Top 10 Best external cd in 2026

Last Updated - 6/13/2026

🏆Best Choice

Amicool

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

9.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.8

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION, NO DRIVER REQUIRED】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will be automatically recognized—no need for additional drivers or external power supply. This user-friendly design ensures a quick setup and smooth operation for both beginners and professionals. Perfect for laptops and desktops that do not include an internal optical drive.
•【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION – USB 3.0 AND TYPE-C】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Enjoy smooth, lag-free playback of movies, music, and data files. The drive supports multiple disc formats including DVD+R, DVD, DVD-R, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/burn speed is 24x.
•【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY – WINDOWS, MAC & LINUX】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7 / XP / Vista, Linux, and all versions of macOS. Works seamlessly with most mainstream computer brands such as Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Note: Designed for laptops and desktop computers only. Not compatible with TVs, tablets, Chromebooks, or car entertainment systems.
•【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 OPTICAL DRIVE – READ, WRITE & BURN】 Equipped with intelligent error correction, anti-shock, and low-noise technology, the Amicool external drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs efficiently and reliably. The pop-up button and disc tray design make disc handling convenient. For desktop users, it is recommended to connect the drive to a USB port on the back panel for optimal performance.

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$22.89

$28.99

-21%

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YOTUO

YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner for Laptop Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 Mac MacBook Pro/Air… (DVD Burner)

9.7

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.7

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•【Plug and Play】 Simply plug the drive into your USB port or Type-C port, wait for the drive to finish installing automatically, open the compartment door, insert the disc and it will be detected and used immediately (for desktops, please connect it to the USB port on the back to avoid power shortage).
•【Easy to carry and stylish appearance】Recessed cable design for easy cable organisation. The body is slim, sleek and minimalist, scratch-resistant and comes with a fleece pouch. This CD/DVD drive is only 1.8 cm thick and weighs approximately 0.4 kg. It can easily fit into your travel bag, take it with you and connect it wherever you go.
•【High speed】Features a dual USB 3.0 and Type C port. Maximum DVD reading speed of 8x; maximum CD reading speed of 24x. Giving you faster data transfer speeds (up to 5Gbps), play music and movies without lag or distortion.
•【Wide compatibility】 It supports Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, all versions of Mac OS systems. (TV, car player, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu, tablet and mobile phone are not supported).
•【High quality raw materials】Adopt high quality flame retardant PC material, shock resistant and durable. Adopt high performance original magnetic core, which can provide high speed process reading experience, with anti-interference and low impedance capability, no lag and no noise.

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$15.99

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Rioddas

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

9.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.5

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•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

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$18.99

$23.99

-21%

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

9.4

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.4

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•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)
•Slim Design
•With Cyberlink Software
•M Disc

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$28.99

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NOLYTH

NOLYTH CD DVD Drive for Laptop: USB External Portable Burner Player Compatible with Mac/MacBook & Windows Plug and Play Data Backup for USB & USB-C Port Computer Aluminium

9.2

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.2

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•Is it plug and play? Yes, the NOLYTH external CD/DVD drive is plug and play, easy to set up. It can be used immediately after connecting it to a compatible device without the need for additional software or driver installations
•Is it compatible with MacBooks? Yes, this external DVD drive is compatible with MacBooks. It is not only compatible with Mac computers, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio (M1/M2/M3/M4), but also compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, as well as Linux operating systems
•Functionality: This external CD drive is a great option for computers without a built-in CD/DVD drive. It's designed for users who need a reliable CD DVD external drive. It allows you to store and back up data: meeting minutes, read old discs of patient data and store old data; Play classical music CDs and DVD movies, view old photos and preserve family images; Install old and learning software, operating systems or drivers and old games, read game discs and teaching data discs; import vintage photo CDs and rip your CD collection
•What is the data transfer speed of this DVD drive? The maximum read and write speeds for this external CD drive are 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs. It is compatible with CD, CD R/W, DVD +R, DVD -R discs and M-Discs. It can burn dual-layer DVDs and CDs. It can be used as a CD/DVD burner, writer, and rewriter. Please note that this DVD player for laptop does not support Blu-ray discs. It is designed to read and write CDs and DVDs
•Is it easy to carry around? Yes, this CD burner is designed to be portable and easy to carry around due to its slim, lightweight and compact design. The thin and light nature of the CD drive allows users to take it with them wherever they go, whether that be at home, in the office, or during a trip. The integrated cable storage feature, which makes it convenient to transport

