Need to install software from a disc, play an old CD, or burn a DVD on a PC without a built-in drive? An external optical drive can restore those options without opening your computer.
These 10 picks cover straightforward USB DVD burners, slim travel-friendly designs, and models with USB-C or extra ports. The right choice depends on your connection, the discs you use, and whether you need anything beyond a basic reader and writer.
Best 10 External Optical Drives for PC Picks for 2026
Best Dual-Connector Option
- USB 3.0 and USB-C connections
- Reads and burns standard CDs/DVDs
- Slim design with built-in cable
Best For: Laptops with USB-A or USB-C ports
Best for Disc Privacy
- Password-controlled Disc Encryption
- Three-step Drag-and-Burn interface
- 8x DVD writing over USB 2.0
Best For: Simple DVD backups with disc protection
Best Built-In Cable Design
- Embedded USB-A cable
- Reads and burns CDs/DVDs
- Physical eject button
Best For: Portable CD/DVD use without a loose cable
Best Straightforward HP Option
- Listed 8x DVD read/write speeds
- PC and Mac compatibility listed
- Software and documentation included
Best For: Basic HP-branded DVD reading and writing
Best for Extra USB Ports
- Reads and burns CDs and DVDs
- Five additional USB ports
- SD/TF slots; use one at a time
Best For: Laptop users who need disc access and extra connections
Best for Mixed USB Setups
- Reads and burns CDs and DVDs
- USB-A, USB-C, and SD/TF connectivity
- Extra power cable may be needed
Best For: Users combining disc access with peripheral and card-reader ports
Best for USB-C Peripherals
ORIGBELIE 6-in-1 Hub CD/DVD Drive
- Two USB-C hub ports
- Built-in USB-A/USB-C data cable
- Supplemental power cable included
Best For: Laptop users with USB-C accessories and CD/DVD collections
Slim M-Disc Pick
- 13mm slim design
- USB-A and USB-C cables included
- M-Disc support and Disc Encryption II
Best For: PC and Mac users seeking a portable M-Disc-capable DVD burner
Hub-Equipped Pick
- CD/DVD reading and burning
- Two USB ports and SD/TF slots
- Tuck-away USB-A/USB-C cable
Best For: Laptop users needing a disc drive and basic peripheral hub
Travel-Friendly Pick
- 13mm, 0.2 kg design
- Integrated USB-A/USB-C cable
- Storage bag and supplemental power cable included
Best For: Travelers needing a compact CD/DVD burner for a compatible computer
Best Dual-Connector Option – Amicool USB-A/USB-C DVD Drive
Among external optical drives for PC, the Amicool is a practical pick if your computers have a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports. It reads and burns common CDs and DVDs, with a slim body and built-in cable for travel.
Best For: Laptop users who want USB-A and USB-C connection options for standard CDs and DVDs.
Pros:
- USB 3.0 and USB-C connectors accommodate different computer ports.
- Supports DVD±R and CD-R/RW, with up to 8x DVD and 24x CD speeds.
- Integrated cable makes the slim drive easier to pack.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray discs or DVD-RAM.
- May need a direct, adequately powered USB connection; hubs can cause recognition issues.
Choose this one for connector flexibility, but check your disc formats first. For desktop PCs, the manufacturer recommends a rear motherboard USB port for reliable power.
Best for Disc Privacy – ASUS SDRW-08D2S-U DVD Writer
The ASUS SDRW-08D2S-U stands out among external optical drives for PC users who also want straightforward disc-burning software. Its Drag-and-Burn interface and Disc Encryption features add practical tools to an 8x DVD writer.
Best For: Windows or Mac users who want simple DVD burning with password-controlled disc protection.
Pros:
- Disc Encryption offers password-controlled and hidden-file functionality.
- Drag-and-Burn is designed to complete a burn in three steps.
- Slim, diamond-cut design is easy to place alongside a computer.
Cons:
- Uses USB 2.0 rather than USB 3.0.
- The listing says a stand is not included.
This is the more software-focused choice if protected disc backups appeal to you. Check that its USB 2.0 connection and lack of an included stand fit your setup.
Best Built-In Cable Design – Rioddas USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive
For shoppers comparing external optical drives for PC, the Rioddas offers a compact way to read and burn CDs and DVDs without carrying a separate cable. Its USB 3.0 Type-A connection is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
Best For: Users who want a portable USB-A CD/DVD drive with its cable stored in the housing.
Pros:
- Embedded cable keeps the USB lead with the drive.
