Premium Optical Drives Worth Your Money
For most users, the LG BP60NB10 is the top pick, offering a slim design, USB powered, and reliable 6x Blu-ray burning. Its main advantage is portability without sacrificing performance. The main limitation is that it lacks 4K UHD Blu-ray playback.
Optical drives are not dead. They remain essential for ripping CDs, burning backup discs, and watching physical media. But not all drives are created equal. Premium models offer faster speeds, better build quality, and extra features.
This roundup covers external and internal drives that stand out from budget options. We considered user feedback and technical specifications to highlight the best in each category.
How to choose
The shortlist, ranked
LG BP60NB10
A slim, bus-powered external Blu-ray writer that burns BD-R at 6x and reads many formats. It is compatible with Windows and Mac. Owners like the sturdy build and reliable performance.
Pros
- No AC adapter needed
- Quiet operation
- Supports M-DISC for archival
Cons
- No 4K UHD playback
- Tray may feel flimsy to some
Pioneer BDR-XD07B
Pioneer’s thinnest external Blu-ray burner, just over 1 cm thick. It offers 6x BD-R writing and includes CyberLink software. It is praised for its sleek aluminum finish and silent performance.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Aluminum top cover
- Includes software for playback
Cons
- Slightly pricier than similar drives
- No 4K UHD support
OWC Mercury Pro
A dual-layer external Blu-ray burner with a rugged aluminum enclosure. It supports 16x DVD burning and 12x BD-R burning. Designed for professionals who need reliable, high-volume disc creation.
Pros
- Fast write speeds
- Durable build
- Vertical or horizontal operation
Cons
- Requires AC power
- Heavier than portable models
ASUS BW-16D1X-U
A full-size external Blu-ray writer with 16x BD-R burning and 3D playback support. It includes M-DISC support and a sleek design. Owners report stable performance and good software bundle.
Pros
- High write speeds
- Comes with CyberLink suite
- Supports 3D Blu-ray playback
Cons
- Bulky and needs external power
- Not ideal for travel
Buffalo BRUHD-PU3
One of the few external drives that can play 4K UHD Blu-ray discs when paired with compatible software. It supports 6x BD-R writing and features a compact design. Users appreciate the 4K capability but note software requirements.
Pros
- 4K UHD playback capable
- Portable size
- Includes PowerDVD for Windows
Cons
- Requires specific software and hardware
- May need powered USB hub
LG WH14NS40
An internal SATA Blu-ray burner that can write to BD-R at 14x and DVD-R at 16x. It is a popular choice for desktop PC builders. It supports M-DISC and includes Lightscribe-like labeling? Actually no, but it has a sleek bezel.
Pros
- Fast for internal drive
- Quiet operation
- Good value for internal use
Cons
- Requires installation
- No software bundle
Pioneer BDR-XS07S
A slim external Blu-ray burner with a brushed metal finish and a unique silver color. It offers 6x BD-R writing and includes Pioneer’s disc utility software. It is aesthetically pleasing but similar in specs to cheaper models.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Compact
- Reliable Pioneer quality
Cons
- Premium price for similar specs
- No 4K support
How they stack up
| # | Model | Interface | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG BP60NB10 | USB 3.0 | Portable Blu-ray burner | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Pioneer BDR-XD07B | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Ultra-slim travel drive | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | OWC Mercury Pro | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Professional archiving | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | ASUS BW-16D1X-U | USB 3.0 | Desktop disc production | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Buffalo BRUHD-PU3 | USB 3.0 | 4K UHD Blu-ray playback | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | LG WH14NS40 | SATA | Internal upgrade | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Pioneer BDR-XS07S | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Stylish design | 8.2 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
Can I play 4K UHD Blu-ray on any Blu-ray drive?
No. Playing 4K UHD Blu-ray requires a drive that is specifically certified for 4K, along with compatible software and hardware that supports HDCP 2.2. Most standard Blu-ray drives cannot read 4K discs.
What is M-DISC and why is it important?
M-DISC is a type of optical disc designed for long-term data archiving. It uses a special recording layer that is more resistant to degradation. Drives that support M-DISC can write to these discs, preserving data for up to 1000 years.
Are external optical drives faster than internal ones?
Not necessarily. External drives often use USB 3.0, which is fast enough for most optical media. Internal drives use SATA, which can support higher speeds, but the bottleneck is usually the drive mechanism. For most users, the difference is negligible.
Do I need a powered USB hub for external drives?
Slim external drives, like the LG BP60NB10, are bus-powered and work fine with a standard USB port. Larger desktop drives may require an external power adapter. Check the power requirements before buying.
Can I rip DVDs and Blu-rays with these drives?
Yes, you can rip discs if you have the appropriate software. However, be aware of copyright laws. The drives themselves have no restrictions, but some commercial discs may have copy protection.
What is the difference between BD-R and BD-RE?
BD-R is a write-once format, meaning you can record data only once. BD-RE is rewritable, allowing you to erase and rewrite multiple times. BD-RE discs are more expensive but useful for temporary backups.
How do I know if a drive is compatible with my computer?
Check the drive’s specifications for operating system requirements. Most external drives support Windows and macOS. Internal drives need a free SATA port and a 5.25-inch drive bay. Also, ensure your computer meets the power and space requirements.
Is it worth paying more for a premium optical drive?
Premium drives offer better build quality, faster speeds, and additional features like M-DISC or 4K playback. If you burn discs frequently or need archival reliability, the extra cost is justified. For occasional use, a budget drive may suffice.
Our pick
For most users, the LG BP60NB10 is the best premium optical drive because it balances portability, performance, and price. If you need professional-grade writing speeds, the OWC Mercury Pro is a solid choice. For 4K playback, the Buffalo BRUHD-PU3 is the only option, but it has software requirements. Ultimately, we recommend the LG for its versatility and value.
