Best External Blu-ray Drives of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

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External Blu-ray Drives are high-quality optical disc drives that can read and write Blu-ray discs. They are designed to be used with laptops, desktops or other devices that do not have an in-built Blu-ray drive. These drives offer high-speed data transfer rates, large storage capacities and excellent playback quality. They are perfect for users who need to create backups of important data, watch high-definition movies, or install software from Blu-ray discs. With a range of brands and models available, users can choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pioneer BDR-XS07TS Portable External Blu-ray Drive Cover #TOP 1
Pioneer BDR-XS07TS Portable External Blu-ray Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Verbatim External Blu-Ray Drive 43888 - 4K Ultra HD Cover #TOP 2
Verbatim External Blu-Ray Drive 43888 - 4K Ultra HD
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Pioneer BDR-XD08TB Slim Portable Blu-ray Drive Cover #TOP 3
Pioneer BDR-XD08TB Slim Portable Blu-ray Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 External Blu-ray Drives

#TOP 1

Pioneer BDR-XS07TS Portable External Blu-ray Drive

BDR-XS07TS
Silver
Pioneer BDR-XS07TS Portable External Blu-ray Drive Cover
Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07TS Silver Color to Match your computer.6X Slot Loading Portable USB 3.2 Gen1(3.0) BD/DVD/CD Writer. BDXL & M-Disc Support. (No application software included)

The Pioneer BDR-XS07TS Drive is a versatile external Blu-ray writer that supports BDXL, Blu-ray, DVD, and CD media. You can enjoy fast writing speeds of up to 6x on BD-R and BD-R DL media, making it ideal for quickly backing up or creating high-quality discs. Its USB Type-C interface means you won’t need an AC adapter, offering you greater portability. Furthermore, it is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, ensuring flexibility for all users.

What We Like
Supports multiple media formats
Fast 6x writing speed
USB Type-C powered
Portable and easy to use
Compatible with Mac and Windows
#TOP 2

Verbatim External Blu-Ray Drive 43888 - 4K Ultra HD

43888
Black
Verbatim External Blu-Ray Drive 43888 - 4K Ultra HD Cover
Verbatim Blu-Ray DVD-Drive 43888 - External - Black

The Verbatim Blu-Ray Drive is a compact and lightweight external burner that supports a wide range of optical discs, including 100 GB BDXL and 700 MB CDs. Enjoy fast burning speeds, with standard DVDs at 8x and Blu-ray discs at 6x, making it ideal for quickly archiving or sharing important files. You can also easily stream movies, photos, or slideshows on various devices, enhancing your viewing experience. Its portability allows you to take it anywhere, making it perfect for watching Blu-ray discs while travelling.

What We Like
Wide compatibility with optical discs
Fast burning speeds
Portable and lightweight design
Multiple streaming options
#TOP 3

Pioneer BDR-XD08TB Slim Portable Blu-ray Drive

BDRXD08TB
Black
Pioneer BDR-XD08TB Slim Portable Blu-ray Drive Cover
Pioneer External Blu-rayDrive BDR-XD08TB (New!) USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB Type-C) / 2.0 Slim Portable BD/DVD/CD Writer …

The Pioneer BDR-XD08TB Drive is a compact and lightweight external Blu-ray writer, perfect for users needing portability. Weighing only 230g and about the size of a CD case, it fits easily into your bag. The drive features a reversible L-shaped USB cable, allowing you to connect it conveniently whether you place it to the left or right of your device. Additionally, it includes a Type-C conversion cable, ensuring compatibility with modern PCs. With its new firmware update, you can enjoy enhanced performance right out of the box.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Reversible USB cable for convenience
Includes Type-C conversion cable
Updated firmware for better performance
#TOP 4

Verbatim 43890 Slimline Mobile Blu-ray Writer

43890
Black
Verbatim 43890 Slimline Mobile Blu-ray Writer Cover
Verbatim 43890 External Slimline Mobile USB 3.2 Blu-ray Writer

The Verbatim 43890 Blu-ray Writer is a compact and lightweight external device, perfect for those using notebooks or ultrabooks. Its slim design, featuring an aluminium enclosure, not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but also easy to carry around. You will appreciate the included free 25 GB Verbatim Blu-ray MDISC, providing extra storage right out of the box. Additionally, with the ability to store up to 100GB on a BDXL Disc, you can easily manage your data without the hassle of running out of space.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Free 25 GB Blu-ray MDISC included
Stores up to 100GB on BDXL
Easy to use with USB power
#TOP 5

ASUS BW-16D1X-U External Blu-ray Writer with M-DISC

BW-16D1X-U
multicoloured
External
ASUS BW-16D1X-U External Blu-ray Writer with M-DISC Cover
ASUS BW-16D1X-U external 16X Blu-ray writer, USB 3.0, Mac Compatible, M-DISC support, Disc Encryption, Unlimited Webstorage(12 months), NERO Backitup, E-Media

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U Blu-ray Writer is an excellent choice for safeguarding your valuable data. With M-DISC support, you can archive your photos, videos, and documents for up to a millennium, ensuring they remain intact for generations. This device is compatible with both Windows and Mac, offering flexibility for various users. Additionally, Nero BackItUp allows you to easily burn discs containing your cherished memories and important files. Furthermore, the disc encryption feature provides an extra layer of security, protecting your data with passwords and file name encryption.

