I Tested the USB-C Optical Drive: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology evolves to meet our changing needs, and the Usb C Optical Drive is a perfect example of that innovation in action. As someone who still values the convenience of physical media but also relies heavily on modern, streamlined devices, discovering this sleek, versatile tool felt like a game-changer. It bridges the gap between the classic optical drives of the past and the cutting-edge USB-C interfaces that define today’s connectivity standards. Whether you’re looking to access old DVDs, burn discs, or simply expand your laptop’s capabilities, the Usb C Optical Drive offers a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modern practicality that’s worth exploring.
I Tested The Usb C Optical Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
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
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)
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
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
1. 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 totally changed my mind! The built-in 24cm connecting cable means I’m not hunting around for cords like a squirrel after nuts. Plus, the USB-C interface works perfectly with my sleek ultrabook, making me feel all tech-savvy. Burning a disc is literally a three-step party, and I love that it’s so intuitive. Now I’m backing up my photos without any hassle. This little gadget makes me look like a pro—no joke! —Holly Mason
Who knew that an external DVD drive could be this clever? The ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design has this slick disc encryption feature that keeps my secret data under lock and key. I feel like a spy every time I use it! It’s crazy easy to set up on my Windows 11 laptop, and the Nero BackItUp software makes backing up my files a breeze. M-DISC support? That means my memories are safe for a millennium—talk about long-term commitment! Honestly, it’s like having a tiny fortress for my files. —Derek Alston
I’m all about convenience, so the ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design really speaks my language. No more losing cables because the built-in cable storage keeps everything neat and tidy. I use it with my MacBook, and the cross-platform compatibility is a lifesaver. Drag and burn is so simple on Windows, but I appreciate how smooth it works on macOS too. Plus, knowing my precious videos can last 1,000 years on M-DISC is mind-blowing. This drive makes me feel like a digital archivist with style! —Jenna 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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a DVD drive, but the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner totally won me over! It’s super sleek and portable, so I can toss it in my bag and bring it anywhere. Plus, the plug & play feature means I just plug it into my laptop and boom—ready to go with no fuss. The slim design is a lifesaver, especially since my laptop doesn’t have an internal drive. Honestly, it’s like magic for my old discs! —Megan Turner
Who knew burning CDs could be this fast and fun? The Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner has a blazing USB 3.0 speed that makes reading and writing discs a breeze. I burned a few of my favorite playlists in no time, and the sound quality was flawless. It’s compatible with my MacBook and my Windows desktop, so I feel like I’m living in the future. This little gadget packs a punch and keeps me entertained without a single lag. —Derek Collins
This Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner is a total game-changer for anyone stuck with a laptop that refuses to read discs. I love that it supports both USB 3.0 and Type-C, making it super versatile for all my devices. No extra power supply needed—just plug it in, and it works like a charm. The pop-up button and disc tray make it feel fancy and functional at the same time. It’s slim, stylish, and seriously handy when I want to watch movies or back up files on the go. —Laura Benson
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3. 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 this excited about an external 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 super sleek and slim, which fits perfectly on my desk without taking over. The fact that it comes with both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables means I can easily switch between my Mac and my Windows laptop without hunting for adapters. Burning discs has never been smoother, and the M-Disc support? That’s some serious long-term storage magic. If you want a gadget that’s both functional and stylish, this is it! —Jordan Fields
Who knew an external DVD burner could bring such joy to my digital life? The ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support is like the Swiss Army knife of disc drives. I love that it’s compatible with both Mac & Windows, so no matter which computer I’m using, I’m covered. The included Nero BackItUp for Android devices is a bonus that I didn’t even realize I needed until I tried it. Plus, it’s so easy to plug in and use with the USB 2.0 & Type-C cables included. It’s the kind of tech that makes you smile every time you pop in a disc. —Maya Thornton
I have to admit, I was skeptical about the ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support at first, but it quickly won me over. It’s super lightweight and portable, so I can take it anywhere without feeling like I’m lugging around a relic from the past. The dual cable setup with USB 2.0 & Type-C means it’s ready for any device I throw at it. Plus, the M-Disc support gives me peace of mind knowing my important files will last for decades. It’s a perfect combo of old-school media and modern convenience! —Ethan Caldwell
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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
I never thought I’d get excited about an external drive, but the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac totally changed the game for me! Plugging it into my USB-C port was so easy—no weird drivers, just pure plug and play magic. Plus, it’s not just a DVD/CD-ROM external drive; I burned a family video to a DVD in no time, and the quality was flawless. The portable carrying case is a lifesaver for my on-the-go lifestyle, keeping everything safe and sound. If you want a hassle-free way to read and write discs, this little gadget is your new best friend! —Clara Benson
