Choosing an external CD/DVD drive: which one is right for your laptop or PC?

Many modern laptops and computers no longer have a built-in CD or DVD drive. However, discs are still useful for old software, music, films, photo archives, backups or files you still have on CD or DVD.

With an external CD/DVD drive, you can easily connect a separate drive to your laptop or computer. This lets you read discs, open files or, in some cases, burn CDs and DVDs without a built-in drive.

What is an external CD/DVD drive?

An external CD/DVD drive is a standalone drive that connects to your laptop, desktop or mini PC via USB. It takes over the function of a built-in CD or DVD tray, but is separate and portable.

This is especially useful for modern laptops, MacBooks and compact computers that no longer have an optical drive. You can use the drive whenever you need it and then easily put it away.

When do you need an external CD/DVD drive?

An external CD/DVD drive is useful when you still use discs but your device does not have a built-in drive. This is increasingly common with slim laptops, ultrabooks, MacBooks and compact desktops.

For example, you can use an external CD/DVD drive to:

• play music CDs;
• watch DVD movies;
• install older software;
• open photos, documents or archives stored on disc;
• create a backup on CD or DVD;
• burn files to a blank disc, if the drive supports this.

Reading CDs and DVDs

The basic function of an external drive is to read discs. This lets you open files stored on a CD or DVD, such as old photo albums, documents, manuals, music files or installation software.

For many users, this is exactly why they need an external drive: to access old files occasionally without having to use an older computer with a built-in drive.

Burning CDs and DVDs

Some external CD/DVD drives can not only read discs, but also burn them. This lets you save files to a compatible blank CD or DVD. This can be useful for archiving, transferring files or using them with older equipment.

When choosing a drive, always check whether it can actually burn discs. A drive reads discs, while a drive/burner can also write files to a compatible disc.

External DVD drive for a laptop

Do you use a laptop without a built-in drive? An external DVD drive is often the simplest solution. Connect it via USB and use it only when you need a disc.

This is useful for students, remote workers, photographers, musicians or anyone who still has files on CD or DVD. An external drive can also come in handy for old software or included installation discs.

External CD/DVD drive for MacBook

Many MacBooks also do not have a built-in optical drive. An external CD/DVD drive can be useful when you want to open old files, music CDs or DVDs.

When using a MacBook, pay particular attention to the connection. Many newer MacBooks have mainly USB-C ports. If an external drive has a USB-A connector, you may need a suitable adapter. You can also browse our adapters and converters.

External CD/DVD drive for Windows, Mac and Linux

Always check that the external drive is compatible with your operating system. Many external drives are plug & play with common systems, but performance can vary depending on the device, software version and application.

Our collection includes the Ibley USB 3.0 DVD/CD drive and burner, for use with Windows, Mac and Linux.

USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or USB-C?

The connection is important when choosing an external CD/DVD drive. Many drives use USB-A, sometimes with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 support. USB 3.0 can be useful for faster data transfer, although the actual speed also depends on the disc, drive and computer.

Do you use a laptop with only USB-C ports? You may need a USB-C adapter if the drive has a USB-A connector. So always check your laptop's ports before ordering.

Plug & play: what does it mean?

Plug & play means that you connect the external drive and can usually use it right away, without a complicated installation. This is ideal for everyday use: connect the cable, insert a disc and open it on your computer.

However, performance may depend on your device, operating system and the software you use. You may need separate playback software to watch DVD movies, as not every system supports DVD video by default.

Difference between CD, DVD and Blu-ray

CDs are often used for music, smaller files or older software. DVDs have more storage space and are more often used for movies, larger files or installation files.

Blu-ray is a separate standard. Not every CD/DVD drive can read Blu-ray discs. If you specifically need a Blu-ray drive, always check that the external drive supports it. A standard external CD/DVD drive is generally designed for CDs and DVDs, not necessarily for Blu-ray.

What should you look for when choosing one?

The best external CD/DVD drive depends on your device and what you want to do with discs. Don't choose based only on appearance or price; focus on the connection, compatibility and features.

When choosing, consider:

• whether you only want to read discs or also burn them;
• compatibility with Windows, macOS or Linux;
• the ports on your laptop or computer;
• USB-A, USB 3.0 or possible use with a USB-C adapter;
• CD and DVD support;
• whether you will use the drive at home, in the office or on the go;
• whether you need extra software for DVD video or specific files.

When should you choose an external CD/DVD burner?

Choose an external CD/DVD burner when you want to do more than read discs and also save files to blank CDs or DVDs. This can be useful for backups, archiving or sharing files with devices that still use discs.

Do you only use discs to open old files or watch movies? A drive is probably enough. If you want to write to discs yourself, choose a drive that is also a burner.

External drive for old software

Much older software was supplied on CD or DVD, including programs, drivers, manuals or installation kits. If your new laptop does not have a built-in drive, you can only open these discs with an external drive.

Bear in mind that old software does not always work automatically on modern operating systems. The drive may be able to read the disc, but the software itself must also be compatible with your computer.

Retrieving photos and files from old discs

Do you still have photos, videos or documents stored on CD or DVD? An external drive is a practical way to transfer those files to your laptop, external drive or cloud storage.

Do you mainly want to transfer files from memory cards, such as SD or microSD cards? Then you don't need a CD/DVD drive, but a card reader. For USB devices or other connections, you can also browse our adapters and converters.

External CD/DVD drive for home, the office or on the go

Do you mainly use the drive at home? Compact storage is useful. If you use it at the office or on the go, you'll want a lightweight, portable drive that is quick to connect.

A compact external drive is easy to carry in a laptop bag or store in a drawer. This gives you access to discs without having a large device on your desk every day.

Which external CD/DVD drive is right for you?

Want to read CDs and DVDs on a laptop or computer without a built-in drive? Browse our external CD/DVD drives. If you're looking for a compact option that can also burn discs, a USB 3.0 DVD/CD drive and burner could be a practical choice.

Not sure whether an external drive is compatible with your laptop, MacBook or desktop? Feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to help you find the right one.

Related topics

Looking for other computer accessories in addition to an external CD/DVD drive? Browse our computer and laptop accessories, computer mice, mouse accessories, keyboard accessories and component handling accessories.

Do you work a lot with photos, documents or memory cards? Also browse our card readers. If your laptop has limited ports, adapters and converters may be useful.

Frequently asked questions about external CD/DVD drives

What is an external CD/DVD drive?

An external CD/DVD drive is a standalone drive that connects to your laptop or computer via USB. It lets you read CDs and DVDs without a built-in drive.

Can I also burn discs with an external CD/DVD drive?

Only if the external drive is also a burner. So always check whether the product can both read and burn discs.

Does an external CD/DVD drive work with a MacBook?

This depends on the connection and compatibility. Many MacBooks have USB-C ports, so you may need an adapter if you have a USB-A drive.

Do I need special software?

You often don't need special software to open files. You may need extra software to play DVD movies or burn discs, depending on your computer and operating system.

Can a regular CD/DVD drive also read Blu-ray discs?

No, not automatically. Blu-ray is a separate standard. Always check whether a drive supports Blu-ray if you want to use Blu-ray discs.

When should I choose a card reader instead of a CD/DVD drive?

Choose a card reader when you want to transfer files from SD or microSD cards. Choose a CD/DVD drive when you want to read files, music, movies or software from discs.