Remember when you could pop a CD into your computer and burn a mix of your favorite songs or save important files? For many of us, CDs and DVDs were a big part of our digital lives. But now, with so many new ways to store and share information, you might be wondering if CD burners are still relevant. If you’re looking to bring back that disc-burning magic, or need to create backups the old-fashioned way, you’ve probably noticed that choosing an external CD burner can feel a little confusing.
It’s true, the world of technology moves fast! You might be asking yourself, “Do I really need one of these anymore?” Or maybe you’ve tried to find one and felt overwhelmed by all the different brands, speeds, and features. It’s tough to know which one will actually work well for you without wasting time and money. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a good external CD burner. We’ll look at the things you should consider before you buy, so you can feel confident in your choice. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find an external CD burner that fits your needs perfectly, whether you’re archiving photos or sharing a special project. Let’s dive in and explore the world of external CD burners together!
Our Top 5 External Cd Burner Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 External Cd Burner Detailed Reviews
1. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive
Rating: 9.1/10
This Amicool External DVD Drive is a handy gadget for anyone who needs to read, write, or burn CDs and DVDs on their computer. It’s super easy to set up, and you can take it anywhere because it’s small and light.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly easy to use. Just plug it in, and your computer recognizes it right away. No need to install any extra software!
- It works with both older USB ports and newer USB-C ports, so it’s compatible with most laptops and desktops.
- It’s fast! The USB 3.0 and Type-C connections let you transfer data quickly, so watching movies or loading files is smooth.
- This drive works with almost all computers, no matter if you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- It’s very portable. The built-in cable means you won’t lose it, and its slim design makes it easy to carry in your bag.
- It can read, write, and burn discs reliably, and it has features to make sure discs play without skipping or making too much noise.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember this drive is only for computers. It won’t work with TVs, tablets, or car stereos.
- For desktop users, plugging it into the back USB port is recommended for the best performance.
Overall, the Amicool External DVD Drive is a great, user-friendly option for adding CD and DVD capabilities to your computer.
2. YOTUO External DVD Drive
Rating: 8.5/10
The YOTUO External DVD Drive is a handy gadget that lets you use CDs and DVDs with your computer, even if it doesn’t have a built-in drive anymore. It’s small and easy to take with you, making it great for laptops or desktops.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up – just plug it in and it works!
- It’s really slim and light, so you can carry it anywhere. The cable tucks away neatly too.
- It’s fast! It reads discs quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to watch a movie or listen to music.
- It works with almost all computers, including Windows and Mac.
- It’s made from strong materials that can handle bumps and keep working well. It’s also built to be quiet.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t work with TVs, car players, tablets, or phones.
This YOTUO DVD drive is a reliable and portable solution for all your CD and DVD needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing to read or burn discs on the go.
3. Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop
Rating: 9.0/10
The Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive brings back the convenience of discs for your modern devices. It’s a handy tool for anyone who still uses CDs or DVDs for music, movies, or important files, especially if their laptop doesn’t have a built-in drive.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up. Just plug it into your computer’s USB port, and it works right away – no extra software or power cords needed.
- It’s fast! With USB 3.0, you can transfer files quickly, and it plays discs smoothly without skipping or freezing.
- The built-in cable storage is a smart design. It keeps the cable tidy and prevents you from losing it.
- It looks good too, with a nice brushed finish that makes it feel modern.
- It works with lots of different computers, including Windows and Mac, and can read and write many types of discs.
- The physical eject button is a lifesaver if the drive ever has trouble releasing a disc.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t work with some newer operating systems like ChromeOS, or devices like tablets and TVs.
- It can’t play Blu-ray or 4K discs, only standard CDs and DVDs.
- For best results on desktop computers, it’s recommended to plug it into the back USB ports for more power.
This Rioddas drive is a practical and user-friendly solution for accessing your CD and DVD collection on most laptops and desktops.
4. LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black
Rating: 8.9/10
The LG GP65NB60 is a super slim portable DVD writer that’s perfect for anyone who still needs to use discs. It’s small and light, making it easy to carry around. You can use it to burn or play DVDs and CDs. It even supports M-DISC, which can save your important files for a very long time.
What We Like:
- It’s very thin and light, so it won’t take up much space in your bag.
- It can write to different types of DVDs and CDs (DVD+/-RW).
- It has M-DISC support, which is great for long-term storage.
- It comes with Cyberlink software to help you get started.
- It’s compatible with USB 3.0, even though it uses a USB 2.0 connection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB 2.0 interface is slower than USB 3.0 for transferring large files.
- It requires a bit of video memory to work well.
This LG DVD writer is a handy tool for backing up data or watching movies. It’s a good option if you need a portable disc drive.
5. JKNJX External DVD Drive
Rating: 8.5/10
The JKNJX External DVD Drive is a versatile tool that brings back the convenience of discs to your modern devices. It’s a slim and portable reader, writer, burner, and player for CDs and DVDs, perfect for anyone who still uses disc media or needs to archive important files.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use. Just plug it in, and your computer recognizes it right away. No complicated setup needed!
