The Best Portable Optical Drives of 2025 – Reviewed and Top Rated

After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, we find out the Best Portable Optical Drives of 2025. Check our ranking below.

2,949 Reviews Scanned

Rank No. #1

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 Portable DVD & CD-ROM +/-RW Player Burner Reader Writer Rewriter Adapter Optical Disc Drive for Laptop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Mac Linux Desktop Computer

【Plug & Play】This ROOFULL external CD DVD drive doesn't need to install drivers manually and no complex settings, simply plug it in, insert your disc, and this DVD drive will install automatically and detect by your computer, then use the corresponding software to read/burn your CDs and DVDs. As the earliest and most classic external optical drive, it has sold over 50,000 units since 2016, becoming the most cost-effective solution for laptops without internal optical drives
【Multi-Purpose】This external CD DVD player is not only a CD and DVD-ROM reader for playing music CDs and movie DVDs, but also a DVD and CD burner, writer, rewriter, and ripper, so that you can burn custom discs with your favorite music, photos, or family videos, digitizing your CD/DVD collection, converting CDs to MP3 format, viewing photo discs, installing software/system from discs, or backing up your important data for long-term storage
【Wide Compatibility】This USB CD/DVD disc drive is compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ Vista/ XP/ 98/ SE/ ME/ 2000, Linux, and Mac OS. Perfect for laptops, notebooks, desktops, all-in-one computers. But it's incompatible with ChromeOS, smartphones, tablets, cars, TVs, projectors, Blu-ray discs
【 High-Speed USB 3.0】Powered and fast data transmission by USB 3.0 connector (approx 10 times faster than USB 2.0). The max reading and writing speeds up to 8x DVD and 24x DVD, ensure a smooth experience without lag or freeze
【Excellent Performance】Equipped with a 100% brand-new DVD loader, features strong error-correcting, low impedance, and anti-interference ability, guaranteeing stable, quiet, and smooth operation when reading, burning, and ripping CDs and DVDs

Rank No. #2

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

14 millimeter height ultra slim portable DVD writer drive
USB 2.0 interface (upto 480Mbits/s, USB 3.0 Compatible)
Max 8x DVDR write speed
Max 24x CD write speed
Slim design. Video memory requirement:64 MB or higher (128 MB recommended)

Rank No. #3

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD ROM Burner DVD Player with USB Hub and SD Card Reader, Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Disk Drive Writer for Laptop PC Windows 11/10, Mac, Linux Computer

【Plug & Play External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop】If your computer lacks an internal optical drive, this cool external disc drive from a professional manufacturer is a cost-effective solution. No complicated setup and extra driver are required—Simply plug the data cable into the USB port of your laptop PC, insert your CDs or DVDs, and it will install automatically and be recognized by your computer, then you can use software (app) to read, burn, or rip your CDs and DVDs, easy to use!
【Support Reading & Writing of Discs】This is a full-featured CD and DVD-ROM player, reader, writer, rewriter, burner, and ripper. ① You can use a media player app (such as VLC) to play music CDs and movie DVDs. ② Use burning software to burn MP3 music, video, photos, or data to blank CDs or DVDs. ③ Use ripping software to rip/digitize CDs and convert them to MP3s. ④ Install software, games, and systems from CDs or DVDs. ⑤ Create bootable system discs. ⑥ Back up your photos, videos, or important data to blank CDs/DVDs for long-term store. It supports a variety of disc formats, including CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD. (Blu-ray disks are not supported)
【Designed for Most Computers】This USB external DVD drive for PC is effortlessly compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ Vista/ XP/ 98/ SE/ ME/ 2000, Linux, and Mac OS X (media player and network required for Windows 11/12). It seamlessly complements a variety of laptops, notebooks, desktops, and all-in-one computers from renowned brands like HP, LG, SAMSUNG, ASUS, DELL, Lenovo, ThinkPad, Microsoft, Apple MacBook, and more. But please note that this drive is not compatible with Chromebooks, mobile phones, tablets, iPhones, iPads, cars, projectors, PS, or TVs
【Integrated Multi-types of Ports】This external disk drive is not only a CD and DVD reader writer, but also serves as a multi-hub featuring USB 3.0 port, USB 2.0 port, USB Type-C port, and SD card slot, so that you can effortlessly connect additional computer external components like a USB hard drive, wired mouse, keyboard, or flash drive, facilitating the seamless transfer of camera photos and videos from the card to your PC. Simplify your desktop setup with just one drive. (Note: Accessories shown in the picture are for functional display purposes only and are not included.)
【High-Speed Data Transfer & Power Assurance】The USB 3.0 data cable equipped is an upgraded version of USB 2.0, offering speeds up to 10 times faster for a smoother reading and writing experience. This data cable features Type-A and Type-C 2 kinds of connectors, ensuring compatibility with both new and older computers without the need for an adapter. If your computer doesn't supply enough power through a single data cable, simply connect the included power supply cord to a USB power adapter, power bank, or another USB port on your PC for additional power. (Note: The power cord is not a data cable and should not be used on its own.)

