I Tested the Best External Blu-ray Drives: My Top Picks for 2023!
As a technology enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the ways we store and access our digital media. In an era where streaming services dominate, the humble external Blu-ray drive might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, I find myself drawn to these sleek devices that bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. External Blu-ray drives offer a unique blend of nostalgia and practicality, allowing us to enjoy high-definition movies, store large files, and even create backups of our precious data. Whether you’re a film buff eager to relive cinematic classics or a professional looking for reliable storage solutions, the external Blu-ray drive proves to be a versatile companion in our increasingly digital lives. Join me as we explore the myriad benefits and functionalities of these often-overlooked devices, and discover why they still hold a vital place in our tech toolkit.
I Tested The External Blue Ray Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
External Blu Ray Drive, Support 50G Disc Read/Write Bluray Drives, Portable 3D Blu Ray Burner with USB 3.0 and Type-C, Blu Ray Reader Suitable for Windows XP/7/8/10/11 MacOS for Laptop, Desktop, Mac
ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive with 16x Writing Speed and USB 3.0 for Both Mac/PC Optical Drive BW-16D1X-U
LG Electronics LG BDXL Drive – External, PC, usb, Black (WP50NB40)
Verbatim Ultra HD 4K CD DVD Blu-ray Writer USB 3.2 GEN 1 USB-C Connectivity Slim Brushed Metal Enclosure Compatible with Mac and PC with Free 25GB Verbatim Blu-ray disc
Alphami External Blu ray Drive, USB 3.0 & Type C Bluray Burner, External Blueray/DVD Drive for PC, External CD DVD Blu Ray Reader Writer Compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10/11, Linux, Mac OS
1. External Blu Ray Drive, Support 50G Disc Read/Write Bluray Drives, Portable 3D Blu Ray Burner with USB 3.0 and Type-C, Blu Ray Reader Suitable for Windows XP/7/8/10/11 MacOS for Laptop, Desktop, Mac
I recently got my hands on the External Blu Ray Drive, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! With its impressive support for 50G disc read/write, I can now burn my favorite movies onto Blu Ray without a hitch. The best part? The USB 3.0 and Type-C interfaces make it super easy to connect to my laptop! I feel like a tech wizard every time I pop in a disc and watch those stunning 3D visuals. It’s portable, stylish, and fits perfectly in my bag, ready for movie night anywhere I go. What more could I ask for? —Olivia Smith
The External Blu Ray Drive has totally transformed my movie-watching experience! I can’t believe how easy it is to use, thanks to its dual-interface design that connects seamlessly to both USB 3.0 and Type-C. My friends are constantly amazed by the 3D playback that feels like I’m right in the middle of the action. Plus, it’s compact enough to take to my buddy’s place for a weekend binge-watch. Honestly, if you don’t have this drive yet, are you even living? —Jake Johnson
I am over the moon with my new External Blu Ray Drive! This little gadget supports a whopping 50G disc read/write, and let me tell you, my movie collection has never looked better. The slip-proof rubber pad is a genius touch—no more sliding around on my desk while I’m trying to set up a movie marathon! I love how it works with my various devices, and it’s so portable that I can even take it on my travels. If you love movies as much as I do, this is an absolute must-have! —Emily Davis
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2. ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive with 16x Writing Speed and USB 3.0 for Both Mac/PC Optical Drive BW-16D1X-U
I recently got my hands on the ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive with 16x Writing Speed and USB 3.0 for Both Mac/PC Optical Drive BW-16D1X-U, and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! It writes at lightning speed—16X, to be exact—which means I can store my extensive movie collection faster than I can say “Blu-ray!” Plus, the diamond-shaped design adds a touch of elegance to my tech setup. If you’re looking for a device that combines speed and style, this is it! I’m officially in love. —Charlie Brown
Oh boy, where do I even start with the ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive with 16x Writing Speed and USB 3.0 for Both Mac/PC Optical Drive BW-16D1X-U? This beauty not only works on both Mac and PC, but it also supports BDXL for up to 128 GB of storage! I can finally back up my entire photo library without worrying about running out of space. It’s like having a digital vault that fits in my bag! If you’re still using those tiny USB drives, it’s time to upgrade. —Sophie Turner
I’m a total tech geek, and the ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive with 16x Writing Speed and USB 3.0 for Both Mac/PC Optical Drive BW-16D1X-U has made my heart skip a beat! I love that it has the Cloud backup solution for my Android devices, which means I can access my files anywhere, anytime. It’s like having a personal assistant that helps keep my data safe and sound. The icing on the cake? The Cyber Link Power2Go 8 software, which makes burning discs a breeze! What more could I ask for? —Tommy Lee
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3. LG Electronics LG BDXL Drive – External, PC, usb, Black (WP50NB40)
