Top 5 External Disc Drives for Laptops: A Review

Remember burning your favorite music onto CDs or installing software straight from a disc? Those days feel far away now, but sometimes you still need that old-school connection. Many modern laptops no longer include built-in CD or DVD drives. This can be a real headache when you want to watch a movie from a disc or access old backups. Finding the right external disc drive for your sleek new laptop can feel like a maze of confusing technical terms and endless choices.

Don’t worry! We understand the frustration of needing a simple solution that just works. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what you need to look for, from speed to compatibility. By the end of this post, you will know precisely which external drive fits your needs and budget perfectly. Get ready to bring your discs back to life with ease!

Top External Disc Drive For Laptop Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will usually be detected right away without the need for extra drivers. For stable operation and sufficient power, we recommend connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer (for desktops, use a rear motherboard port) and avoiding USB hubs or extension cables. This user-friendly design ensures quick setup for both beginners and professionals.
【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. To ensure a reliable connection, please connect it directly to your computer. The drive supports multiple disc formats such as DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW. Please note: It does NOT support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray (BD) discs, or certain proprietary formats. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/write speed is 24x.
【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7, Linux, and macOS (Note: Some versions may require additional system settings for full functionality). Works with most computers from brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Important: Designed specifically for computers. It is NOT compatible with TVs, tablets, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), car stereos, or standalone Blu-ray players.
【SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN – BUILT-IN CABLE, READY TO GO】With an integrated cable design, slim body, and stylish matte finish, this lightweight CD/DVD drive is both durable and portable. Easily slip it into your laptop bag or backpack and use it anytime, anywhere—perfect for business, travel, or home use
【MULTIFUNCTIONAL & RELIABLE OPERATION】 Equipped with intelligent error correction and anti-shock technology, this drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs. If the drive is not recognized or a disc cannot be read, try restarting your computer or testing with a different, standard CD-R or DVD-R disc. The pop-up button and built-in cable design offer convenience and portability. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power and performance.

SaleBestseller No. 2

Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

Plug & Play. Easy to use, powered by USB port. No external driver or power adapter needed. Simply plug it into your USB port for automatic detection. For optimal performance on desktop computers, connect directly to a high-power USB port on the back of the motherboard. This hassle-free solution requires no technical setup, and if the drive isn't immediately recognized, trying a different USB port typically resolves most connection issues
High Speed & Reliable Performance. Compatible with USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0), this drive delivers fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Engineered with strong fault tolerance, it minimizes freezing, skipping, and errors during disc playback or burning. The stable performance ensures smooth, reliable operation and reduces the risk of defective performance
Intelligent Tech & Stable Connection. Features a physical eject button that safely releases discs even when your computer fails to recognize the drive—eliminating the common frustration of stuck media. Enhanced with copper mesh technology, this external component ensures consistently stable data transmission during all your reading and writing tasks
Trendy & Practical Design. Features a brushed texture shell for modern visual and tactile appeal. The innovative embedded cable design keeps your USB cable securely stored and always accessible, eliminating worries about misplacement. This compact, all-in-one solution is perfectly suited for easy transport and organized storage
Wide Compatibility. This external USB CD/DVD drive works with Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Linux, and macOS 10.16+ (MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac mini). Compatible with most laptops/desktops (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung). For optimal performance on desktops, connect to rear USB ports. Supported formats include CD-ROM/R/RW, DVD-ROM/R±RW/R±DL, and VCD. IMPORTANT: Not compatible with ChromeOS, smartphones, tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles, or Blu-ray/4K discs. Please verify your device type before purchasing

SaleBestseller No. 3

Alronly External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop/PC, USB 3.0 Type-C Portable Player for Computer CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD Burner Writer Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Apple (Functional Interface)

