Top 10 Best External CD Players
for June 2023

MOOZ's editors select recommendations independently. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

As laptops and desktops continue to become thinner and lighter with minimal ports, the optical drive is quickly becoming a thing of the past. However, there are still times where a physical CD or DVD is necessary for various reasons such as installing software, listening to music or watching movies. This is where external CD players, also known as CD/DVD drives, come in handy. External CD players are a great solution for those who have a laptop without a built-in drive, or for those who want to make use of their CDs and DVDs on other devices such as Smart TVs and car navigations.

These devices come with multiple functionalities: they allow you to read CDs and DVDs, write on blank CDs and DVDs, and play music and movies. Most external CD players feature USB connectivity, making them suitable for a diverse range of devices, including MacBooks, PCs, and even Smart TVs. They are portable, easy to use, and do not require any additional drivers, simply plug it into your device's USB port and you're good to go.

The market is flooded with external CD players, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To make the task easier for you, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best external CD players available today. Our list considers various factors such as compatibility, speed, and portability. Whether you're looking for a CD writer, a DVD player, or a portable external CD player, our list has got you covered.

In conclusion, External CD players provide a simple solution for accessing physical discs on devices that do not have built-in drives. They are versatile, efficient, and convenient, making them an essential peripheral for anyone who still relies on CDs and DVDs. If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these devices, make sure to read up on our list of the top 10 best external CD players available.

1
9.8
SCORE
USB External Car Universal CD Player USB Connection Portable CD Player for Car Android Navigation/TV/MacBook pro/Laptops Desktops with USB Port Plug and Play

VikTck USB External Car Universal CD Player USB Connection Portable CD Player Car for Android Navigation/TV/MacBook pro/Laptops Desktops with USB Port Plug and Play

by VikTck
What We like

Electronic Shock ResistanceThe CAR CD Palyer uses an advanced movement.The fuselage is placed horizontally/vertically/haphazardly and the car is jolted without affecting disk reading.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • Widely CompatibleCompatible with Android Car Navigation, Android Smart TVs, Windows and Mac OS desktop, laptop, PCS. Supports DVD-ROM, DVDR, DVDRW, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. Cars and televisions need to support USB flash drive functionality and must have a player that can play all file formats on the DISC.
  • Easy to UseBrand new portable car CD player,plug and play. Don't need to install software to set for driver. It features strong error-correcting ability, anti-shock and noise reduction technology, low power consumption, and powered by the USB port, no external adapter needed. No drive needed. Plug and play
  • Specially Designed for CarIt is suitable for car Android multimedia large screen navigation and USB interface. Just insert the CD player into the USB interface of the car Android navigation host, Select USB data entry mode on Car modeand the CD player will automatically identify and display the data on your screen. Enjoy your CD music and audio books.(NOTE:Android version 4.4 and above)
2
9.6
SCORE
BDYING External Car Universal CD Player Machine USB Vehicle CD Player,External USB CD Player for Car Android Navigation-Plug and Play(Android Version 4.4 and Above)

BDYING External Car Universal CD Machine Player USB Vehicle CD Player

by BDYING
What We like

Electronic Shock Resistance, Strong Error CorrectionVehicle-specific movement, the fuselage is placed horizontally/vertically/inclined, and the bumps of the car will not affect the reading of the disc.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • Portable and Compact, Easy to UsePlug in the USB interface to use, no external power supply required. Small in size, it can be placed in the glove box or fixed in other locations. Cable embedded design, never forget to lose the cable.
  • Plug and PlayNo additional driver and power supply are required, just insert the CD player into the USB interface of the car Android navigation host, the CD player will automatically recognize it and data will be displayed on your screen. (Android version 4.4 and above)
  • Good VersatilityIt is not only suitable for cars or SUVs with a car Android multimedia navigation large screen with USB interface, but also compatible with Windows desktops, laptops and Android smart TVs.
  • Multiple Disc FormatsCD Player adopt advanced technology,supported CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW.(TVs and cars need to support the ability to read USB flash drives before they can use this device to play CD.The device using the optical drive must have a player capable of supporting the format of the disc being played.)
3
9.5
SCORE
External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, 7 IN 1 USB 3.0 Ultra-Slim Portable DVD Player, CD ROM Burner Writer External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC MacBook Windows Mac Linux OS

