Rankings
The ORIGBELIE Ultra-Slim USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive combines a feather-light 13 mm chassis with a 6-in-1 hub, Lightscribe and noise-reduction technology. Its reliance on USB-C power and optional RGB lighting are the main compromises. Ideal for travelers and creators who need a compact, feature-rich optical drive for legacy media.
The Roofull ECD829-Y external drive delivers USB 3.0 speeds, a retractable cable and broad OS support in a compact form. Its reliance on a USB-C adapter and absence of Blu-ray limit convenience for some users. It fits well for users with modern laptops needing reliable CD/DVD access.
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.
The Alronly External CD/DVD Drive provides 24× CD and 8× DVD speeds along with dual USB-C ports, extra USB-A ports, SD/microSD slots, and a 2.5-inch SATA docking bay in a slim 0.79-inch design. Compatibility is limited to Windows and macOS, and power delivery can be problematic on some hosts. Suitable for users seeking an all-in-one portable solution for legacy media and SATA drives.
The PeroBuno External CD/DVD Drive offers an 8-in-1 solution with optical burning, USB hub, dual card readers, and a 100 Mbps Ethernet adapter, all powered via USB. Its DVD/CD speeds are adequate but not top-tier, and the Ethernet is limited to 100 Mbps. Best suited for travelers and remote workers who value multifunctionality over peak performance.
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.
The BPAKDU B31-Y is an ultra-slim external CD/DVD drive that doubles as a 4-port USB 3.0 hub with SD and TF card readers, powered via USB or optional adapter. Its versatile connectivity and portable form factor are strong points, though it cannot handle discs larger than 8.5 GB and the card slots cannot be used simultaneously. Perfect for travelers needing a multi-function peripheral.
The JKNJX External CD/DVD Drive combines USB 3.0/Type-C connectivity with a built-in 4-port hub and card readers, offering strong convenience. However, performance details are sparse and there is little independent validation of durability. Suited for travelers and students who prioritize connectivity over maximum burning speed.
The Wbacon External CD/DVD Drive combines 8× DVD/24× CD speeds with a 7-in-1 hub offering USB-C, SD and TF slots in a portable package. Its trade-off is a heavier, bulkier chassis and a modest 0.5 MB buffer that can limit sustained performance. Ideal for users who need both optical media capability and extra connectivity on laptops and tablets.
The YOTUO External CD/DVD Drive is an ultra-slim, lightweight optical drive offering fast 24× CD and 8× DVD speeds via dual USB 3.0/Type-C connections. Its rugged flame-retardant shell adds durability, but detailed noise and heat specifications are lacking. Best suited for travelers and students needing a portable, reliable burner.
The Ziweo External DVD Drive is a portable, bus-powered optical drive offering dual USB-C and USB 3.0 connectivity with fast 24× CD and 8× DVD speeds. Its fixed cables and limited compatibility with certain devices such as Chromebooks and Ubuntu are notable drawbacks. Ideal for Windows and macOS laptop users needing a reliable, low-noise external drive.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | — | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | — | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | — | — | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | 24 xbest | — | — | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | — | — | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | 8 xbest | — | — | — | |
— | — | 2 MBbest | — | — | — | — | 0.5 MB | — | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 340 g | — | 207 g | 300 g | 249.5 g | 30 gbest | 388 g | 357 g | 317.5 g | 255 g | 317.5 g |
| ↓ lower better | 15.24 mm | 20.3 mm | 13 mm | 17.5 mm | 20.1 mm | 16 mm | 16 mm | 28.96 mm | 12.7 mmbest | 150 mm | 25.4 mm |
1 years | — | 1 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | |||||||||||
Interface | USB Type-C | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0, Type-C | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0/2.0/Type-C | USB | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
Performance(1) | |||||||||||
Buffer Size (MB) | — | — | 2 MB | — | — | — | — | 0.5 MB | — | — | — |
Features(1) | |||||||||||
Supported Media | DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, CD‑R, CD‑RW | CD‑R, CD‑RW, DVD‑R, DVD‑R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD‑RAM | CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, VCD, SVCD, DVD±R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL | CD/DVD | — | CD, DVD | CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, SVCD | CD, DVD, optional BD | — | — | CD, DVD +/-RW |
Power(1) | |||||||||||
Power Source | Bus-powered via USB-C | USB bus-powered | USB-C | USB | USB-C Power Delivery | — | USB powered (optional external) | USB-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered |
Build & Design(3) | |||||||||||
Weight (g) | 340 g | — | 207 g | 300 g | 249.5 g | 30 g | 388 g | 357 g | 317.5 g | 255 g | 317.5 g |
Thickness (mm) | 15.24 mm | 20.3 mm | 13 mm | 17.5 mm | 20.1 mm | 16 mm | 16 mm | 28.96 mm | 12.7 mm | 150 mm | 25.4 mm |
Form Factor | slim | — | — | External | — | 2.5 inches | — | External | — | — | — |
General(2) | |||||||||||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | — | 1 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 2 years | 1 years |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, macOS | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista; Linux; Mac OS 10.6+ | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows, macOS | Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac, MacBook Pro/Air, Linux | Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/2003/Vista, macOS (all versions), Linux | Windows 11,10,8,7,XP,Vista,98,SE,ME,2000,Mac OS 10.6+,Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Ubuntu | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows 7-11; Linux; macOS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Ziweo drive a reliable and portable accessory, emphasizing its fast 24× CD/8× DVD speeds, 5 Gbps USB 3.0 transfer, dual USB-C/3.0 connectivity, and sturdy low-noise build, while noting the inconvenience of fixed cables and the lack of compatibility with Chromebooks, Surface Pro and Ubuntu.
