Are you trying to find pioneer external optical drives among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling pioneer external optical drives on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 29 hours of research and did 39 pioneer external optical drives tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best pioneer external optical drives you can buy today
- The latest high-grade rubber coating, which provides some of the best resistance against scratching and peeling in the industry.
- PureRead 4+ for accurate reading of CDs.
- Compatible with the USB 3.2 Gen1 standard for high-speed data transfer and stable power supply.
- Ultra-lightweight 230 g (0.51 lb) and portable clamshell type drive Long-term data protection with M-DISC Type-C conversion cable included.
- Windows 11 / macOS Monterey 12 / macOS Ventura 13 Compatible Windows Software, CyberLink Media Suite 10 is included. (available for download free of charge.)
- Our products are compatible with Windows 11. The included Cyberlink software can also be updated to Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2).
- Our Pioneer products are compatible with Windows 11. The included Cyberlink software can be updated to Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2). You will need to check the URL provided by Cyberlink for instructions on how to update the software. The following is the Cyberlink download page. CyberLink Support Center https://www.cyberlink.com/support/index.html The included CyberLink Media Suite 10 may not be able to be installed on Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2).
- Included Accessories: User manual (including application product key and warranty information)/ L-shaped USB cable (Type-A)/USB exchange cable (Type-A → Type-C).
- 【Important update for Limited Warranty】 The warranty period will now run from the date of product delivery from the first retail sale, applicable to all products sold at retail on or after July 1, 2023. A product’s updated Limited Warranty may contain terms and conditions different from the warranty card in the product packaging, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- Firmware 2023 (version: 1.03 and up)
- No applications included. Please prepare the application separately according to your intended use.
- Ultra HD Blu-ray (UHD disc) is not supported.
- 【Notice】 When connected to a PC through the USB conversion cables or hubs, there may be insufficient power supply to the product, which might prevent normal operation.
- PC system requires the USB Type-A port to connect this product.
- Included Accessories: User manual (warranty information)/USB Type-C Cable (USB Standard A (Computer side) )→USB Type-C (Product side)
- 【Notice】This product may reduce playback/recording speed based on the quality of the disc and increased temperature to maintain stable performance. Additionally, when playing or recording on discs of lower physical quality, it may produce a louder-than-normal rotational sound.
- 【Important update for Limited Warranty】 The warranty period will now run from the date of product delivery from the first retail sale, applicable to all products sold at retail on or after July 1, 2023. A product’s updated Limited Warranty may contain terms and conditions different from the warranty card in the product packaging, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- Long-term data protection with M-DISC Support Support reading and writing M-DISC(DVD, BD: SL25GB/DL50GB/TL100GB) introduced by Millenniata, Inc.
- A luxurious silver body that matches the design of the your computer.
- 【Industry-leading 16x1 (max) writing speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB)】 This drive combines Pioneer reliability and high performance with high-speed writing, providing up to 16x1 maximum write speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB) and up to 1x writing speed on BD-R (DL : 50GB). It is compatible with BDXL format discs (BD-R XL : 100GB TL / 128GB QL, BD-RE XL : 100GB TL) as well as BD discs. High-speed reading and writing are supported for both DVDs and CDs. DVD-R discs can be written at up to 16x
- 【A better music experience with PureRead 3+ featuring unique algorithms】 When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc. This minimizes error data interpolation. *Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.
- 【Displaying PureRead mode】 With the device not operating, press and hold the eject button for at least two seconds. The busy indicator flashes, and the current PureRead mode setting is displayed. You can check the mode in advance without launching the Drive Utility on your PC.
- 【Can be placed vertically on either side, and features ridged construction that offers high performance and a pleasing design】 Comes with four insulators for use in a horizontal configuration and eight for use in a vertical configuration. In addition to the horizontal configuration, the drive can be placed vertically, allowing you to use it in a configuration that suits the layout of your workplace.
- 【Compatible with high-speed M-DISC writing for long-term data archiving】 This product is compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc. It now also supports 6x writing on M-DISC (BD) SL and M-DISC (DVD).
- Included Accessories: User manual (including application product key and warranty information)/USB cable (Type-A → Type-B)/AC adapter/Power cord/Insulators for horizontal placement × 4/Insulators for vertical placement × 8
- Pioneer New/Updated firmware 2023 included.
