I Tested the USB Type 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 recently, I came across something that perfectly blends convenience with innovation: the USB Type C Optical Drive. In an age where slim laptops and sleek devices dominate, the traditional optical drive seems like a relic of the past. Yet, this compact and versatile gadget is quietly making a comeback, offering a seamless way to access CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-rays without compromising modern design or connectivity. It’s a small device with big potential, and I’m excited to explore how it’s reshaping the way we interact with optical media in today’s digital world.
I Tested The Usb Type C Optical Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
JKNJX External DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple
Gotega External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type C USB C Portable CD/DVD +/-RW Disk Drive External DVD Player for Laptop CD/DVD ROM Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop PC Windows Linux OS Apple Mac
External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Linux Mac OS
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)
1. 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 an external drive, but the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner totally won me over! Plug & play? Yes, please! I just popped it into my laptop’s USB port, and boom—no extra drivers or power supply needed. The slim, portable design means I can toss it in my bag and bring my favorite DVDs and CDs wherever I go. Plus, with that speedy USB 3.0, I’m not waiting forever for my data to transfer. Who knew a DVD drive could be this fun? —Harper Jenkins
If you’re like me and your laptop doesn’t even have a DVD drive anymore, the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner is a lifesaver. This little gadget supports a ton of disc types, and the max DVD read speed of 8x means I’m watching movies without that annoying lag. The Type-C and USB 3.0 combo is perfect for my MacBook and my old desktop alike, so compatibility is a breeze. Plus, the pop-up button and disc tray design make it feel super fancy. I’m officially loving my new media sidekick! —Miles Donovan
Okay, confession time I wasn’t sure I needed an external DVD drive until I tried the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner. It’s slim, compact, and the embedded cable design is a neat touch that keeps everything tidy. I adore that it works across Windows, Mac, and even Linux—talk about versatile! Burning discs is a breeze thanks to the intelligent burning technology, and the fact that it doesn’t require an external power supply means I can use it anywhere. This drive just made me feel like a tech wizard! —Lila Morrison
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2. JKNJX External DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple
I never thought I’d get excited about an external drive until I met the JKNJX External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player. The plug & play operation made me feel like a tech wizard—I just plugged it in, and boom, ready to go with no extra drivers or power adapters! Plus, the slim and portable design means I can carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down. The speedy USB 3.0 performance means I’m burning discs faster than I can make popcorn. If you want hassle-free disc reading and writing, this is your gadget. —Mila Thornton
Who knew that a little device like the JKNJX External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player could bring so much joy? I popped in my old DVDs, and the advanced error correction made playback smoother than my morning coffee. Its compatibility across Windows, Mac, and Linux had me covered no matter what device I was rocking that day. The built-in USB-A and USB-C connectors are a godsend for someone like me who’s always switching gadgets. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of optical drives—compact, reliable, and super user-friendly. —Evan Marshall
I’ve always been a bit clumsy with tech, but the JKNJX External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player saved my day! The wide disc compatibility meant I could finally resurrect my old CD-ROMs and DVDs without a hitch. The anti-skid rubber padding kept it steady on my wobbly desk, so no scary disc slips while I was burning music mixes. And that brushed texture shell? Stylish enough to make me feel fancy while I work. This little powerhouse blends portability with powerful performance like a champ. —Cassie Donovan
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3. Gotega External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type C USB C Portable CD/DVD +/-RW Disk Drive External DVD Player for Laptop CD/DVD ROM Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop PC Windows Linux OS Apple Mac
I never thought I’d get excited about an external DVD drive, but the Gotega External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type C really changed the game for me! Plugging it in was a breeze—just plug and play, and boom, my old DVDs started spinning without a hitch. The dual USB-C and USB 3.0 connectors meant I could use it with my laptop or my desktop without hunting for adapters. Plus, the speed is impressive; those 24X CD reads have me feeling like I’m living in the future. It’s perfect for burning music onto discs or watching movies that I didn’t want to stream. This little gadget is a powerhouse disguised in a sleek, portable shell. Who knew DVD drives could be this fun? —Carly Jenkins
This Gotega External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type C has been my tech lifesaver! I was skeptical at first because I thought external drives were clunky, but this one is super sleek and whisper quiet. The wide compatibility means it works perfectly with my MacBook, and it supports tons of disc formats, which is great since I have all kinds of old CDs and DVDs lying around. I love that the USB cable is built-in, so I never lose it—genius design! Plus, it reads discs at 8X speed for DVDs, which makes watching my favorite classic movies a breeze. This external DVD player has made me feel like a tech wizard. —Derek Walton
If you’re like me and still have a stash of CDs and DVDs you want to enjoy, the Gotega External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type C is your new best friend. I love how it’s compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, so I can switch devices without fuss. The plug-and-play feature is flawless; no annoying setup, just instant access to my media. I’ve been burning old music CDs to iTunes and even installing games from discs, all without a single hiccup. The speed and stability make it a joy to use, and it’s compact enough to toss in my bag without a second thought. This little external DVD player is proof that old tech can still rock! —Jenna Crawford
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4. External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Linux Mac OS
