Best External DVD Writer Alternatives for Disc Backup
The top pick for backing up or transferring discs without an external DVD writer is a USB Blu-ray drive, specifically the LG BP60NB10 or the Pioneer BDR-XD07U. These drives read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays, giving you the most flexibility for both backing up old media and creating new discs, and they are compact enough to travel with a laptop.
What to Look For
When choosing an alternative to an external DVD writer, focus on these criteria:
- Disc Compatibility: If you only need to read or write CDs and DVDs, a DVD writer is sufficient. If you have Blu-ray discs (movies, game discs, or data), you need a Blu-ray drive. Check if it can write to the media you use (e.g., DVD-R, DVD+R, BD-R).
- Connection Type: USB 3.0 or USB-C is essential for speed and reliability. Older USB 2.0 drives are slower but still work. For modern laptops without USB-A ports, a USB-C drive or an adapter is necessary.
- Portability vs. Desktop: Slim portable drives are great for travel and take little desk space. Desktop drives are larger, often faster, and may have better cooling, but they need a power outlet.
- Burning Speed: Higher speeds (e.g., 16x for DVD, 6x for Blu-ray) reduce the time to write a full disc. However, speed is less critical if you burn rarely.
- Software Included: Some drives come with basic burning software (like CyberLink or Nero), but you can often use free tools like ImgBurn or Windows’ built-in disc burning features.
- Durability and Build: Look for a metal or sturdy plastic chassis, especially if you travel with it. A short, thick USB cable is more reliable than a long, flimsy one.
Option 1: USB Blu-ray Drive (LG BP60NB10 / Pioneer BDR-XD07U)
Strengths: These slim, portable drives read and write all disc formats—CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. They are the only true “one-size-fits-all� solution for backing up movie collections, installing software from old discs, or archiving large data sets onto 25GB or 50GB Blu-ray discs. They connect via USB 3.0 (often with a USB-C cable included) and are bus-powered, so no external power brick is needed.
Trade-offs: They cost roughly twice as much as a DVD-only writer. Blu-ray burning is slower than DVD burning, and the discs themselves are more expensive per gigabyte. Also, not all Blu-ray drives can play commercial Blu-ray movies without additional software (like PowerDVD) due to AACS copy protection.
Who it suits: Anyone who has a mix of old CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays to back up, or who wants to create high-capacity archival discs. It is the best all-rounder for a laptop user who needs one drive for everything.
Option 2: Internal SATA DVD/Blu-ray Drive in an Enclosure
Strengths: If you have an old internal optical drive from a desktop PC, you can buy a USB-to-SATA enclosure for around $15-25. This gives you a full-size drive with faster speeds and often better reliability than slim portable models. Many enclosures support both 2.5-inch (laptop) and 3.5-inch (desktop) drives, and some have an external power adapter for 3.5-inch drives.
Trade-offs: This is a DIY project—you need to install the drive in the enclosure, which takes a few minutes. The result is bulkier than a slim drive, and you may need a separate power supply for desktop drives. Compatibility with all enclosures and drives is not guaranteed, so check the enclosure’s specs.
Who it suits: Tinkerers who already have a spare drive and want to save money, or who need a sturdy, fixed drive for a desktop setup.
Option 3: Network-Attached Optical Drive (e.g., a NAS with a USB drive)
Strengths: If you have a NAS (like a Synology or QNAP) or a router with USB port, you can plug a USB DVD/Blu-ray drive into it and access it over the network. This allows multiple computers on your network to read and write discs without each having a drive. It is also a way to back up discs directly to the NAS’s storage without a computer.
Trade-offs: This setup is more complex to configure, and not all NAS software supports optical drives well. Speed is limited by your network, and writing discs over Wi-Fi can be slow and error-prone. You also need a NAS, which is a significant investment if you don’t already have one.
Who it suits: Households or small offices with a central NAS that want to share one optical drive among several machines, or who want to automate disc ripping to network storage.
Option 4: External Enclosure with a Laptop SATA Drive (DIY)
Strengths: If you have a slim laptop optical drive (9.5mm or 12.7mm) from an old laptop, you can buy a slim USB enclosure specifically for it. These enclosures are small, bus-powered, and inexpensive (around $10-20). This is the cheapest way to get a functional external drive if you have the parts.
Trade-offs: Laptop drives are slower and less durable than desktop drives. The enclosure must match the drive’s thickness and interface (SATA, not IDE). You also need to be comfortable with basic hardware handling.
Who it suits: Budget-conscious users who have a spare laptop drive and want a portable solution without buying new hardware.
Option 5: Ripping Services (Mail-in or Local)
Strengths: If you have a large collection of discs to back up but don’t want to buy any hardware, you can use a disc ripping service. You mail your discs to a company that rips them to digital files (MP4, MKV, etc.) and returns the originals along with a hard drive or cloud links. This saves you hours of manual ripping and avoids the cost of a drive.
Trade-offs: This is a one-time cost per disc, which can add up if you have hundreds. You must trust the service with your media, and there may be legal restrictions on copying copyrighted movies. Turnaround time can be weeks.
Who it suits: People with a huge backlog of discs who want a professional, hands-off solution and are willing to pay a premium per disc.
How to Choose
Budget: If you are on a tight budget, a used external DVD writer from a reputable seller or a DIY enclosure with an old drive will cost under $30. For $50-100, you get a new slim Blu-ray drive. For $150+, you get a high-speed desktop Blu-ray burner.
Use Case: Ask yourself what you actually need to do. If you only have old CDs and DVDs of photos and documents, a DVD writer is enough. If you have Blu-ray movies or want to create 25GB backups, you need a Blu-ray drive. If you never plan to write discs, only read them, consider a used DVD reader (even cheaper).
Common Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is cost vs. compatibility. Blu-ray drives cost more but are future-proof. Portable drives are convenient but slower and less reliable than desktop ones. Ripping services save time but cost per disc and involve privacy considerations. Also, remember that many modern laptops lack an optical drive bay, so an external drive is the only option unless you use a network drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a game console (like a PS4 or Xbox) to back up discs?
No, consoles can play games and movies but cannot rip or copy them to external storage. They are not designed for disc backup.
Is it legal to back up my own DVDs and Blu-rays?
In most countries, making a personal backup copy of media you own is legally gray or prohibited, especially if it involves bypassing copy protection (like CSS on DVDs). For personal data discs you created, it is fine.
What free software can I use to rip or burn discs?
For burning, Windows and macOS have built-in disc burning features. For ripping, free tools like HandBrake (for video) and ImgBurn (for ISO images) are reliable. For Blu-ray, you may need additional libraries like MakeMKV.
How long does it take to burn a full DVD?
At 16x speed, a 4.7GB DVD takes about 5-6 minutes. At 8x, about 10-12 minutes. Blu-ray at 6x takes about 15 minutes for a 25GB disc.
Can I use a USB hub to connect an external drive?
Yes, but avoid using a hub with other high-power devices, as the drive may not get enough power. Use a powered hub if possible.
Will a Blu-ray drive read all my old CDs and DVDs?
Yes, all Blu-ray drives are backward compatible with CDs and DVDs. They can read and write them, though some older, scratched discs may have issues.
Bottom Line
For most people, the best alternative is a slim USB Blu-ray drive like the LG BP60NB10 or Pioneer BDR-XD07U. It covers every disc format you might encounter, is portable, and works with any modern computer. If you only have DVDs and want to save money, a standard external DVD writer is fine. If you have a huge collection and no time, consider a ripping service. Avoid buying a drive that only reads (no writing) unless you are certain you will never need to burn a disc.
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