Asus ZenDrive V1M
Score: 75/100
Alxum Laptop External CD Drive
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Alxum External CD/DVD Drive combines 24× CD and 8× DVD burning with a built-in USB hub, SD/microSD slots, and a 2.5-inch SATA docking bay in a lightweight 255 g package. It lacks Chromebook compatibility and some hub ports are limited to USB 2.0, which may bottleneck peripherals. Great for photographers and students needing a compact hub and optical drive.
ASUS ZenDrive V1M is a slim USB-C external DVD writer that supports M-DISC archival media and includes a retractable 24 cm cable for cable-free portability. It provides solid 24× CD and 8× DVD speeds, though it is heavier than some rivals and comes with only a one-year warranty. Suited for professionals needing reliable long-term storage and cross-platform compatibility.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
24 xbest | — | |
8 xbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 340 g | 255 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15.24 mmbest | 150 mm |
1 years | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface | USB Type-C | USB 3.0 |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered via USB-C | Bus-powered |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 340 g | 255 g |
Thickness (mm) | 15.24 mm | 150 mm |
General(2) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, macOS | Windows, Linux, macOS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Alxum External CD/DVD Drive for its blend of optical performance and built-in hub functionality. They emphasize the solid 8× DVD/24× CD speeds, 5 Gbps USB 3.0 transfer rate, and the convenience of three USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0 port and SD/TF slots, all in a plug-and-play package that works across Windows, macOS and Linux. The compact form factor and included USB-C cable are highlighted as travel-friendly features, though reviewers note the lack of Chromebook compatibility and the modest DVD speed compared to higher-end models.
Everyday users highlight the drive's portability and hub versatility, often mentioning how it eliminates the need for separate adapters and makes file transfers from cameras easy. Praise centers on the quick plug-and-play setup, reliable burning, and the handy SD/TF slots. The main criticisms from users are the incompatibility with Chromebook/Surface devices and occasional need for an extra power cable when connected to low-power USB ports.
“use it as a hub... don't need extra ones”
“super cool”
“excellent choice for multiple device connectivity on the go”