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$9.99

$19.99

-50%

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Dell

Dell USB Slim DVD +/- RW Drive DW316 - Plug and Play, 8 Watt Power Consumption, Windows 11 or below - Black

9.1

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.1

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•At home or on the go: Simply plug the low profile (14mm), lightweight (200g) drive into your Ultrabook or notebook's USB port and you'll be ready to play or burn your favorite DVD or CD at home in even a small workspace. Or, place the drive in your bag to take this functionality with you
•Pre–loaded CyberLink Media Suite: Take advantage of the pre–loaded CyberLink Media Suite to easily play and burn DVD/CDs, or install disc–based computer programs.
•Exceptional performance: Play or burn your favorite DVDs or CDs with the Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive. This premium, external optical drive is powered by your Ultrabook's or notebook's USB port, so no batteries or power cords are necessary.
•Simple, elegant design: The Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive has a streamlined design, which compliments contemporary notebooks and blends in well with your home workspace or a high tech cafe.
•Dell Services: Purchase with confidence and rely on the protection of a 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty for your Dell External USB Slim DVD +/– RW Optical Drive.

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$31.99

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Ziweo

External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Linux Mac OS

8.9

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.9

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•PLUG AND PLAY: The CD/DVD drive external USB 3.0 and USB-C ports and doesn't require an external driver or power supply.Just plug it into your laptop's USB and Type-C ports and the CD/DVD drive will be automatically detected.Ziweo USB 3.0 & Type-C external optical cd/dvd drive burner is perfect companion for laptop or desktop without internal DVD drive.Note: To prevent the cable from being lost, our cables cannot be disassembled.
•HIGH WRITING AND READING SPEED: The Type-C & USB 3.0 CD/DVD external drive offers Max 8x DVD Rewrite Read Speed and Max 24x CD Write/Read Burner speed.This Type-C & USB 3.0 CD/DVD drive will bring you maximum 5Gbps data transmission speed, plays music movies installing software or system, burning discs without lag or distortion.
•WIDE COMPATIBILITY&MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: This external dvd cd drive is compatible with Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11,Linux OS,all version Mac OS system. Note: Not suitable for cars, TVs, mobile phones, Blu-ray discs. You can use this external CD/DVD player to play movie DVDs, burn/rip CDs, install software/system, DVD games, back up data to CD/DVD,and more.(Not support TV, car player, Chromebook, Surface Pro.)
•RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: This disk drive is made of high-quality materials, shockproof, low noise and strong fault tolerance Intelligent.High-speed USB 3.0 CD DVD RW Burner with low impedance and anti-interference capability for a smooth and fast experience.You can use this USB CD/DVD player to quietly read and write burned CD/DVD without stuttering and noise nor jammed discs.
•SLIM AND EXQUISITE DESIGN: This CD/DVD drive is well designed with a subtlety and ultra-thin machine size. You can easily put this USB CD burner into your travel bag, take it with you to anywhere and hooked up at any time. Just burning a DVD/CD is enough, which is ideal for business and travel.
•HASSLE-FREE SHOPPING: Professional optical drive manufacturing experience ensures reliable quality and professional customer service. Please If any problem occurs after purchase, please feel free to contact us for assistance or free replacement.Note: If your product does not work, please check whether you have connected it to the computer correctly, whether there is a poor contact, etc., or you can contact us to help solve the problem.

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$14.39

$19.95

-28%

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Alronly

Alronly External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop/PC, USB 3.0 Type-C Portable Player for Computer CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD Burner Writer Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Apple (Functional Interface)

