Best External CD & DVD Drives of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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External CD and DVD drives are portable devices that allow you to read and write data to CDs and DVDs on your computer or laptop. These drives are ideal for those who have a computer without an internal CD or DVD drive, or for those who need to read or write data on-the-go. External CD and DVD drives come in a range of sizes and styles, and can be powered through USB or AC adapter. They are an affordable and convenient option for those who need to access CDs and DVDs without the need for a built-in drive.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Antika External CD DVD Drive with USB 3.0 Cover #TOP 1
Antika External CD DVD Drive with USB 3.0
ftb score rating icon 9.9
AGEEMY USB 3.0 External DVD Drive with Hub Cover #TOP 2
AGEEMY USB 3.0 External DVD Drive with Hub
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ZZOSRDR Portable USB 3.0 DVD Drive Cover #TOP 3
ZZOSRDR Portable USB 3.0 DVD Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 External CD & DVD Drives

#TOP 1

Antika External CD DVD Drive with USB 3.0

Antika
SY903
BlackTypeC
Antika External CD DVD Drive with USB 3.0 Cover
Antika External CD DVD Drive TypeC USB 3.0 Extended Cable Backup Power Line Portable DVD Player CD/DVD +/-RW Burner Reader for Laptop Desktop PC Apple Mac Macbook Pro Windows 11/10/8/7 / XP Linux OS

The Antika External DVD Drive offers a seamless user experience with its EAD Voltage Stabilization Technology, ensuring stable performance while protecting your device from voltage issues. Its extended cable design provides flexibility, making it easier to connect to computers with low power output. You will appreciate the high-speed data transfer capabilities of USB 3.0 and Type C, which enable quick file access and reliable burning performance. With plug-and-play functionality, there's no need for additional drivers, allowing you to use it instantly with the majority of computers.

What We Like
Stable voltage protection
Extended cable for flexibility
High-speed data transfer
Easy plug-and-play setup
#TOP 2

AGEEMY USB 3.0 External DVD Drive with Hub

Black
AGEEMY USB 3.0 External DVD Drive with Hub Cover
External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 External CD/Dvd +/-Rw Drive Portable Type C CD/DVD Player Burner Reader Writer Player for Laptop, Optical CD ROM Disk Drive For Laptop MacBook Windows 10/8/7 / XP/Linux

The AGEEMY External DVD Drive offers versatility and convenience for users. With its additional expansion interface, you can connect multiple devices like external hard drives and USB flash drives. The CD/DVD burner allows you to read and write various formats, making it easy to create and manage your media. Featuring high-speed USB 3.0, you will experience rapid data transfers, saving you time when accessing files or burning discs. Plus, its plug-and-play functionality ensures that you can start using it without any complicated setup.

What We Like
Multiple USB ports and SD slot
Supports various CD/DVD formats
Fast USB 3.0 data transfer
Easy plug-and-play operation
#TOP 3

ZZOSRDR Portable USB 3.0 DVD Drive

ZZOSRDR
ZZOSRDR-0788127880360
ZZOSRDR Portable USB 3.0 DVD Drive Cover
External CD DVD Drive, Type-C & USB 3.0 Portable Drive Reader DVD CD RW Writer Burner Player Optical DVD Drive External Disk Drive for Laptop, Desktop, PC, Mac, IOS, Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Linux/Vista

The ZZOSRDR DVD Drive is a versatile external device designed for seamless use with various computers. With USB 3.0 and Type-C connectors, you can easily connect it to both Mac and Windows systems without needing an adapter. Its plug-and-play feature means you can start using it instantly—simply plug it in and watch it recognise automatically. The drive boasts excellent performance with strong error correction and noise reduction, ensuring a smooth experience whether you’re watching movies or burning files.

What We Like
Dual USB 3.0 and Type-C
Plug-and-play convenience
Ultra-slim and portable
Wide compatibility
#TOP 4

ZZOSRDR Type-C USB Portable DVD Drive

ZZOSRDR
ZZOSRDR Type-C USB Portable DVD Drive Cover
External CD DVD Drive, Type-C USB 3.0 Portable Drive Reader DVD CD RW Writer Burner Player Optical DVD Drive External Disk Drive for Laptop, Desktop, PC, Mac, IOS, Windows 11/10/8/7 / XP/Linux/Vista

The ZZOSRDR DVD Drive offers exceptional convenience with its USB 3.0 and Type-C connections, allowing you to easily connect to various Mac and Windows computers without needing an adapter. Its impressive performance includes strong error correction and low power consumption, ensuring a reliable experience. With a plug-and-play design, you can simply connect it and start using it instantly, perfect for watching movies or backing up files. Additionally, its ultra-slim and portable design makes it easy to carry, whether at home or on the go.