- Supports CD and DVD reading and writing, including DVD±DL formats.
- Physical eject button can release a disc even if the computer does not recognize the drive.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray or 4K discs.
- USB-A connection may require an adapter on USB-C-only computers.
The stored cable and eject button make this a convenient everyday option. On a desktop, connect it directly to a rear USB port as recommended for dependable power.
Best Straightforward HP Option – HP USB External DVDRW Drive
If you are looking at external optical drives for PC and prefer an HP-branded option, this USB external DVD-RW drive covers basic disc-reading and writing needs. The supplied specifications list 8x DVD read and write speeds and compatibility with PCs and Macs.
Best For: PC or Mac users who want a basic HP external DVD-RW drive.
Pros:
- Reads and writes DVDs at listed speeds of 8x.
- PC and Mac compatibility is listed in the product details.
- Includes software and documentation.
Cons:
- Supplied details do not specify USB-C connectivity.
- Listed operating systems focus on older Windows versions through Windows 11 and Mac OS X; verify compatibility with your exact setup.
This is a simple choice for conventional DVD tasks. Because the listing provides limited detail about ports and current Mac support, confirm those points before purchasing.
Best for Extra USB Ports – ORIGBELIE 8-in-1 CD/DVD Drive
Among external optical drives for PC, this ORIGBELIE model is a practical pick when your laptop also needs more connections. It reads and burns CDs and DVDs while adding USB ports and SD/TF card slots.
Best For: Laptop users who want disc access and extra ports in one portable device.
Pros:
- Reads and writes supported CD and DVD formats, including DVD-RAM.
- Adds one USB 3.0 port, three USB 2.0 ports, a USB-C port, and SD/TF slots.
- Built-in cable and slim design make it easier to carry and store.
Cons:
- SD and TF slots cannot be used simultaneously.
- Does not support Blu-ray discs or direct use with TVs, cars, tablets, or phones.
Choose this one if the extra USB connections matter as much as disc playback or burning. Its listed maximum optical speeds are 8x for DVD reading and 24x for CD reading or writing.
Best for Mixed USB Setups – BPAKDU 8-in-1 CD/DVD Drive
The BPAKDU is one of the external optical drives for PC shoppers who want CD/DVD reading and burning alongside USB-A, USB-C, and card-reader connections. Its USB-powered, plug-and-play design suits a laptop or desktop without a built-in drive.
Best For: Users who want a disc drive with extra peripheral and camera-card connections.
Pros:
- Reads and writes supported CD and DVD formats, including DVD-RAM.
- Includes one USB 3.0 port, three USB 2.0 ports, a USB-C port, and SD/TF slots.
- Supports USB-A and USB-C computer connections and lists Windows, macOS, and Linux compatibility.
Cons:
- Some Windows 10/11 PCs may need the extra power cable or troubleshooting if the drive is not recognized.
- SD and TF cards cannot be used simultaneously; Blu-ray discs are unsupported.
This is a useful all-in-one option if you can accommodate a possible power or recognition fix. The listed optical speeds top out at 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs.
Best for USB-C Peripherals – ORIGBELIE 6-in-1 Hub CD/DVD Drive
If you are comparing external optical drives for PC use and need more USB-C connections, this ORIGBELIE model stands out with two USB-C hub ports. It also reads and writes CDs and DVDs through a built-in USB-A/USB-C data cable.
Best For: Laptop users who want a portable disc burner with USB-C accessory ports.
Pros:
- Reads and writes a broad listed range of CD and DVD formats, including dual-layer DVDs.
- Hub includes two USB-C ports, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Type-A ports, plus SD/TF slots.
- Includes a supplemental power cable for computers that cannot supply enough power through the data connection.
Cons:
- SD and TF slots cannot be used simultaneously.
- Does not support Blu-ray discs, Chromebooks, or direct connection to TVs and game consoles.
The built-in cable and included power option make this a flexible choice for compatible computers. Check the stated device exclusions before buying, particularly if your setup is not a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop.
Slim M-Disc Pick – ASUS ZenDrive 13mm DVD Burner
Among external optical drives for PC, the ASUS ZenDrive is a slim option for anyone who also uses a Mac. It reads and writes CDs and DVDs, supports M-Disc media, and includes both USB-A and USB-C cables.
Best For: PC and Mac users who want a portable DVD burner with M-Disc support.
Pros:
- 13mm slim design is easy to carry.
- Includes USB-A and USB-C cables.
- Supports M-Disc and offers Disc Encryption II features.