8.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.8

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•Experience High-Speed Read/Write: This Type-C & USB 3.0 external CD/DVD drive delivers blazing-fast performance with up to 8x DVD rewrite/read speed and 24x CD write/read speed. Leveraging dual Type-C and USB 3.0 connectivity, it achieves maximum 5Gbps data transfer rates – ensuring seamless playback of music and movies, smooth software/system installation, and error-free disc burning
•Plug and play, no driver required: Our product design is simple, providing a worry free experience - just plug it in, no need to install complex drivers. This design ensures efficient user use and provides users with a direct digital experience. Our product comes with USB-A and USB-C interfaces, and we believe these interfaces can adapt to your device and bring portable CD burning functionality to your laptop
•Broad Compatibility:Our product is engineered for extensive compatibility, adapting to various formats and devices. Whether you're working on a PC, Mac, or other platforms(except for Chromebook, car platforms, tablets, and televisions), it effortlessly integrates into your digital ecosystem. With wide-ranging support for different file types and operating systems,you can trust our products to provide you with excellent experiences in CD burning, DVD burning, CD reading, and other aspects
•Portable and Lightweight:Our optical drive stands out with its exceptional portability and lightweight design, measuring just 0.79 inches thick and weighing only 0.55 pounds. It easily fits into your handbag or backpack, making it perfect for use at the office, home, or on the go. Made from high-quality materials and featuring a sleek, minimalist design, this external cd/dvd drive is not only stylish and durable but also incredibly convenient . It supports multiple disc formats, offering you a seamless digital experience. Choose our optical drive and let portability and lightness become your trusted companions
•Thoughtful service, thoughtful product: Our external DVD/CD burner uses a built-in cable, eliminating the hassle of cable storage. In addition, for your suggestions on after-sales issues with the product, you can also contact us through the methods provided in the user manual, and we will be happy to serve you.

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$17.98

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JKNJX

JKNJX External DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple

8.6

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.6

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•Effortless Plug & Play Operation: Simply connect this external CD/DVD drive to your computer's USB Type-A or Type-C port using the integrated cable. No external power adapter or additional drivers are needed. It's automatically recognized by your system (Note: Mac requires a readable disc inserted to display the icon). Get started immediately with your preferred disc software.
•High-Speed USB 3.0 Performance: Experience fast data transfers (up to 5 Gbps) via USB 3.0, backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1. Achieve maximum read/write speeds of 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs. Enjoy smooth playback and efficient burning with advanced error correction, noise reduction, and low power consumption.
•Broad System Compatibility: This USB external CD/DVD drive offers extensive compatibility, working seamlessly with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, and 98, alongside most Linux distributions. It supports laptops, desktops, and all-in-one PCs from leading brands including HP, Dell, Lenovo (ThinkPad), ASUS, LG, Samsung, and Microsoft. It is also fully compatible with Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini/Studio running macOS 10.16 or later. For optimal power stability with desktop computers, connect directly to a rear USB port. Note: Not compatible with ChromeOS (Chromebooks), iPads/tablets, TVs,vehicles (cars/trucks),some Surface models, or Blu-ray/4K discs.
•Wide Disc Compatibility & Secure Operation: Reads and writes a wide range of standard 120mm discs including CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, and VCD-ROM. The design provides ample clearance within the disc bay, preventing damage to discs with thicker labels and minimizing risks of skipping or ruined burns/reads.
•Portable & Stable Design: Compact, lightweight, and solidly built for durability. Features anti-skid rubber padding, a brushed texture shell, an embedded USB cable slot, and includes both USB-A and USB-C connectors for easy portability and stable use anywhere - office, school, home, or travel.

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$13.99

$15.99

-13%

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YUNINFANG

YUNINFANG External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 Burner +/-RW Portable DVD Player CD ROM Writer Reader Plug & Play for Windows Mac Linux PC (All in 1)

8.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.5

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•【Plug & Play】 This external CD/DVD drive for laptop is a hassle-free Burner and reader—no extra software needed! Just connect via USB-A, and it’s instantly recognized. Perfect for installing software, playing movies, or burning discs with your favorite media player
•【Plug & Play】 This external CD/DVD drive for laptop is a hassle-free Burner and reader—no extra software needed! Just connect via USB-A, and it’s instantly recognized. Perfect for installing software, playing movies, or burning discs with your favorite media player
•【Wide Compatibility】 Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux laptops/PC. (Cars, TVs, Tablets, Smartphones, Projectors, Xbox, Chrombook, Surface and Blu-ray disk are not supported；Windows 11 requires media player and network)
•【Slim & Compact】 Lightweight and travel-ready, this external CD/DVD drive for laptop slips easily into bags. The built-in cable ensures no misplacement—great for on-the-go burning or entertainment
•【Reliable Performance】 Built for durability with strong error correction and anti-interference tech. Tested for smooth operation—play, rip, or burn discs quietly and efficiently

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$9.99

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