The Best external cd-rom drive of 2025 – Reviewed and Top Rated

After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, we find out the Best external cd-rom drive of 2025. Check our ranking below.

2,786 Reviews Scanned

SaleRank No. #1

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.

SaleRank No. #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

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

SaleRank No. #3

External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB C Portable DVD Player for Laptop Disk Duplicator CD DVD +/-RW CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Disk Drive for Laptop Desktop Windows Linux MacBook

Portable CD/DVD Burner & Player - This external cd/dvd drive can be a CD/DVD burner, writer, player, reader, or ripper. Use this disk drive to play or burn music or movies, back up, store or transfer all files or material you wanted, like copying photos, reading X-ray on disk, or ripping some DVDs to your Apple MacBook Air. Also use this cd reader for laptop to download and install games or any other programs
Wide Compatibility - This plug-and-play external cd drive for mac is compatible with many OS systems and laptop models. Windows 98/SE/ME/XP/10/8/7/Vista/Linux OS/Mojave OS/all version Mac OS system (ios 8.6 to 10.14). Ideal for PC and laptops like Mac laptop 2015/MacBook Pro/ASUS gaming laptop/Apple MacBook Air 2020/iMac/Mac Mini and more. For desktops, connect the usb dvd burner to the back USB port of the motherboard (Not support TV, car, iPad, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu)
High Speed - This dvd player portable is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 and USB 1.0, this cd reader for pc provides high speed of data transfer. With Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed, this external cd drive for pc provides maximum 5Gbps data transfer speed without lag or distortion. Plug this usb dvd player/cd dvd burner into your USB port, your laptop wwil recognize it without stuttering and noise nor jammed discs
Well-Designed - This compact and light external cd/dvd drive for laptop is solid enough to be durable and to hold its own weight down while it is spinning discs. With anti-skid rubber on the bottom, brushed texture shell, embedded usb cable slot, dual USB-A and USB-C connector, this cd reader for laptop/cd dvd burner can be easily carried and used anytime anywhere, no matter in the office, school, at home, or during a trip
All Kinds of Disc - This dvd drive for laptop/cd is compatible with multiple discs (standard 120mm) including CD-ROM, CD-R, CD +/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, VCD-ROM discs. Unlike other CD/DVD players, this usb cdrom drive external gives the disc more clearance inside the disc bay so no more ruined discs due to extra-thick disc label issues! For some cd/dvd players for laptop, sometimes the disc would skip off the top of the drive and the burning or reading process would be ruined

Rank No. #4

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

【Best External CD DVD Drive for Laptop & Mac】With over 1 million units sold worldwide since its debut on Amazon, the ROOFULL ECD829-Y is a proven, time-tested choice trusted by countless users. Setup is effortless — simply connect the data cable (neatly stored on the bottom) to your computer, and it will be automatically recognized. Insert your disc and enjoy smooth use with your favorite software — no drivers needed, plug and play! (Mac users: the disc icon will appear on the desktop once a disc is inserted and read successfully. Scroll down for detailed setup steps and recommended software.)
【More Than Just a DVD/CD-ROM Drive】This is not just an external CD/DVD reader player, but also a fast DVD and CD burner, writer, rewriter, recorder, and ripper. Enjoy your favorite music and movies, burn photos, videos, or files to blank discs, and digitize audio CDs or video DVDs into MP3, WMA, or MP4 formats for convenient storage. You can also install software or games, view photo discs, and back up important data. Compatible with all common disc types, including CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer DVD±R DL (also supports VCD). (Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported.)
【Genuine USB 3.0 & Dual Connectors】Unlike many budget drives that claim USB 3.0 by using look-alike connectors but rely on a USB 2.0 setup with only 4 internal wires, the ROOFULL external CD drive features true USB 3.0 performance with 9 internal wires, a dedicated USB 3.0 PCB, and a 3.0 controller IC. This ensures smooth data transfer up to 5 Gbps (625MB/s, nearly 10 times faster than USB 2.0), along with improved stability and longer product lifespan. The built-in data cable includes both USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C connectors, allowing easy connection to most laptops and desktops without needing an adapter or hub
【Compatibility & Incompatibility】This USB CD/DVD external drive works with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98 and most Linux systems on laptops, desktops, and all-in-one PCs from popular brands including HP, Dell, Lenovo (ThinkPad), ASUS, LG, Samsung, Microsoft, and more. It’s also fully compatible with Apple MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, and Mac mini/Studio running macOS 10.16 or later. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power stability. Note: Not compatible with ChromeOS (Chromebooks), smartphones, iPads/tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles (cars/trucks), some Surface models, and Blu-ray/4K discs
【Separate Power Supply Cord】Some modern ultra-thin laptops limit USB port power output to save energy and extend battery life. This may cause insufficient power for high-demand external devices. To solve this, we include an extra power cable so you can connect to a USB power adapter or power bank, ensuring stable operation of the optical drive. If your computer provides enough power through the data cable, you can simply unplug the power cord. (Note: The power cord is for power only; do not use it as a data cable.)

