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10 Best External Blu Ray Drives 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

LG 6X WP50NB40 External Portable Blu-ray Burner in Retail Box Bundle with 50GB Verbatim M-Disc BD-R DL and Cyberlink Burning Software

The LG 6X WP50NB40 is a portable external Blu-ray burner designed for users who need to read and write Blu-ray discs on the go. Its maximum write speed is 6x for Blu-ray discs and it uses USB connectivity, making it compatible with many Windows and Mac systems without needing extra power sources since it’s USB-powered. It comes bundled with a 50GB Verbatim M-Disc, which is great if you want very long-lasting data storage since M-Discs are designed to keep your files safe for up to 1000 years. The drive supports common disc formats and has a buffer to help prevent errors during burning. It includes Cyberlink burning software, which makes it easier to manage your discs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,214
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility
Portability

Most important from
102 reviews

Read/Write Speed
This drive flawlessly burns 100GB BDXL M-Discs, providing reliable archival storage that ensures data safety even after other drives fail.
Compatibility
Plug-and-play functionality works perfectly on Windows 11, macOS, and Linux without needing complicated software or drivers.
Portability
The drive is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent portable option to carry in a laptop bag for on-the-go use.
Software
The included burning software can be confusing, but simply dragging and dropping files to the drive offers a straightforward way to back up large amounts of data.
#2
9.7 score

Verbatim External Slimline CD DVD Blu-Ray Writer USB 3.2 Gen 1 Drive M-Disc Ready Compatible with Windows 8/10/11 Mac OS X 10.6 or higher Blu-ray Burner with free 25GB Blu-ray disc

The Verbatim External Slimline Blu-ray Writer is a compact and lightweight drive that’s easy to carry around, making it a good choice if you need a portable solution for reading and writing Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs. It supports decent write speeds—6X for Blu-ray, 8X for DVD, and 24X for CD—and can handle large BDXL discs up to 100GB, which is great if you want to store high-capacity files. It connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1, offering fast data transfer and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0, so it works with most laptops and desktops.

Rating
9.7
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility
Connectivity

Most important from
6841 reviews

Read/Write Speed
Successfully burned large 100GB BDXL discs on Mac using native OS features without needing third-party software.
Compatibility
While the bundled software only supports Windows, Mac users can rely on native burning features or third-party options.
Connectivity
The USB connection can be tricky due to the need for an optional Y cable or adapter, which may complicate setup.
Portability
The drive’s slim and sturdy design feels high quality and is easy to carry around.
Software
Comes with complicated, paid software that is difficult to navigate and lacks free Blu-ray recognition features, so finding compatible software is necessary.
#3
9.4 score

Produplicator LG BP60NB10 Portable 6X Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray Burner External Drive with CyberLink Software, 25GB M-DISC BD-R, and USB Cable - Burns CD DVD BD DL BDXL Discs

The Produplicator LG BP60NB10 Blu-ray drive is a versatile and portable device designed to meet various media needs. With a write speed of 6X, it efficiently handles different disc formats including CD, DVD, BD, DL, and BDXL, making it suitable for users who need to burn or read a wide range of discs. The BDXL support is particularly notable as it allows recording up to 100GB of data on a single disc, which is great for heavy multimedia storage or business documentation. Compatibility is a strong suit, as it works with multiple Windows versions and macOS, ensuring broad usability across different systems.

Rating
9.4
Read/Write Speed
Compatibility

Most important from
180 reviews

Read/Write Speed
Burning Blu-ray discs to ISO files works seamlessly and quickly, especially when used with a laptop.
Compatibility
After some initial setup challenges, the drive can be configured to play UHD 4K content using alternative firmware like LibreDrive.

Top 10 Best External Blu Ray Drives 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

LG 6X WP50NB40 External Portable Blu-ray Burner in Retail Box Bundle with 50GB Verbatim M-Disc BD-R DL and Cyberlink Burning Software

Read/Write Speed: Read 8x, Write 6x
Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, Mac
Connectivity: USB 1.1
Portability: Portable, lightweight, compact
Power Source: USB-powered
Software: Cyberlink burning software

Chosen by 1214 this week

ASUS SBW-06D5H-U BDXL External Ultra Slim Blu-ray and MDisc Burner USB 3.1 USB-C 2 Cables Black

Read/Write Speed: up to 8x
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Connectivity: USB 3.1, USB-C
Portability: compact, lightweight
Power Source: external power
Software: included software

ASUS BW-16D1X-U 16x External Blu-ray BDXL Drive with BD Suite Disc USB 3.0 Cable Power Adapter and Cord

Read/Write Speed: Write speed 16x
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Portability: 9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 in, 3.83 lbs
Power Source: Power adapter
Software: Included software suite

BUFFALO MediaStation Desktop 16x External Blu-ray Writer for PC with USB 3.0. TAA Compliant. Plays and Burns Blu-Rays, DVDs, and CDs.

Read/Write Speed: Read 12x BR/DVD/CD, Write 16x BR/DVD/CD
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Connectivity: USB, USB 3.0
Portability: Desktop, heavy, not for frequent travel
Power Source: USB connection
Software: CyberLink Media Suite
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Buying Guide for the Best External Blu Ray Drives

When choosing an external Blu-ray drive, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Whether you're looking to watch high-definition movies, back up large amounts of data, or create your own Blu-ray discs, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Read/Write SpeedRead/Write speed refers to how quickly the drive can read data from or write data to a Blu-ray disc. This is important because faster speeds mean less waiting time when transferring data or watching movies. Read/Write speeds are usually measured in multiples of 'X', where 1X equals 36 megabits per second. For casual use, such as watching movies, a 6X speed might be sufficient. However, if you plan to burn large amounts of data or create Blu-ray discs, you might want to look for speeds of 12X or higher.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to the types of discs and operating systems the Blu-ray drive can work with. It's important because not all drives support all disc formats or operating systems. Look for a drive that supports BD-R, BD-RE, DVD, and CD formats if you need versatility. Additionally, ensure the drive is compatible with your computer's operating system, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux. If you use multiple devices, a drive with broad compatibility will be more convenient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the Blu-ray drive connects to your computer. This is important because it affects the ease of use and data transfer speeds. Most external Blu-ray drives connect via USB, with USB 3.0 being the most common and offering faster data transfer rates than USB 2.0. If you have a newer computer with USB-C ports, you might want to look for a drive that supports USB-C for even faster speeds and easier connectivity. Consider your computer's available ports and choose a drive that matches.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the Blu-ray drive. This is important if you plan to use the drive on the go or with multiple devices. Smaller, lighter drives are easier to carry around and take up less space. If you need a drive for travel or frequent use in different locations, look for a compact and lightweight model. However, if the drive will mostly stay in one place, portability might be less of a concern.
Power SourcePower source refers to how the Blu-ray drive is powered. This is important because it affects convenience and usability. Some drives are powered through the USB connection, which means you don't need an extra power adapter. This is ideal for portability and ease of use. Other drives require an external power source, which might provide more stable performance but can be less convenient. Consider where and how you'll use the drive to decide which power source is best for you.
SoftwareSoftware refers to the programs that come with the Blu-ray drive for playing, burning, and managing discs. This is important because good software can enhance your experience and provide additional functionality. Some drives come with comprehensive software suites that include everything you need to watch movies, burn discs, and back up data. Others might come with basic software or none at all. If you need specific features, such as 3D playback or advanced burning options, look for a drive that includes the appropriate software.

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