- Our products are compatible with Windows 11. The included Cyberlink software can also be updated to Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2).
- Our Pioneer products are compatible with Windows 11. The included Cyberlink software can be updated to Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2). You will need to check the URL provided by Cyberlink for instructions on how to update the software.
- The following is the Cyberlink download page. CyberLink Support Center s://.cyberlink/support/index.html The included CyberLink Media Suite 10 may not be able to be installed on Windows 11 version 2022 Update (version 22H2). Please refer to the following page from CyberLink for details. s://.cyberlink/support/faq-content.do?id27580
- Included Accessories: User manual (including application product key and information)/ L-shaped USB cable (Type-A)/USB exchange cable (Type-A Type-C).
- 【Important update for Limited Warranty】 The warranty period will now run from the date of product delivery from the first retail sale, applicable to all products sold at retail on or after July 1, 2023. A product’s updated Limited Warranty may contain terms and conditions different from the warranty card in the product packaging, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- Pioneer external drive bundle includes a USB cable
- EQUIPPED with slot loading mechanism for dustproof and excellent quietness and USB Type-C connection
- SUPPORTED WITH M-DISC: compatible with M-Disc, a special disc that is treated with a super hard coat to prevent scatches and resist fingerprints for long-term data protection
- SMOOTH MOVIE PLAYBACK: PowerRead feature enables the drive to bypass obstructed areas of a disc and attempt to move forward quickly to the next available data point, resulting in smoother playback
- A SMARTER DRIVE: Enabled with Auto Quiet mode, the drive monitors and adjusts accordingly to high speed for fast data transfer and low speed for stable music/movie playback
- Pioneer external drive bundle includes a 1 pack of 100GB M-DISC BDXL, Cyberlink software download installation code and USB Type-C cable
- EQUIPPED with slot loading mechanism for dustproof and excellent quietness and USB Type-C connection
- SUPPORTED WITH M-DISC: compatible with M-Disc, a special disc that is treated with a super hard coat to prevent scatches and resist fingerprints for long-term data protection
- SMOOTH MOVIE PLAYBACK: PowerRead feature enables the drive to bypass obstructed areas of a disc and attempt to move forward quickly to the next available data point, resulting in smoother playback
- A SMARTER DRIVE: Enabled with Auto Quiet mode, the drive monitors and adjusts accordingly to high speed for fast data transfer and low speed for stable music/movie playback
- Firmware 2023 (version: 1.03 and up)
- Long-term data protection with M-DISC Support Support reading and writing M-DISC(DVD, BD: SL25GB/DL50GB/TL100GB) introduced by Millenniata, Inc.
- Equipped with USB Type-C connector From XS07 series, the drive has USB Type-C connector. USB Type-C Cable (USB Standard A to USB Type-C and USB Type-C to USB Type-C ) included.
- Compact, well-balanced body Feel smooth with high-grade rubber coating. Compact, well-balanced body with vertical stand.
- Slot loading mechanism Both dependable dustproof and excellent quietness have been realized with original slot loading mechanism.
- For information on other PC environment requirements, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- 【Important update for Limited Warranty】 The warranty period will now run from the date of product delivery from the first retail sale, applicable to all products sold at retail on or after July 1, 2023. A product’s updated Limited Warranty may contain terms and conditions different from the warranty card in the product packaging, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- Pioneer external drive bundle includes an USB Type-C cable
- EQUIPPED with slot loading mechanism for dustproof and excellent quietness and USB Type-C connection
- SUPPORTED WITH M-DISC: compatible with M-Disc, a special disc that is treated with a super hard coat to prevent scatches and resist fingerprints for long-term data protection
- SMOOTH MOVIE PLAYBACK: PowerRead feature enables the drive to bypass obstructed areas of a disc and attempt to move forward quickly to the next available data point, resulting in smoother playback
- A SMARTER DRIVE: Enabled with Auto Quiet mode, the drive monitors and adjusts accordingly to high speed for fast data transfer and low speed for stable music/movie playback
- 【16x *1 BD-R Writing and BDXL Support.】 Up to 16x *1 writing on BD-R SL discs, 14x on BD-R DL discs, and 8x writing on BD-R TL discs and BDXL support （BD-R XL：Triple Layer 100GB、BD-R XL：Quadruple Layer 128GB、BD-RE XL：Triple Layer 100GB).
