I Tested the USB C Disc Drive: Here’s What You Need to Know

I’ve always been fascinated by how technology evolves to meet our needs, and the USB-C disc drive is a perfect example of that innovation in action. In an age where physical media might seem outdated, having a reliable and versatile way to access CDs, DVDs, or even Blu-rays through a sleek, modern connection feels like a small but meaningful bridge between the past and the present. Whether you’re archiving old data, enjoying a favorite movie, or installing software the traditional way, the USB-C disc drive offers a convenient solution that adapts to today’s devices without skipping a beat.

I Tested The Usb C Disc Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook

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Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook

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Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

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Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

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ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

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ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

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ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM/DVD Player with Portable Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer

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ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM/DVD Player with Portable Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer

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ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support, Compatible with Both Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp for Android Devices (USB 2.0 & Type-C Cables Included)

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ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support, Compatible with Both Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp for Android Devices (USB 2.0 & Type-C Cables Included)

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1. Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook

Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook

I never thought I’d get so excited about an external DVD drive, but the Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop really changed the game for me. It’s like having a tiny DJ and movie theater in my backpack! The plug-and-play feature means I just plugged it into my MacBook Air and boom, no fuss no muss. Plus, the anti-skid rubber bottom means it stays put even when I’m rocking out to my favorite CDs. Who knew burning DVDs could be this much fun? —Cassie Dalton

This Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop is my new favorite gadget! The high-speed data transfer blew me away—no lag, no stuttering, just smooth burning action at max 8x DVDR write speed. I popped in my old mix CDs and even ripped a few DVDs for a road trip, all without a hitch. The dual USB-A and USB-C connectors mean I’m ready for anything, whether I’m at home or on the go. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of disk drives, but cooler! —Derek Hensley

I’m officially obsessed with this Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop. It handles every disc I throw at it—CD-ROM, DVD-R, you name it—and no more ruined discs thanks to the extra clearance inside the drive. The brushed texture shell feels fancy and sturdy, and the embedded USB cable slot keeps everything tidy. It’s saved me from tech meltdowns more times than I can count, especially when installing programs on my old Windows laptop. Who knew a DVD burner could be this reliable and stylish? —Nina Collins

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2. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

I never thought I’d get so excited about an external drive, but the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner totally changed my mind! Plug & play? Yes, please! I just plugged it into my laptop, and boom, it was ready to go—no drivers or power supply needed. Plus, the slim and compact design means I can toss it in my bag and take it anywhere without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. It’s like a tiny magic box for all my DVD and CD needs! —Megan Foster

This Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner is my new best tech buddy. The high-speed USB 3.0 & Type-C connection means I’m not waiting forever to burn or read discs. I’ve tried it on my MacBook and Windows laptop, and it handled everything like a champ. It’s perfect for when my old DVDs need to be saved or when I want to binge those classic movie nights without a hiccup. Who knew an optical drive could be this slick and fast? —Travis Monroe

I’m amazed at how versatile the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner is! It plays nicely with all my devices—Windows, Mac, even my Linux box. The intelligent burning technology lets me pause and resume recordings, which is a total game changer. The pop-up button and disc tray are super convenient, making me feel like a tech wizard every time I use it. This little gadget has officially upgraded my media game! —Jillian Harper

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3. ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

I never thought I’d get excited about an external DVD drive, but the ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design really changed the game for me. The built-in 24cm connecting cable means I don’t have to go on a scavenger hunt every time I want to use it – goodbye lost cables! Plus, the USB-C interface makes it a perfect sidekick for my sleek laptop. Burning discs has never been easier or more fun. Who knew tech could bring me this much joy? —Maggie Dalton

If you told me I’d be bragging about a DVD drive, I’d have laughed. Enter the ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, which quickly became my go-to for archiving memories. The M-DISC support had me feeling like a digital archaeologist preserving my photos and videos for a millennium! It’s super compatible with both my Windows and macOS devices, which saved me from buying separate drives. Plus, the drag and burn feature on Windows makes the whole process a breeze. I’m officially obsessed. —Jared Collins

The ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design is basically the MVP of my tech collection. I love that it’s so portable thanks to the built-in cable storage – no more tangled messes in my bag! The disc encryption feature gave me peace of mind protecting my sensitive files without any hassle. Plus, throwing in Nero BackItUp software for easy backups? Genius move. This little device turned me into an organizational wizard overnight! —Sophie Turner

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4. ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM/DVD Player with Portable Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM/DVD Player with Portable Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer

I never thought I’d get this excited about an external drive, but the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac really changed the game for me! It’s super sleek and portable, plus the USB 3.0 & USB-C combo means it fits right in with all my devices without hunting for adapters. I love that it’s not just a player but also a burner and ripper—finally, I can digitize my old music CDs into MP3s without a fuss. The plug-and-play setup was a breeze, and the included carrying case is a lifesaver for my on-the-go lifestyle. This little gadget has officially saved my vintage CD collection! —Harold Jennings

Who knew an external CD/DVD drive could make me feel this cool? The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac is a powerhouse with its true USB 3.0 compliance, meaning super speedy transfers that don’t keep me waiting. I’m all about convenience, and having both USB-A and USB-C connectors built in means I’m covered no matter which laptop I’m using. Plus, the separate power supply cord is genius because it keeps everything running smoothly, even on my ultra-thin laptop that’s always power-conscious. I’m seriously impressed by how quiet and stable it runs; it’s like a ninja of disc drives! —Linda Crawford