Rank No. #4

Gotega External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 Portable +/-RW, DVD Player for CD ROM Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Linux OS Apple Mac Black

【High Writing and Reading Speed】Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed provide high writing and reading speed.
【Wide Compatible】This external dvd cd drive is compatible with Windows 98 / SE / ME / XP / Vista / Windows /10/8/7, Mac OS (8.6 to 10.14). And perfect for PC, Laptop, Comprehensive Computer, Internal PC hard disk reader. NOT COMPATIBLE with chromebook, blue-ray disks, cars, mobile phones, iPhones, iPads, Tablet, projectors, or TVs.
【Plug and Play Technology】Powered by USB port so just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected. Don’t need to install software to set up driver.
【Advanced USB 3.0 Technology】 USB 3.0 provides fast data transfer speed and stable performance to record CD/ music/ videos/ install software or create CD/DVD backup disc (also compatible with USB 2.0).
【Ingenious Design】 This ultra-slim CD/DVD player for laptops equipped with an eject button so that you needn't worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. Besides, the copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission.

Rank No. #5

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive with 4* USB Ports and 2* SD/TF Card Slot for Laptop, USB 3.0 Type-C CD-R/RW/ROM Reader Writer Burner DVD Player Disc Drive for PC Mac Windows 11/10 MacBook Linux Computer

【Plug & Play Multifunctional CD/DVD Drive for Laptop】If you need a durable external CD/DVD drive for reading and writing discs, and also want enough ports for connecting other peripherals, this well-rated 8-in-1 multifunctional disk drive is an ideal solution. No complex setup—simply plug the data cable (neatly stored underneath the drive) into your laptop or Mac, and it will be recognized automatically. Insert your CD or DVD and use your preferred software to play, burn, or rip content. Tips: On Mac, the disc icon will appear on the desktop once the disc is inserted and successfully read. (Scroll down for recommended software and usage tips.)
【Full-Featured CD/DVD-ROM/RW Drive】This is more than just a basic CD/DVD-ROM reader—it also functions as a CD and DVD burner, writer, rewriter, ripper, and recorder. You can play music CDs and movie DVDs, burn songs or family videos to blank discs, import (rip) audio CDs or video DVDs into digital files like MP3, WMA, or MP4, view photo discs, install software, operating systems, or games from discs, and back up important data for long-term storage or sharing. It supports all common disc formats: CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, CD+R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer DVD±R DL (including VCD). (Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported.)
【High Speed & Dual Connectors】Enhanced USB 3.0 not only delivers high-speed data transfer up to 5 Gbps (625MB/s) — 10× faster than USB 2.0 — with DVD 8X and CD 24X max read/write speeds, but also provides stable and reliable performance with strong error correction, noise reduction, smooth operation, and long-lasting durability. Dual connectors (USB Type-A & USB-C) allow easy plug-and-play with most laptops and desktops, no adapter required. If your PC cannot provide enough power through a single USB port, an extra power cable is included for stable operation
【Wide Compatible】This ROOFULL USB external DVD drive supports all Windows laptops, desktops, and all-in-one PCs running Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Linux PCs, as well as Apple MacBook Pro, Air, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Mini with macOS 10.16 or later. For Windows desktops, it's recommended to use the rear USB ports on the motherboard for a stable power supply. 【Kindly Note】This external disk drive does NOT support Chromebooks (ChromeOS), smartphones, TVs, iPads, tablets, projectors, trucks, cars, Surface (some models), and Blu-ray/4K discs
【Built-in Hub & SD Card Reader】Many modern laptops/Macs no longer have a built-in CD/DVD drive, and some come with only USB-C ports. The ROOFULL RF40-SU DVD drive is designed to solve both problems in one compact device. In addition to reading and writing discs, it adds multiple USB 3.0/2.0 Type-A ports and built-in SD and microSD card readers. You can easily connect wired mice, keyboards, hard drives, flash drives, 2.4G receivers, and more without needing extra hubs or adapters. It’s also ideal for importing photos and videos from cameras or security devices