- 【A better music experience with PureRead 3+ featuring unique algorithms】 When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc. This minimizes error data interpolation. *Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.
- 【Compatible with high-speed M-DISC writing for long-term data archiving】 This product is compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc. It now also supports 6x writing on M-DISC (BD) SL and M-DISC (DVD).
- 【A front design that combines functionality and a brilliant design】 The simple, flat design uses blue LED lighting and a hairline finish that creates a contrasting texture, all while maintaining the quietness and high dust resistance of previous models.
- 【Unique honeycomb construction and cooling structure】 This product features a unique honeycomb structure that increases the rigidity of the housing and minimizes unnecessary vibration. It also commutes airflow generated within the housing by the rotation of the disc, circulating it effectively to alleviate the temperature increase in the pickup and disc surface that occurs when the disc is rotated for extended periods or at high speed.
- 1 16x BD-R write speed achieved using certain media.Refer to the Supported media list.
- Included Accessories: User manual (including application product key and warranty information)
- 【Important update for Limited Warranty】 The warranty period will now run from the date of product delivery from the first retail sale, applicable to all products sold at retail on or after July 1, 2023. A product’s updated Limited Warranty may contain terms and conditions different from the warranty card in the product packaging, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- Ergonomics: Pioneer 6x Slim Portable USB 3.0 BD/DVD/CD Burner is one of the world's smallest and lightest BD/DVD/CD portable burners supporting BDXL and M-DISC
- Application: Ultra-compact (230g) and silver color drive is ideal for Mac users or for those who already have software
- Smooth Mechanism: Supports BDXL, Blu-ray, DVD, and CD media
- Writing Speed: Up to 6x writing speed on BD-R and BD-R DL media
- Data Protection: Long-term data protection with M-Disc
- Pioneer New/Updated firmware 2023 included.
- 【Industry-leading 16x *1 (max) writing speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB) 】 This drive combines Pioneer reliability and high performance with high-speed writing, providing up to 16x *1 maximum write speed on BD-R (SL : 25GB) and up to 14x writing speed on BD-R (DL : 50GB). It is compatible with BDXL format discs as well as BD discs. High-speed reading and writing are supported for both DVDs and CDs. DVD-R discs (Single Layer: 4.7GB) can be written at up to 16x.
- 【The latest version of PureRead 4+ featuring unique algorithms】 When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc. This minimizes error data interpolation. *Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.
- 【Realtime PureRead plays back audio CDs with their original sound data】 This product features RealTime PureRead, which utilizes the PureRead 4+ algorithm to minimize the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs, and also during playback. This provides real-time reduction of the incidence of error data interpolation due to dirt and scratches on the surface of the disc, allowing playback of audio CDs with the original sound data.
- 【Displaying PureRead mode】 With the device not operating, press and hold the eject button for at least two seconds. The busy indicator flashes, and the current PureRead mode setting is displayed. You can check the mode in advance without launching the Drive Utility on your PC.
- 【Can be placed vertically on either side, and features ridged construction that offers high performance and a pleasing design】 Comes with four insulators for use in a horizontal configuration and eight for use in a vertical configuration. In addition to the horizontal configuration, the drive can be placed vertically, allowing you to use it in a configuration that suits the layout of your workspace.
- 1 For Windows OS, a dedicated high-speed filter driver for this product must be installed. The maximum 16x writing speed for BD-R discs (Single Layer: 25GB) may not be available when the high-speed filter driver is disabled
- External USB 3. 0 Blu-ray BDXL Recorder
- Interface: USB 3 0
- Supports M-DISC archive media with up to 1. 000 years of data security
- USB powered - no additional power supply needed
- Includes software (CyberLink Media Suite) and connection cable
- English (Publication Language)
- BDR-212DBK 16x Internal BD/DVD/CD Writer Supports Blu-Ray & M-Disc Format - Pioneer 1 Year Limited Warranty
- Long-term data protection with M-DISC
- Up to 16x maximum write speed on BD-R media
- Bulk model
- Compatible devices: Desktop
- Design for 5.25" Blu-Ray/CD/DVD drive; Fit Optical Drive 185mm in Depth
- Power Saving Function; Must be connected to sytem to function
- Plug and Ready, No drivers needed
- Aluminum Alloy Casing for reduced noise and vibration
- Hot swappable for system equipped with USB port
- For any System with USB Mass Storage Device Support
- Pioneer external drive bundle includes an USB Type-C cable
- EQUIPPED with slot loading mechanism for dustproof and excellent quietness and USB Type-C connection
- SUPPORTED WITH M-DISC: compatible with M-Disc, a special disc that is treated with a super hard coat to prevent scatches and resist fingerprints for long-term data protection
- SMOOTH MOVIE PLAYBACK: PowerRead feature enables the drive to bypass obstructed areas of a disc and attempt to move forward quickly to the next available data point, resulting in smoother playback
- A SMARTER DRIVE: Enabled with Auto Quiet mode, the drive monitors and adjusts accordingly to high speed for fast data transfer and low speed for stable music/movie playback
- Pioneer New/Updated firmware 2023 included.
