Locating the right External DVD Drive driver on Windows's website can be very difficult, and can often take a lot of time searching. Even seasoned, tech-savvy people with the good habit of updating External DVD Drive device drivers, can still find the entire installation and upgrading process time-consuming and annoying. 68 Cocopa External Cd Drive (78.4% similar) dvd diver is a perfect companion for computers without the internal drive. External cd drive, Cocopa ultra slim usb High speed: adopted unique intelligent burning technology, this cd-rw combo drive supported dvd r, dvd-r, cd-rom, dvd-rom, cd-r. Cocopa External CD DVD Drive is an all-in-one external drive that suits most of your tasks. The drive is meant for different tasks like installing software, listening to CD, and data backup among others. In addition to this, the unit is simpler to keep even in smaller spaces thanks to the slim compact design, which also allows for easy portability. In Device Manager, expand DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the CD and DVD devices, and then select Uninstall. When you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the device, select OK. Restart the computer. After the computer restarts, the drivers will be automatically installed. If your problem is not solved, try the next method. Search for the DVD/CD Drivers from the device list, right click on it and then select Uninstall. On the un-installation window, if you have an option: “Delete the driver software for this device” you may select that and then remove the corrupted drivers from the computer.
10 Best External CD/DVD Drives to Use For Mac in 2020
CD/DVD drives are a type of ODD (Optical Discs Drive). An Optical Discs drive is a storage mechanism that uses laser light (electromagnetic wave with a specific wavelength within or near the visible light spectrum) to write data to or read data from an optical disc like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. These discs contain a light-sensitive layer in which data can be stored. Optical data storage discs are small, portable, and are quite durable even when using them continuously.
Optical disc drives are an integrated part of standalone devices such as various disc players, video game consoles. They are commonly used in computers to read software and media stored in the disc and record discs for data exchange and archival purposes.
The first digitally recorded optical disc was a 5-inch audio CD (Compact Discs). It was in a read-only format and was created in 1975 by Philips and Sony. Initially, it was used for entertainment and movies and was popular for recording audio. After some time, CDs became a way to store data. When technology improved, compact discs became small enough to fit into a typical computer. After some time, smaller versions were created for laptops. Compact discs became easily accessible for businesses and home users to store their personal data. A standard CD could hold about 80 minutes of music or over 500 photos. That's about 700 MB of storage.
After some time came the need for optical storage that could hold much more massive amounts of data. That's why in the late 1990s, DVDs (Digital Versatile Disc) were introduced. They were the same size as CDs but could hold8.5 GB of data, about x12 more. You could store full-length movies, thousands of songs, and photos. This was possible through the use of different wavelengths of red laser light.
Unfortunately, many computer brands have discontinued the integration of CD/DCD drives as various media streaming websites and programs were developed, little by little pushing out the need to use discs. If you have CDs and DVDs that you want to play on your Mac, you'll need an external CD/DVD drive.
Table of Contents:
- Model 1.LG Electronics GP65NB60
- Model 2.Apple USB SuperDrive
- Model 3.DELL DW316
- Model 4.Cocopa USB 3.0
- Model 5.ASUS ZenDrive U7M
- Model 6.Sea Tech DVD+RW, -RW Drive for MacBook
- Model 7.VersionTECH USB 3.0 Ultra Slim
- Model 8.Pioneer Electronics BDR-XU03
- Model 9.Rioddas USB 3.0
- Model 10.Samsung SE-218CB/RSBS
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How It Works
An optical disc has three layers: the plastic disc is on the bottom, in the middle is a reflective surface, and the top layer is where the art or label is, that protects the data. The data itself is stored in microscopic pits in the middle layer, the disc's reflective surface.
When you insert a disc into the driver, a motor spins the disc super fast in the drive while a laser attached to a servo reads the disc's data. A servo or a servo motor is a mechanism that utilizes a regular motor and couples it with a sensor for positional feedback. The output shaft of this motor can be moved to a particular angle, position, and velocity. Due to a lot of movement when reading a disc, these drivers tend to get loud and consume a lot of power.
If the disc gets scratched, it's not the end of the world, but it's not great either as the laser used to read the data is tuned very precisely. A scratch or hair may refract or block the beam and make the data hard to read.
With the data writing software and your optical drive, you can record data on the disc for temporary or permanent use. CDs and DVDs contain crystalline alloy that can be melted by the optical drive to make the disc rewritable many times.
Choosing External CD/DVD Drive
Due to the fast progression of technology, the use of optical discs is rapidly declining as they're replaced with better data management systems and storage devices. More and more computer manufacturers are eliminating the CD/DVD drives as they are not necessary. It also lets the manufacturer make their computers thinner and lighter. Apple began to stop integrating CD/DVD drives in 2008 and stoped entirely in 2012. Although you could still purchase the 2012 13-inch MacBook Pro, the last Mac with an integrated CD/DVD driver, it was discontinued in late 2016. If you're Mac doesn't have an installed CD/DVD drive, you'll need an external CD/DVD drive to run CDs and DVDs.
The Purpose of External Driver
To choose between many external CD/DVD drives, you need to know exactly what you want it to do. An external drive can read DVDs, CDs, Blu-ray, and M format discs, write or burn content to these discs and copy data or files from a computer to a disc or vice versa.
Different types of discs need different wavelengths. For CDs, a wavelength of 780 nm is used, while for DVDs, a wavelength of 650 nm is used, and Blu-ray discs use a wavelength of 405 nm. That's why an optical disk drive that can be used for multiple types of discs will contain multiple lasers.
Factors to Consider
Before buying an external CD/DVD drive, you need to consider these factors:
Speed: If you'll be ripping or burning discs, the rate at which a driver can move data from the drive to your Mac and vice versa is quite important. You should look at both read and write speeds of the drive. USB version is another characteristic to take into consideration. The drives that support USB 3.0 are faster and are compatible with older versions. USB 3.0 interface transfers data faster and has better power efficiency than USB 2.0.
Read and Write Capability: Make sure that the CD/DVD driver performs tasks you need. If you want to use a driver that reads and writes CDs and DVDs, make sure it reads both formats.
Compatibility: Most CD/DVD drives are compatible with commonly used operating systems such as Windows and Mac. Still, you should make sure whether it's compatible with your Mac's operating system version.
Noise: CD/DVD drives are known to be loud due to the process that's happening inside. If you're sensitive to noise and would like a quieter drive, some of the best external drives have noise reduction technology.
Size: When looking for an external drive, have in mind how you will use it. If you'll be taking it with you on business trips, a portable drive would fit you best. In that case, it's better to choose a slim and lightweight model.
Build Quality: It's always better to have a good quality drive with a solid build that'll last a long time. Some good quality external drives offer a fingerprint-resistant cover.
Cables and Power: Newer external CD/DVD drives don't need an external power source. The power is drawn from the USB connection to your Mac. Make sure that you're aware if the drive doesn't need a second cable to power itself.
10 Best External CD/DVD Drives for Mac
LG Electronics GP65NB60
This external drive is an excellent balance between offered features and affordable price. LG GP65NB60 maximum writing speed is 24x for CD and 8x for DVDR. What separates this drive from the rest of similar products is a quite durable shell, great compatibility, and it's great for those with sensitive hearing as it works quietly.
The plastic construction is reliable and long-lasting, so you don't have to fear it suddenly breaking while in exploitation. It has an implementation of Silent Play technology, which optimizes the process depending on the multimedia type used. It's not only compatible with Mac and Windows but also it can connect to a TV where you can display your media stored in the disc. LG GP65NB60 supports DVD+R, DVD-R, CD, and rewritable discs, as well as supports M-discs. This LG drive, like most external hard drives, draws power from the USB port. It's slim and portable, which is perfect if you use it pretty often.
This drive's cons are that it uses USB 2.0, which is a little slow and has no Blu-ray support.
Apple USB SuperDrive
The USB SuperDrive is a product of Apple itself. As it's from the same manufacturer as your Mac, you don't have to worry about compatibility. The drive will work perfectly as it was uniquely built for your Mac. The SuperDrive is durable and has a great design that will also match your Mac. You will be able to easily burn CDs and DVDs as well as back up data. Apple USB SuperDrive has good read and write speed. The writing speed is from 6x to 6x for DVDs and from 16x to 24 x for CDs. It's noiseless and extremely portable. You can carry it where ever you go as it's light and compact. There's also no need for external power.