Rank No. #6

HP External Portable Slim Design CD/DVD RW Write/Read Drive, USB, Black (F2B56AA)

COMPATIBLE OPERATING SYSTEMS: Windows 10; Windows 8; Windows 7; Windows Vista; Windows XP; Windows2008; Windows2003; Mac OS X
Supported discs: DVD-ROM, DVD-R DVD-R , DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, and +RW CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-DA Super Audio CD CD-R discs CD-RW discs CPRM (DVD-R/RW/RAM)
Write read speeds: DVD-RW 6X maximum by ZCLV, DVD+RW 8X maximum by ZCLV, CD-RW 24 X maximum by ZCLV, Read DVD-R/RW/ROM 8 X maximum, DVD-R DL 8 X maximum DVD-RAM 6 X maximum, DVD-Video 4 X maximum, M-DISC(DVD+R SL) 8 X maximum, DVD+R/+RW 8 X maximum, DVD+R DL 8 X maximum, CD-R/RW/ROM 24 X maximum, CD-DA 24 X maximum
Back-up, store, install software and more with the HP External USB DVD Drive

Rank No. #7

ROOFULL External CD/DVD Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop, USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Reader Writer DVD Player ROM/RW USB-C Portable Optical Disk Drive for Mac PC Windows 11/10 MacBook Linux Computer

【Time-tested External CD/DVD Drive for Mac PC】If you’re looking for a simple and durable external CD/DVD drive for reading and writing discs on your new laptop or Mac, the ECD829-Y, available on Amazon since 2015, is an ideal choice. Just plug the built-in USB cable (neatly stored on the bottom of the device) into your computer, and it will be automatically recognized. Then insert your disc and use your preferred software to play or burn it. No driver installation or complicated setup required, plug and play! (Scroll down to see detailed steps and recommended software)
【What You Can Do With It】This is a full-featured CD and DVD-ROM reader, writer, burner, rewriter, ripper, and recorder. With it, you can enjoy your music CDs and movie DVDs, burn music, photos, or family videos to blank CDs /DVDs, and rip (digitize) audio CDs or video DVDs into digital files like MP3, WMA, or MP4 to store on your PC. You can also view photo discs, install software or games, and backup important data for long-term storage or sharing. lt supports all common disk formats, including CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, CD+R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer DVD±R DL (VCD too). (Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported.)
【High Speed & Dual Connectors】Enhanced USB 3.0 not only delivers high-speed data transfer up to 5 Gbps (625MB/s) — 10× faster than USB 2.0 — with DVD 8X and CD 24X max read/write speeds, but also provides stable and reliable performance with strong error correction, noise reduction, smooth operation, and long-lasting durability. Dual connectors (USB Type-A & USB-C) allow easy plug-and-play with most laptops and desktops, no adapter required!
【Wide Compatibility】This USB-C external CD/DVD drive for PC is compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ Vista/ XP/98/SE/ME/2000, Linux, and macOS 10.16 or later. It seamlessly complements a variety of laptops, notebooks, desktops, and all-in-one computers from renowned brands like HP, LG, SAMSUNG, ASUS, DELL, ThinkPad, Microsoft, Apple MacBook, and more. For desktop PCs, it's recommended to use the rear USB port on the motherboard to ensure sufficient power.【Kindly Note】This external CD/DVD player is not compatible with Chromebooks, smartphones, TVs, iPads, iPhones, projectors, trucks, cars, some Surface models, or Blu-ray/4K discs
【Durable Quality & Reliable Performance】With over 11 years of experience in crafting dependable USB CD/DVD drives, ROOFULL is committed to delivering top-quality products. Each drive features a brand-new loader with advanced error correction, low impedance, and anti-interference capabilities, ensuring stable, quiet, and smooth performance. To maintain high standards, every external CD/DVD drive burner undergoes strict testing before shipment. If you experience any issues, our dedicated support team is ready to help with free technical assistance or a free replacement device. We also offer up to 2 years of after-sales service for your peace of mind!