Experience High-Speed Read/Write: This Type-C & USB 3.0 external CD/DVD drive delivers blazing-fast performance with up to 8x DVD rewrite/read speed and 24x CD write/read speed. Leveraging dual Type-C and USB 3.0 connectivity, it achieves maximum 5Gbps data transfer rates – ensuring seamless playback of music and movies, smooth software/system installation, and error-free disc burning
Plug and play, no driver required: Our product design is simple, providing a worry free experience - just plug it in, no need to install complex drivers. This design ensures efficient user use and provides users with a direct digital experience. Our product comes with USB-A and USB-C interfaces, and we believe these interfaces can adapt to your device and bring portable CD burning functionality to your laptop
Broad Compatibility:Our product is engineered for extensive compatibility, adapting to various formats and devices. Whether you're working on a PC, Mac, or other platforms(except for Chromebook, car platforms, tablets, and televisions), it effortlessly integrates into your digital ecosystem. With wide-ranging support for different file types and operating systems,you can trust our products to provide you with excellent experiences in CD burning, DVD burning, CD reading, and other aspects
Portable and Lightweight:Our optical drive stands out with its exceptional portability and lightweight design, measuring just 0.79 inches thick and weighing only 0.55 pounds. It easily fits into your handbag or backpack, making it perfect for use at the office, home, or on the go. Made from high-quality materials and featuring a sleek, minimalist design, this external cd/dvd drive is not only stylish and durable but also incredibly convenient . It supports multiple disc formats, offering you a seamless digital experience. Choose our optical drive and let portability and lightness become your trusted companions
Thoughtful service, thoughtful product: Our external DVD/CD burner uses a built-in cable, eliminating the hassle of cable storage. In addition, for your suggestions on after-sales issues with the product, you can also contact us through the methods provided in the user manual, and we will be happy to serve you.

Bestseller No. 4

ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 Type-C Ultra Slim 13mm DVD Player Portable CD DVD +/-RW Drive CD Burner Reader Writer Recorder for Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux Mac OS (Black)

【Plug & Play】This ORIGBELIE external CD DVD drive is powered by USB port, no additional drivers and power supply required! Just plug the USB type-A or type-C connector on the data cable to your computer and the CD burner will be detected by computer automatically, you can then use the corresponding software to read and write the discs with no complex settings. As for Mac system, please note that the computer will not display the device icon until the disc is placed and read successfully.
【High-Speed】The external DVD drive supports USB 3.0 high speed data transmission and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.1. It delivers max 8x DVD read/write speeds and max 24x CD read/write speeds, provides faster data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps (625MB/S) without lag or distortion, get more done in less time! It also boasts strong error correction capability, noise reduction, shock resistance and low power consumption.
【Wide Compatibility】- This external cd drive supports various devices. It's compatible with Windows 11/ 10 / 8 / 7 / XP / 98 / SE / ME / 2000, Vista 7 / 8, Linux, Mac OS 10.6 or above such as Apple MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini and MacBook Pro. For desktops, please connect the DVD burner to the back USB port of the motherboard to avoid power shortage. (Not support for Cars, TV, Tablet, Phones, iPads, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch, Projectors, Chromebook, Surface (some models), Ubuntu system and blu ray disk)
【All Kinds of Disc】This CD player for laptop support read and write various formats discs, e.g. CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, VCD e SVCD. The CD drive also can be used to listen to music, watch movies, data backup, burn files, install software, operating systems or games. If the CDs or DVDs can't be read by computer, use the charging cable included in the packge to connect to 5V charger or power bank to get extra power, that's because some computer doesn't have enough power to support the operation of the USB DVD drive external.
【Ultra Slim and Portable】Measuring just 13mm in thickness and weighing only 0.2 kg, the ORIGBELIE external optical drive is extremely slim and portable, taking up minimal space in travelling bag while on-the-go. Integrated data cable design, no need to worry about cable missing. What's more, its durable construction and anti-skid bottom ensure stable operation.

SaleBestseller No. 5

YOTUO External CD/DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 & USB-C CD RW Drive, DVD Player, DVD Burner for Laptop, Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac, MacBook Pro/Air, Linux (IDD029-2)

【Plug and Play】 Simply plug the drive into your USB port or Type-C port, wait for the drive to finish installing automatically, open the compartment door, insert the disc and it will be detected and used immediately (for desktops, please connect it to the USB port on the back to avoid power shortage).
【Easy to carry and stylish appearance】Recessed cable design for easy cable organisation. The body is slim, sleek and minimalist, scratch-resistant and comes with a fleece pouch. This CD/DVD drive is only 1.8 cm thick and weighs approximately 0.4 kg. It can easily fit into your travel bag, take it with you and connect it wherever you go.
【High speed】Features a dual USB 3.0 and Type C port. Maximum DVD reading speed of 8x; maximum CD reading speed of 24x. Giving you faster data transfer speeds (up to 5Gbps), play music and movies without lag or distortion.
【Wide compatibility】 It supports Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, all versions of Mac OS systems. (TV, car player, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu, tablet and mobile phone are not supported).
【High quality raw materials】Adopt high quality flame retardant PC material, shock resistant and durable. Adopt high performance original magnetic core, which can provide high speed process reading experience, with anti-interference and low impedance capability, no lag and no noise.

