Verbatim Slimline
Score: 79/100
Ziweo External DVD Drive
Score: 70/100Rankings
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.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
— | 24 xbest | |
— | 8 xbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 218 gbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 16 mmbest | 20.3 mm |
2 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Interface | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
USB Standard | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Features(1) | ||
Supported Media | CD/DVD/M-Disc | CD‑R, CD‑RW, DVD‑R, DVD‑R DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD‑RAM |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | USB 2.0 | USB bus-powered |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Thickness (mm) | 16 mm | 20.3 mm |
General(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, Mac | Windows, Linux, macOS |
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”
“excellent accessory for anyone who needs a reliable and portable optical drive.”
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.