Rank No. #8

Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will usually be detected right away without the need for extra drivers. For stable operation and sufficient power, we recommend connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer (for desktops, use a rear motherboard port) and avoiding USB hubs or extension cables. This user-friendly design ensures quick setup for both beginners and professionals.
【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. To ensure a reliable connection, please connect it directly to your computer. The drive supports multiple disc formats such as DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW. Please note: It does NOT support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray (BD) discs, or certain proprietary formats. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/write speed is 24x.
【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7, Linux, and macOS (Note: Some versions may require additional system settings for full functionality). Works with most computers from brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Important: Designed specifically for computers. It is NOT compatible with TVs, tablets, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), car stereos, or standalone Blu-ray players.
【SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN – BUILT-IN CABLE, READY TO GO】With an integrated cable design, slim body, and stylish matte finish, this lightweight CD/DVD drive is both durable and portable. Easily slip it into your laptop bag or backpack and use it anytime, anywhere—perfect for business, travel, or home use
【MULTIFUNCTIONAL & RELIABLE OPERATION】 Equipped with intelligent error correction and anti-shock technology, this drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs. If the drive is not recognized or a disc cannot be read, try restarting your computer or testing with a different, standard CD-R or DVD-R disc. The pop-up button and built-in cable design offer convenience and portability. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power and performance.

Rank No. #9

ROOFULL External CD/DVD-RW Drive with SD Card Reader and USB Ports, USB 3.0 Type-C CD ROM DVD Player Burner Writer Optical Disk Drive for Laptop PC Desktop Windows 11/10, Mac MacBook, Linux Computer

【Durable Multifunction CD/DVD Drive for Laptop】If you need an external CD/DVD drive for reading and writing discs and also want to expand your computer with extra USB-A ports for other devices, this durable and versatile A41-SU is an ideal choice. Simply plug the data cable (stored underneath the drive) into your laptop or desktop PC > It will be recognized by your PC automatically (Mac will detect and show the icon after inserting a disc) > Insert your CDs or DVDs > Use a media player, burning, or ripping software to read, write, and rip your CDs and DVDs. No complicated setup, as easy as an internal CD/DVD drive. (Scroll down for recommended software and detailed usage steps)
【Not Just Basic CD/DVD-ROM】 It's not just a CD/DVD-ROM reader, but also a CD/DVD burner, writer, rewriter, and ripper. With it, you can enjoy your music CDs and movie DVDs, burn music, photos, or family videos to blank CDs /DVDs, and rip (digitize) audio CDs or video DVDs into digital files like MP3, WMA, or MP4 to store on your PC. You can also view photo discs, install software or games, and backup important data for long-term storage or sharing. lt supports all common disk formats, including CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, CD+R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer DVD±R DL (VCD too). (Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported.)
【True USB 3.0 & Longer Data Cable】Unlike many low-cost disk drives that claim USB 3.0 by using a look-alike 3.0 connector but actually use USB 2.0 setup inside (only 4 internal wires), this ROOFULL USB disk drive features a genuine USB 3.0 solution, with a full 9-wire cable, true 3.0 PCB design, and dedicated IC.It supports up to 5 Gbps transfer speed (625MB/s), nearly 10x faster than USB 2.0, while delivering better power efficiency, stability, and lifespan. The 16.5-inch longer data cable with both USB-A and USB-C connectors solves short cable issues and connects directly to most computers—no adapter or extension cord needed
【Wide Compatibility】This USB external CD/DVD drive works with laptops and desktops running Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP/98/SE/ME/2000 or Linux, as well as Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini/Studio with macOS 10.16 or later. For desktop PCs, please connect the drive to a rear USB port on the motherboard to ensure sufficient power.【Kindly Note】This drive is not compatible with Chromebooks, smartphones, TVs, iPads, iPhones, projectors, trucks, cars, some Surface models, or Blu-ray/4K discs
【Integrated USB HUB & SD Card Slot】This external CD/DVD drive for PC can not only read, burn, and copy CDs and DVDs, but also be used as a USB hub, including 2x USB-A input ports and 1x SD/micro-SD card slot, compatible with the external hard drive, wired mouse, or keyboard, flash drive, and other USB accessories, the SD/TF card reader is perfect for transferring photos and video files by your camera from cards to your computer. More importantly, unlike other similar devices, this drive supports the simultaneous use of disc reading/writing functions and all expansion ports without any restrictions.