Cons:
- Uses a USB 2.0 interface rather than USB 3.0.
- No Blu-ray support is listed.
Choose this drive if M-Disc support and a thin design matter more to you than a newer USB interface. Check compatibility if you use an operating system outside the versions listed for it.
Hub-Equipped Pick – GODBPNYMU 5-in-1 DVD Drive
If you want external optical drives for PC that do more than handle discs, this GODBPNYMU model adds two USB 2.0 ports and SD and TF card slots. Its compact body has a tuck-away data cable with USB-A and USB-C connectors.
Best For: Laptop users who want CD/DVD access, card reading, and extra USB ports in one device.
Pros:
- Reads and burns CDs and DVDs.
- Adds two USB 2.0 ports plus SD and TF card slots.
- Built-in USB-A/USB-C cable stores under the drive.
- Includes a separate power cable for situations where USB power is insufficient.
Cons:
- Not compatible with TVs, tablets, or in-car entertainment systems.
- The included power cable does not transfer data.
This is a practical choice when a laptop is short on ports. Despite its USB 3.0 connectors, the supplied specifications list a 480 Mbps data transfer rate, so do not choose it expecting faster-than-USB-2.0 listed throughput.
Travel-Friendly Pick – ORIGBELIE 13mm CD/DVD Drive
The ORIGBELIE is one of the slimmer external optical drives for PC in this lineup: its 13mm body and integrated USB-A/USB-C data cable are convenient to pack. It reads and writes CDs and DVDs at listed maximum speeds of 24x and 8x, respectively.
Best For: Travelers who need a compact CD/DVD drive for a compatible laptop or desktop.
Pros:
- 13mm body weighs a listed 0.2 kg.
- Integrated cable offers USB-A and USB-C connections.
- Includes a storage bag and a separate cable for supplemental power.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
- Some computers may need the included supplemental power cable for reliable disc reading.
- The stated warranty is 90 days.
This is a straightforward portable burner if you want a cable that stays with the drive. Its USB 3.0 connection does not change the listed 8x DVD and 24x CD speed limits.
How We Picked the Best External Optical Drives for PC
We focused on the differences that matter when buying External Optical Drives for PC: CD/DVD reading and writing, connection type, portability, and useful extras such as card slots. The selected products range from basic USB DVD burners by ASUS and HP to multiport models from ORIGBELIE and BPAKDU. Because product names do not establish real-world speed or reliability, check current specifications, compatibility notes, and recent buyer feedback before ordering.
Quick Comparison
For a simple disc reader and burner, start with the ASUS SDRW-08D2S-U, HP USB External DVDRW Drive, Amicool, or Rioddas. If you want a slim drive that also lists M-DISC support, look at the ASUS ZenDrive and confirm that the discs and software you plan to use are compatible. If your laptop is short on ports, compare the ORIGBELIE multiport models, the BPAKDU 8-in-1, and the 5-in-1 drive. For a compact option that lists USB-C, consider the ORIGBELIE 13 mm model. These are starting points, not guarantees that every configuration supports the same features.
Key Buying Factors for External Optical Drives for PC
Disc Formats and Tasks
Most drives here are described as CD/DVD readers and writers, not Blu-ray drives. Check the listing for the exact formats you need, especially DVD±RW and any archival format. A drive that reads a disc may not write to it. Disc playback, ripping, and burning can also require separate software; a drive alone does not supply every app or codec.
USB Connection and Power
Match the plug to your PC’s available USB-A or USB-C port. A USB-C connector does not automatically mean faster disc writing: the optical mechanism and supported media set the practical limits. Portable drives typically draw power over USB, so check whether the manufacturer calls for a second connector or additional power, particularly if your PC’s port supplies limited power.
Portability and Extras
A slim drive is easier to carry and store. Built-in USB ports and SD/TF card slots can reduce the need for a separate hub, but confirm their layout and supported connections. If you only need to open or burn occasional discs, a simpler drive may be easier to choose and use.
Who Should Buy Which External Optical Drives for PC?
Occasional CD/DVD user: Choose a basic USB DVD burner with the connector your PC has. Frequent traveler: Prioritize a slim design and a cable arrangement that fits your bag. Port-limited laptop owner: Consider a multiport model after checking that its extra ports meet your needs. Archive-minded buyer: Examine the ZenDrive’s stated M-DISC support, then verify compatible media and burning software. Blu-ray user: Shop for a drive explicitly labeled for Blu-ray instead; a CD/DVD drive will not meet that need.