- It works with both older USB-A ports and newer USB-C ports, so it fits almost any laptop or desktop.
- USB 3.0 makes transferring files fast, up to 5 times faster than older USB 2.0.
- It reads and writes many types of discs, like CDs and DVDs.
- The drive is small and light, making it easy to carry around in your bag.
- It’s built tough and has rubber feet to keep it from sliding around.
- It works with almost all Windows and Mac computers, and many Linux systems too.
What Could Be Improved:
- Mac computers need a disc put in before the drive icon shows up.
- It doesn’t work with Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, or car stereos.
- It cannot play Blu-ray or 4K discs.
This JKNJX external drive is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable way to use CDs and DVDs with their computer. It offers great compatibility and portability for everyday tasks.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your External CD Burner Companion
Are you looking for a way to save your favorite music, back up important files, or even create your own DVDs? An external CD burner can be a handy tool. This guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.
Why You Might Need an External CD Burner
Many new laptops and computers don’t come with a built-in CD/DVD drive anymore. An external drive lets you add this capability back. You can use it to:
- Burn CDs and DVDs: Create music CDs for your car, back up photos, or make movie DVDs.
- Read CDs and DVDs: Watch movies, listen to music albums, or install software from discs.
- Archive important data: Keep copies of your precious memories or work files safe.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an external CD burner, keep these important features in mind:
Speed Ratings
- CD Burn Speed: This is shown as a number followed by “x” (e.g., 24x). A higher number means faster burning.
- DVD Burn Speed: This also uses “x” (e.g., 8x). DVD burning is generally slower than CD burning.
- Read Speed: This tells you how fast the drive can read data from discs.
Connectivity
- USB Type: Most drives use USB. USB 3.0 or higher is the fastest and recommended. Older USB 2.0 will work but is much slower.
- Power Source: Some drives get power from the USB port. Larger drives might need a separate power adapter.
Disc Compatibility
- CD-R/RW: These discs are for burning and re-writing data.
- DVD-R/RW: Similar to CDs, but for DVDs.
- DVD+R/RW: Another format for DVDs. Most drives support both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW.
- Dual Layer (DL): These discs hold more data than single-layer discs.
Important Materials and Build Quality
External CD burners are usually made of plastic. Look for a drive that feels sturdy and well-built. Some drives have rubber feet to prevent them from sliding around on your desk. A durable casing protects the delicate parts inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often offer more reliable products.
- Buffer Under-Run Protection: This technology prevents errors during burning if the computer gets busy. It’s a big plus for smooth burning.
- Noise Level: Some drives are louder than others when spinning discs. Check reviews for noise complaints.
- Included Software: Some drives come with software for burning and editing. This can be helpful if you don’t already have it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an external CD burner is usually simple. You plug it into your computer via USB. Your computer recognizes it like any other drive.
- For Students: Back up important assignments or create study material CDs.
- For Families: Archive family photos and videos onto DVDs.
- For Music Lovers: Burn playlists to CDs for older car stereos or share music with friends.
- For Gamers: Install older PC games that come on discs.
A good external CD burner is plug-and-play. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between CD-R and CD-RW?
A: CD-R discs are for burning only once. You can’t erase or change what’s on them. CD-RW discs are rewritable, meaning you can erase and burn new data multiple times.
Q: Do I need a special program to burn discs?
A: Your computer’s operating system (like Windows or macOS) usually has built-in tools for burning discs. Some drives also come with their own software, which might offer more features.
Q: How fast is a “16x” DVD burner?
A: The “x” stands for speed. 1x DVD speed is about 1.385 megabytes per second. So, 16x means it can burn a DVD at speeds up to about 22.16 megabytes per second. Faster speeds mean less waiting time.
Q: Can I use an external CD burner with any computer?
A: Yes, as long as your computer has a USB port. Most external drives are compatible with Windows and macOS computers.
Q: Will an external CD burner work for playing Blu-ray discs?
A: No. CD burners are for CDs and DVDs only. Blu-ray discs require a Blu-ray drive, which is different and can read higher-density discs.
Q: How do I connect the drive?
A: You connect it using a USB cable. Just plug one end into the drive and the other into a USB port on your computer. Some larger drives might also need to be plugged into a power outlet.
Q: What happens if the burning process is interrupted?
A: If the burning process stops before it’s finished, the disc might be ruined. This is why drives with buffer under-run protection are helpful. They try to prevent this from happening.
Q: Can I use any brand of blank CDs or DVDs?
A: It’s best to use good quality blank discs from reputable brands. While most discs should work, lower-quality ones might cause burning errors.
Q: How long does it take to burn a full DVD?
A: This depends on the speed of your burner and the size of the data. A fast burner (like 8x or higher) can burn a full DVD in about 10-15 minutes.
Q: Is there a difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for CD burners?
A: Yes, a big difference! USB 3.0 is much faster than USB 2.0. This means you’ll get faster data transfer speeds, making burning and reading discs quicker with a USB 3.0 drive.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.