
Dell
Get notified when the price drops. Track this product on BigBangPrice, our price tracking partner.
The Dell DW316 is a compact, bus‑powered external DVD±RW drive that offers plug‑and‑play USB 2.0 connectivity for Windows and macOS. It includes CyberLink Media Suite for DVD playback and supports a wide range of CD and DVD formats, though it lacks M‑DISC support and a USB‑C adapter.
Pros
Cons
Current
$39.96
Average
$30.63
Lowest
$17.99
Highest
$39.96
Lower = better sales rank
Please sign in to leave a review
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Best For
Users with modern laptops or ultrabooks that lack built‑in optical drives, such as Dell XPS, MacBook, or other ultrathin notebooks; home users transferring data from old CDs/DVDs; IT professionals installing software from physical media; educators and students accessing CD‑based content; and media archivists who need to rip or burn standard DVDs (but not archival M‑DISC).
Not Ideal For
Anyone requiring M‑DISC archival capability, USB‑C‑only laptops without an adapter, Chromebook or Chrome OS users, or environments where high vibration tolerance is needed (e.g., mobile use while the drive is spinning).
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers at B&H highlight the DW316’s straightforward plug‑and‑play design, solid USB 2.0 transfer rates, and the added value of CyberLink Media Suite, positioning it as a reliable, no‑frills solution for users needing external optical media access.
What Users Say
Everyday users praise the drive for its immediate plug‑and‑play operation, dependable read/write results, and solid Dell build quality, while recurring complaints focus on outdated bundled software, vibration during high‑speed burns, and the lack of a USB‑C adapter or M‑DISC support.
Common Complaints
Outdated or mislabeled CyberLink software, noticeable vibration/noise at higher speeds, lack of USB‑C adapter, poor packaging that can lead to damage, and unsatisfactory phone customer support.
What People Are Saying
“Plug and play, just plug it in and go.”
“Works wonderfully, as good as a built‑in drive.”
How It Compares
vs. LG GP65NB60
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose LG if you need M‑DISC support; choose Dell for reliable plug‑and‑play with CyberLink playback.
vs. Samsung SE-208GB
Advantages
Disadvantages
Samsung is a good alternative for M‑DISC users; Dell is better for those who prioritize brand familiarity and bundled media playback software.
vs. Asus SDRW-08D2S-U
Advantages
Disadvantages
Asus suits power users who want Nero and M‑DISC; Dell suits users who want a simple, reliable drive with CyberLink.
Dell DW316 vs Roofull UL41-Y with Case
pairwise