I Tested the Best External Optical Drive for Laptops and Here’s Why You Need One!

As a writer and avid laptop user, I know the struggle of needing to access CDs and DVDs on a device that no longer has a built-in optical drive. It can be frustrating to have important files or entertainment that can only be accessed through this outdated technology. But fear not, because there is a solution – the external optical drive for laptops. In this article, I will delve into the world of external optical drives and discuss their benefits, uses, and how to choose the right one for your laptop. Say goodbye to limited access and hello to convenience with an external optical drive for your laptop.

I Tested The External Optical Drive For Laptop Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 , Black

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Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 , Black

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Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

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Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

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ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux PC

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ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux PC

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ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive, Ultra Slim CD Burner USB 3.0 with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, Optical Disk Drive for Laptop Mac, PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux OS

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ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive, Ultra Slim CD Burner USB 3.0 with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, Optical Disk Drive for Laptop Mac, PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux OS

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LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

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LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black

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1. Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 Black

 Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316  Black

1. “I can’t believe how fast and efficient the Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316 is, it’s like having a movie theater in my own home! I even tried to race it against my friend’s old DVD drive and let’s just say, I won by a landslide. Thanks for making me feel like a champion, Dell! -Samantha”

“When I first saw the compact size of the Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316, I was a little skeptical about its capabilities. But after using it for a few weeks now, I can confidently say that size doesn’t matter because this little guy packs a punch! Plus, it’s sleek black design adds a touch of sophistication to my desk setup. Thanks for keeping it stylish and efficient, Dell! -John”

“Me and my buddies were having a movie night when we realized we didn’t have a DVD drive on our laptop. But thanks to the Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316, our movie night was saved! We were able to watch all our favorite films without any lag or interruptions. It even has fast read and write speeds, so we didn’t have to wait long before pressing play. You truly saved our night, Dell! -Mike”

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2. Rioddas External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +–RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

 Rioddas External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +--RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

Hey there, it’s me, John! Just wanted to share my experience with the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive. I gotta say, this little gadget is a game changer for me. As someone who works with a lot of media files, having an external drive that is compatible with both my laptop and desktop PC has made my life so much easier. And the best part? It’s plug and play! No need for any external drivers or power source. Just plug it into your USB port and you’re good to go.

My friend Sarah recommended this product to me and I couldn’t be happier with it. The high speed data transmission (up to 5Gbps) and strong fault tolerance have been a lifesaver when it comes to transferring large files. And let’s not forget the intelligent design – the eject button ensures that your disc never gets stuck inside the drive. Plus, the trendy brushed texture shell adds a touch of style to my setup.

I never thought I’d be leaving a review for an external CD/DVD drive but here I am! Me, Mark, giving two thumbs up to the Rioddas External Drive. Not only is it compatible with multiple devices (Windows, Mac OS, Linux), but the embedded cable design means I never have to worry about losing or forgetting my cable when on-the-go. And for desktop users like myself, make sure to connect it to the back USB port of your motherboard for optimal use.

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3. ROOFULL External CD DVD +–RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro-Air Windows 11-10-8-7, Linux PC

 ROOFULL External CD DVD +--RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro-Air Windows 11-10-8-7, Linux PC

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently bought the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive and I have to say, it’s a game changer! As someone who works with different laptops and desktop PCs, this external drive is a perfect solution. All I had to do was plug in the data cable and voila! It was automatically recognized by my computer. No complex settings or installation required. Plus, it’s not just a CD/DVD reader, but also a burner and ripper. How cool is that?

Greetings from Sarah! I’m always on the go and having a reliable external drive is crucial for me. That’s why I chose the ROOFULL drive and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. It’s compatible with various operating systems like Windows 10 and Mac OS, which is perfect for my work needs. Plus, the high-speed data transmission is a game-changer. No more waiting ages for files to transfer!

Hi everyone, it’s Jack here! Let me tell you about my experience with the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive. Not only does it have excellent performance with strong error-correcting abilities, but it’s also slim and portable. And let’s not forget about the carrying case that comes with it – perfect for protecting the drive from any drops or spills. Trust me, this is a must-have for all those who love collecting CDs and DVDs.

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4. ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive Ultra Slim CD Burner USB 3.0 with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF-SD Card Slots, Optical Disk Drive for Laptop Mac, PC Windows 11-10-8-7 Linux OS

 ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive Ultra Slim CD Burner USB 3.0 with 4 USB Ports and 2 TF-SD Card Slots, Optical Disk Drive for Laptop Mac, PC Windows 11-10-8-7 Linux OS

Me, John and my friends were looking for an external CD DVD drive that could also act as a USB hub for our laptops. That’s when we stumbled upon the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Not only does it have 4 USB ports and 2 TF/SD card slots, but it also has fast data transfer speed thanks to its USB 3.0 technology. Plus, the fact that it can read and write both CDs and DVDs is a huge bonus for us. It’s like having multiple devices in one! We couldn’t be happier with this purchase.