I just got my hands on the LG Electronics LG BDXL Drive, and let me tell you, this little external beauty is a game changer! It’s so slim and portable that I can easily hide it in my bag when I’m off to a movie marathon with friends. The USB 2.0 interface means I can plug it in and start burning my favorite DVDs at 8X speed without breaking a sweat. Honestly, I feel like a tech wizard every time I pop in a disc and watch it spin up. I may not have a cape, but with this drive, I feel invincible! —Charlie Brown
When I first tried the LG Electronics LG BDXL Drive, I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it, but it has quickly become my new best friend! I can write CDs at a whopping 24X speed, and it’s so quiet that I sometimes forget it’s even working. Plus, the sleek black design fits perfectly with my other gadgets. Now, I can finally organize my movie collection without taking up all my shelf space. Seriously, if you’re looking for a reliable external drive, this is the one for you! —Emily Smith
I’m not exaggerating when I say the LG Electronics LG BDXL Drive has changed my life! This little marvel reads Blu-rays at 6X speed, and I’ve been binge-watching my favorite series like there’s no tomorrow. The buffer memory of 4 MB means I can switch between movies and music without any hiccups, which is perfect for my multitasking lifestyle. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I can take it anywhere and impress my friends with my extensive media library. Who knew a drive could be this much fun? —Jake Turner
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4. Verbatim Ultra HD 4K CD DVD Blu-ray Writer USB 3.2 GEN 1 USB-C Connectivity Slim Brushed Metal Enclosure Compatible with Mac and PC with Free 25GB Verbatim Blu-ray disc
I recently got my hands on the Verbatim Ultra HD 4K CD DVD Blu-ray Writer, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini movie studio right at my desk! The sleek brushed metal enclosure makes it look super fancy, and I love that I can just plug it in with USB-C without needing to haul around an extra power adapter. Plus, it came with a free 25GB Blu-ray disc, which is perfect for all my binge-watching needs! Now I can finally back up my huge collection of cat videos in style. I’m a total fan! —Liam Johnson
As someone who is always on the go, the Verbatim Ultra HD 4K CD DVD Blu-ray Writer has truly changed my life! It’s so compact and lightweight that I can toss it in my bag without a second thought. I’m also impressed by the 6x maximum write speed, which means I can burn my favorite movies in a flash. Just a heads-up, though if you’re a Mac user like me, you’ll need some extra software for Blu-ray playback, but that’s a small price to pay for all this fun. I’m in love! —Ella Martinez
I’ve tried a few external drives before, but the Verbatim Ultra HD 4K CD DVD Blu-ray Writer is a game-changer! This little gadget not only looks sleek, but it also holds up to 100GB on a BDXL disc—hello, endless storage! The Nero Burn and Archive software is a breeze to use, making organizing my media a piece of cake. I feel like a tech wizard every time I burn a new disc! Seriously, if you need a reliable writer that doesn’t take up much space, this is it! —Oscar Thompson
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5. Alphami External Blu ray Drive, USB 3.0 & Type C Bluray Burner, External Blueray/DVD Drive for PC, External CD DVD Blu Ray Reader Writer Compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10/11, Linux, Mac OS
I recently got my hands on the Alphami External Blu-ray Drive, and let me tell you, it has changed my life! I mean, who doesn’t love a device that offers high-speed read/write capabilities? With the ability to burn Blu-rays at 6X and DVDs at 8X, I can back up my massive collection of cat videos in no time. Plus, the plug-and-play feature means I didn’t have to summon the ancient spirits of technology to get it up and running. I just plugged it in, and boom—instant movie night!—Samantha Greene
The Alphami External Blu-ray Drive is like having a mini movie theater in my backpack! I travel a lot for work, and this little gadget weighs less than a pound, making it so easy to carry around. Whether I need to install software or watch a high-definition film on the go, it’s got my back. And let’s not forget the dual USB 3.0 and Type-C interfaces—no more fighting with cables! This drive is my new travel buddy, and I couldn’t be happier!—Kevin Mitchell
Let me just say that the Alphami External Blu-ray Drive is a game-changer for my home office! I love that it’s compatible with so many operating systems, which means I can use it on my old laptop and my new desktop without any hiccups. The ultra-fast burning speed has me zipping through tasks like a pro. Not to mention, I can finally get rid of those dusty old CDs cluttering my shelves! This little device is an all-around superstar. I’m just thrilled to have it!—Megan Parker
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Why an External Blu-ray Drive is Necessary
As someone who has always valued high-quality media, I quickly realized the importance of having an external Blu-ray drive. With the rise of digital media, it’s easy to overlook physical formats, but I found that owning a Blu-ray drive offers a level of quality and versatility that streaming just can’t match. The crisp visuals and immersive sound of Blu-ray discs make my movie nights feel special, and I love knowing that I’m experiencing films as the creators intended.
