Looking for a reliable best optical drives for pc in 2025? You’re not alone. With so many models available today, it’s easy to get lost—especially when descriptions are vague or customer reviews are all over the place. That’s why we decided to sort things out. Not by claiming to know everything, but by analyzing what sells well, what real users say, and what’s worth your attention both on paper and in practice. Our goal isn’t to drown you in technical details, but to guide you toward the best possible choices—without wasting hours comparing on your own. In short, a practical and hopefully useful guide.
【PLUG & PLAYP】Easy to use. Rioddas external DVD drive is powered by USB port.No external driver and power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected.
【TRENDY DESIGN】 Brushed texture shell brings trendy sight and touch enjoyment. Embedded cable design, worry- off cable missing any when and where
【HIGH SPEED】 Rioddas external CD drive floppy is compatible with USB3.0 and backwards compatible with USB2.0 USB1.0,bringing you faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance
【INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY】 This ultra slim CD/DVD player floppy for laptops comes standard with an eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. Thanks to the copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission
【WIDE SUPPaORT】Rioddas external CD Drive supports to read CD,VCD,SVCD,CD-R/RW,DVD-R/RW and burn CD+/-RW,DVD+/-RW, etc. Advanced chip, DVD-/+RW burner supports playing music, movies or copying/burning movies and music to DVD or CD.ideal for various devices,Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8.1/10, Linux, all version Mac OS system Laptop, Notebook, PC, Desktop Computer.
【5 in 1 External CD Drive】BUNUD external CD DVD drive for laptop has an independent SD / TF card slot, 2 USB ports and micro USB ports. It can transfer photos and videos directly from SD / TF card into the computer, USB Hard Drive and flash drive. BUNUD external CD DVD drive has additional 2 USB ports which can be used to connect the U disk and charge your phone or other electronic devices.NOTE: SD card and TF card can't work together at the same time, only choose one each time.
【USB 3.0 & Type-C】The external DVD drive can easily connect to a computer with the Type-C or USB 3.0 interface. Just plug it into your USB port and the external DVD drive for laptop will be automatically recognized within seconds. Our CD DVD drive external makes it possible to cover all of your burning and playback needs, such as burning files, burning music and movies on CD or DVD, installing software and creating backup CDs, watching DVD / CD movies.
【High Quality】This BUNUD cd drive is made of Aviation Aluminum and original new core. It has perfect functions, such as noise reduction, shockproof, fast Speed, robust & durable, and error correction. The data cable is hidden in this external cd dvd drive for laptop. You’ll never have to worry about lost cables with this external CD drive at any time. You can put this DVD drive in your travel bag or on your desk.
【Wide Compatibility】 This external dvd drive for laptop is compatible with Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / 7 / 8.1 / 10/11, Linux, all versions Mac system, laptop , Notebook, pc, desktop computer. In addition, for the desktops, this external cd dvd drive must be connected to the USB port on the back of the computer host, otherwise it will result in insufficient power supply. (CD DVD Drive burner could not work with car, Chrome OS, smartphone, TV, projector, iPad, blu-ray disc.)
【Read and Write】External CD DVD drive supports play and burn both CDs and DVDs whether you're at the office or on the road. External CD DVD drive supports to read CD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and burn CD+/-RW, DVD+/-RW, etc. Max DVD-ROM drive reading speed 8X; Max CD-ROM drive burning speed 24X and DVD drive reading speed 8X; Max CD drive reading speed 24X. "
How to choose a good best optical drives for pc?
On the surface, choosing a best optical drives for pc seems simple. But once you dig in, it gets more complicated. Between technical differences, unfamiliar brands, and unclear features, it’s better to ask the right questions:
Usage: Will you use it daily or only occasionally? That heavily influences the right model.
Budget: No need to go for the most expensive one right away. What matters is the value for money.
Key factors:
Durability, build quality, lifespan
Truly useful features (not just marketing buzz)
User reviews, especially after weeks or months
Availability of customer service in case of issues
We’ve cross-checked multiple sources: Amazon data, detailed reviews, search trends… and a bit of intuition too—because numbers don’t tell the whole story. This mix allows us to build our ranking, which we update regularly. The goal isn’t to just list names but to guide you toward what truly works.
【PLUG & PLAYP】Easy to use. Rioddas external DVD drive is powered by USB port.No external driver and power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected.
【TRENDY DESIGN】 Brushed texture shell brings trendy sight and touch enjoyment. Embedded cable design, worry- off cable missing any when and where
【HIGH SPEED】 Rioddas external CD drive floppy is compatible with USB3.0 and backwards compatible with USB2.0 USB1.0,bringing you faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance
【INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY】 This ultra slim CD/DVD player floppy for laptops comes standard with an eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. Thanks to the copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission
【WIDE SUPPaORT】Rioddas external CD Drive supports to read CD,VCD,SVCD,CD-R/RW,DVD-R/RW and burn CD+/-RW,DVD+/-RW, etc. Advanced chip, DVD-/+RW burner supports playing music, movies or copying/burning movies and music to DVD or CD.ideal for various devices,Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8.1/10, Linux, all version Mac OS system Laptop, Notebook, PC, Desktop Computer.
【5 in 1 External CD Drive】BUNUD external CD DVD drive for laptop has an independent SD / TF card slot, 2 USB ports and micro USB ports. It can transfer photos and videos directly from SD / TF card into the computer, USB Hard Drive and flash drive. BUNUD external CD DVD drive has additional 2 USB ports which can be used to connect the U disk and charge your phone or other electronic devices.NOTE: SD card and TF card can't work together at the same time, only choose one each time.
【USB 3.0 & Type-C】The external DVD drive can easily connect to a computer with the Type-C or USB 3.0 interface. Just plug it into your USB port and the external DVD drive for laptop will be automatically recognized within seconds. Our CD DVD drive external makes it possible to cover all of your burning and playback needs, such as burning files, burning music and movies on CD or DVD, installing software and creating backup CDs, watching DVD / CD movies.
【High Quality】This BUNUD cd drive is made of Aviation Aluminum and original new core. It has perfect functions, such as noise reduction, shockproof, fast Speed, robust & durable, and error correction. The data cable is hidden in this external cd dvd drive for laptop. You’ll never have to worry about lost cables with this external CD drive at any time. You can put this DVD drive in your travel bag or on your desk.
【Wide Compatibility】 This external dvd drive for laptop is compatible with Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / 7 / 8.1 / 10/11, Linux, all versions Mac system, laptop , Notebook, pc, desktop computer. In addition, for the desktops, this external cd dvd drive must be connected to the USB port on the back of the computer host, otherwise it will result in insufficient power supply. (CD DVD Drive burner could not work with car, Chrome OS, smartphone, TV, projector, iPad, blu-ray disc.)
【Read and Write】External CD DVD drive supports play and burn both CDs and DVDs whether you're at the office or on the road. External CD DVD drive supports to read CD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and burn CD+/-RW, DVD+/-RW, etc. Max DVD-ROM drive reading speed 8X; Max CD-ROM drive burning speed 24X and DVD drive reading speed 8X; Max CD drive reading speed 24X. "
4K 3D Blu-Ray disc Support: Enjoy Full UHD movies at home with 1080p video resolution, pristine sound and enhanced interactive features
BDXL Support: Reads and writes three-layer BDXL-R/BDXL RE discs (100 GB capacity) and quad-layer BDXL-R discs (128 GB capacity) with fast SATA connection
M-DISC Support: M-Discs have been tested and proven to outlast standard DVD's, offering superior data protection with greater longevity for photos, videos and data files
Silent Play Technology: Helps reduce noise during playback by adjusting the playback speed to the optimal performance for different multimedia
【Great Compatibility】External DVD Drive ideals for various devices,Windows 11/10/8.1/7/XP/2003/Vista, Linux, all version Mac OS system Laptop, Macbook, PC, Desktop Computer. (Not support: m1 chip ,m2 chip,m3 chip and m4 chip) (Windows 11 requires media player )
【PLUG & PLAYP】: Easy to use, external cd drive is powered by USB port. No extra driver and power needed. Just hook up the dvd drive to the direct USB port on your computer and the DVD driver will be detected. (Notice: Making sure that your computer has a normal driver program, suitable media player and burn software before using this external cd drive to work.)
【High Writing and Reading Speed】Max 8x DVD Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed provide high writing and reading speed. External CD Drive supports playing music, movies or copying/burning movies and music to DVD or CD.
【USB 3.0 & Type C】External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop with USB 3.0 and Type-C dual interface. Backwards compatible with USB2.0 USB1.0, bringing you faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance.
【Ultra Slim Portable Design】: This ultra slim CD/DVD player for laptops with embedded cable design, worry- off cable missing any when and where. Lightweight body makes it easy to carry anywhere. You can put this external CD drive/ DVD burner/ player in your travel bag or on your desk.
【Plug and Play External CD/DVD Drive】This PeroBuno external CD DVD drive for Laptop does not need to install additional drivers, just plug the USB A/USB C data cable into the computer, insert the CD/DVD, and then the external CD DVD drive for Macbook will automatically recognize it, use appropriate software to read and burn your CD or DVD. Easy to use!
【USB 3.0 High-Speed External DVD Drive】The external CD DVD drive for Mac uses high-speed USB 3.0 technology, which provides higher data transfer rates up to 5 Gigabits/S (625MB/S). It is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Meanwhile, the external CD DVD drive for PC delivers up to 8x DVD read/write speeds and up to 24x CD read/write speeds, faster than you might expect. This is a powerful and fast external CD DVD player/reader/writer/rewriter/burner/ripper/recorder.
【Wide Compatibility CD DVD Burner and Reader】The external disk drive supports CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, VCD and SVCD. This USB CD DVD drive supports different devices such as Macbook, iMac, Mac, Notebook, Desktop, PC and Laptop etc. It's compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7/XP , Vista 7/8, Linux, Mac OS 10.6 or above. (Car, TV, Tablet, Phone, Projector, PS 5, Xbox, Switch, Chrome OS and Blu-ray disk are not supported；Windows 11 requires media player and network.)
【2 in 1 USB 3.0 Data Cable】The built-in data cable (on the back of the CD drive) with USB 3.0 type-A and type-C connectors, make it easier to plug the DVD drive into different laptop and PC without any adapters. And no worries about losing data cables. We also considerately equipped with a power supply cable, so that some computers with insufficient power supply do not have to worry about not being able to use it. It makes PeroBuno external CD drive compatible with most computers, old and new.
【RGB LED Color Gradient Light External CD Drive】The cd rom external drive for laptop is equipped with the latest RGB LED lights. Cool RGB LED indicator light that can cycle and gradually change colors. It makes an ordinary external usb cd dvd drive cool and fashionable.
【EAD Voltage Stabilization Technology】Antika DVD player adopts EAD technology,Intelligently control current to protect this device and computer, preventing from failure to work because of unstable voltage.USB 3.0, Type C high speed interface, make sure more stable and faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps)
【Extended Cable 】The cable has extended optimization,much longer than the embedded type.internal route optimization design has low power consumption to save power. The additional power cable for possible need to computer with low power output through USB port leading to device’s failure to work.
【High Speed and Stable Performance】Antika External DVD Drive resemble first tier of chip to drive this device. Faster recognition by computer,strong error correction capacity and more stable playing and burning performance.With strong error-correction ability, plays music and movies with no lag or distortion
【Plug and Play】This external disk drive directly powered by the USB/ TypeC port,no additional driver needed for computer installed driver already. Compatible with 98% different types of computer in marketplace.Multi-function for installing games,playing DVD, watching teaching video , burning DVD/CD, system installation
【Wide Compatibility 】 Suitable for Windows 10/8/7/vista/xp Mac osx10.6 Above. It is specially designed for Apple HP Dell Lenovo and others, Surface/notebook.Device failing to be recognized or play DVD/CD on windows 10 or Mac series computer,please contact seller to ask for the relative download procedure and operation guidance
【Powerful External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop Macbook】Considering that most of the latest laptops and desktop computers are not equipped with the internal CD/DVD drive, network interface, SD/TF card slot, and the number of USB interfaces is generally insufficient. This newest ORIGBELIE full-featured external DVD drive is the perfect solution for most computers. Just plug the data cable (on the back of the external CD drive) into the USB-A or USB-C port of your computer, and you start to have all the functions mentioned above. No additional drivers are required. Plug and play.
【Full-Featured External CD/DVD Drive for PC Mac】This is not only an external CD DVD reader/ player/ writer/ rewriter/ burner/ recorder/ ripper, but also a USB A/C 3.0 computer network adapter, 2*USB A and 1*USB C USB 3.0 hub, SD/TF card reader. With this CD DVD adapter, you can not only read/burn CDs and DVDs, but also connect to Ethernet LAN Network (up to 100Mbps), SD/TF cards, USB hard drives/ flash drives/ mouse/ keyboards and other external USB A&C devices.
【Latest CD DVD Burner and Reader】This CD DVD ROM disc drive supports CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, VCD and SVCD. And the external disk drive supports different devices such as Macbook, iMac, Mac, Notebook, Desktop, PC and Laptop etc. It's compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8/ 7/ XP/ Vista, Linux and Mac OS. (Car, TV, Tablet, Phone, Projector, Chromebook and Blu-ray disk are not supported；Windows 11 requires media player and network.)
【USB 3.0 High-Speed External CD DVD Drive】The external dvd drive for laptop uses high-speed USB 3.0 technology and is backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.0. USB 3.0 is an updated version of USB 2.0 that provides higher data transfer rates of up to 5 Gigabits/S (625MB/S). It is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. At the same time, the external cd drive for laptop offers Max 8x DVD read/write speeds and Max 24x CD read/write speeds, faster than you expect.
【Super 9 in 1 USB CD DVD Drive】As the most innovative computer external device, this USB DVD drive has rich interfaces: including USB A 3.0 data connector*1, USB C 3.0 data connector*1, RJ45 network interface*1, USB A 3.0 port*1, USB A 2.0 port*1, USB C port*1, TF card slot*1, SD card slot*1, DC port (for supplementary power supply) *1. You can use the USB CD drive to listen to music, watch movies, play games, backup data, install software/operating system, connect to Ethernet, transfer data, connect various USB A/C external devices, etc.
【5 in 1 External CD Drive】BUNUD external CD DVD drive for laptop has an independent SD / TF card slot, 2 USB ports and micro USB ports. It can transfer photos and videos directly from SD / TF card into the computer, USB Hard Drive and flash drive. CD drive has additional 2 USB ports which can be used to connect the U disk and charge your phone or other electronic devices.NOTE: SD card and TF card can't work together at the same time, only choose one each time.
【High Quality】This BUNUD external CD DVD drive is made of original new core. It has perfect functions, such as noise reduction, shockproof, fast Speed, robust & durable, and error correction. The data cable is hidden in this external cd dvd drive. You’ll never have to worry about lost cables with this external CD drive at any time. You can put this DVD drive in your travel bag or on your desk. (External DVD Drive could not work with car, Chrome OS, smartphone, TV, projector, iPad, blu-ray disc.)
【USB 3.0 & Type-C】The external DVD drive can easily connect to a computer with the Type-C or USB 3.0 interface. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD drive will be automatically recognized within seconds. Our CD DVD drive makes it possible to cover all of your burning and playback needs, such as burning files, burning music and movies on CD or DVD, installing software and creating backup CDs, watching DVD / CD movies.
【Read and Write】External CD & DVD drives supports play and burn both CDs and DVDs whether you're at the office or on the road. External CD DVD drive supports to read CD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and burn CD+/-RW, DVD+/-RW, etc. Max DVD-ROM drive reading speed 8X; Max CD-ROM drive burning speed 24X and DVD drive reading speed 8X; Max CD drive reading speed 24X. "
【Wide Compatibility】 This external cd dvd drive for laptop is compatible with Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / 7 / 8.1 / 10/11, Linux, all versions Mac OS system, laptop , Notebook, pc, desktop computer. In addition, for the desktops, this BUNUD CD DVD drive must be connected to the USB port on the back of the computer host.（This external cd drive is not compatible with ipad, tablet, tv, cars, smartphone, Chrome OS, blu ray disc, projector.)
Smart Write can over speed certain 16X DVD±R media to a maximum of 24X*
With 24X DVD±R writing speeds, Late-On offers the fastest DVD±R writing possible
Super All Write offers the ability to read, write and re-write to any disc format on the market
Future proof; compatibility with the latest motherboards
Better airflow in PC casings due to smaller cable and plug sizes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best best optical drives for pc? It depends on your needs, but the top 3 products are generally the most balanced options.
How do I maintain it properly? It varies by model. The best approach is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (yes, reading the manual is worth it).
Where to buy it with confidence? Amazon remains a solid choice: wide selection, easy returns, and tons of user reviews—hard to beat.
Do I need a big-name brand? Not necessarily. Lesser-known brands can be surprisingly good, with well-designed products that rival top names—at a lower cost. Don’t overlook them just because the name is unfamiliar.
What are the most common pitfalls? A super low price might be tempting but could signal major compromises (build quality, reliability, nonexistent support…). Also beware of product pages with no reviews or vague comments. Spend a few minutes reading real feedback—this is often where the most valuable info is.
How is our ranking built?
We don’t claim to have a magic formula. In reality, it’s a blend of data—ratings, sales volume, review frequency—and observation. We watch for recurring themes in reviews, compare search trends, and yes, sometimes rely on our gut feeling. A great product isn’t just numbers. Our ranking aims to balance all of that: data, common sense, and a lot of time spent checking.
We analyze scores, sales frequency, genuine reviews (not just stars), and current search trends. Each model is rated using a consistent set of criteria. While it’s not perfect, it helps us stay fair and consistent. And we update our lists often, because products evolve—and so do we.
Why trust Topelio?
Topelio is an independent website—we don’t sell these products and we’re not tied to any brand. What drives us is clarity and usefulness. We aim to produce practical, readable, honest content. Our rankings are based on public data, complemented by our own experience. No shady partnerships or biased recommendations—just a genuine effort to save you time, and maybe money too.
Thanks for taking the time to read this guide. Choosing a best optical drives for pc might seem trivial, but it’s often more complicated than expected. Too many options, unclear product pages, and marketing promises that don’t help… That’s why we aimed to create a simple but solid comparison. With practical info, useful tips, and most importantly—a ranking based on reality. Take time to compare, read more reviews if needed, and choose based on your own priorities. What works for someone else might not be ideal for you. If this guide helped you, feel free to explore our other articles. We always try to add real value—without wasting your time. See you soon on Topelio.