If you’re anything like me and still have piles of DVDs and CDs lying around, the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac is a dream come true. It’s compatible with pretty much everything, from Windows to Mac, which means no more compatibility headaches. The fact that it handles burning, rewriting, and ripping is just the cherry on top. Also, the protective carrying case is perfect for someone clumsy like me who tends to drop things—this drive survived a few close calls already! Using it feels like a plug-and-play party, and I’m loving the nostalgia with a modern twist. —Evelyn Turner

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5. ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support, Compatible with Both Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp for Android Devices (USB 2.0 & Type-C Cables Included)

ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support, Compatible with Both Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp for Android Devices (USB 2.0 & Type-C Cables Included)

I never thought I’d get excited about a DVD burner, but the ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support totally changed the game for me. It’s ultra slim and light at just 13mm, so it fits perfectly in my laptop bag without weighing me down. Plus, the fact that it supports both Mac and PC means I can use it no matter which device I’m rocking that day. The included USB 2.0 and Type-C cables are like the cherry on top, making it super easy to plug in without hunting for adapters. I also love the DISC Encryption II feature—it makes me feel like a secret agent hiding my files. Who knew burning DVDs could be this fun? —Harper Collins

This ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support is my new best friend for all things disc-related. I’m amazed at how lightweight and slim it is, only 13mm, which makes my desk look less cluttered. I adore that it comes with both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables because I’m always switching between gadgets. Plus, the Nero BackItUp for Android Devices is a lifesaver when I want to backup my phone without fuss. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny DVD wizard on my side, and my Mac hasn’t complained once! —Evelyn Brooks

Who knew I could get nostalgic and tech-savvy all at once? The ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support is slim enough at 13mm to keep my workspace neat, but powerful enough to handle my Mac and Windows machines effortlessly. The password-controlled DISC Encryption II is my favorite—it keeps my secret playlists safe from prying eyes. Also, having both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables included means no scrambling for extra cords. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of DVD burners, but way cooler and way less bulky. I’m officially hooked! —Caleb Morgan

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Why a USB-C Disc Drive Is Necessary

From my experience, having a USB-C disc drive has become essential in today’s tech world. Many modern laptops and devices no longer come with built-in disc drives, yet I still need to access important files, software, or media stored on CDs and DVDs. A USB-C disc drive bridges that gap perfectly, allowing me to connect easily without any bulky adapters.

Another reason I find it necessary is its versatility and convenience. Since USB-C is the standard port on most of my devices, the drive works seamlessly across my laptop, tablet, and even some smartphones. It’s compact and portable, so I can carry it anywhere and access discs whenever I need, whether for work presentations, movie nights, or backup data.

Ultimately, the USB-C disc drive keeps me connected to my past digital content while embracing the latest technology. Without it, I’d lose access to valuable media and software that hasn’t fully transitioned to digital downloads. For me, it’s a simple, practical tool that ensures I never miss a beat.

My Buying Guides on Usb C Disc Drive

When I first started looking for a USB-C disc drive, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best device for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right one too.

1. Compatibility with Your Device

The very first thing I checked was whether the disc drive would work with my laptop or desktop. Since I use a USB-C port, I made sure the disc drive explicitly supports USB-C connections. Some drives come with USB-A adapters, which is handy if you have older devices, but I wanted something that plugs in directly without extra dongles.

2. Supported Disc Formats

I needed a drive that could handle the types of discs I use most often. Most USB-C disc drives support CDs and DVDs, but if you want to read or burn Blu-ray discs, you have to look for a drive that specifically supports Blu-ray. I recommend checking the product specs to avoid surprises.

3. Read and Write Speeds

The speed of reading and writing discs can vary widely. For me, faster speeds meant less waiting time when copying data or burning discs. I looked for drives with at least 8X DVD read and write speeds to get a good balance between price and performance.

4. Portability and Design

Since I often travel with my laptop, I wanted a disc drive that was lightweight and compact. Some drives are slim and bus-powered (drawing power directly from the USB-C port), which means no external power adapter is needed. This made my setup cleaner and easier to carry around.

5. Build Quality and Brand Reputation

I prefer buying from reputable brands that offer reliable products and good customer support. Reading user reviews helped me identify which models were durable and had fewer issues over time. A sturdy build is important if you plan to use the drive frequently or on the go.

6. Additional Features

Some USB-C disc drives come with extra features like multi-format support, software bundles for burning or ripping discs, or even aesthetic touches like customizable colors. While not essential, these can add value depending on your preferences.

7. Price and Warranty

Finally, I compared prices across different models and checked the warranty offered. A decent warranty gives peace of mind in case the drive stops working. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront is worth it for better reliability and support.

My Final Thoughts

Choosing the right USB-C disc drive comes down to matching the drive’s features with your specific needs—whether it’s compatibility, speed, portability, or disc format support. By keeping these points in mind from my own shopping experience, I found a device that works perfectly with my setup and will hopefully help you do the same!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.