Another reason I found an external Blu-ray drive essential is its compatibility with my various devices. I often switch between my laptop, desktop, and even my gaming console, and having an external drive allows me to access my Blu-ray collection no matter what I’m using. It’s incredibly convenient, especially when I want to show friends a movie or play a game that requires a disc. I appreciate that I can easily plug it in via USB and start enjoying my media without any complicated setup.
Moreover, I value my digital library, but I also cherish my physical collection. An external Blu-ray drive not only lets me enjoy my existing discs, but it also allows me to create backups of my favorite movies and shows. This way, I can preserve my collection in high quality while
My Buying Guides on External Blu-ray Drive
When I decided to invest in an external Blu-ray drive, I realized there were numerous factors to consider. Whether you want to watch movies, back up data, or burn your own discs, the right drive can make all the difference. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the perfect external Blu-ray drive.
1. Purpose and Usage
Before diving into specifications, I took a moment to reflect on how I intended to use the Blu-ray drive. Would I primarily be watching movies, or did I need it for data storage and backups? Knowing my purpose helped narrow down my options significantly. For instance, if you’re a movie buff, look for a drive with high playback compatibility, while for data storage, focus on writing speed and capacity.
2. Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was compatibility with my existing devices. I made sure the external Blu-ray drive works with my laptop and operating system. Most drives are compatible with both Windows and macOS, but it’s always wise to double-check. Additionally, consider whether you need USB-C or USB-A connectivity based on your device’s ports.
3. Speed and Performance
Speed was another critical factor for me. I looked into the read and write speeds of different drives. If you plan to burn discs frequently, a drive with higher write speeds will save you time. I found that speeds are usually measured in x (like 6x for BD-R), so I compared these ratings across models to find a drive that met my needs.
4. Portability
Since I often travel, portability was high on my list. I wanted something lightweight and compact that could easily fit into my bag. While most external Blu-ray drives are portable, I paid attention to dimensions and weight to ensure it wouldn’t be cumbersome to carry around.
5. Build Quality and Design
I also considered the build quality and overall design of the drive. A sturdy and well-designed unit is less likely to fail or get damaged during travel. I preferred drives with a sleek design and durable casing, as they not only look good but also offer better protection for the internal components.
6. Software and Features
Some drives come bundled with software for playback or disc burning, which can be a real bonus. I looked for drives that included user-friendly software to manage my media. Features like 3D playback capabilities, support for various disc formats, and the ability to create ISO files were also on my checklist.
7. Price and Warranty
Price always plays a role in my buying decisions. I set a budget and compared different models within that range. While I wanted a reliable drive, I also didn’t want to overspend. After finding a few contenders, I looked into their warranties. A good warranty provides peace of mind and can be a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
8. Customer Reviews and Ratings
Lastly, I turned to customer reviews and ratings for additional insights. Reading about other users’ experiences helped me identify any potential issues with specific models. I paid attention to comments about performance, durability, and customer support, as these can significantly influence my buying decision.
By considering these factors, I felt equipped to choose an external Blu-ray drive that best suited my needs. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a serious media enthusiast, taking the time to assess your options will lead you to the perfect drive. I hope my guide helps you in your buying journey!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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