SaleRank No. #5

BPAKDU External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, DVD Player for Laptop, 8 in 1 USB 3.0 Ultra-Slim Portable, CD Burner External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Desktop Mac,Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux

【PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS】If your Windows 10/11 laptop PC cannot recognize this CD/DVD drive,Please connect the extra power cable to solve the problem of unrecognized caused by insufficient power supply.or you might find a solution by searching for "AyPhnwzyuoI" on YouTube. There are repair methods shown in the video that may help If it is not solved, reach out to us for a driver troubleshooting tool, the download link is not allowed here.
【8 IN 1 Optical Drive】 Our portable DVD player is not only a CD/DVD reader, but also a CD/DVD burner, including 1 port USB 3.0 hub, 3 USB 2.0 port, SD or TF card reader and 1 USB-C Port, is perfect for transferring photo and video files from your camera by cards to your computer. (Note: SD and TF card cannot be used at the same time).
【Plug and Play】 The external DVD drive is powered by a USB 3.0 port, no internal DVD driver and external power required, is the perfect companion for laptop or desktop that can be used directly by plugging it into USB port. No need for additional drivers. PLUG and PLAY. The CD Rom external drive for laptop has strong error correction, anti-skid and quiet capabilities.
【Best Choice of Data Backup】Discs are designed to last up to 1,000 years, making them ideal for long-term data archiving and backup.a DVD Disce can store up to 4.7GB of data, equivalent to 2,000 photos/5 movies
【USB 3.0 HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER】CD Burner with high speed USB 3.0 technology, many of the port cluster connectors are labelled by blue color and backward compatible with USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is an updated version of USB 2.0 which provides higher data transfer rates up to 5 Gigabits/S (625MB/S). It is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Besides that, The cd drive offers Max 8x DVDR Read Speed and Max 24x CD Write/Read speed, faster than you expected.

Rank No. #6

NEVVIS UPGRADE External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 Type-C CD/DVD +/-RW Burner Writer Player Optical CD ROM Disk Drive Compatible for Laptop,Desktop,MacBook,Win11/10/8/7/XP, Linux,Mac OS,Vista

💽【CD Burner for Laptop】 Since most latest laptops have not been added the disk drives, an external cd drive becomes a must.The external DVD drive for laptop is easy to use, plug and play, no need additional driver , just connect it with the USB port of your laptop and it will be detected automatically.
⏏️【Plug and Play】 The CD Rom external drive for laptop does not need any additional driver, connect the external cd dvd drive directly to your USB or type C port from your PC, then the external CD drive for laptop will be detected and your happy journey will begin.The package included the charging cable ,you can use it to connect a power bank to power your optical drive to ensure more stable work.
♫【Portable & Ultra Slim】The USB-A and USB-C 2-in-1 embedded cable makes it more convenient and easier , and the skip-proof rubber pad prevents sliding on the desktop. The lightweight and compact size are perfect to carry in your laptop bag, ideal for home, office, or anywhere you go.
📀【Widely Compatibility】The usb dvd drive external supports reading and writing of DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+RW, CD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R(W), VCD, SVCD. In addition, the dvd player for laptop supports different devices such as Macbook, iMac, Notebook, Desktop, and Laptop, etc.It's compatible with most operating systems : Windows 10 /8 /7 /XP , Vista 7 / 8, Linux, Mac OS 10.6 or above.WINDOWS 11 requires VLC media player. ( ⚠️NOTE:TVs, tablets, and Blu-ray disk,3D, 4K, 2K of DVD,car,smartphone,projector,PS 5,Xbox,Switch, Chrome OS are not supported)
💡【RGB CD Burner】New RGB 7 Gradient Modes and 7 Normal Colors: CD drive is equipped with upgraded RGB LED lights. RGB light has red, green, blue, yellow, purple, cyan, white light provide 15 dynamic, breathing and illusory color mode.

