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10 Best External Optical Drive For Chromebook 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Portable External USB DVD Drive Compatible for Microsoft Windows 11/10/8.1 etc, Mac OS, Dell,Acer, ASUS, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo Laptop PC Desktop, CD/DVD-RW Drive, CD-RW Rewriter

This portable external USB DVD drive is designed to be compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and various laptop and desktop brands. While its compatibility with Chromebooks isn't explicitly stated, its plug-and-play nature suggests it should work seamlessly with most devices, including Chromebooks that support external drives through USB interfaces. The drive features a standard USB connection, which ensures faster data transfer rates and a stable connection, thanks to the pure-copper-knitted-net technology used in the cable design. This contributes to reliable performance, a key consideration for Chromebook users who often value simplicity and efficiency.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Compatibility

Most important from
58 reviews

Compatibility
The drive works well with Windows 11, playing CDs immediately. However, downloading a DVD player is necessary to play DVDs.
#2
10.0 score

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD ROM Burner DVD Player with USB Hub and SD Card Reader, Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Disk Drive Writer for Laptop PC Windows 11/10, Mac, Linux Computer

The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive offers a variety of features suitable for most laptops and computers, but it does not support Chromebooks, which could be a significant drawback for users in that specific category. It features plug-and-play functionality, eliminating the need for complicated setups or additional drivers. This drive supports a wide array of formats including CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD, making it versatile for reading, writing, burning, and ripping discs. However, it does not support Blu-ray discs, which could be a limitation for users looking to handle high-definition media.

Rating
10.0
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
23236 reviews

Compatibility
Versatile connectivity with both USB 3.0 and USB-C, enhancing compatibility.
Connection Type
Effortless plug-and-play setup without the need for extra drivers.
Read/Write Speed
Reliable and fast performance, with no lag or errors when reading and writing discs.
Supported Formats
Simple disc burning process on MacBook, highlighting ease of use.
Portability
Solid build quality paired with a well-made carrying case for added portability.
#3
9.9 score

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

The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive is a solid choice if you need an optical drive for a laptop without one, especially for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It connects via genuine USB 3.0 (with an included USB-C adapter), which means it offers faster and more reliable data transfer compared to older USB 2.0 drives. This is handy if you want smooth reading, writing, and ripping of CDs and DVDs. The drive supports a wide range of disc formats including CD±R, CD±RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM, which covers most common discs, but it doesn't support Blu-ray or 4K discs. It can both read and write discs at respectable speeds (up to 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs), making it versatile for playing media, installing software, or burning your own discs.

Rating
9.9
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
12635 reviews

Compatibility
Installation was quick and easy, with seamless plug-and-play setup on Windows 11.
Connection Type
The USB-C adapter and longer connector cable make it versatile and convenient across devices.
Read/Write Speed
It delivers fast and reliable reading and writing performance as expected.
Portability
The included carrying case is sturdy, well-padded, and adds great portability.

Top 10 Best External Optical Drive For Chromebook 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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Portable External USB DVD Drive Compatible for Microsoft Windows 11/10/8.1 etc, Mac OS, Dell,Acer, ASUS, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo Laptop PC Desktop, CD/DVD-RW Drive, CD-RW Rewriter

Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, various brands
Connection Type: USB
Read/Write Speed: Read: 24x CDs, 8x DVDs; Write: same
Supported Formats: DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW
Portability: Lightweight, slim, compact
Power Source: USB port

Chosen by 1425 this week

HP External Portable Slim Design CD/DVD RW Write/Read Drive, USB, Black (F2B56AA)

Compatibility: Windows Vista, XP, 8, 7, mac os x, 10
Connection Type: USB 2.0
Read/Write Speed: 24X CDs, 8X DVDs
Supported Formats: DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, CD-RW
Portability: Slim design, 8 ounces
Power Source: USB connection
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Buying Guide for the Best External Optical Drive For Chromebook

Choosing an external optical drive for your Chromebook involves understanding your needs and the specifications that will best meet those needs. Optical drives are used to read and write CDs, DVDs, and sometimes Blu-ray discs. Since Chromebooks do not come with built-in optical drives, an external one can be a useful accessory for tasks such as installing software, watching movies, or backing up data. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an external optical drive for your Chromebook.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the optical drive will work with your Chromebook. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, which is different from Windows or macOS. It's important to ensure that the optical drive you choose is compatible with Chrome OS. Look for drives that explicitly mention compatibility with Chromebooks or Chrome OS. This ensures that you won't face any issues when connecting and using the drive.
Connection TypeConnection type refers to how the optical drive connects to your Chromebook. Most external optical drives use USB connections, but there are different types of USB ports (e.g., USB-A, USB-C). Chromebooks often have USB-C ports, so choosing an optical drive with a USB-C connection can be more convenient and provide faster data transfer speeds. If your Chromebook has USB-A ports, you can opt for a drive with a USB-A connection or use an adapter.
Read/Write SpeedRead/write speed indicates how quickly the optical drive can read data from discs and write data to discs. This is measured in terms of 'x' speed (e.g., 8x, 16x). Higher speeds mean faster performance. If you plan to use the drive for tasks that require quick data access or large file transfers, such as watching high-definition movies or backing up large amounts of data, opt for a drive with higher read/write speeds. For occasional use, a standard speed should suffice.
Supported FormatsSupported formats refer to the types of discs the optical drive can read and write. Common formats include CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. If you need to read or write Blu-ray discs, ensure the drive supports Blu-ray. For general use, a drive that supports CDs and DVDs will be sufficient. Consider what types of discs you will be using most frequently and choose a drive that supports those formats.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the optical drive around. If you plan to use the drive while traveling or need to move it between different locations, look for a compact and lightweight model. Portability can be important for users who need to use the drive in various settings, such as students or professionals who work on the go.
Power SourcePower source refers to how the optical drive is powered. Some drives are powered through the USB connection, while others require an external power adapter. USB-powered drives are more convenient and portable, as they don't require an additional power source. If you prefer a clutter-free setup and ease of use, opt for a USB-powered drive.

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