SaleBestseller No. 6

External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C Portable CD DVD Player for Laptop +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook

Portable CD/DVD Burner & Player - This external cd/dvd drive can be a CD/DVD burner, writer, player, reader, or ripper. Use this disk drive to play or burn music or movies, back up, store or transfer all files or material you wanted, like copying photos, reading X-ray on disk, or ripping some DVDs to your Apple MacBook Air. Also use this cd reader for laptop to download and install games or any other programs
Wide Compatibility - This plug-and-play external cd drive for mac is compatible with many OS systems and laptop models. Windows 98/SE/ME/XP/10/8/7/Vista/Linux OS/Mojave OS/all version Mac OS system (ios 8.6 to 10.14). Ideal for PC and laptops like Mac laptop 2015/MacBook Pro/ASUS gaming laptop/Apple MacBook Air 2020/iMac/Mac Mini and more. For desktops, connect the usb dvd burner to the back USB port of the motherboard (Not support TV, car, iPad, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu)
High Speed - This dvd player portable is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 and USB 1.0, this cd reader for pc provides high speed of data transfer. With Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed, this external cd drive for pc provides maximum 5Gbps data transfer speed without lag or distortion. Plug this usb dvd player/cd dvd burner into your USB port, your laptop wwil recognize it without stuttering and noise nor jammed discs
Well-Designed - This compact and light external cd/dvd drive for laptop is solid enough to be durable and to hold its own weight down while it is spinning discs. With anti-skid rubber on the bottom, brushed texture shell, embedded usb cable slot, dual USB-A and USB-C connector, this cd reader for laptop/cd dvd burner can be easily carried and used anytime anywhere, no matter in the office, school, at home, or during a trip
All Kinds of Disc - This dvd drive for laptop/cd is compatible with multiple discs (standard 120mm) including CD-ROM, CD-R, CD +/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, VCD-ROM discs. Unlike other CD/DVD players, this usb cdrom drive external gives the disc more clearance inside the disc bay so no more ruined discs due to extra-thick disc label issues! For some cd/dvd players for laptop, sometimes the disc would skip off the top of the drive and the burning or reading process would be ruined

Bestseller No. 7

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

14 millimeter height ultra slim portable DVD writer drive
USB 2.0 interface (upto 480Mbits/s, USB 3.0 Compatible)
Max 8x DVDR write speed
Max 24x CD write speed
Slim design. Video memory requirement:64 MB or higher (128 MB recommended)

Bestseller No. 8

Dell USB Slim DVD +/- RW Drive DW316 - Plug and Play, 8 Watt Power Consumption, Windows 11 or below - Black

At home or on the go: Simply plug the low profile (14mm), lightweight (200g) drive into your Ultrabook or notebook's USB port and you'll be ready to play or burn your favorite DVD or CD at home in even a small workspace. Or, place the drive in your bag to take this functionality with you
Pre–loaded CyberLink Media Suite: Take advantage of the pre–loaded CyberLink Media Suite to easily play and burn DVD/CDs, or install disc–based computer programs.
Exceptional performance: Play or burn your favorite DVDs or CDs with the Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive. This premium, external optical drive is powered by your Ultrabook's or notebook's USB port, so no batteries or power cords are necessary.
Simple, elegant design: The Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive has a streamlined design, which compliments contemporary notebooks and blends in well with your home workspace or a high tech cafe.
Dell Services: Purchase with confidence and rely on the protection of a 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty for your Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive.

Choosing the Best External Disc Drive for Your Laptop

Laptops today are sleeker than ever. Many lack built-in CD or DVD drives. If you need to install old software, watch a movie from a disc, or back up important files onto a blank disc, an external drive is your solution. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.

Key Features to Look For

1. Drive Type (Read vs. Read/Write)

First, decide what you need the drive to do. Most people need a drive that can both read and write data. These are called “burners.”

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM: This type only reads discs. It’s good if you only need to play music or install software from a disc.
DVD±RW (or similar): This is the best choice. It reads all standard discs (CD, DVD) and lets you burn (write) data onto blank CDs or DVDs.
Blu-ray Support: If you want to watch high-definition Blu-ray movies, you must buy a drive specifically labeled as supporting Blu-ray (BD-ROM or BD-RE). Standard DVD drives cannot read Blu-ray discs.