- 【The latest version of PureRead 4+ featuring unique algorithms】 When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc. This minimizes error data interpolation.
- 【RealTime PureRead plays back audio CDs with their original sound data】 This product features RealTime PureRead, which utilizes the PureRead 4+ algorithm to minimize the occurrence of error data interpolation when importing (ripping) audio CDs, and also during playback. This provides real-time reduction of the incidence of error data interpolation due to dirt and scratches on the surface of the disc, allowing playback of audio CDs with the original sound data.
- 【Compatible with high-speed M-DISC writing for long-term data archiving】 This product is compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc. It now also supports 6x writing on M-DISC (BD) SL and M-DISC (DVD).
- 【High-quality front design】 The simple design of smoked acrylic with a hairline finish from which blue light seems to emerge is accented with metallic lines, for an appearance that projects superior quality.
- 【Unique honeycomb construction and cooling structure】 This product features a unique honeycomb structure that increases the rigidity of the housing and minimizes unnecessary vibration. It also commutes airflow generated within the housing by the rotation of the disc, circulating it effectively to alleviate the temperature increase in the pickup and disc surface that occurs when the disc is rotated for extended periods or at high speed.
- Included Accessories: User manual (including application product key and warranty information)
- 【Important update for Limited Warranty】 The warranty period will now run from the date of product delivery from the first retail sale, applicable to all products sold at retail on or after July 1, 2023. A product’s updated Limited Warranty may contain terms and conditions different from the warranty card in the product packaging, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- Playback of Ultra HD Blu-ray requires a CPU that supports Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) technology. Intel SGX has been removed from Intel 11th generation and newer CPUs, and support for SGX may be removed on new versions of Intel drivers or utility programs such as Intel SGX and Intel Management Engine drivers and firmware in the future. Such changes could cause these platforms to lose support for Ultra HD Blu-ray movie disc playback
- For information on other PC environment requirements, please refer to the PDF of User manual in this page.
- All-in-one read and write solution for CD, DVD, Blu-ray, and MDisc blank media; movie playback requires playback software (not included) and your system must meet certain hardware requirements. To check if your computer is capable of Blu-ray movie playback, download and run CyberLink BD Advisor. Playback software is available from 3rd party vendors such as Cyberlink, Nero, Aiseesoft, VLC, RealPlayer, or others. (Please see manual for additional software options)
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance with USB 2.0 compatibility; includes USB Type-C adapter. Compatible with Windows and Mac OS up to Mac OS 13.1 (Ventura). 13.2 is not yet supported.
- Maximum write speeds of 6X for Blu-ray, 8X for DVD and 24X for CD; compatible with BDXL discs - capacities up to 100GB
- M DISC Ready - perfect archival solution with industry-leading disc lifetime expectancies; If using a hub, a powered USB hub is recommended for sufficient power to the device
- Verbatim has been a trusted brand since 1969 and guarantees this product with a 1-year Limited Warranty
How to choose a good pioneer external optical drives
Does the idea of finding a fantastic pioneer external optical drives make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in pioneer external optical drives. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top pioneer external optical drives products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top pioneer external optical drives on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top pioneer external optical drives brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top pioneer external optical drives based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the pioneer external optical drives were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good pioneer external optical drives, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your pioneer external optical drives.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting pioneer external optical drives for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our pioneer external optical drives. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what pioneer external optical drives should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on pioneer external optical drives.