SaleRank No. #7

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. #8

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

【EXTERNAL CD DRIVE FOR LAPTOP】- Considering that most of the latest laptops have not been added to the built-in CD/DVD drive, so you can’t insert CDs or DVDs directly into your laptop to listen to music, watch movies, data backup or install systems. The external CD drive that ORIGBELIE newly released is a good solution. No need for additional drivers. PLUG and PLAY. The CD Rom external drive for laptop has strong error correction, anti-skid and quiet capabilities.
【USB 3.0 HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER】- CD Burner with high speed USB 3.0 technology, many of the port cluster connectors are labelled by blue colour and backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.1. USB 3.0 is an updated version of USB 2.0 which provides higher data transfer rates up to 5 Gigabits/S (625MB/S). it is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Besides that, The cd drive offers Max 8x DVDR Read Speed and Max 24x CD Write/Read speed, faster than you expected.
【SUPPORT CD & DVD BURNING】- The optical drive supports reading and writing of CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD. In addition, This USB-A and USB-C external disk drive supports different devices such as Macbook, iMac, Notebook, Desktop, and Laptop, etc. It's compatible with Windows 11/10 /8 /7 /XP , Vista 7 / 8, Linux, Mac OS10.6 or above. (Cars, TVs, Tablets, Smartphones, Projectors and Blu-ray disk are not supported；Windows 11 requires media player and network)
【8 IN 1 USB HUB】- Our external drive can not only burn and read CD DVD, but also can be used as a external laptop usb hub, including 1 USB 3.0 port, 3 USB 2.0 port, 1 TF slot ,1 SD card slot and 1USB C Port, compatible with usb hard drive, limited/wireless mouse & keyboard, computer radiator and other usb computer accessories, The card slot are perfect for transferring photo and video files by your camera from cards to your computer(Note: SD port and TF port cannot be used at the same time)
【ULTRA SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN】- This external disk drive is very slim and lightweight and the embedded data cable is easy to use and organize, skip-proof rubber pad prevents sliding on the desktop, so you can easily carry in your laptop bag ideal for home, office, or anywhere you go. It is also a good idea to give it to hobbyists who collect CDs and DVDs. (We provide up to 2-year after-sales.)

Rank No. #9

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

SaleRank No. #10

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

Last update on 2024-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Do You Buy The Best external cd-rom drive?

Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great external cd-rom drive? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind? We understand, because we’ve already gone through the whole process of researching external cd-rom drive, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest external cd-rom drive 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 external cd-rom drive that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:

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

We’re convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding external cd-rom drive, 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 external cd-rom drive, 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 external cd-rom drive. Make sure that you are only using trustworthy and credible websites and sources.

We provide an external cd-rom drive 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 external cd-rom drive 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 external cd-rom drive 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 external cd-rom drive?
Specifications: How powerful they are can be measured.
Product Value: This simply is how much bang for the buck you get from your external cd-rom drive.
Customer Ratings: Number ratings grade external cd-rom drive objectively.
Customer Reviews: Closely related to ratings, these paragraphs give you first-hand and detailed information from real-world users about their external cd-rom drive.
Product Quality: You don’t always get what you pay for with an external cd-rom drive, sometimes less, and sometimes more.
Product Reliability: How sturdy and durable an external cd-rom drive is should be an indication of how long it will work out for you.

We always remember that maintaining external cd-rom drive 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 external cd-rom drive 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 external cd-rom drive of 2025 – Reviewed and Top Rated

How Do You Buy The Best external cd-rom drive?

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