Verbatim Slimline
Score: 79/100
Asus ZenDrive Black
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Verbatim Slimline CD/DVD Drive is an ultra-portable external optical drive offering M-Disc support and fast 24× CD/8× DVD write speeds. Its cheap plastic housing and noisy operation, plus the need for two USB ports for power, limit its premium feel. Ideal for laptop users needing occasional disc access and archival capability.
ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm offers an ultra-slim, bus-powered DVD writer with M-DISC support and dual USB-C/Type-A cables, delivering 24× CD and 8× DVD speeds. However, its USB 2.0 interface limits transfer rates compared to newer drives. It is a good fit for users prioritizing portability and archival capability over high-speed data transfers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
— | 24 xbest | |
— | 8 xbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 218 g | 200 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 16 mm | 13.9 mmbest |
2 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Interface | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 Type-C, USB 2.0 Type-A |
Features(1) | ||
Supported Media | CD/DVD/M-Disc | DVD‑RAM, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, CD‑R, CD‑RW |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | USB 2.0 | Bus-powered |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 218 g | 200 g |
Thickness (mm) | 16 mm | 13.9 mm |
Form Factor | Slimline | ultra‑slim |
General(2) | ||
Warranty (years) | 2 years | 1 years |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, Mac | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; Mac OS X 10.6+ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Verbatim Slimline CD/DVD Writer for its ultra-portable form factor, true plug-and-play operation, and support for M-Disc archival media, describing it as a reliable, budget-friendly solution for occasional optical disc tasks. The main criticisms focus on audible noise, a cheap-looking plastic chassis, occasional mechanical quirks, and the absence of integrated DVD playback software.
Everyday users overwhelmingly value the drive's simplicity, portability, and driver-free setup, often highlighting its usefulness for backing up legacy media and occasional disc burning. Recurring complaints center on noise, a flimsy feel, occasional tray or cable issues, and the need for extra software to play DVD movies.
“Works great, simple to use, no drivers required, good solid construction, slim for portability”
“Great for MacBooks, no drops or errors”