What We Like
Long-lasting M-DISC support
Compatible with Windows and Mac
Easy disc burning with Nero
Data protection with encryption
#TOP 6

Custom Catch 7-in-1 External Blu-ray Drive

Blu Ray Drive-48
Custom Catch 7-in-1 External Blu-ray Drive Cover
Custom Catch 7-in-1 new external Blu ray drive USB 3.0 and Type-C BD/CD/DVD+/- Rw reader player 3D slim and lightweight external Blu ray burner suitable for Windows 11/10/8/7/XP

The Custom Catch Blu-ray Drive is a versatile 7-in-1 external device that not only reads Blu-ray discs but also serves as a USB hub with multiple ports. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy for you to carry while travelling, ensuring you have access to your media anywhere. With superior read speeds, you can quickly access or back up your data, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. Additionally, its wide compatibility with various operating systems provides added convenience for all users.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Multiple USB ports available
Fast read and record speeds
Wide compatibility with systems
#TOP 7

PAPOIYA External Blu-ray DVD Drive 3D

Black
PAPOIYA External Blu-ray DVD Drive 3D Cover
PAPOIYA External Blu Ray DVD Drive 3D,USB 3.0 Bluray Disc Burner Reader Burner Slim BD CD DVD RW ROM for PC Mac Windows 7 8 10 XP Linxus

The PAPOIYA Blu-ray Drive offers impressive functionality for reading various discs. You can read CDs at speeds up to 24x, DVDs at 8x, and Blu-ray discs at 6x, making it perfect for enjoying your favourite media quickly. With USB 3.0 and Type C compatibility, you'll benefit from fast data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, ensuring smooth playback. This drive is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows and Mac, providing flexibility for your devices. Additionally, its slim design enhances portability while being scratch-resistant, ideal for on-the-go use.

What We Like
Fast reading speeds
USB 3.0 and Type C support
Compatible with multiple systems
Portable and scratch-resistant design
#TOP 8

BUNUD External Blu-Ray Drive with USB Ports

BUNUD External Blu-Ray Drive with USB Ports Cover
External Blu Ray DVD Drive, USB 3.0 & Type-C Blu-Ray Burner Writer with SD/TF & USB Ports, Slim Optical 3D BD Bluray Drive for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro Air iMac PC Apple Windows 11/10

The BUNUD Blu-Ray Drive offers impressive reading and burning speeds, making it easy for you to create or access data on CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. With its 5-in-1 functionality, you can enjoy the convenience of an independent SD/TF card slot and additional USB ports for connecting devices or charging your phone. It is compatible with various operating systems, ensuring that you can use it with almost any computer. Plus, its plug-and-play feature means you can set it up quickly without any hassle.

What We Like
Fast reading and burning speeds
5-in-1 functionality
Wide compatibility with devices
Easy plug-and-play setup
#TOP 9

Pioneer BDR-XS07TUHD Portable USB Blu-ray Burner

BDRXS07TUHD
Black
Pioneer BDR-XS07TUHD Portable USB Blu-ray Burner Cover
Pioneer BDR-XS07TUHD 6x Slot Loading Portable USB 3.1 BD Burner

The Pioneer BDR-XS07TUHD offers impressive features designed for your convenience. With firmware 2023, it ensures optimal performance. The drive supports M-DISC, allowing you to read and write long-lasting data on various discs. Its USB Type-C connector provides a modern and versatile connection option, making it compatible with many devices. The compact, well-balanced body, coated in high-grade rubber, ensures a smooth feel while remaining easy to transport. This combination of features makes the Pioneer BDR-XS07TUHD an excellent choice for anyone needing reliable data storage.

What We Like
Long-term data protection
Versatile USB Type-C connectivity
Compact and portable design
Quiet slot loading mechanism
#TOP 10

Pioneer BDR-X13EBK External Blu-ray Drive

BDR-X13EBK
Balck
Pioneer BDR-X13EBK External Blu-ray Drive Cover
Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-X13EBK (New!) Reliability & 16x BD-R Writing Speed USB 3.2 Gen1 / 2.0 BD/DVD/CD Writer with PureRead 3+ and M-DISC Support

The Pioneer BDR-X13EBK Drive offers impressive features for your media needs. With a remarkable 16x writing speed for BD-R discs, you can quickly create high-quality backups. The PureRead 3+ technology ensures that your audio CDs are imported with minimal errors, enhancing your music experience. You can easily check the PureRead mode without accessing your computer, providing added convenience. Additionally, the drive’s versatile design allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, making it suitable for any workspace layout.

What We Like
High-speed writing capabilities
Enhanced audio CD import
Easy mode checking
Versatile placement options
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can external DVD drives play Blu-ray?

Yes, an external disc drive will only play CDs and DVDs. However, if you buy an external Blu-ray disc drive, it will have the capability of playing Blu-ray discs, DVDs and CDs.

2. Is a Blu-ray drive worth it?

Yes a bluray reader/burner is good to have. They are not very popular these days but they can be a useful tool for various situations. Having data backups on a different medium (for example if you get hit with randsomware). BD-R discs are usually write once and are 'offline' backups.

3. Is Blu-ray obsolete?

DVDs and Blu-ray discs will be replaced by streaming services. Consumers head to streaming services to watch movies, and the addition of Disney+ to the mix will only make DVDs and Blu-Ray discs even less of a necessity.

4. How can I play blu rays on my PC without Blu-ray?

If your PC doesn't have the drive to play Blu-ray discs or DVDs, there are several manufacturers that sell add-in optical drives or external drives. An external Blu-ray disc drive is the easiest option. Simply plug it in when you want to use it and put it away when you are done.

Editor's Notes

During our external blu-ray drive research, we found 45 external blu-ray drive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 54,536 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external blu-ray drives list. We found that most customers choose external blu-ray drives with an average price of £110.68.

The external blu-ray drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external blu-ray drives, including Pioneer, Verbatim, ASUS, Custom Catch, PAPOIYA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 68 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.