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Our research led us to these picks as the best external optical drives to consider.
Photo:Alamanda / Unsplash
Note: Prices are subject to change.
This optical drive offers speedy access times for all types of optical media.
It can access CD-ROM at 160ms, DVD-ROM at 170ms, and BD-ROM at 180ms.
PHOTO: Amazon
It also supports BDXL, allowing storage of up to 128GB on a single, compatible disc.
And while it’s Mac- and Windows-friendly, firmware upgrades are easier for Windows users.
Purchasers give this product 4.4 out of 5 stars.
PHOTO: Amazon
ASUS’s ultra-slim ZenDrive is a quality pick at an attractive price point.
Operation is a cinch too.
The Asus ZenDrive uses a single USB connection for power and supports Windows and Mac.
PHOTO: Amazon
It also comes loaded with CyberLink software for media storage and a year for free cloud storage.
Purchasers give the ZenDrive 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Write speeds are also decent, with up to 24x on CD-R and up to 8x on DVD-R. An added bonus is the support for Mac and Windows machines and M-Disc compatibility for archival results.
The LG GP65NB60 also comes in various colors besides the standard black.
Purchasers give the LG GP65NB60 4.5 out of 5 stars.
These drives promise to last 1,000 years versus seven to 10 years for standard DVDs before losing image quality.
While standard CD and DVD support is the standard for optical drives, not all models support Blu-ray.
If that’s important to you, double-check the specs to ensure that’s what you’re getting.
Plus, many of them come with integrated cables, which keep your bags clutter-free and cord-free.
By contrast, DVD drives cannot read Blu-Ray media.
Optical drives read and write data to discs using a laser.
The disc spins, allowing the laser to read the tracks on its surface consecutively.