Everyday users generally praise the drive for its quick and dependable disc burning, quiet operation, and ease of use on Windows and Mac laptops, but recurring complaints focus on occasional driver requirements, incompatibility with certain devices, and the fixed cable design.
“excellent accessory for anyone who needs a reliable and portable optical drive.”
“works great”
“pretty nice”
Professional reviewers regard the ORIGBELIE drive as a versatile all-rounder that bridges the gap between modern USB-C laptops and legacy optical media. They commend its fast USB 3.0 throughput, integrated hub that cuts down on extra adapters, and its travel-friendly slim chassis, while noting the convenience of plug-and-play operation across major operating systems.
Everyday users praise the drive's portability, quiet operation, and the convenience of having a built-in USB hub and card readers in a single compact unit. Common positive themes revolve around its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and the ability to burn and read legacy discs without bulky equipment.
Professional reviewers and editors commend the Roofull ECD819-SU3 for its proven reliability, real USB 3.0 speeds, and ultra-compact design, emphasizing its suitability for laptop users who need occasional CD/DVD access. They also note the necessity of a USB-C adapter, the absence of Blu-ray support, and the need for a rear USB connection on desktops as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users generally express strong satisfaction, highlighting reliable playback, fast and quiet reads, easy plug-and-play setup, and excellent portability. Recurring complaints focus on power instability on front USB ports, the extra step of using the USB-C adapter, and the lack of Blu-ray capability.
Professional reviewers commend the Alronly drive for its slim profile, high CD/DVD speeds, and especially its multifunctional design that adds SD/microSD slots, extra USB-A ports, and a 2.5-inch SATA docking bay, calling it an "amazingly flexible" solution for legacy media. The main criticism from editors is its limited compatibility with certain devices and the occasional need for third-party playback software.
Everyday users appreciate the fast shipping, straightforward setup, and reliable CD/DVD playback-even on scratched discs-while valuing the portable form factor and built-in cable. Common complaints revolve around needing extra software for DVD movies and occasional power or disc-recognition hiccups.
Professional reviewers commend the YOTUO drive for its ultra-slim, lightweight design, fast 5 Gbps USB 3.0/Type-C connectivity, solid 8× DVD/24× CD speeds, and rugged flame-retardant shell, describing it as a reliable, portable solution for modern laptops lacking built-in optical drives.
Consumers repeatedly praise the drive's portability, the protective fleece pouch, and the convenience of dual USB interfaces, while noting a lack of detailed information on noise and heat, which leaves some uncertainty about long-term comfort.
Professional reviewers and editors are not represented in the available sources; promotional materials and Newegg listings highlight the drive’s fast USB 3.0 transfer, ultra‑slim form factor, and multifunctional hub, but no independent test results or critical analysis were found.
Professional reviewers and editors, primarily from retailer listings, praise the Wbacon drive for its dependable 8× DVD/24× CD performance and the added value of a built-in 7-in-1 hub that consolidates multiple ports and card readers. They also commend its wide-range OS support, positioning it as a practical, budget-friendly accessory for users needing occasional optical media access.
The Wbacon 7-in-1 External CD/DVD Drive is a lightweight, plug-and-play optical drive that adds DVD/CD read/write capability plus a USB hub with card readers to laptops and desktops. It offers 8× DVD and 24× CD speeds, USB 3.0 transfer up to 5 Gbps, and works across Windows, macOS and Linux.
Professional reviewers rate the PeroBuno as a solid mid-tier external DVD drive, praising its 8-in-1 versatility, quiet operation, and fast enough DVD burning speeds. While the plug-and-play USB-powered design and included carrying case are highlighted as conveniences, critics note that its performance does not match premium competitors and that older OS compatibility can be problematic.
Everyday users appreciate the fast USB 3.0 transfers, easy plug-and-play setup, lightweight portability, and the extra USB ports, Ethernet adapter, and card reader. Common praise centers on quiet operation and satisfactory burning speeds, while recurring complaints involve compatibility with older operating systems, limited card-slot simultaneity, and the 100Mbps Ethernet cap.
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.