What We Like
Easy USB 3.0 & Type-C connections
Strong performance and reliability
Plug-and-play convenience
Ultra-slim and portable design
#TOP 5

STFMHEZ Portable External CD DVD Drive

STFMHEZ
MY-H198-S01
STFMHEZ Portable External CD DVD Drive Cover
STFMHEZ External CD DVD Drive, Type-C USB 3.0 Portable Drive Reader DVD CD RW Writer Burner Player Optical DVD Drive External Disk Drive Laptop, Desktop, PC, Mac, IOS, Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Linux/Vista

The STFMHEZ External CD Drive offers great convenience with its high-speed USB 3.0 and USB-C 2-in-1 data cable, making it easy to connect to various devices without the need for an adapter. Its plug-and-play feature means you can start using it immediately, without any driver installation, perfect for watching movies or backing up files. The ultra-slim design makes it portable and easy to carry, whether at home or on the go. Additionally, it provides reliable performance with low power consumption and strong error correction.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Easy plug-and-play functionality
Portable and lightweight design
Strong error-correcting ability
Wide compatibility with devices
#TOP 6

Rioddas USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD Drive

Rioddas
BT669
Red-a
Rioddas USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD Drive Cover
Rioddas External CD Drive, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD +/-RW Drive Slim DVD/CD ROM Rewriter Burner for Laptop Desktop PC Windows and Linux OS Apple Mac Macbook Pro

The Rioddas CD/DVD Drive is a user-friendly external device that connects via USB, requiring no additional drivers or power sources. Its sleek design features an embedded cable to prevent loss, ensuring convenience when on the move. With USB 3.0 compatibility, you can enjoy rapid data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, making it ideal for large files. Additionally, the drive is equipped with an eject button, offering peace of mind that your discs will not get stuck during use.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
Fast data transmission speeds
Sleek and portable design
Eject button prevents disc issues
#TOP 7

ZZOSRDR USB 3.0 External CD DVD Drive

ZZOSRDR
ZZOSRDR USB 3.0 External CD DVD Drive Cover
ZZOSRDR External CD DVD Drive, USB 3.0 Portable Drive Reader DVD CD RW Writer Burner Player Optical DVD Drive for Laptop, Desktop, Mac, IOS, Windows 10/8/7 / XP/Linux/Vista

The ZZOSRDR External CD Drive offers a hassle-free experience with its plug and play feature, allowing you to watch movies, burn files, and install software without the need for drivers. Its high-speed USB 3.0 compatibility ensures fast data transmission, making file transfers quicker and more efficient. With strong error correction, anti-shock, and noise reduction technology, you can enjoy a reliable performance while using minimal power. Its ultra-slim design makes it easy to carry, perfect for both home and travel use.

What We Like
Plug and play convenience
Fast data transmission speeds
Reliable performance and stability
Lightweight and portable design
#TOP 8

BUNUD External CD/DVD Drive with USB & SD

Black and White
BUNUD External CD/DVD Drive with USB & SD Cover
External CD DVD Drive, USB 3.0 & Type-C CD/DVD RW ROM Burner Rewriter Writer Reader with SD/TF & 2 USB, Slim Optical DVD Player for Laptop PC Windows 11/10 Computer Mac Macbook Pro Air iMac Apple

The BUNUD External Drive is a versatile 5-in-1 device that enhances your laptop's capabilities. With its independent SD/TF card slot and two USB ports, you can effortlessly transfer photos and videos directly to your computer. Its high-quality construction ensures durability and noise reduction, making it a reliable companion for any setting. You’ll appreciate the ease of connecting via USB 3.0 or Type-C, which allows for quick recognition and use. This external drive supports a wide range of CDs and DVDs for all your burning and playback needs.

What We Like
Versatile 5-in-1 functionality
Durable and noise-reducing design
Easy USB 3.0 and Type-C connection
Wide compatibility with devices
#TOP 9

Hitachi-LG GP60 Slim Portable DVD Drive

150465
Black
Hitachi-LG GP60 Slim Portable DVD Drive Cover
Hitachi-LG GP60 External DVD Drive, Slim Portable DVD Burner/Writer/Player for Laptop, Windows and Mac OS Compatible, USB 2.0, 8x Read/Write Speed - Black

The Hitachi-LG GP60 Drive is a versatile external DVD burner that connects easily to your laptop or PC via a USB cable. With M-DISC support, you can ensure your photos, videos, and data files are protected for longer than standard DVDs. The Silent Play Technology reduces noise during playback, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience. Additionally, its super multi-compatibility allows you to read and write various disc formats with an impressive 8x write speed, making it a convenient choice for all your media needs.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Supports M-DISC for longevity
Quiet playback with Silent Play
Wide compatibility with various discs
Easy USB connection
#TOP 10

Darbony Slim Portable External CD DVD Drive

Darbony
SY896
black
Darbony Slim Portable External CD DVD Drive Cover
External CD DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 Type-C Slim Portable Player CD DVD RW Writer Reader Burner, Low Noise Optical External Disk Drive for Desktop, PC, Mac OS,Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/2003/Vista/Linux

The Darbony External CD Drive is designed for convenience and speed. With its 2-in-1 USB 3.0 and Type-C compatibility, you can enjoy data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, making it ideal for quickly accessing files. The plug-and-play feature means you can simply connect it to your laptop or desktop without needing additional software. Its dual-chip design ensures high-speed performance, allowing for quick reading of DVDs and CDs. Additionally, the slim and portable build makes it easy to carry, enabling you to use it anywhere you go.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Easy plug-and-play operation
High-speed reading performance
Lightweight and portable design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do external CD drives play DVDs?

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. What does a external CD drive do?

You can use it to watch movies, player games, listen musics. Also can copy transfer files, movies to a CD, install software and creat backup discs etc.

3. Can you get an external disc drive for a laptop?

External drives are affordable and plug-and-play ready. Simply connect one to your computer through an available USB slot, wait for the installer to finish, and you're ready to go.

Editor's Notes

During our external cd & dvd drive research, we found 103 external cd & dvd drive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 150,185 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external cd & dvd drives list. We found that most customers choose external cd & dvd drives with an average price of £19.86.

The external cd & dvd drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external cd & dvd drives, including Antika, AGEEMY, ZZOSRDR, STFMHEZ, Rioddas. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 166 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.