: Known for its simple "plug-and-play" operation, this is a dependable, no-frills choice for Windows users who just want something that works immediately out of the box. Check it out at OfficeSupply .

The Ultimate Guide to Buying an External USB DVD Drive As laptops continue to get thinner, internal optical drives have largely become a thing of the past. If you still have a collection of physical movies, legacy software on discs, or family photos archived on CDs, an external USB DVD drive is an essential tool. Top Product Recommendations

: If you plan to watch movies, look for features like LG's Silent Play , which slows the disc speed to minimize distracting mechanical noise.

: This is widely considered the best overall choice for reliability. It features technology, which etches data onto a rock-like surface for long-term archiving, and Silent Play to reduce noise during movie playback. It is available at B&H Photo-Video-Audio and CDW ASUS ZenDrive V1M Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

When shopping, keep these factors in mind to ensure the drive meets your specific needs: