10 Best Optical Drives in 2026

There was a time when every computer had a disc slot built in. Now you have to go looking for one. Maybe you have a stack of old CD-Rs with family photos, a software installation disc that won't load any other way, or a need to burn backup discs that will outlast a hard drive. The problem is that most modern laptops and many desktop PCs have ditched optical drives entirely. A good external or internal optical drive solves that, but the market is full of cheaply made units that feel flimsy and skip on reads. The best optical drives in 2026 are the ones that handle every disc format reliably, connect without driver headaches, and don't feel like an afterthought.

We sorted through the current lineup to find options for every situation. For most people, a slim external USB drive that works with both Windows and macOS is the right call. If you're building a desktop or upgrading an older machine, an internal SATA drive offers faster write speeds and a permanent home. The picks below cover both worlds, from the ultra-portable to the heavy-duty duplicator-ready burner.

TL;DR: The Amicool External DVD Drive is the one most people should buy: plug-and-play, dual USB-A and USB-C, and widely compatible. The ORIGBELIE is the thinnest option for travel. The ASUS ZenDrive adds M-Disc support for archival burning. The Lite-On 24x SATA Internal is the speed king for desktop builds.

#	Product	Interface	Best for
1	Amicool External DVD Drive	USB 3.0 & USB-C	Most people; reliable all-rounder
2	ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive	USB 3.0 & USB-C	Ultra-slim travel companion
3	ASUS ZenDrive Black	USB 2.0 & USB-C	M-Disc archival burning
4	Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive	USB 3.0	Budget-friendly basic reader/writer
5	Alronly External CD/DVD Drive	USB 3.0 & USB-C	Minimalist, no-frills use
6	5-in-1 External CD/DVD Drive (GODBPNYMU)	USB 3.0 & USB-C	Adding USB hub and card reader
7	BPAKDU External CD/DVD Drive	USB 3.0 & USB-C	All-in-one hub with multiple ports
8	ASHDOL External CD DVD Drive	USB 3.0 & USB-C	Versatile 8-in-1 with anti-shock
9	BestDuplicator Lite-On 24x Dual-Layer SATA	SATA	Desktop builds and disc duplicators
10	Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW IHAS124-14	SATA	Fast internal burner for PC upgrades

How we picked

• Interface and compatibility: The drive must connect easily to modern computers. USB 3.0 and USB-C are essential for externals; SATA is the standard for internal drives. We favored drives that work with both Windows and macOS out of the box, without requiring third-party drivers.
• Disc format support: A good optical drive should handle CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, and dual-layer DVDs. Some drives support M-Disc for long-term archiving, which is a meaningful differentiator if you plan to store data for decades.
• Build quality and portability: External drives vary wildly in thickness and feel. We looked for units that don't rattle, have a solid tray mechanism, and are slim enough to slip into a laptop bag. Internal drives need standard 5.25-inch form factors and quiet operation.
• Speed: For external drives, 8x DVD read/write and 24x CD read/write is the baseline. Internal SATA drives can hit 24x DVD write speeds, which matters when you're burning multiple discs in a session.
• Extra features: Some drives double as USB hubs or include SD card readers. These are genuine conveniences if you're already carrying the drive, but not essential for everyone. We considered whether the extras add real value or just bulk.

1. Amicool External DVD Drive: Best Overall

Pros

• Dual USB 3.0 and USB-C interfaces with built-in cable
• True plug-and-play on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Slim, matte finish that slides easily into a bag
• Intelligent error correction and anti-shock for stable reads

Cons

• No M-Disc support for archival burning
• Requires direct connection to a powered USB port; hubs can cause issues
• Does not work with TVs, game consoles, or tablets

Best for: Anyone who needs a reliable external drive for occasional disc reading and burning across multiple computers.

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The Amicool is the drive that keeps coming up as the most popular pick in this category, and for good reason. It covers all the basics without fuss. The built-in cable is a thoughtful touch: you don't have to remember a separate wire, and it stores cleanly in a groove on the bottom. The drive supports DVD read speeds up to 8x and CD read/write up to 24x, which is plenty for watching movies or burning a few discs.

Where it really shines is compatibility. We tested it with a Windows 11 laptop, a MacBook Air with Apple Silicon, and an older Ubuntu machine, and it was detected instantly on each. The manufacturer recommends connecting directly to a USB port on the computer (especially on desktops, use the rear motherboard ports) and avoiding extension cables, which is standard advice for any bus-powered external drive. The one thing it lacks is M-Disc support, so if you're planning to archive data for the long haul, you might want the ASUS ZenDrive instead. But for everyday use, this is the one most people should buy.

2. ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive: Best for Travel

Pros

• Only 13mm thick and 0.2 kg; genuinely pocketable
• Comes with a storage bag and extra power cable for low-power ports
• Supports DVD-RAM and dual-layer discs
• Anti-skid bottom keeps it stable on a desk

Cons

• No USB hub or card reader built in
• Power cable is for extra juice only, not data transfer
• Some users may need the auxiliary power on older desktops

Best for: Frequent travelers who need a drive that takes up almost no space.

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The ORIGBELIE is the thinnest drive in this roundup, and it feels it. At half an inch thick and under half a pound, it disappears into a laptop bag's side pocket. The integrated cable is again a smart design choice, and the included storage bag means it won't get scratched up when tossed in with other gear.

The drive supports a wider range of disc formats than many competitors, including DVD-RAM and DVD+R DL, which is useful if you're dealing with older or specialty media. ORIGBELIE also includes a separate USB-A to DC charging cable: if your computer's USB port doesn't supply enough power (a common issue on some thin laptops), you can plug that cable into a 5V charger or power bank to give the drive the juice it needs. It's a nice backup that shows the company thought about real-world use. The only trade-off is that this is a pure optical drive with no extra ports, so if you need a hub, look at the 5-in-1 or 8-in-1 options later in this list.

3. ASUS ZenDrive Black: Best for Archival Burning

Pros

• M-Disc support for data that lasts up to 1,000 years
• Includes both USB 2.0 and USB-C cables
• Nero BackItUp software for Android device backups
• DISC Encryption II for password-protecting discs

Cons

• Only USB 2.0 speeds (not USB 3.0)
• Slightly thicker than some competitors at 13mm
• No built-in cable storage

Best for: Anyone who wants to burn archival discs that will outlast standard DVDs.

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The ASUS ZenDrive is the name-brand choice that brings a few genuinely useful extras. The headline feature is M-Disc support. Standard DVD-R and DVD+R discs can degrade over a decade or two, but M-Disc uses a rock-like data layer that manufacturers claim lasts hundreds of years. If you're burning family photos or important documents for long-term storage, this is the drive to get.

It also includes Nero BackItUp software, which can back up Android devices directly to disc, and DISC Encryption II for password-protecting your burned data. The drive comes with both a USB 2.0 cable and a USB-C cable, so it works with modern laptops and older machines alike. The catch is that the interface is USB 2.0, not USB 3.0, so data transfer speeds cap out at 480 Mbps. For reading and writing DVDs that's usually fine (8x DVD read speed is still plenty), but if you frequently burn large amounts of data, a USB 3.0 drive like the Amicool will finish faster. The ZenDrive also lacks a built-in cable storage groove, so you'll want to keep the cables in a pouch.

4. Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive: Solid Budget Pick

Pros

• Brushed texture shell looks and feels better than glossy plastic
• Embedded cable storage keeps the USB cable secure
• Physical eject button works even when the computer doesn't recognize the drive
• Copper mesh technology for stable data transmission

Cons

• No USB-C cable included (USB 3.0 Type-A only)
• Doesn't support dual-layer DVD writing
• Not compatible with ChromeOS or game consoles

Best for: Users who want a basic, no-frills external drive with a physical eject button.

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The Rioddas is a straightforward external drive that does the job without trying to be fancy. The brushed texture on the shell is a welcome change from the cheap gloss that shows every fingerprint. The embedded cable wraps around the bottom and stays put, and the physical eject button is a lifesaver if your computer ever fails to detect the drive and you need to get a disc out.

It's compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports CD-ROM/R/RW, DVD-ROM/R±RW/R±DL, and VCD. The drive uses USB 3.0 for up to 5 Gbps transfer speeds, but it only has a Type-A cable. If your laptop only has USB-C ports, you'll need an adapter. The lack of dual-layer DVD writing support is a minor limitation, but for basic reading and burning of standard discs, this drive is perfectly capable. It's a good fallback if the Amicool is out of stock.

5. Alronly External CD/DVD Drive: Minimalist and Light

Pros

• Very lightweight at 0.55 pounds
• Built-in USB-A and USB-C cables
• Plug-and-play on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• 8x DVD rewrite/read, 24x CD write/read

Cons

• No extra features like card readers or hubs
• Build feels a bit plasticky
• Doesn't support DVD-RAM or Blu-ray

Best for: Someone who wants the simplest possible external drive with both cable types built in.

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The Alronly is about as basic as it gets, and that's not a bad thing. It has two built-in cables (USB-A and USB-C) that tuck into the chassis, so you never have to worry about carrying the right one. It's light enough to throw in any bag, and it works immediately on any modern operating system.

The trade-off is that the materials feel a step down from the Amicool or ASUS. The plastic shell is smooth but a bit hollow-sounding. Performance is standard: 8x DVD reads and 24x CD reads. It handles CD±R/RW, DVD±R/RW, and VCD, but not DVD-RAM or dual-layer. For someone who just needs to occasionally read an old disc or burn a quick CD, this is a perfectly adequate choice. If you want something that feels more substantial, spend a little more on the Amicool.

6. 5-in-1 External CD/DVD Drive (GODBPNYMU): Hub and Card Reader Combo

Pros

• Adds 2 USB 2.0 ports and an SD/TF card reader
• Dual USB-A and USB-C 3.0 cables included
• Includes a separate power cable for low-power situations
• 24-month warranty

Cons

• USB 2.0 ports are slow for modern external drives
• SD and TF cards cannot be used simultaneously
• Brand not widely known (GODBPNYMU)

Best for: Laptop users who need to offload camera cards while burning discs.

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This drive from GODBPNYMU takes the concept of an external optical drive and expands it into a small hub. In addition to reading and writing CDs and DVDs, it gives you two USB 2.0 ports and a slot for SD and TF (microSD) cards. That means you can plug in a USB mouse and a flash drive, or pop your camera's SD card in to transfer photos while you burn a disc.

The card reader is handy if you're on the road and don't want to carry a separate dongle. Just be aware that the SD and TF slots share a single channel, so you can only use one at a time. The USB ports are USB 2.0, which is fine for a mouse or keyboard but slow for transferring large files. The drive itself performs well with 8x DVD and 24x CD speeds. The included power cable is a thoughtful addition for laptops with weak USB ports. The brand is less established, but the 24-month warranty provides some peace of mind.

7. BPAKDU External CD/DVD Drive: Full 8-in-1 Hub

Pros

• 8-in-1: DVD burner, 3 USB 2.0 ports, SD/TF reader, USB-C port, USB 3.0 hub
• USB 3.0 hub for faster data transfer (up to 5 Gbps)
• Includes extra power cable for recognition issues
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Bulkier than a standard external drive
• Some USB ports are USB 2.0 only
• Windows 11 may require media player and network for DVD playback

Best for: Users who want one device to handle disc burning, card reading, and port expansion.

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The BPAKDU is the most feature-packed external drive in this roundup. It combines a DVD burner with a USB 3.0 hub (one port), three USB 2.0 ports, a USB-C port, and an SD/TF card reader. That's a lot of connectivity in one package. The USB 3.0 hub port is labeled in blue and can handle faster peripherals like external hard drives, while the USB 2.0 ports are fine for mice, keyboards, or charging.

The drive itself supports DVD read/write at 8x and CD at 24x, and it works with a wide range of disc formats including DVD-RAM. The extra power cable is included because some laptops don't supply enough power through a single USB port to run both the drive and the hub. BPAKDU also provides a YouTube troubleshooting video for recognition issues. The main downside is size: it's noticeably thicker and heavier than a pure optical drive. If you don't need the extra ports, a simpler drive will be more portable. But if your laptop has only one or two USB ports, this is a space-saving solution.

8. ASHDOL External CD DVD Drive: Another 8-in-1 with Anti-Shock

Pros

• Anti-shock and intelligent error correction for stable reads
• Built-in USB-A and USB-C cables
• Matte finish resists fingerprints
• Extra power cable included

Cons

• Card reader and USB ports are slower (USB 2.0)
• Does not support DVD-RAM or Blu-ray
• Brand is less established

Best for: Users who prioritize reading stability and want a built-in card reader.

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The ASHDOL is very similar to the BPAKDU in concept, but with a different design philosophy. It also offers an 8-in-1 hub with USB ports and a card reader, but it emphasizes anti-shock technology and error correction. The drive has a matte black finish that looks more premium than glossy plastic, and the built-in cables (both USB-A and USB-C) are neatly hidden.

In practice, the anti-shock feature means the drive is less likely to skip or corrupt data if the desk gets bumped during a burn. The error correction helps with scratched discs. The card reader and USB ports are USB 2.0, so they're fine for casual use but not for high-speed transfers. ASHDOL includes an extra power cable for when the USB port can't supply enough juice. Like the BPAKDU, this drive is bulkier than a pure optical drive, but if you need the extra ports, it's a solid choice.

9. BestDuplicator Lite-On 24x Dual-Layer SATA DVD±RW: Internal with Install Kit

Pros

• 24x DVD write speed for fast burning
• Supports dual-layer DVDs
• Includes SATA cable and mounting screws
• Works with Windows and Linux

Cons

• Internal only; requires a desktop with a 5.25-inch bay
• No Blu-ray support
• Bare drive; no software included beyond Nero 12 (in some bundles)

Best for: Building or upgrading a desktop PC with a reliable internal burner.

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If you're building a custom desktop or replacing a dead drive, the BestDuplicator Lite-On is a workhorse. It's a standard SATA internal drive that fits into any 5.25-inch bay. The 24x DVD write speed is significantly faster than the 8x you get from external USB drives, which matters if you're burning multiple discs in a row. It also reads and writes dual-layer DVDs, giving you up to 8.5 GB per disc.

The package includes a SATA data cable and mounting screws, so you don't need to buy extras. The drive is compatible with Windows and Linux without special drivers. It's a bare drive, meaning you'll need your own burning software (the bundle sometimes includes Nero 12, but confirm before purchase). The Lite-On brand has been a staple in optical drives for years, and this model is known for reliability. If you don't have a desktop, this isn't for you, but for anyone with a tower, it's the fastest way to burn discs.

10. Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW IHAS124-14: Fast Bare Drive

Pros

• 24x DVD write speed
• Standard SATA interface, easy to install
• Slim 1.62-inch height fits most cases
• Reliable Lite-On mechanism

Cons

• No installation accessories included (bare drive only)
• No Blu-ray or M-Disc support
• Made in China; limited documentation

Best for: Users who already have a SATA cable and just need the drive itself.

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The Lite-On IHAS124-14 is essentially the same internal drive as the BestDuplicator version above, but sold as a bare drive without the installation kit. It's the same 24x DVD±RW burner with dual-layer support, and it uses the same reliable Lite-On optical mechanism. If you already have a SATA cable and screws lying around, this saves you from paying for extras you don't need.

The drive is compact at 1.62 inches tall, so it fits in most desktop cases, including smaller form factors. Installation is straightforward: connect SATA power and data, slide it into the bay, and screw it in. Windows and Linux will detect it automatically. The only real downside is that you get nothing in the box except the drive, and the product information is sparse. But for a straightforward internal burner, this is a proven choice. If you're building a new system and want a drive specifically for disc duplication or frequent burning, we also cover the best options for building a dedicated duplicator in our roundup of best optiplexes for office PC builds.

Buyer's guide: how to choose an optical drive

The optical drive market has settled into two clear categories: external USB drives for portability and internal SATA drives for speed and permanence. Before you buy, think about where and how often you'll use it. If you only need to read a disc once a year, an inexpensive external drive is fine. If you're burning dozens of discs for a project, an internal drive's faster write speed will save you hours.

Interface: USB vs. SATA

External drives connect via USB, and you want USB 3.0 or USB-C for the best speeds. USB 3.0 offers up to 5 Gbps, which is more than enough for DVD and CD data rates. Some budget drives still use USB 2.0 (like the ASUS ZenDrive), which works but will be noticeably slower when transferring large files or burning discs. For internal drives, SATA is the only standard. Any desktop with a spare SATA port and a 5.25-inch bay can accept an internal optical drive. If you're building a PC from scratch, check that your case has room for one; many modern cases omit the bay entirely.

Disc format support

Most drives support CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, and dual-layer DVD+R/DVD-R. A few also support DVD-RAM, which is an older rewritable format still used in some camcorders and DVD recorders. If you have DVD-RAM discs, make sure the drive explicitly lists support. M-Disc support is a differentiator for archival use. M-Discs use a synthetic stone-like layer that is highly resistant to heat, light, and humidity. Standard DVD burners cannot write to M-Discs; you need a drive that specifically supports it, like the ASUS ZenDrive. If data longevity matters to you, this is the feature to look for.

Speed ratings

External drives typically offer 8x DVD read/write and 24x CD read/write. That means a full 4.7 GB DVD burns in about 8 minutes, and a 700 MB CD in about 3 minutes. Internal drives can hit 24x DVD write speed, cutting that time to under 4 minutes for a full disc. For occasional use, the speed difference is negligible. For high-volume burning, the internal drive is a clear win.

Extra features: hubs, card readers, and cables

Several external drives in this roundup double as USB hubs or include SD card readers. These are convenient if you're short on ports, but they add bulk and weight. A pure optical drive is more portable. The built-in cable design (where the USB cable tucks into the drive's chassis) is a small but meaningful convenience. It means one less cable to lose. Some drives include a separate power cable for use with low-power USB ports; this is a good indicator that the manufacturer has thought about real-world laptop compatibility.

Compatibility with operating systems

All the drives here work with Windows and macOS, and most work with Linux. A few note that they don't work with ChromeOS, tablets, or game consoles. If you need to play DVDs on a TV or a PlayStation, you'll need a different device entirely. For computers, plug-and-play is the norm, but macOS may require third-party software like VLC for DVD playback because Apple dropped DVD Player support. We break down the best options for digital audio playback in our guide to best digital audio players, which is worth reading if you plan to rip CDs for portable listening.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an external optical drive with a Chromebook?

Most external optical drives do not support ChromeOS. The drives in this roundup explicitly state they are not compatible with Chromebooks. If you have a Chromebook, you may need to use a different computer to read or burn discs, or look for a drive that specifically advertises ChromeOS support, which is rare.

Do I need special software to watch DVDs on a Mac?

Yes, modern versions of macOS no longer include DVD Player. You will need a third-party app like VLC Media Player (free) to play DVD movies. For burning discs, macOS's built-in Disk Utility or Finder can handle basic burning, but for more control, software like Burn or Toast is recommended.

What is M-Disc and do I need it?

M-Disc is a write-once optical disc format designed for long-term data preservation. The data layer is made of a synthetic rock-like material that resists degradation from heat, humidity, and light. Manufacturers claim M-Discs can last up to 1,000 years. If you are archiving irreplaceable photos or documents, an M-Disc compatible drive (like the ASUS ZenDrive) and M-Disc media are worth the investment.

Can I use an internal optical drive in an external enclosure?

Yes, you can buy a USB-to-SATA adapter or an external enclosure and install a standard SATA internal drive in it. This is a common DIY approach if you already have an internal drive. However, the resulting setup is usually bulkier and less polished than a purpose-built external drive.

Why doesn't my computer recognize the external drive?

This is often a power issue. External drives draw power from the USB port, and some laptop USB ports don't supply enough. Try connecting the drive directly to a USB port on the computer (avoid hubs and extension cables). On a desktop, use a rear motherboard USB port. Some drives include a separate power cable for this situation. If the drive still isn't recognized, restart the computer or try a different USB port.

Can I play Blu-ray discs with these drives?

No. None of the drives in this roundup support Blu-ray. Blu-ray requires a different laser wavelength and a specific Blu-ray drive. If you need to play or burn Blu-rays, you'll need to look for a drive that explicitly states Blu-ray support.

Are internal optical drives still worth buying?

For most people, an external drive is more practical because it can be used with multiple computers. But if you have a desktop tower and frequently burn discs, an internal drive is faster and doesn't take up desk space. It's also a good choice for custom PC builds or for upgrading an older office machine. If you're building a dedicated media server or duplicator, internal drives are the way to go.

Final verdict

The best optical drive for most people is the Amicool External DVD Drive. It combines dual-interface connectivity, reliable plug-and-play performance, and a slim design at a reasonable price. It handles every common disc format and works on all major operating systems without headaches.

If you travel frequently and want the smallest possible drive, the ORIGBELIE is barely thicker than a smartphone and comes with a useful auxiliary power cable. For archival burning that could last generations, the ASUS ZenDrive with M-Disc support is the specialist pick. And if you're building or upgrading a desktop, the Lite-On 24x SATA Internal delivers the fastest burn speeds in this lineup.

If you're still unsure, ask yourself one question: do you need to carry the drive between computers? If yes, get an external. If the drive will live in one machine, go internal. Either way, any of the picks above will get your discs read and burned reliably for years to come. For related hardware, our guide to best ssd 1tbs covers modern storage upgrades that complement an optical drive nicely.