Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS ZenDrive U9M | Best overall | USB-A and USB-C cables in the box, M-Disc support |
| LG GP65NB60 Slim | Best budget | Lightest pick at 0.4 lb, with M-Disc support |
| Verbatim 43888 UHD 4K | Best premium Blu-ray | 4K UHD Blu-ray read and 6x Blu-ray write over USB-C |
| Dell DW316 | Best bundled software | CyberLink Media Suite 12 included for Windows |
Top external optical drive recommendations
Best for: Best overall
ASUS ZenDrive U9M (SDRW-08U9M-U)
Laptop Mag's best overall external DVD drive pairs an ultra-slim 13mm body with genuinely useful extras: both USB-A and USB-C cables in the box and M-Disc archival support. ASUS lists Windows 8 through 11 and Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, and bundles CyberLink Power2Go 8, PowerBackup and Nero BackItUp for Windows.
- Includes both USB-A and USB-C cables
- M-Disc support for long-term archiving
- Windows and Mac support per ASUS
- Slightly noisy while spinning, per Laptop Mag
- DVD and CD only; no Blu-ray support
Best for: Best budget
LG GP65NB60 Slim Portable DVD Writer
The LG GP65 Slim is Laptop Mag's budget pick: a no-frills 8x DVD writer that undercuts rivals on price while staying the lightest drive in their roundup at 0.4 pounds. LG rates it at 8x DVD and 24x CD write speeds with M-Disc support, and Laptop Mag lists macOS and Windows compatibility.
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Lightest drive in Laptop Mag's roundup
- M-Disc ready with 8x DVD and 24x CD speeds
- USB-A only, so USB-C laptops need an adapter
- Basic, no-frills build
Best for: Best premium Blu-ray
Verbatim 43888 External UHD 4K Blu-ray Writer
Verbatim's slimline writer is Laptop Mag's premium pick, reading 4K UHD Blu-ray discs and writing standard Blu-ray at 6x over a USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1) connection, with M-Disc support and quiet operation noted in testing. Per Verbatim, it is bus-powered with no external adapter, but 4K UHD playback software is not included and must be purchased separately, and the bundled Nero software is PC-only.
- Reads 4K UHD Blu-ray and writes Blu-ray at 6x
- Bus-powered over USB-C; no power adapter to carry
- M-Disc support; quiet operation per Laptop Mag
- 4K UHD playback software not included; purchased separately
- Bundled Nero software is PC-only
Best for: Best bundled software
Dell DW316 External Slim USB DVD Drive
The Dell DW316 costs a little more than no-name rivals but includes CyberLink Media Suite 12 for Windows playback and burning plus a one-year hardware warranty, which SlashGear highlights as the main reason to spend up. Dell lists Windows support only; macOS compatibility is not promised.
- CyberLink Media Suite 12 included for Windows
- One-year Dell hardware warranty
- Slim 14mm body that slides into a laptop bag
- Windows-only per Dell's listing; no macOS support promised
- Costs more than generic 8x drives
How to choose an external optical drive
- Match the connector to your laptop: USB-C-only machines need a USB-C cable or adapter, and drives that bundle both cables save the hassle.
- Decide on disc formats: standard drives handle CDs and DVDs, while Blu-ray movie playback needs a Blu-ray drive plus playback software, and 4K UHD playback has stricter software and platform requirements.
- Choose M-Disc support if you are archiving photos or documents for long-term retention.
- Check power needs: most portable DVD and slim Blu-ray drives run off the USB port, but confirm before buying.
- Treat included software as real value on Windows, where built-in burning and playback tools are limited; most bundles are Windows-only.
For long-term photo and document archives, burn to M-Disc media and store discs in a cool, dark, dry place. Verify each burn by reading the disc back once before shelving it.
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FAQ
Do external DVD drives work with Mac?
Many do for reading and burning data, music and video files, but check the listing: some drives, like Dell's DW316, promise Windows support only. The ASUS ZenDrive U9M lists Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Can I play Blu-ray movies with an external drive?
Only with a Blu-ray-capable drive plus playback software, which is often sold separately. 4K UHD movie playback carries stricter software and platform requirements, so confirm support for your specific computer before buying a UHD drive.
Will an external drive work with a USB-C-only laptop?
Yes, with a USB-C cable or a good adapter. Drives like the ASUS ZenDrive U9M include both cable types in the box.
What is M-Disc?
M-Disc is an archival disc format designed for longer data retention than standard recordable discs. You need an M-Disc-compatible writer to burn one.
Can I rip my CD collection with one of these?
Yes, that is one of the most common uses. Any of these drives can rip CDs to a digital library with compatible CD-ripping software for your operating system; respect the rights that apply to your discs.