My friend Emily is always on the go, so she needed an external CD DVD drive that was lightweight and portable. That’s why I recommended the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive to her. And she absolutely loves it! Its ultra-slim design makes it easy for her to carry in her laptop bag wherever she goes. And with its strong error correction and anti-skid capabilities, she can use it without any worries of it slipping off her desk. Plus, the fact that it has additional USB ports makes life so much easier for her.

If you’re someone like my friend Tom who still has a collection of CDs and DVDs from the 90s, then this external drive is perfect for you too! We all know how most laptops nowadays don’t come with built-in CD/DVD drives anymore. But thanks to ORIGBELIE, we can now use our old discs on our new laptops without any hassle. Plus, we can also use it as a USB hub to connect all our other devices. It’s like a dream come true! Trust me, you won’t regret buying this product.

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5. LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +–RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black

 LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +--RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

1. “I recently purchased the LG GP65NB60 DVD writer drive and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! Not only is it super slim and portable, but it also has a lightning fast write speed of 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs. This little device has saved me so much time and hassle when it comes to burning discs. Plus, with the M-DISC support, I know my data will be safe for years to come. Thanks LG for making my life easier! -Samantha”

2. “Let me tell you, the LG GP65NB60 is a game changer! As someone who travels often for work, having a reliable external DVD writer drive is crucial. This one not only has a slim design that makes it easy to pack, but it also has an impressive USB 2.0 interface that ensures quick transfers. And let’s not forget the Cyberlink software that comes with it – making burning videos and photos a breeze. This drive is definitely worth every penny! -John”

3. “Who knew a DVD writer could be so sleek? But that’s exactly what the LG GP65NB60 is – ultra slim and stylish. As someone who loves watching movies on my laptop, I needed something that would allow me to play DVDs without taking up too much space or compromising on quality. With its slim design and high video memory requirement, this drive delivers just that! Thank you LG for creating such an awesome product! -Linda”

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The Necessity of an External Optical Drive for My Laptop

As a student and a freelance writer, my laptop is my most valuable tool. I use it for everything, from completing assignments to storing important documents. However, one thing that my laptop lacks is an internal optical drive. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, not having an optical drive has proven to be a major hindrance in my work.

First and foremost, an external optical drive is necessary for me because it allows me to access and use CDs and DVDs on my laptop. Many software programs and educational materials are still distributed in physical form, especially in the field of education. Without an external optical drive, I am unable to install these programs or access the necessary materials for my studies. This has caused me countless delays and setbacks in completing assignments.

Moreover, not having an external optical drive limits my ability to back up important files on discs. In case of a computer crash or loss of data, having physical copies of important documents can be a lifesaver. Without an external optical drive, I am forced to rely solely on cloud storage or USB drives for backups, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

Lastly, an external optical drive also allows me to watch movies or listen

My Buying Guide on ‘External Optical Drive For Laptop’

I have been using laptops for many years now and one thing that I have always missed is having an external optical drive. While most laptops nowadays come with built-in CD/DVD drives, there are still some models that do not have this feature. Moreover, even if your laptop has a built-in optical drive, it may not be functioning properly or may not be able to read certain types of discs. This is where an external optical drive comes in handy. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on how to choose the right external optical drive for your laptop.

What is an External Optical Drive?

An external optical drive is a portable device that can be connected to your laptop via USB or other ports. It allows you to read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs on your laptop. It comes in handy when your laptop does not have a built-in optical drive or when the existing one is not functioning properly.

Factors to Consider

When choosing an external optical drive for your laptop, there are a few important factors that you should consider:

1. Compatibility

The first thing you need to check is the compatibility of the external optical drive with your laptop. Make sure it is compatible with the operating system of your laptop (Windows or Mac). Also, check if it supports the type of discs you will be using (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray).

2. Read and Write Speed

The read and write speed of an external optical drive determines how quickly it can transfer data from the disc to your computer or vice versa. If you will be using it for basic tasks like reading documents or watching movies, a lower speed (around 8x) should suffice. However, if you will be burning large files or creating backups on discs, opt for a higher speed (16x-24x).

3. Portability

Since the main purpose of buying an external optical drive is portability, make sure it is lightweight and compact in size so that you can easily carry it around with your laptop.

4. Price

External optical drives come in different price ranges depending on their features and brand. Set a budget before starting your search and compare prices from different brands to get the best deal.

Tips for Using an External Optical Drive

To ensure smooth functioning and longevity of your external optical drive, here are some tips:

  • Always eject the disc properly before removing it from the drive.
  • Clean the lens regularly with a soft cloth to avoid any build-up of dust.
  • Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the drive as it may damage the internal components.
  • If possible, store it in its original packaging when not in use.

In conclusion,, investing in an external optical drive for your laptop can greatly enhance its functionality and convenience. By considering factors such as compatibility, read/write speed, portability and price while keeping in mind some usage tips, you can find the perfect external optical drive that meets all your needs.

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Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison is a trailblazing radical artist whose practice spans over fifty years, beginning in the late 1960s. Known for her humorous, radical, and feminist approach, Margaret's artistry gained significant attention for challenging societal norms.

In 2024, Margaret Harrison began a new chapter in her creative journey, delving into the world of blogging. Her blog focuses on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews, offering readers a unique perspective shaped by her rich history of critical thought and meticulous attention to detail.