the DVD.
It is made of high-quality, shockproof materials that provide reliable performance and low noise. it comes with a thick protective cover that prevents any accidental drops or scratches. This external CD DVD Drive is slim, compact, and travel-friendly, as it measures only 6.4 X 6.4 X 0.8 inches.
Best Features
- Plug-and-play portable external CD/DVD player
- Measures 6.4 X 6.4 X 0.8 inches in size
- Supports Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
- High-speed USB 3.0 connection
- 24X writing speed for CDs
- 8X writing speed on the DVDs
- No drivers required
Pros
- Lightweight, portable, and easy to use
- Up to 5 Gbps data transmission capacity
- Reading and writing speed are great
- Widely compatible and offer reliable performance
Cons
- Won’t work with Blu-ray discs, smartphones, tablets, TVs & cars
- The cable is too short to connect properly.
Buying Guide For The Best External DVD Drive
Even for a custom PC build, you will have the option to purchase a DVD drive separately if needed as it is not included on the cabinets anymore. But, while DVD drives are being phased out, DVDs are fairly relative in the market. There is a lot of content exclusively available on DVDs, such as movies, TV shows, Blu-ray content, and much more.
Hence, if you wish to watch such content, you will need an external DVD drive. Here are some basic parameters of an external DVD drive that you should carefully examine before buying one yourself. Most of these options are fairly cheap and will last a long time. But, compatibility might be an issue if you do not consider the factors mentioned in our buying guide for the best external DVD drive.
Connectivity Options
Before you buy an external DVD drive, you should carefully check the connectivity options available with the drive and make sure that it can be connected to your system without needing any additional converter.
Most of the external DVD drives that are featured here have at least one standard USB connection to make it easier to connect with new as well as old systems. But, if your system only has a Type C connection available, you will either have to purchase a DVD player that also supports Type C connection. Otherwise, you will have to rely on a USB Type C to Type A converter which results in data loss and also doesn’t last very long.
Functions
An external DVD player isn’t simply a device that can render the content from a DVD. A decent device should offer you extended functionalities such as burning a blank DVD or rewriting the content of the DVD, which is essential for productive usage. Apart from that, if you are buying an external drive for entertainment purposes, you can also prefer one with Blu-ray functionality so that you can watch high-quality Blu-ray content on the go. You can use such drives with your smart TV and get the best movie-watching experience. Other than that, there are additional ports provided on the DVD drives like USB ports and SD card readers that come in handy if you are using a budget range or compact laptop with few onboard ports.
Supported Operating System
Not all external DVD drives are made to be used with all systems. Unlike an external hard drive that is universal, an external DVD drive requires specific drivers to work. Thus, the external DVD drives are made for a specific operating system which changes depending upon the manufacturing cost and retail price.
You can still find universal options that work with a variety of operating systems like Windows, macOS, Fire OS, Linux, and even Android. But, they will be a bit expensive compared to the units that are made for Windows and macOS only. Therefore, you need to carefully consider how and where you are going to use the external DVD player before you get one.
Size and Form Factor
The size and form factor is an essential factor for those who are considering portable usage with the external DVD drive. If you are going to use the external DVD drive on the go with your laptop or projector, it needs to be compact and lightweight so that it can be easily packed alongside with laptop itself.
But for domestic usage, you will mostly keep the device stationary after connecting it with the computer or TV. In this case, the size and form factor are not as important, and you can get a larger option given that it offers you better specifications and performance.
Price Range
There is no point in getting an external DVD drive that has amazing features which are of no use to you. If you are not going to watch Blu-ray movies or already own a decent Blu-ray player, you should not invest in an additional Blu-ray-supported external DVD player for portable usage.
Instead, you can save some bucks and get a cheaper version that provides you similar performance for standard DVDs and CDs. Furthermore, the price range of the external DVD will be higher if it has additional ports like USB and SD card readers. If you already have such options on your laptop, you should rather prefer the one that supports faster read and writes speed in the same budget instead of getting additional ports that will not be used.
Conclusion
With a separate DVD drive, you can easily access the content stored on a DVD or a CD on your laptop that does not have a DVD drive. These drives are connected to the system via USB ports that are available on computers, laptops, and even tablets these days. And if you decide to purchase a premium DVD player, you will even find Blu-ray compatibility, which means you can even play Blu-ray movies or shows directly on your laptop. Although, most of the external DVD drives, even the ones mentioned on our list today, look quite similar to each other. Therefore, we have included detailed information on each of our picks. For additional help, we have brought you a buying guide for the best external DVD drive right here. If you still cannot fixate on a single option, go with one of our top recommendations.
- The external DVD drive from MthsTec External Blu-ray DVD Drive is a premium choice from our picks that features Blu-ray support along with a standard CD and DVD. On top of that, it also supports 3D movies, which is a great experience for watching movies. For connectivity, you will have the option of standard Type-A USB 3.0 or the Type C USB, both of which are provided with the player.
- The external DVD drive from Wintale 5 in 1 External Blu-ray Drive is an all-in-one option that is simply perfect for budget or productivity-focused laptops that do not feature a lot of ports. On this device, you will get multiple functions that are a Blu-ray DVD player, USB hub, memory card reader, etc. For connecting the device, you can use a standard USB as well as a USB Type C connector included with the drive.
- Lastly, we will suggest the Ziweo External DVD Drive if you are hoping to get a simple DVD player under a tight budget range. It is the cheapest device on our picks and features full support for playing as well as burning and rewriting CDs and DVDs. It can be connected via the standard USB port and supports Windows, macOS, and Linus operating systems.