2. Interface and Speed

How the drive connects to your laptop matters for speed.

USB Connection: Almost all external drives use USB. Look for USB 3.0 (or newer, like USB-C). USB 3.0 is much faster than older USB 2.0. Fast transfer means less waiting time when copying large files.
Power Source: Most modern drives get all the power they need directly from the laptop’s USB port. This is called “bus-powered.” Avoid drives that need a separate wall plug unless you are using an old, slow computer.

Important Materials and Durability

The quality of the casing affects how long the drive lasts.

Plastic Casing: Most external drives use lightweight plastic. This keeps them cheap and portable. They work well for everyday use.
Metal Casing: Some premium models feature aluminum or metal shells. These resist scratches better and help keep the internal mechanism cooler. They are slightly heavier but feel sturdier.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What Makes a Drive Better?

Better quality usually means faster, more reliable performance.

Buffer Size: This is a small memory inside the drive. A larger buffer (like 2MB or more) helps prevent errors when burning discs quickly.
Brand Reputation: Established brands often use better laser mechanisms. This means they read scratched or dirty discs more successfully than cheaper, unknown brands.

What Lowers the Quality?

Cheap drives sometimes cut corners.

Slow Read/Write Speeds: If the advertised speed is very low (e.g., 8x DVD writing), the process will take a long time.
Flimsy Cables: A thin, poorly shielded USB cable can sometimes cause connection drops, interrupting your burning process.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the drive greatly impacts your choice.

Portability: If you carry your laptop everywhere, choose a slim, lightweight model. These fit easily into a laptop bag pocket.
Installation Software: Most modern drives are “plug-and-play.” You plug it in, and your Windows or Mac computer instantly recognizes it. No complicated software installation is needed.
Archiving Data: If you are backing up precious family photos onto archival DVDs, choose a drive with good error correction capabilities.
Media Playback: If you want to watch DVDs on your laptop, ensure the drive is quiet. Some high-speed drives make noticeable whirring or clicking noises during playback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will an external drive work with my new thin laptop that only has USB-C ports?

A: Many new external drives come with both a USB-A connector (the standard rectangle) and a USB-C connector, or they include a small adapter. Always check the product description to make sure the connection matches your laptop’s ports.

Q: Do I need to install special drivers to use the drive?

A: Usually, no. Most external disc drives use standard drivers built into Windows and macOS. You simply plug the drive in, and the operating system recognizes it immediately. This is called “Plug and Play.”

Q: Can I use an external DVD drive to play Blu-ray movies?

A: No. A standard external DVD drive cannot read Blu-ray discs. You must buy a specific Blu-ray burner/reader drive if you want to watch or write Blu-ray media.

Q: Is it possible for the drive to damage my laptop if it draws too much power?

A: This is very rare with modern, reputable drives. Most external drives are designed to draw power safely from the USB port. If a drive requires extra power, it should come with a secondary USB cable that plugs into a second USB port for added energy.

Q: How fast should a good external DVD burner be?

A: A good standard speed for writing data to a DVD is 8x or higher. For CDs, 24x speed is common and sufficient for most users.

Q: What should I do if the drive reads discs slowly?

A: First, try plugging the drive into a different USB port on your computer. If it is still slow, the issue might be the disc itself. Try cleaning the disc gently. If the problem continues, the drive’s laser might be weak.

Q: Can I use this drive on both Windows PCs and Apple MacBooks?

A: Yes, almost all external drives are compatible with both operating systems. Sometimes, Mac users might need to download free software like “Burn” or use the built-in Disk Utility to write data to blank discs.

Q: Do external drives make a lot of noise when burning discs?

A: They generate some noise, especially when spinning at high speeds. Drives made by quality brands generally produce less vibration and quieter operational noise than very inexpensive models.

Q: Why is my external drive not showing up on my computer?

A: First, check the cable connection firmly. Next, restart your computer. If it still doesn’t appear, check your computer’s Device Manager (on Windows) or System Information (on Mac) to see if the hardware is detected at all.

Q: Are external disc drives becoming obsolete?

A: While fewer laptops include them, they are not obsolete yet. They remain essential for installing older software, playing media collections, and creating physical backups that are safe from online viruses.