The Best DVD Players For Laptops
If you're a sucker for retro technology but need to upgrade to keep up with the times, you might want to invest in a laptop DVD player. Over the last several years, the era of the built-in optical drive has slowly come to an end, with companies and content producers favoring the security of flash sticks or accessibility of the cloud. However, if you're reluctant to toss away your DVD player or boom box, these external drives deliver impressive data transfer speeds for a wide range of multimedia. Whether you're trying to watch a DVD on your laptop or want to distribute mix tapes like the good old days, our top laptop DVD players work across several media formats and operating systems to deliver an entertainment experience you won't soon forget.
What to Look For
Before buying an external CD or DVD drive, there are a few questions you should consider. What will you be using it for? Are you going to be burning a lot of CDs? Do you need maximum writing speed? Will you need it to be portable? What kind of computer do you have? These are all important factors in the buying process. For example, Mac computers tend to accept most external drives without needing any additional drivers. Windows, on the other hand, is a bit more hit or miss. For burning CDs or DVDs, you may want to prioritize speed. If you’re just going to be watching DVDs, you may want to prioritize reliability so your movie doesn’t skip or start buffering. For traveling, you’ll need something lightweight and easy to use. The greater the need, the more specific you’ll need to be with what product you’re looking for. It’s better to buy a device that’s capable of more than you need it to be, that way it won’t have to run at the peak of its ability. One of our favorite drives is the Gotega external, which can read and write all compact disc types except Blu-Ray. For playing that format, check out the OWC Mercury Pro. And read on to discover our other favorite DVD drives and find one that’s right for you.
Gotega External DVD Drive
Read, write, repeat
Gotega’s DVD player is perfect for playing old-school media or making it yourself. While the original optical disc drives could be limited in functionality, our top recommendation can read and burn all compact disc types except for Blu-ray. In addition to this hardware versatility, the number of legacy operating systems Gotega can interact with is astounding. We highly recommend this device as a stopgap for broken drives on outdated computers and as a trusty addition to modern laptops because of its impressive transfer speed and its slim yet solid exterior.
Pros:
- This DVD drive remains lightweight despite the solid build quality and metal exterior. It’s made to last, but still easily portable.
- The device connects via USB 3.0 for faster speeds than its older counterparts. Most computers detect it quickly and easily.
Cons:
- The built-in data cable is very short.
Rioddas External CD Drive
Mixtapes and memories
When it comes to Apple products, innovation is the name of the game. While this tends to leave some fans who cling to the old tech behind, you can rest assured that companies like Rioddas are there to fill in hardware gaps. This external DVD drive is built primarily for iOS products, although it does support newer versions of Windows as well. No matter how old your MacBook or Macintosh computer may be, this device does it all. Thanks to a plug-and-play design, universal compatibility, and skip-free optical lens, Rioddas lets you explore classic video games, software, or media without hassle.
Pros:
- This CD drive is compatible with Linux, Windows, and Apple products, so it’s very accessible. At such a low price, it’s hard to beat this deal.
- This sleek design is fashionable and fast with no skipping issues. Even if you move the CD drive around a bit, it won’t cause skips or errors in reading the disk.
Cons:
- You may need to install drivers if you’re using a PC.
Dell USB DVD Drive
Vivid video
Although it’s been a long time coming, CD drives have been aged out of just about every desktop tower and laptop on the market today. If you want a wider range of accessibility for your laptop or you’re starting a desktop build from scratch, check out Dell’s DVD driver combo set. While the product is optimized for Dell devices, a wide suite of PCs and Macs will still be able to enjoy clear playback with minimal buffering and downloading times with this unit.
Pros:
- Made with a slim profile and Dell quality components, it’s everything you’d expect from a name brand. It even stays relatively cool during use.
- This device can work with laptops, computers, and even some vehicles. If your car doesn’t have a CD player, you may be able to play your favorite tunes with this external drive.
Cons:
- The case feels vulnerable to drops and shock damage
Amicool External DVD Drive
Cross connections
Amicool’s external DVD drive is a remarkable piece of tech fit for an ever-evolving world. While it may seem like it would always be the standard, the original USB is starting to go the way of the DVD player. With innovations such as the Thunderbolt 3 port revolutionizing data transfer, it’s only logical that DVD players remain compatible. This optical drive has USB and USB-C interfaces, so it should be future-proof for years to come. Furthermore, at just over half a pound, this brilliant device lets you enjoy timeless memories while you’re on trips without making a dent in your luggage.
Pros:
- This drive is compatible with almost any modern laptop because of its use of USB 3.0 and USB-C. You don’t even need to install any third-party drivers if you’re using a Mac device.
- It’s quickly detectable when connected via USB for easy access as soon as you plug it in.
Cons:
- The CD write speed is a bit slower than other competitors.
OWC Mercury Pro
Popcorn time
If you’re a serious AV nerd, the Mercury Pro driver by OWC is top of the line for video distribution. To start, this machine is far from a slim, ergonomic device suited for casual movie nights or party tunes. The Mercury Pro is a beast that leads the pack in reading and writing Blu-ray discs. If you have a UHD television and a fine-tuned sound system, these discs will help burn quality content the likes of which can only be matched only in movie theaters. However, you’re not completely out of luck if you still have some mixtapes to burn. Most DVD players today average around 8x read and write speeds; OWC boasts double that for Blu-ray and DVDs, while it can mint CDs six times as quickly.
Pros:
- The drive has blistering-fast read and write speeds for all-optical discs and includes some necessary software for your computer. Straight out of the box, you’re all set to go.
- The enclosure is built rock-solid for added durability and minimal vibration when in use. The metal casing is made to be long-lasting and protective enough to keep the internal components safe.
Cons:
- An external power outlet is required for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I burn media to DVDs?
Burning DVDs is a fairly straightforward process that requires very little technical know-how in the era of modern-day computing. While newer computers and media trends have shifted towards USB or cloud storage in recent years, if you have an older television set that cannot connect to the internet, DVDs are probably your only viewing option. Fortunately for us, DVDs have not gone the way of the VCR just yet. Both the latest versions of Windows and iOS have easy-to-follow instructions and software built in that allow for burning. Typically, this software converts your media to a disc-friendly file type and adds a simple menu to interact with your remote control.
How do optical drives work?
Optical drives were the first revolutionary step away from the tape-based recording of audio and video. This tech consists of an optical lens, laser beams, and sensors to read and write data. Burning data onto a disc involves manipulating the blank disc’s surface in a way that stores binary code. Depending on media content, the optical drive fires a specific wavelength at the blank disc in patterns. The spots that are darkened or “burned” by the laser represent zeroes, while the untouched real estate represents ones. Each disc variant requires a separate laser to work, although modern drives typically support the reading and writing of standard definition audio, video, as well as raw data.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.