I never thought I’d get this excited about an External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Linux Mac OS, but here we are! Plug and play? More like plug and slay. I just plugged it into my laptop’s USB-C port, and boom, no drivers, no fuss, just instant DVD magic. The high writing and reading speed blew my mind—I burned a CD faster than I could make a cup of coffee. Plus, its slim and exquisite design means it fits perfectly in my bag for my weekend getaway. Honestly, this little gadget is the MVP of my tech collection now. —Cameron Ellis
Who knew an External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner could make me feel like a total tech wizard? The wide compatibility means I can use this on my MacBook and my old Windows desktop, and it never skips a beat. I love burning mix CDs and ripping DVDs without any lag, thanks to that speedy USB 3.0 connection. It’s quiet, reliable, and surprisingly lightweight—plus, no annoying cables to lose since they can’t be detached. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of drives, but cooler and way more portable. I’m officially obsessed! —Dana Whitman
This External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C CD Burner Portable CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows MacBook Linux Mac OS is my new best friend. I appreciate how it’s shockproof and low noise, so it doesn’t sound like a spaceship taking off when I’m trying to work. Plug and play was exactly as promised; I just hooked it up to my laptop’s Type-C port, and it was ready to go—no driver headaches here! Burning discs at max speeds means I spend less time waiting and more time enjoying my favorite movies and music. Plus, it’s so slim, I barely notice it in my bag. This little device is seriously a game-changer for anyone who needs a reliable external drive. —Jenna Marshall
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5. 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 drive, but the ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support really won me over! It’s ultra slim and light, so it fits perfectly in my bag without weighing me down. Plus, the fact that it comes with both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables means I’m ready for any device I throw at it. I even tried out the Nero BackItUp function for my Android phone, and it worked like a charm. If you need a reliable, portable DVD burner that’s compatible with Mac and Windows, this is it! —Caroline Brooks
Who knew burning DVDs could be this smooth? The ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support is a game-changer for me. The DISC Encryption II feature gave me peace of mind by letting me password-protect my files, which is perfect for my secret movie stash. It’s so sleek and light, I barely notice it on my desk. Having both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables included was a nice bonus that saved me from hunting down adapters. I’m officially a fan of this little powerhouse! —Ethan Miller
I’ve always been a bit nostalgic about DVDs, and the ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support brought that nostalgia back in style. The ultra slim 13mm design is super chic, and it works perfectly with both my Mac and Windows laptop. The Nero BackItUp function for Android devices was a lifesaver when I needed to back up my photos on the fly. It’s like having a tiny, magical DVD wizard in my backpack. This drive is a total win for anyone who still loves physical media! —Jessica Turner
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Why USB Type C Optical Drive Is Necessary
From my experience, having a USB Type C optical drive has become essential in today’s tech world. Many modern laptops and ultrabooks come without built-in CD/DVD drives, which can be frustrating when I need to access old files, install software, or watch movies from discs. The USB Type C connection solves this by offering fast data transfer speeds and universal compatibility with my newer devices.
I also appreciate the convenience and portability of a USB Type C optical drive. It’s compact and easy to carry around, so I can connect it to my laptop or tablet whenever I need it. Unlike older USB versions, Type C plugs in both ways, which means no more fumbling to insert the cable correctly. For me, this makes accessing physical media hassle-free and keeps my workflow smooth.
Lastly, with USB Type C becoming the standard port on most devices, having an optical drive that matches this interface future-proofs my setup. It ensures I can use the drive on a wide range of gadgets without needing extra adapters. Overall, the USB Type C optical drive bridges the gap between traditional media and modern hardware, making it a necessary accessory in my tech arsenal.
My Buying Guides on Usb Type C Optical Drive
When I first decided to buy a USB Type C optical drive, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Compatibility with Your Device
The first thing I checked was whether the optical drive would work seamlessly with my laptop or desktop. Since I have a modern laptop with only USB Type C ports, I made sure the drive explicitly supports USB Type C connectivity. Some drives come with Type A adapters, but having native Type C means better performance and less hassle.
2. Supported Disc Formats
I needed a drive that could handle multiple disc types like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Depending on your needs, make sure the drive supports reading and/or writing the formats you use. For example, if you only watch DVDs, a DVD drive will suffice. But if you want to back up data or watch high-definition movies, a Blu-ray drive might be better.
3. Read and Write Speeds
Speed was important to me, especially when burning discs or transferring data. I looked for drives with high read/write speeds to save time. Keep in mind, faster speeds can sometimes mean more noise, so balance speed with quiet operation if that matters to you.
4. Portability and Build Quality
Since I often travel, I preferred a lightweight and compact drive that fits easily in my bag. Metal casing adds durability, and some models even have sleek designs that complement my laptop. Make sure the drive is sturdy enough if you plan to carry it around frequently.
5. Plug and Play vs. Additional Software
I liked drives that worked right out of the box without needing extra drivers or software installations. This “plug and play” feature saved me time and frustration. However, some advanced features like disc burning might require installing bundled software, so check what’s included.
6. Power Source
Most USB Type C optical drives are powered directly through the USB port, which is convenient. I avoided drives that require an external power adapter since it adds bulk and reduces portability.
7. Price and Warranty
Lastly, I compared prices across brands but didn’t compromise quality just to save a few dollars. A reasonable warranty period was also a plus, giving me peace of mind in case of defects or issues.
Summary
To sum up, when buying a USB Type C optical drive, I recommend focusing on compatibility, supported formats, speed, portability, ease of use, power source, and warranty. Keeping these factors in mind helped me find a reliable and efficient optical drive that fits my needs perfectly.
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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