If you're a long-time Apple user, you might know that Apple has the best customer support when it comes to various issues related to your devices. Using their external drive, you get the peace of mind knowing it has Apple's support and warranties.
The cons are that it only works with Mac, it's quite expensive, and has no Blu-ray support.
DELL DW316
With the Dell DW316 Optical Disc Drive, you'll be able to burn and play media files. It's easy to use and comes with preloaded CyberLink Media Suite software. The DW316 has a writing speed of 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs. No external power is required as it gets enough power from the USB connection. It's portable and light, weighing about 250 grams. The drive is pretty slim and will conveniently fit in your bag. Due to its compact design, this USB CD/DVD player can be used in many environments like your home, office, etc. It's equipped with a USB 2.0 interface and provides good performance. Compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and can be used with most computer configurations. Dell DW316 offers an excellent price for its functionality.
The cons of this player are that its surface has a glossy finish that collects fingerprints. Also, it doesn't support Blu-ray. Other than that, it's a great option.
Cocopa USB 3.0
The Cocopa External CD/DVD-RW Drive has a USB 3.0 interface that makes the device capable of faster data transfer rates and is much less to data corruption than the USB 2.0 interface. It's also compatible backwards with USB 2.0 as well as USB 1.0. It requires no external power source, only a USB connection is sufficient, and you can easily plug it into a laptop, notebook, or desktop PC and play media files. It's compatible with Windows, Linux, and almost all versions of the Mac operating system. The Cocopa player supports CD and DVD format discs and has a maximum read speed of 8x for DVDs, 24x for CDs, and 8x burn speed for CDs.
The design is slim with a smooth textured-type finish that gives you a good touch feeling and is lightweight. What's great about this player is that it has noise reduction and anti-shock technology, which makes it durable and long-lasting. And it's quite affordable.
The cons are that it doesn't have M-Disc support and can sometimes simply not work, have compatibility issues.
ASUS ZenDrive U7M
The key benefit of the Asus U7M is the Cyberlink Power2go 8 Software that encrypts your data when you're writing or reading from the disc, and it simplifies the burning process. It has a very strong and efficient backup solution that's compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems as well as Nero Backup, an online backup solution suitable for smartphones and tablets. The player supports not only CDs and DVDs but also has M-Disc support, which helps to protect data and can preserve it for an extremely long time. Traditional writable media has approximately eight years of storage life. In comparison, M-Disc was designed to keep your information from degrading for 1000 years or more. Asus ZenDrive U7M has a sleek and sophisticated design with a concentric-circle hairline finish. The player is only 13 mm in thickness and is very portable.
The cons are that it has short cords and has only USB 2.0, which is not an essential aspect. Overall it's very affordable and a great choice.
Sea Tech DVD+RW, -RW Drive for MacBook
If Apple's SuperDrive is too expensive for you, maybe you'll consider an alternative from Sea tech. Although the price is lower, this external drive maintains its functionality. Simple to use, and you can quickly burn your data on CDs or DVDs. You just need to put a black disc in the drive, put your files in it, and press the burn button. That's all it takes when it comes to writing files on discs. You don't need to have any special external DVD software. The high-performance Panasonic drive inside does a great job, although it doesn't use the USB 3.0 interface. No additional power source is needed. The drive is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. The design is minimalistic and sleek. The body is made of aluminum casting and is quite durable.
Although it doesn't have a USB 3.0, it's still a good investment if you lack the CD/DVD drive in your Mac. Keep in mind, though, that it weighs about 500 grams, so it's not very light.
VersionTECH USB 3.0 Ultra Slim
This external drive appears to be a cost-effective external drive. It uses USB 3.0 transfer technology, which transfers data at a quicker rate. Although it doesn't require an additional power source as it draws it from the USB connection to you, Mac VersionTech provides a USB to DC cable in case of insufficient power supply, and it comes with the packaging. It's simple and easy to use as it has a plug and play feature. For burning and reading discs, advanced burning technology is used for a quicker process. It also allows interrupting the recording in case you need to. The DVD burner has an implemented error-correcting ability. The construction reduces noise and protects against shock. It perfectly compatible with Mac operating systems but if you want to use the CD/DVD drive also for PCs, keep in mind that this drive has some compatibility problems with the Window 10 operating system. The design is simplistic and aesthetically pleasing. It comes in blue and silver colors and will fit nicely with your Mac.
Pioneer Electronics BDR-XU03
The BDR-XU03 external CD/DVD drive is quite unique as it also supports Blu-ray and BDXL discs, uses a USB 3.0 interface, and its outer shell is made of magnesium, unlike most drives that are made of plastic. It can transfer data to 6x2 for BD-R, BD-R DL, and 4x writing speed for BD-R triple and quad layers. It comes with features such as Auto Quiet for silent performance, which means that it will reduce the noise when burning your optical disc. It also comes with PowerRead Smooth and PureRead 2 Smart Media Playback function that allows a smooth audio and movie playback on a damaged disc. This external drive is not afraid of slight scratches on your disc. It has no problem reading data as it lets you extract it as accurately as possible. It's durable and reliable and works on both Windows and Mac. This is a great external drive with plenty of features, an excellent quality build, and is compact. The design is simple and minimalistic.
The main issue is that it's quite pricey, and you could buy a bunch of other CD/DVD external drives. If the price doesn't scare you and you need all the features that it has to offer, go for it.
Rioddas USB 3.0
Rioddas is an external CD/DVD drive that can be connected via a USB and be ready to use as it doesn't require any additional software. The Plug and Play function is intuitive and easy to use. It also doesn't require any additional power supply. The player has a USB 3.0 interface and supports USB 2.0 and USB 1.0 systems. This drive is quite fast as it can reach up to 5Gbps transfer speed while keeping a steady performance. The write speed comes in at 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs. It's compatible with almost all operating systems such as Windows, Mac as well as Linux. The price is not that bad for an easy to use and fast drive.
The drive has been designed in a brilliant way. The USB cable is embedded at the bottom of the shell so you can conveniently store it when not in use. Rioddas has also put a non-slip pad at the bottom, preventing the drive from falling off a slippery surface. It has a slight curve with a polished surface at the top, which will fit with your Mac nicely.
The cons are it might sometimes not work, doesn't support M-Disc and Blu-ray.
Samsung SE-218CB/RSBS
Samsung is known to be a reliable brand, and their SE-218CB/RSBS drive is not an exception. The shell is 14mm thick with a depth of 148mm and a width of 144mm. It's relatively compact and is easily transportable. Has write speed of 8x for DVDs, 24x for CDs, and 8x DVD read speed. It supports various CD and DVD formats such as DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, and more. What great is that it has a Speed Adjustment feature which corrects the speed depending on the media type. It also includes Buffer Under Run Free and Double OPC, which ensures proper recording. Tilt Actuator Compensation is an offered feature that allows for writing on slightly deformed media. The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Unfortunately, it uses only a USB 2.0 interface and has no Blu-ray support. Nevertheless, it's perfect for both home and professional usage.
In conclusion, there are many external CD/DVD drives with various features and price ranges. Please comment down below and let us know which external drive from the list did you choose. If none of the above-listed drives suit your preferences, we hope that with the information provided above, you'll be able to choose the right one for you!
The struggle to build more compact laptops and computers is proving to be a bittersweet one for people that loved the old do it all laptop. Today, you have to pick your poison. It is extremely difficult (and insanely expensive) to get a computer that does it all. You either pick performance or portability and occasionally, you might have to throw in entertainment in there.
Even though storage devices have diversified over the years and some computers come with quite expansive memories, CDs still have their place in the technology world but, considering that a good number of laptops in the market do not have CD or DVD drive, if you use them to store information, you will find yourself at a disadvantage.
A good external optical drive should get you back on the saddle and other than complementing your otherwise limping computer, an external optical drive also comes with plenty of benefits among them being able to offer better performance.
But, before you can enjoy the benefits of a good optical drive, you have to be able to pick one first. Because there are not many supported disc formats and the optical drive pool is not too wide, you might be fooled to think that making the choice is going to be easy but once you start, the painful boot of reality will kick in. We will save you that pain and do the dirty hard work for you and all that you need is to make your pick.
How an Optical Drive works
Understanding how an optical drive works is going to take some technical understand know-how but don’t worry too much about it. We always think it’s a nice idea to impact some knowledge before we embark on reviewing the products of the day.
The optical drive is called ‘Optical’ for a reason. To get the process started a motor spins the disc superfast and a laser that is attached to the same system reads the data on the disc. The laser is also attached to a mechanism that moves back and forth as it reads the data of the disc. It is hard to divulge any further on the functioning of an optical drive without throwing technical words around and we always try to keep things simple.
To get a better hand of how this works, you would need to understand the anatomy of a disc but we think that would create confusion and we don’t want to take your eyes of the topic.
Contents
- 1 Best Optical Drives 2018
Best Optical Drives 2018
Now that you have some basic understanding of how an optical drive works and why it might be your item of choice, let us look at some of the products that caught our eyes and we thing will be a perfect fit for you.
For this particular review, because the diversity pool is not deep, we had to dive deep to come up with options that would be a great fit for different readers and different applications. Here are some of the options we loved and we think you will love at least one of them as well.
LG Electronics 8× USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer
It is always great to start the list on a high note and this LG optical drive fits the bill. It is portable and will not only help you with reading the content on your discs but will also help you transfer content to the disc as well.
It is a neat device that is built for life on the road with a small stature and an ultra-slim design so you can drop it just about anywhere as you head out. It comes with a maximum of 8× DVD writing speed and a 24× CD writing speed for faster transfer of data.
The USB 2.0 interface which is also 3.0 compatible makes sure that the data transfer is ultra-fast and that you don’t have to wait around longer than is necessary. In most cases, when you buy an optical drive, you always have to worry about the accompanying software which can cost you an arm and a leg. Lucky for you, in this case, the drive comes with everything you need to get it working including the software. That some you time and some bucks. One of the most interesting features about this drive is the fact that it connects to your TV. This is done through the USB connection and you don’t need extra software for this.
Pros
- TV connectivity
- Ultra slim and portable
- Supports M-Disk format
- Longer storage time
Cons
- The opening try might jam at times so you need to press the eject button a couple of times
External CD Drive Cocopa Slim Writer and ReWriter
The Cocopa external optical drive sets the gold standard for optical drive with every imaginable feature that you would want. The device is built for portability with an ultra-slim design. It has a high speed USB 3.0 interface with backward compatibility (it can support USB 2.0 and 1.0) capable of speeds of up to 5Gbps.
The drive offers a plethora of different options on how you can use it. These include burning files, installing software on your computer and even creating backup CDs. With all these features, the drive remains quite easy to use with a plug and play kind of approach. You are only required to plug it into the USB port and it will be automatically detected.
It has a unique burning technology capable of up speeds of up to 8× for DVDs and 24× for CDs. Other impressive features you can enjoy with this optical drive include the brushed texture shell, lightweight body and an embedded USB cable. The device is support by various types of windows including windows 10 and other operating systems like Mac OS and Linux.
Pros
- 1 year worry free warranty and 2 years of technical support
- Diverse compatibility on virtually every type of OS
- High transfer and burning speeds
Cons
- The software has to be downloaded separately for computers that require it
External Optical Drive USB 2.0 DVD CD player for Mac and Windows
Let’s bring it down a notch. If you just want a good optical drive that will not confuse you with all the features and functionalities and allow you to simply access data on your computer and transfer the same to CDs, this is going to be a great option.
The first feature that jumps at you is the fact that it is scratch resistant and Dustproof. You must be conversant with how destructive dust can be do electronics which why this is a great feature to have.
It offers plenty of mobility and does not require an AC adaptor to power it up. It can play CDs and DVDs and has a compact USB 2.0 Super driver. For the On-the-go user, you are going to find the light weight nature of the device very welcoming and the fact that it supports such a wide number of Operating Systems makes it that much easier to use.
Pros
- Simple and straightforward design
- Slim and lightweight for portability
- Dustproof and scratch resistant
- Shockproof
Cons
- Both USB cables have to be plugged in for the device to work
- It only reads it does not burn CDs
Asus ZenDrive Ultra Slim Mac Compatible External Optical Drive
This is among the slimmest optical drives you are going to find on the market and it is a strong candidate if you are looking for something that offers the best portability and functionality on the market. Of course, you should expect to pay a little more for this but, it is going to be worth your while.
Its forest of features include a sophisticated finish that goes well with any ultra-book and the 8× DVD write speed guarantees that you get results faster. Like the LG we previously looked at, this one also has the all so important M-Disc support which is essential in protecting and archiving digital data. Other than the comfort of knowing that all your data is safe, you will also be pleased to know that the external drive is bundled with the necessary software to get it ready to go which makes this drive a worthy recommendation. However, you will have to forego the USB 3.0 functionality with this drive.
Pros
- Slim 13mm thick design
- M-Disc Support
- Comes with Nero back up and relevant set up software
- Ideal for both Mac and Windows platforms
Cons
- Does not feature USB 3.0
Dell DW316 External Slim DVD R/W Optical Drive
When it comes to computer electronics, Dell has cut out a niche for itself as a fierce competitor with high quality products and more so with regards to optical drives. This is an all rounded option that is capable of quickly and effectively handle any needs both reading and burning that you might have.
To help you set it up as fast as possible, the drive is preloaded with the Cyber Link Media suite. The easy to use plug and play feature will save you the effort and struggle on compatible computers since it will not require any drivers.
The well-built drive weighs only 8.8 ounces making it the perfect candidate for on the go use and it is quite reliable in its performance with up to 24× CD writing speeds and 8× for DVDs. The 14mm thickness will also make sure that you don’t have to give up more space than is needed to accommodate the drive.
Pros
Cocopa External Cd Drive Driver Download
- Highly portable and lightweight
- Comes with the software suit preloaded
- Can read and write discs
- Plug and play feature
Cocopa External Drive Download
Cons
- The finishing can be easily splotched
External CD Drive USB 3.0 Portable Slim External Drive
This Gipow external hard drive is a mixture of performance, elegance and portability with plenty of features in each category with the guarantee of customer satisfaction or your get your money back. To get started with the drive is simple and not drivers are needed to get it to work. It comes with an easy plug and play features which makes sure it is running in no time.
The 3.0 USB interface provides a high speed channel where you can transfer data to and from the drive and it offers a stable connection to help you read and burn CDs and DVDs. You will also love the anti-shock and noise reduction features that enhance your experience.
The drive is supported on different Windows and Mac OS versions and comes with a 100% risk free purchase. You get a 12 months product warranty and it is also backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- Easy to install plug and play features
- 12-month warranty and 30 days product replacement
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
- 0
- Error connecting, shock-proof and noise reduction technology
Cons
- No M-Disc support
Samsung Ultra – Slim Black Optical Drive
Who said you can’t get your optical drive with a little class and elegance? This Samsung Optical drive is one for the books and we were just blown away by how great it looks. Thank God it also had great features to go with the good looks.
It has a top LED button eject button and super slim drive height of just 14mm. the interface is USB 2.0 but, it is also compatible with USB 3.0 devices. It has a buffer under run free technology and a tilt actuator compensation technology. This makes it one of the best writers in the market with a more stable process that provides you with more accurate results.
The only sad takeaway is the fact that it is only a writer and cannot read. Users looking for a good writer are in luck but if you want something that can play content as well, this will not work for you.
Pros
- Ultra slim technology
- TAC and Buffer under run free technology for precise writing
- Comes with the software
- USB 3.0 compatible
Cons
- It is only a writer
- The software provided is only windows compatible
Wsky USB 3.0 External CD DVD Drive
Even though this is a little chunky, it is still a formidable option with cutting edge features that are going to make reading and writing discs much easier and more accurate. Some of the features that earns it a spot on this list include the 3.0 interface for blistering fast transfer speeds which cut down the waiting time and a strong error-correcting ability which is a must have when burning CDs. It also has a state of the art noise reduction system and anti-shock features. This makes it a great device to have on the go.
You can use it to burn DVD movies, install software, listen to music and burn pictures and movies the multi-performance makes this a great device with all round features for the average user who is looking for an all-round device that offers the best performance for all your needs.
One of the reasons why we thought that this would be a great addition to this list was the fact that it supports Windows OS as far back as Windows 98 and it also supports several versions of Mac OS. If you are going to use your USB hub, you have to make sure that you use a powered one and if you have a Surface pro series laptop, then you have to buy the USB 3.0 Y cable to power the device.
Pros
- Diverse well rounded drive
- Supports many operating systems
- USB 3.0 interface
- Error-correcting, anti-shock and noise reduction
- Cable stores under the device when not in use
Cons
- Sometimes, the power needed to power the device is more than the USB port can supply
External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Transmission Slim Portable External DVD
Simplicity and functionality are the main selling points of this one of a kind portable optical drive. It features and plug `and play feature that will work on most PCs. Its lightweight design and shockproof design makes it an ideal device for use while on the go and it even comes with a protection bag which is a big plus. You will also get to enjoy other features which include a strong error correcting ability, noise reduction and anti-shock technology for better and higher quality results.
The USB3.0 high speed interface is a highly welcome e feature that brings you faster data transfer speeds and a stable and dependable performance for the different functions that you will need from the drive.
The drive is supported across all the main operating systems including Linux with low power consumption to improve compatibility and it is powered through a USB cable. Should you decide to make the purchase, you get a 30 day guarantee for any defects on the product or defects.
Pros
Cocopa Dvd Drive Drivers
- High speed USB 3.0 interface
- No risk 30 day guarantee purchase
- Noise reduction and anti-shock features
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Even though lightweight, it is a little chunky
SANOXY 24× USB 2.0 External Slim Combo Burner Drive Black
We thought it would be a good idea to have a low cost device as well just in case you don’t need to have a device that has all those screaming features and you simply want functionality without the high price tag. This one fits the bill because it offers a nice balance between the features you get and the amount that you pay for it. As you would expect, you will have to give up some of the features for a more affordable price.
However, it does offer features like USB 2.0 compliance, supports a wide variety of windows operating systems and has a durable plastic casing. The device is built to read and burn CDs and DVDs and is a combo writer. The balance it offers is ideal for an entry level user who does not have many demands for his optical drive.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Durable plastic casing
- Lightweight
Cons
- 0 USB interface
That brings to a close our collection of optical drives that we think will work great for you and other users.
Best Optical Drive Buying Guide
Buying an optical drive is something that you should take very seriously and getting the right features for the right use should be your prime priority. We always advise to get a device that has a little more capacity than you require at the moment. It helps with scalability as your demands increase.
- Read and write capability – the sole reason for buying an optical drive is to either read or write discs. Depending on your preferred use, the features that you are looking for can differ. We advocate that you get a drive that has both functionalities as long as it is within your budget.
- Speed – unless you fancy waiting up all night waiting to get a couple of songs or family photos into a CD, speed is going to be of the essence. This is largely going to depend on the USB interface. A 3.0 interface with backward compatibility should do the trick. However, for most applications and if budget is a concern, the 2.0 version works just as well.
- Size and weight – the weight and the size of the device is going to matter if you intend to move around with it. However, even if you largely use it at home, you don’t want a monstrous device hovering around your desk. So, size is an important factor especially for people that want the external drive to be portable and they would like to take it wherever they take their laptop.
- Noise – you will have to contend with some amount of noise since all external optical drives make noise but the level of noise shouldn’t be too loud that it drowns out the main activity.
- Power – this is a major concern for most people. In the reviews, we did our best to stick to the practical options but, there are others that require a separate adapter for power or a separate USB cable. The best option is to have an option that only needs one USB cable. It is more convenient and you could always do with fewer wires on your work space.
Conclusion
That does it for our best external optical drives review. Now, you have great options to read and write your discs and you don’t have to worry much about the technical jargon that is usually associated with the purchase of such devices. We have done most of the digging for you and now all you have to do is pick one that you feel is going to address your needs.
If you need a little more understanding on the features and which ones matter, browse through the buying guide. It should help some light and improve your decision making.