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HP USB External DVD Drive — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home CD and DVD DrivesHP USB External DVD Drive

HP USB External DVD Drive — image 1

HP

HP USB External DVD Drive

$49.99

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F6V97AAHP Computer

CD and DVD Drives

Expert Review Analysis

The HP USB External DVDRW Drive is a compact, plug‑and‑play external optical drive that reads and writes CDs and DVDs via a single USB‑A cable, offering up to 8× DVD and 24× CD speeds while being powered solely by USB.

✓ Best for: Mobile professionals, students, and home users who need occasional CD/DVD access on slim laptops, Chromebooks, or desktops lacking built‑in optical drives—ideal for playing movies, burning music, backing up data, or installing legacy software up to 8.5 GB.✗ Not ideal for: Users requiring high‑speed bulk burning, Blu‑ray playback, or a built‑in internal drive solution; power users who need the fastest USB‑3.0 performance may find the drive’s speed modest.

Pros

✓Plug‑and‑play operation requires no driver installation, making setup instantaneous.
✓Slim 9.5 mm profile and lightweight 0.2 kg design enhance portability for travel.
✓Reliable CD and DVD read/write performance suitable for everyday media tasks.

Price History

Current

$49.99

Average

$49.99

Lowest

$49.99

Highest

$49.99

Best Seller Rank History

Now#70Best#66Worst#77 -4

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.6/ 5Reviews2,873+14 reviews

Specifications

Accessories

Included AccessoriesDrive, USB type-A cable, quick start guide, warranty card

Design

Height165 mm mm

Width247 mm mm

Depth28 mm mm

Thickness9.5 mm mm

Weight200 g g

Features

Supported MediaCDs, DVDs (including dual-layer up to 8.5 GB)

General

BrandHP

ManufacturerHP Inc.

ModelF6V97AA

Performance

Write Speeds8x DVD, 24x CD

Ports

USB InterfaceUSB 2.0/3.0 (single USB-A cable for power and data)

Power

Power SourceUSB-powered (no adapter needed)

Software

OS CompatibilityWindows 7/8/10/Vista/XP/2008/2003, Mac OS X 10.4+, Chrome OS

Connectivity

Single USB‑A CableProvides both power and data transfer

Compatibility

USB 2.0/3.0Works with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports

Dimensions & Weight

Height6.5 Inches

Width9.7 Inches

Depth1.1 inches

Weight0.440924524 pounds

Research Sources

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User Reviews

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4.6

(2,869 reviews)

✓Broad operating system compatibility including Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.

Cons

✗Some units ship with minimal startup instructions, causing confusion for first‑time users.
✗Modern ultra‑slim laptops no longer include internal optical drives, so this must be purchased separately.
✗User reports of inconsistent reliability, with a few listings receiving very low ratings.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers praise its simplicity for adding optical media to USB‑only PCs such as Chromebooks.
✓Quick burn speeds of up to 8× DVD and 24× CD are highlighted as efficient for typical home use.
✓USB‑powered design eliminates the need for an external power adapter, improving desk space.

Criticized by Experts

✗Editors note the drive is basic and lacks Blu‑ray support, limiting its usefulness for high‑definition media.
✗Compared to newer USB‑3.0 external drives, its speed claims are modest and may not satisfy power users.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Everyday users commend the device’s ease of use, describing it as ‘easy plug and play’ and ‘connected with no problem’.
✓The compact size and USB power make it ideal for laptops that do not have built‑in optical drives.
✓Customers report the drive reliably reads and writes DVDs and CDs, stating it ‘runs everything I put in it’.

Users Complain About

✗Several reviewers mention the lack of detailed instruction manuals, which can hinder initial setup.
✗A common complaint is that optical drives are no longer standard, so the product feels like an add‑on necessity.
✗A few consumer listings show very low satisfaction scores, indicating possible variability in unit quality.

Expert Opinion

Professional sites such as CDW rate the HP external DVDRW 3.9/5, highlighting its straightforward plug‑and‑play nature, quick burn speeds, and USB‑powered convenience. Reviewers appreciate its reliability for adding optical capability to USB‑only machines like Chromebooks, but note it is a basic drive lacking Blu‑ray support and slower than some newer USB‑3.0 alternatives.

What Users Say

Users consistently praise the drive’s ease of use, compact form factor, and ability to work across Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS devices. Common themes include appreciation for USB power and reliable media handling, while recurring complaints focus on sparse instructions, the need to purchase an add‑on for laptops without built‑in drives, and occasional reports of poor reliability.

Common Complaints

Sparse startup instructions, variability in unit reliability reflected in low‑rating listings, and the absence of Blu‑ray support are the most frequently reported issues.

What People Are Saying

“easy plug and play”
5/5 ★User reviewNov 2025

How It Compares

vs. GJX USB 3.0 External

Advantages

✓Typically lower price point for budget‑conscious buyers.

Disadvantages

✗No detailed specifications or user reviews provided, making reliability uncertain.

Choose GJX if cost is the primary concern and you don’t need extensive OS compatibility.

vs. NIBOLOG USB External (Mac‑focused)

Advantages

✓Designed specifically for MacBook compatibility, potentially better fit for Apple users.

Disadvantages

✗Lacks the broad Windows and Chrome OS support that HP provides.

Select NIBOLOG when you need a drive optimized for macOS environments.

vs. Generic USB 3.0 8‑in‑1 Slim

Advantages

✓Multi‑functionality and ultra‑slim design may appeal to users seeking a single dongle solution.

Disadvantages

✗Often cheaper but with fewer professional reviews, raising questions about long‑term durability.

Opt for the generic 8‑in‑1 if you prioritize minimal size and multiple ports over brand reliability.