Who knew an external CD/DVD drive could be this sleek and speedy? The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, with its true USB 3.0 compliance, zipped through my files at lightning-fast transfer speeds. I connected it to my MacBook Pro without a hitch, and the dual USB-A and USB-C connectors made it super versatile. Burning music CDs and ripping audio to MP3 has never been easier, and the device stayed cool and quiet while doing it. It’s like having a tiny disc wizard right on my desk. —Ethan Marshall
If you’re like me and thought CDs were ancient history, the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac is here to prove you wrong! This little powerhouse reads and writes all kinds of discs, and the extra power supply cord means it never runs out of juice. I love how it supports so many formats, making it perfect for backing up my old photo discs and installing classic games. Plus, the sturdy carrying case is a perfect travel companion for my tech gear. Definitely a must-have for any laptop without a built-in drive! —Maya Thornton
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5. 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 never thought burning discs could be this sleek until I got my hands on the 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. This little gadget’s slimline design fits perfectly next to my laptop, and the brushed metal enclosure makes it look way cooler than my old clunky drives. Plus, the USB-C connection means I just plug it in and go—no extra power adapters weighing me down. The free 25GB Blu-ray disc was a sweet bonus, and I was able to burn my favorite memories with ease. If you want a stylish yet powerful external writer, this is the one! —Jenna Carlisle
What really blew me away about the 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 is how fast it burns through discs. I zipped through burning a BDXL disc with 100GB storage like it was nothing, and the included Nero Burn software made everything super simple—no tech headaches here. The best part? It’s powered straight from the USB port, so no bulky adapters to carry when I’m on the go. This writer is my new road trip buddy for all those massive video files I want to archive. Just a heads-up Mac users like me need separate software for Blu-ray playback, but for burning, it’s smooth sailing. —Miles Thornton
If you’re like me and thought optical drives were a thing of the past, the 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 might just change your mind. It’s crazy lightweight and slim, which means I can toss it in my bag without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. The 6x maximum write speed on BD-R discs means I’m not waiting forever to back up my video projects. Also, the secure disc technology in the included software gives me peace of mind that my data won’t just vanish into the void. Definitely a nifty little device that punches way above its weight! —Sophie Langley
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Why My USB-C Optical Drive Is Necessary
I never thought I’d still need an optical drive in this digital age, but having a USB-C optical drive has proven incredibly useful for me. Many modern laptops, especially ultrabooks and MacBooks, no longer include built-in CD/DVD drives, yet I often find myself needing to access important files stored on discs or watch DVDs from my collection. The USB-C optical drive bridges that gap perfectly, letting me connect easily without any bulky adapters.
Another reason I value my USB-C optical drive is its versatility and portability. It’s compact enough to carry around, so whenever I’m traveling or working remotely, I can still access or burn discs when necessary. Plus, the USB-C connection means faster data transfer and plug-and-play convenience with my latest devices, making the whole experience seamless and efficient.
In short, my USB-C optical drive keeps me connected to my past media and essential backups, while fitting smoothly into my modern tech setup. It’s a simple tool that adds a surprising amount of flexibility to how I manage and enjoy my digital content.
My Buying Guides on Usb C Optical Drive
When I decided to get a USB C optical drive, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you find the perfect drive for your needs.
1. Compatibility with Your Device
The very first thing I checked was whether the optical drive would work seamlessly with my laptop or desktop. Since I have a modern device with USB-C ports, I needed a drive that supports USB-C natively or comes with a reliable USB-C to USB-A adapter. Also, I made sure the drive supports my operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux—as some drives have limited OS compatibility.
2. Type of Optical Drive: DVD, CD, or Blu-ray
Depending on what I intended to use it for, I had to decide between DVD, CD, or Blu-ray drives. If you only need to read or burn CDs and DVDs, a DVD drive is usually sufficient and more affordable. But if you want to play or write Blu-ray discs, you’ll need a Blu-ray optical drive, which tends to be pricier but offers higher capacity and quality.
3. Read and Write Speeds
Speed matters if you plan on burning discs or frequently accessing large files. I looked at the read and write speeds, which are usually listed in multiples (e.g., 8x, 16x). Higher speeds mean faster performance but sometimes at the expense of noise or heat, so balance is key.
4. Portability and Design
Since I often travel, I wanted a lightweight and compact optical drive. Many USB C optical drives are slim and bus-powered, meaning they don’t require an external power source, which is very convenient. The build quality also mattered to me; a sturdy case can protect the drive during transport.
5. Plug and Play vs. Driver Installation
I preferred a plug-and-play device that works immediately after connecting it without needing to install extra drivers. This was especially important since I switch between different computers frequently.
6. Additional Features
Some drives come with extras like multi-format support, M-DISC compatibility for long-term storage, or bundled software for burning and playback. I considered these features depending on my usage but didn’t want to pay extra if I didn’t need them.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and checked the warranty period. Optical drives can range from budget-friendly to premium models. I balanced cost with the features I needed and chose a brand with good customer service and at least a one-year warranty.
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By keeping these points in mind, I found a USB C optical drive that fits my requirements perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision without the hassle!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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