APPINESSEY External CD/DVD for Drive Laptop

by APPINESSEY
What We like

Wide Compatibility Our USB DVD drive is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux, Mac OS and other systems. You can use this External DVD Drive to play movies/DVDs, burn or rip mp3/CDs, copy photos, install software, install system, install games, backup data to CDs/DVDs, and more.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • 7 IN 1 Optical Drive Our portable DVD player is not only a CD/DVD reader, but also a CD/DVD burner, 4 port USB 3.0 hub, SD or TF card reader, is perfect for transferring photo and video files from your camera by cards to your computer. (Note: SD and TF card cannot be used at the same time)
  • USB 3.0 High-speed Data Transmission The CD Burner with high speed USB 3.0 technology, provide fast data transfer speed and stable performance, Max 8x DVD and Max 24x CD Read/Write Speed without lag or distortion. (Backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
  • Plug and Play The external DVD drive is powered by a USB 3.0 port, no internal DVD driver and external power required, is the perfect companion for laptop or desktop that can be used directly by plugging it into USB port. (Note: iPad, phones, Chromebook, TV, cars, Blu ray are not supported)
4
9.1
SCORE
ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive, USB 3.0 Type-C Portable CD/DVD Optical Disk Drive Player Burner Rewriter with Protective Carrying Case for Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10 Laptop PC, White

ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive

by ROOFULL
What We like

Compact and PortableCome with a thicker protective storage carrying case bag, you can easily carry this external disc optical drive in your laptop bag, ideal for your home, office, or anywhere you go. Waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof. (If you do not need a carrying case, you can search "B0895Y8ZQW" on Amazon)

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • Faster USB 3.0 2-In-1 ConnectorsUSB 3.0 is an updated version of USB 2.0 that provides higher data transfer rates of up to 5 Gigabits/s, approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The embedded data cable with 3.0 USB-A and USB-C two kinds of connectors that make it easier to plug this device into different computers without an adapter required, and also no worries about losing the data cable.
  • Wide CompatibilityCompatible with Multi-OS including all versions of Mac OS, Linux, and Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ Vista/ XP. You can use this ROOFULL USB CD/DVD player on most computers including Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Windows, and Linux laptops and desktop computers from HP / LG / Dell / Msi / Acer / ASUS / Lenovo / Thinkpad / Samsung / Microsoft. But please note that this device can't work with Chromebook, TV, tablet, iPad, mobile phones, projectors, trucks, and cars.
  • Plug & Play CD/DVD Drive for PCNo extra driver program is required, as easy as using an internal optical drive. Just plug this external CD/DVD RW drive into your Mac or Windows laptop or desktop PC, and insert your CDs or DVDs, it will be recognized automatically, then you can use a media player, burning, or ripping software to read, write, and copy your CDs and DVDs. Easy to use!
  • What You Can Do With ItThis is a full-featured CD & DVD disk reader writer rewriter burner recorder ripper, you can use to play movies DVDs, burn music/ photos/ videos/ files to blank CDs or DVDs, copy mp3 music/ photos/ videos/ files from disc to your computer, install software/ system/ games, back up data to discs, and more. Compatible with multiple discs including CD-ROM, CD-R, CD +/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, and VCD-ROM discs.
  • No Worry About Power ShortageAlthough most laptops and desktop computers can power this usb disk drive through a single data cable, we still prepare an extra power supply cord in case the power shortage issues on some ultrathin notebooks such as Surface Pro, MacBook Air, etc. (Tips: The power cord cannot transmit data, please do not use it alone)
5
8.8
SCORE
Gotega External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD +/-RW Drive/DVD Player for Laptop CD ROM Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Linux OS Apple Mac Black

Gotega External DVD Drive

by Gotega
What We like

Ingenious Design This ultra-slim CD/DVD player for laptops equipped with an eject button so that you needn't worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. Besides, the copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • Wide CompatibleThis external dvd cd drive is compatible with Windows 98 / SE / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS (8.6 to 10.14). And perfect for PC, Laptop, Comprehensive Computer, Internal PC hard disk reader
  • Advanced USB3.0 Technology USB 3.0 provides fast data transfer speed and stable performance to record CD/ music/ videos/ install software or create CD/DVD backup disc (also compatible with USB 2.0)
  • Plug and Play TechnologyPowered by USB port so just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected. Dont need to install software to set up driver
  • High Writing and Reading Speed Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed provide high writing and reading speed
6
8.6
SCORE
ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 Type-C Portable CD DVD ROM Burner Player Reader Writer Optical Disk Drive with Protective Carrying Case for Laptop PC Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac MacBook Pro/Air

ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 Type-C Portable CD DVD ROM Burner Reader Player Writer Optical Disk Drive with Protective Carrying Case for Laptop PC Windows 11/10/8/7

by ROOFULL
What We like

Compact and PortableThis slim external optical disk drive is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go (home, office, or on the go). It comes with a thicker protective storage carrying case sleeve that ensures your device is protected from dust, water, and drops. It's also a good idea as a gift to hobbyists who collect CDs and DVDs. If you don't need the protective storage carrying case, you can find the product without it by searching for "B01N8WV4EQ" on Amazon.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop PCConsidering that most of the latest laptops and desktop computers have not been equipped with an internal CD/DVD drive for reading/writing CDs and DVDs. This ROOFULL premium USB 3.0 external CD/DVD drive is a good solution to reading and writing your CDs and DVDs, as easy as a built-in optical disk drive.
  • Plug & Play CD/DVD Player for PCThis external CD/DVD drive is designed to be plug and play, so you won't need an extra driver program. Simply connect it to your laptop or desktop PC, insert your CDs or DVDs, and it will be automatically recognized. You can then use your preferred media player, burning or ripping software to read, write and rip your CDs and DVDs. No complex settings, easy to use!
  • Wide CompatibilityCompatible with Multi-OS including Windows 11/ 10/ 8.1/ 7/ Vista/ XP, Linux, and all versions of Mac OS. You can use this ROOFULL USB CD/DVD player on most computers including Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Windows, and Linux laptops and desktop computers from HP / LG / Dell / Acer / ASUS / Lenovo / Thinkpad / Samsung / Microsoft. But please note that this device can't work with Chromebook, TV, tablet, iPad, mobile phones, projectors, trucks, and cars.
  • Multifunctional CD and DVD +/-RW DriveIt's not only a DVD and CD-ROM, but also a writer player burner recorder ripper, supporting reading and writing of CDR/RW, CD-ROM, DVDR/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD disks. You can use it to read movies DVDs or music CDs, burn mp3 music/ photos/ videos/ files to blank CDs or DVDs, copy media or data files from disc to your computer, install software/ system/ games, back up data to discs, and more.
  • USB 3.0 High-Speed Data TransferUSB 3.0 is an updated version of USB 2.0 that provides higher data transfer rates of up to 5 Gigabits/s, approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Come with a USB 3.0 Type-C adapter, so it is convenient to switch between USB type-A and type-C ports on your notebook or desktop computer. (Tips: Recommend using thunderbolt ports or a self-powered USB hub/docking station in case of a power shortage.)
7
8.5
SCORE
ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive with SD Card Reader and USB Ports, USB 3.0 Type-C CD ROM DVD Disk Drive Player Burner Portable for Laptop Mac PC Windows 11/10/8/7 Computer MacBook Pro/Air Linux OS

ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive SD with Card Reader and USB Ports

by ROOFULL
What We like

Compact and PortableWith its ultra-slim and lightweight construction, this external disc drive can easily fit into your laptop bag, making it ideal for use at home, in the office, or on the go. It's also a great gift idea for hobbyists who collect CDs and DVDs. If you need a carrying case, you can find the product with it by searching for "B09JZ35LXF" on Amazon.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • External CD DVD Drive for Laptop MacAs most modern laptops and desktop computers no longer come equipped with internal CD/DVD drives for reading/writing CDs and DVDs, this ROOFULL premium USB 3.0 & USB-C external CD/DVD drive is an excellent solution to reading and writing your CDs and DVDs, as easy as a built-in optical disk drive.
  • Wide CompatibilityThis USB CD/DVD drive is compatible with all brands of Windows 11/10/ 8.1/ 7/Vista/ XP or Linux laptops and desktop PCs (including HP, LG, Dell, Lenovo, Thinkpad, MSI, Samsung, Mircosoft Surface, etc.), and all versions of Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini (Including M1 and M2 Mac). However, please note that this device is not compatible with Chromebook, TV, tablet, iPad, mobile phone, projector, truck, or car.
  • Additional USB HubThis ROOFULL A41-SU can not only read, burn, and copy CD and DVD discs, but also be used as a USB hub, including 2x USB-A input ports and 1x SD/micro-SD card slot, compatible with the external hard drive, wired/wireless mouse or keyboard, USB flash drive, and other USB computer accessories, the SD/TF card reader are perfect for transferring photos and video files by your camera from cards to your computer.
  • No Power Shortage Issues AnymoreIn addition to the USB 3.0 data cable, we also prepared an additional USB power cable, in case the USB port on your computer (such as Surface Pro) cannot supply enough power for this device through a single data cable, you can plug the power supply cord together. If there is no power shortage problem, you can remove this power cord. (Tips: The power cord cannot transmit data, please do not use it alone)
  • 2-In-1 Removable Long Data CableMost similar external CD/DVD drives have short and non-removable data cables. To address this issue, this external CD/DVD drive for PC comes with a removable long data cable that can be replaced as needed. Moreover, the data cable comes with two types of connectors, (3.0 USB-A and USB-C plugs), allowing it to be directly connected to virtually any new or old computer without requiring a USB adapter or hub.
8
7.3
SCORE
External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB C Portable DVD Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Laptop Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook

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

by Laurensory
What We like

All Kinds of Disc - This dvd drive for laptop/cd is compatible with multiple discs (standard 120mm) including CD-ROM, CD-R, CD +/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, VCD-ROM discs. Unlike other CD/DVD players, this usb cdrom drive external gives the disc more clearance inside the disc bay so no more ruined discs due to extra-thick disc label issues! For some cd/dvd players for laptop, sometimes the disc would skip off the top of the drive and the burning or reading process would be ruined.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • High Speed - This dvd player portable is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 and USB 1.0, this cd reader for pc provides high speed of data transmission. With Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed, this external cd drive for pc provides maximum 5Gbps data transmission speed without lag or distortion. Plug this usb dvd player/cd dvd burner into your USB port, your laptop wwil recognize it without stuttering and noise nor jammed discs.
  • Wide Compatibility - This plug-and-play external cd drive for mac is compatible with many OS systems and laptop models. Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/2003/XP/10/8/7/Vista/Linux OS/Mojave OS/all version Mac OS system (ios 8.6 to 10.14). Perfect for PC and laptops like Mac laptop 2015/MacBook Pro/ASUS gaming laptop/Apple MacBook Air 2020/iMac/Mac Mini and more. For desktops, connect the usb dvd burner to the back USB port of the motherboard (Not support TV, car, iPad, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu).
  • Portable CD/DVD Burner & Player - This external cd/dvd drive can be a CD/DVD burner, writer, player, reader, or ripper. Use this disk drive to play or burn music or movies, back up, store or transfer all files or material you wanted, like copying photos, reading X-ray on disk, or ripping some DVDs to your Apple MacBook Air. Also use this cd reader for laptop to download and install games or any other programs.
  • Well-Designed - This compact and light external cd/dvd drive for laptop is solid enough to be durable and to hold its own weight down while it is spinning discs. With anti-skid rubber on the bottom, brushed texture shell, embedded usb cable slot, dual USB-A and USB-C connector, this cd reader for laptop/cd dvd burner can be easily carried and used anytime anywhere, no matter in the office, school, at home, or during a trip.
9
7.3
SCORE
External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD DVD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for Laptop CD ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Mac Linux Mac OS

Ziweo External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD DVD +/-RW Drive DVD Player Laptop for CD ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Mac Linux Mac OS

by Ziweo
What We like

SLIM AND EXQUISITE DESIGN: This CD/DVD drive is well designed with a subtlety and ultra-thin machine size. You can easily put this USB CD burner into your travel bag, take it with you to anywhere and hooked up at any time. Just burning a DVD/CD is enough, which is ideal for business and travel.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: This disk drive is made of high-quality materials, shockproof, low noise and strong fault tolerance Intelligent.High-speed USB 3.0 CD DVD RW Burner with low impedance and anti-interference capability for a smooth and fast experience.You can use this USB CD/DVD player to quietly read and write burned CD/DVD without stuttering and noise nor jammed discs.
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY&MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: This external dvd cd drive is compatible with Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10,Linux OS,all version Mac OS system.You can use this external CD/DVD player to play movie DVDs, burn/rip CDs, install software/system, DVD games, back up data to CD/DVD,and more.(Not support TV, car player, Chromebook, Surface Pro, Ubuntu.)
  • HIGH WRITING AND READING SPEED: The Type-C & USB 3.0 CD/DVD external drive offers Max 8x DVD Rewrite Read Speed and Max 24x CD Write/Read Burner speed.This Type-C & USB 3.0 CD/DVD drive will bring you maximum 5Gbps data transmission speed, plays music movies installing software or system, burning discs without lag or distortion.
  • PLUG AND PLAY: The CD/DVD drive external USB 3.0 and USB-C ports and doesn't require an external driver or power supply.Just plug it into your laptop's USB and Type-C ports and the CD/DVD drive will be automatically detected.Ziweo USB 3.0 & Type-C external optical cd/dvd drive burner is perfect companion for laptop or desktop without internal DVD drive.
10
7.3
SCORE
External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 CD/DVD Player Portable CD DVD +/-RW Burner DVD/CD ROM Reader Rewriter Writer Disk Drive Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 CD/DVD Player Portable CD DVD +/-RW Burner DVD/CD Reader ROM Rewriter Writer Disk Drive Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

by Rioddas
What We like

Wide compatibility. Ideal for various devices. It supports Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8. 1/10, Linux, all version Mac OS system. For the desktops, Please connect the device to the back USB port of the motherboard for normal use

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • Plug & play. Easy to use,powered by USB port. No external driver and Power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected
  • Trendy design. Brushed texture shell brings trendy sight and touch enjoyment. Embedded cable design, worry- off cable missing any when and where
  • High speed. Compatible with USB3. 0 and backwards compatible with USB2. 0 , bringing faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance
  • Intelligent tech. Designed with eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. The copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission

expand_less

I Agree
We use cookies to enhance and personalise your experience with us by collecting information about the pages you visit and actions taken on the site. More details