Rank No. #10

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

Plug & Play. Easy to use, powered by USB port. No external driver or power adapter needed. Simply plug it into your USB port for automatic detection. For optimal performance on desktop computers, connect directly to a high-power USB port on the back of the motherboard. This hassle-free solution requires no technical setup, and if the drive isn't immediately recognized, trying a different USB port typically resolves most connection issues
High Speed & Reliable Performance. Compatible with USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0), this drive delivers fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Engineered with strong fault tolerance, it minimizes freezing, skipping, and errors during disc playback or burning. The stable performance ensures smooth, reliable operation and reduces the risk of defective performance
Intelligent Tech & Stable Connection. Features a physical eject button that safely releases discs even when your computer fails to recognize the drive—eliminating the common frustration of stuck media. Enhanced with copper mesh technology, this external component ensures consistently stable data transmission during all your reading and writing tasks
Trendy & Practical Design. Features a brushed texture shell for modern visual and tactile appeal. The innovative embedded cable design keeps your USB cable securely stored and always accessible, eliminating worries about misplacement. This compact, all-in-one solution is perfectly suited for easy transport and organized storage
Wide Compatibility. This external USB CD/DVD drive works with Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Linux, and macOS 10.16+ (MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac mini). Compatible with most laptops/desktops (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung). For optimal performance on desktops, connect to rear USB ports. Supported formats include CD-ROM/R/RW, DVD-ROM/R±RW/R±DL, and VCD. IMPORTANT: Not compatible with ChromeOS, smartphones, tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles, or Blu-ray/4K discs. Please verify your device type before purchasing

Last update on 2024-01-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Do You Buy The Best Portable Optical Drives?

Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great Portable Optical Drives? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind? We understand, because we’ve already gone through the whole process of researching Portable Optical Drives, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest Portable Optical Drives available in the current market. We’ve also come up with a list of questions that you probably have yourself.

We’ve done the best we can with our thoughts and recommendations, but it’s still crucial that you do thorough research on your own for Portable Optical Drives that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:

Is it worth buying an Portable Optical Drives?
What benefits are there with buying an Portable Optical Drives?
What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective Portable Optical Drives?
Why is it crucial to invest in any Portable Optical Drives, much less the best one?
Which Portable Optical Drives are good in the current market?
Where can you find information like this about Portable Optical Drives?

We’re convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding Portable Optical Drives, and the only real way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to get information from as many reputable online sources as you possibly can.

Potential sources can include buying guides for Portable Optical Drives, rating websites, word-of-mouth testimonials, online forums, and product reviews. Thorough and mindful research is crucial to making sure you get your hands on the best-possible Portable Optical Drives. Make sure that you are only using trustworthy and credible websites and sources.

We provide an Portable Optical Drives buying guide, and the information is totally objective and authentic. We employ both AI and big data in proofreading the collected information. How did we create this buying guide? We did it using a custom-created selection of algorithms that lets us manifest a top-10 list of the best available Portable Optical Drives currently available on the market.

This technology we use to assemble our list depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:

Brand Value: Every brand of Portable Optical Drives has a value all its own. Most brands offer some sort of unique selling proposition that’s supposed to bring something different to the table than their competitors.
Features: What bells and whistles matter for an Portable Optical Drives?
Specifications: How powerful they are can be measured.
Product Value: This simply is how much bang for the buck you get from your Portable Optical Drives.
Customer Ratings: Number ratings grade Portable Optical Drives objectively.
Customer Reviews: Closely related to ratings, these paragraphs give you first-hand and detailed information from real-world users about their Portable Optical Drives.
Product Quality: You don’t always get what you pay for with an Portable Optical Drives, sometimes less, and sometimes more.
Product Reliability: How sturdy and durable an Portable Optical Drives is should be an indication of how long it will work out for you.

We always remember that maintaining Portable Optical Drives information to stay current is a top priority, which is why we are constantly updating our websites. Learn more about us using online sources.

If you think that anything we present here regarding Portable Optical Drives is irrelevant, incorrect, misleading, or erroneous, then please let us know promptly! We’re here for you all the time. Contact us here. Or You can read more about us to see our vision.

The Best Portable Optical Drives of 2025 – Reviewed and Top Rated

How Do You Buy The Best Portable Optical Drives?

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