HP F6V97AA
Score: 86/100
Rioddas BT638
Score: 69/100Rankings
The HP USB External DVDRW Drive is a compact, bus-powered optical drive that offers reliable CD/DVD read/write capability across a wide range of operating systems. Its ultra-slim design and 2-year warranty make it a solid choice for travelers and professionals who need occasional optical media access.
The Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive is a compact USB 3.0 optical drive that reads and writes all common CD and DVD formats without an external power brick. It offers fast data rates, broad OS support, and a sleek brushed-metal finish, but lacks a warranty and Blu-ray capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 625 MB/sbest | |
8 Xbest | 8 Xbest | |
8 Xbest | 8 Xbest | |
24 Xbest | 24 Xbest | |
24 Xbest | 24 Xbest | |
24 monthsbest | 0 months | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 2.5 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 200 g | 199 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Supported Disc Formats | CD‑ROM, CD‑R, CD‑RW, DVD‑ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW | CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD-RAM |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, Server 2003, Server 2008; macOS 10.0+, Chrome OS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
General(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 24 months | 0 months |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 200 g | 199 g |
Form Factor | Slim external | Portable external |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | USB Type‑A cable, Quick start guide, Warranty card | USB drive, User manual, Type-C adapter |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered | USB bus powered |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface Type | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the HP drive's reputation for reliability, its truly plug-and-play simplicity, and its broad compatibility with both modern and legacy operating systems. While they note the DVD write speed isn't cutting-edge, they consider it more than adequate for occasional use.
Everyday users consistently praise the drive's ease of use, compact form factor, and dependable disc burning, especially on Mac and Windows 11 systems. Common complaints revolve around insufficient power from low-current USB ports, occasional detection glitches after sleep, and the short USB-A cable.
Professional reviewers praise the USB 3.0 interface, copper-mesh heat-dissipation and brushed-metal chassis, noting the Type-C adapter as a forward-looking feature while calling it a budget-tier solution due to the lack of Blu-ray.
Everyday users appreciate the instant plug-and-play experience, sleek look and reliable eject button, though some report occasional recognition issues and the need to keep the laptop plugged in.
“Works perfectly with my new MacBook Air - installed Windows drivers in seconds.”
“Takes up almost no space and burns DVDs reliably.”
“Plug-and-play made it easy to install legacy software on a modern laptop.”
