My new laptop had no disc drive, and that was a shock. I still use CDs and DVDs for music, games, and backups. So I started looking for the best external CD DVD writer. Along the way, I tested a few drives and read many external DVD drive reviews. In this guide, I’ll share what I learned and show you the best external optical drive for Windows 11, Mac, and more.
Why I Needed the Best External CD DVD Writer
When I bought a new laptop, I noticed it had no CD or DVD drive. At first, I thought it was fine since most things are digital now. But the day I wanted to play an old movie and install some software from a disc, I hit a wall. The easiest way to fix that was to get an external CD DVD writer.
Even today, these drives are still useful. You can watch movies, listen to music CDs, back up family photos, or burn discs to share files. An external CD DVD writer is also handy for classic PC games that still come on discs. It’s a simple tool that does a lot.
I learned this the hard way on a family trip. I brought a DVD for us to watch, only to realize my laptop couldn’t play it. Since then, I always carry a slim external drive. It’s light, works on Windows and Mac, and has saved me more than once when I needed it most.
That’s why I decided to test different models and see which ones are worth buying. In this guide, I’ll share my real experience and the best external CD DVD writers you can get. By the end, you’ll know which one fits your needs for speed, budget, and long-term use.
What Makes the Best External CD DVD Writer?
Picking the right drive is more than price. A good external CD DVD writer should be fast, easy to use, and work on almost any computer. The best drive gives smooth playback, quick burning, and reliable connections without trouble.
Speed and Performance
Speed matters when you burn discs or watch movies. A fast drive saves time and avoids lag. Look for 8x DVD write speed and 24x CD write speed. Faster drives copy files and burn music CDs quickly.
Compatibility
Not all drives work on all systems. The best external DVD drive works on Windows 11, Mac, and Linux. Plug-and-play drives are simplest. They run without extra drivers or setup.
Connection Types
USB type affects speed and stability. USB 3.0 or USB-C drives are faster than USB 2.0. If your laptop has USB-C, choose a drive with that port. A proper connection means faster file transfers and fewer errors.
Portability & Design
If you travel with your drive, size matters. Slim and light drives are easy to carry. Built-in cables prevent loss and make setup quick. A portable external disc drive is like a small notebook—you can take it anywhere.
Extra Features
Extra features make a difference. M-DISC support keeps files safe for decades. Silent Play lowers noise for movies. Eject buttons help with stuck discs. The best external optical drive combines speed, ease, and smart extras.
My Top Picks – Best External CD DVD Writers
Finding the right external CD DVD writer can be tricky. I tested several drives to see which ones really work. These three stood out for speed, ease, and reliability.
1. Amicool External DVD Drive – Best Overall for Speed & Compatibility
The Amicool drive is fast and works with almost any computer. It has USB 3.0 and USB-C, so it works with old and new laptops. I use it to burn music CDs and watch movies. It never lags. The slim design makes it easy to carry anywhere. If you want one drive that does it all, this is my pick.
2. Generic USB 3.0 External Drive – Best Budget Pick
This drive is simple and affordable. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The eject button is useful if a disc gets stuck. It does not have USB-C and cannot play Blu-ray discs. But for basic CD/DVD tasks, it works great. I keep one at home for quick backups.
3. LG GP65NB60 Ultra Slim DVD Writer – Best for Archival Storage
The LG GP65NB60 is perfect for storing data long-term. It supports M-DISC, which can last up to 1,000 years. The drive is slim, quiet, and reliable. USB 2.0 is slower than modern drives. But it works well for music CDs and important files. I use it when I want files to stay safe for decades.
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Best External CD/DVD Writer for Different Needs
Not all external drives work the same. It depends on what you need. Some are better for gaming. Others are better for music or backups. Here’s how my top picks fit different uses.
Best external disc drive for PC games – Speed is key. The Amicool drive reads discs fast. It keeps the connection steady. I used it for old PC games, and it never lagged or froze.
Best external CD/DVD drive for Windows 11 – You want plug-and-play support. The Amicool drive works right away on Windows 11. No extra drivers needed. I could watch DVDs and install old software in minutes.
Best external CD drive for music – Smooth playback matters. The LG GP65NB60 handled my CD collection perfectly. Music played without stutters or noise.
Best external DVD drive for Mac – USB-C support is important. The Amicool drive connects easily to my MacBook Pro. It’s slim, portable, and reliable for movies or software discs.
Best optical drive for long-term storage – M-DISC makes a difference. LG’s drive supports M-DISC, which can last up to 1,000 years. I use it for family photos and backups.
How I Tested These External DVD/CD Writers
I wanted to test these drives in real-world situations. I used them for burning discs, installing old software, and watching DVDs. Each task gave me a clear idea of how well the drives perform.
I tested on a Windows 11 laptop first. Everything worked plug-and-play. No extra software needed. The drives read and wrote discs quickly, and the connection stayed stable.
Next, I tried them on a MacBook. Some drives needed a little setup for media playback, but all of them worked for movies and music. USB-C made things easier for the newer Mac models.
I also used a Linux PC to check compatibility. All drives were recognized without issues. Speed varied slightly, but none caused problems with installation or playback.
Portability mattered too. I carried the drives in my bag for travel. The slim and lightweight designs made them easy to use anywhere. Desktop setups worked fine too, but portability is a plus if you move often.
Things to Watch Out For Before Buying
Not every external CD/DVD drive works with all devices. Some drives may not connect to ChromeOS laptops, TVs, or car players. Always check compatibility before buying to avoid surprises.
Some drives need extra software for media playback. This is common on Macs. So, if you want smooth DVD or CD playback, make sure the drive supports plug-and-play or includes the necessary software.
Cheap drives can be tricky with scratched or old discs. They may skip or fail to read some discs. Investing a little more often saves headaches in the long run.
USB-C is more future-proof than USB 2.0. It works with new laptops and offers faster data transfer. If your device supports USB-C, pick a drive with that connection for smoother use.
Best External CD/DVD Writer for Different Needs
Best external disc drive for PC games
If you play PC games from discs, speed matters. I found the Amicool drive reads discs fast and keeps the connection stable. Games load quickly with no lag. It works great on Windows 11 and older laptops.
Best external CD/DVD drive for Windows 11
For Windows 11, you want a drive that’s plug-and-play. No extra drivers needed. The Amicool drive fits this perfectly. It starts working as soon as you connect it.
Best external CD drive for music
Music lovers need smooth playback. I tried the LG GP65NB60, and it plays CDs quietly without skipping. Tracks sound clear, and it handles old and new discs well.
Best external DVD drive for Mac
Mac users should look for USB-C support. The Amicool drive works with my MacBook Pro. It is slim, portable, and reliable for movies, music, or backups.
Best optical drive for long-term storage
For long-term backups, M-DISC support is key. The LG GP65NB60 can write to M-DISCs that last up to 1,000 years. It’s perfect for storing old photos, videos, and documents safely.
Final Thoughts – My Pick for the Best External CD DVD Writer
If you want a fast and reliable drive, Amicool is my top choice. It works with almost any laptop. I use it for movies, music, and old games.
If your budget is tight, the Generic USB 3.0 drive works well. It is cheap, works with many devices, and is easy to use. It does not have USB-C or Blu-ray support, but it gets the job done.
For long-term storage, LG GP65NB60 is the best. It supports M-DISCs, which last up to 1,000 years. I use it to back up old photos and videos.The best drive depends on your needs. Choose speed for gaming, budget for simple use, or storage for backups. I use the Amicool most because it is fast, small, and works everywhere.
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