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Enjoy easy streaming without lags with the best Blu-ray drives. Although many consider it obsolete, many movie companies continue to release their video content on Blu-ray discs. These were designed to replace the DVD format with the capacity to store high volumes of HD data. Modern-day laptops are devoid of built-in Blu-ray drives. However, the reader and burner still haven’t been replaced altogether in the digital age. Streaming has disadvantages that Blu-ray discs do not. They come with hours of video storage space to support superior-quality 7.1 surround sound systems. These are also well-capacitated to run quality 4K audio content, which is why we still need Blu-ray burners because of their extensive features that are yet to be replaced with a better alternative.
If you’re searching for Blu-ray drives, here is a buying guide along with a list of the best-selling ones that you could look into.
Top Picks
11 Best Blu-Ray Burners
1. Best Slot-Loading:Pioneer BDR-XS07S Blu-Ray Burner
Image: Image: Pioneer The high-end drive is specially constructed to offer quiet operation without sacrificing performance. It can be annoying to lose out on enjoying a nice movie only because of slight scratches and fingerprints on a disk. This is where this device by Pioneer shines as it is equipped with a PowerRead4+ technology that offers seamless playback of audio and video despite fingerprints and minor scratches. The drive can read and write all BDXL discs and even BD-R triple-layer up to a maximum of 100GB. The slot-loading blu-ray drive design makes it easy and convenient to operate. Last but not least, most of the features baked into this gadget are automated, minimizing the effort on the part of the user. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Long-term data protection
- Support for USB 3.1
- Support for Type-C connector
- Slim form factor
Cons
- May require extra software
"This device handles various tasks, from burning to ripping CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, yet operates quietly. It is pretty easy to use and compatible with both Mac and PC. Although I was skeptical about its plastic build, it has proven durable."
Trivia2. Best Portable:LG 6X WP50NB40 Blu-Ray Burner
Image: Image: Lg The playback quality of a blu-ray disc is only as good as the drive it was burnt in. This blu-ray burner from LG offers 6x speeds for BD-R discs, 8x for DVD-R/+R, and 24x for CD-R. This time-tested external Blu-ray drive supports BDXL formats up to a maximum of 100GB. To function smoothly, one must have a computer with at least a CPU equivalent to an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 and a GeForce 7600GT GPU. To ensure seamless playback, a system with 6GB RAM is recommended. Bundled with the main machine are a USB 2.0 cord, installation disc, 1 blu-ray MDISC, and the supported software.
Pros
- Support for M-discs
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
- 4MB buffer size
- Slim and portable design
Cons
- May lack proper driver support
"Having used this device for a few months, I can vouch for how smoothly it operates. It also supports various media types, and I was pleased to see that it was instantly recognized on Windows 10. Its operation is not noiseless, but it's not loud enough to be a drawback."
3. Best Plug-And-Play:Guamar External Blu-Ray DVD Burner
The slim form factor of this external Blu-ray drive coupled with its dual USB ports and TF card reader support makes it one of the best on our list of the 11 best Blu-ray burners. On the front tray of the device is an easy-to-access button that controls the disc tray. Accompanying it is a light indicator. Thanks to its multi-function ability, one can burn a Blu-ray disc while simultaneously copying pictures or videos from an SD card to a computer. Well, the icing on the cake is that this high-performance device supports a 3-way DVD drive function.
Pros
- Plug and play device
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
- 5-in-1 player
- USB 3.0 support
Cons
- Might not be supported on all motherboards
"I bought this device to digitize my DVD and Blu-ray collection. It is user-friendly and compatible with all my systems. Its initial setup was tricky, but it has worked seamlessly since then."
Pioneer BDR-XS07S Blu-Ray Burner Best Slot-Loading | LG 6X WP50NB40 Blu-Ray Burner Best Portable | Guamar External Blu-Ray DVD Burner Best Plug-And-Play | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Silver | - | Black |
| Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 1 inches | 8.6 x 7.2 x 2.1 inches | 5.87 x 5.59 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces | 15.2 ounces | 1.26 pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 148 | 140 | 124 |
| Price | $125.0 | $117.0 | $115.99 |
4. Best Sturdy: Archgon Premium External Blu-Ray Writer
Image: Archgon 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 207 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Archgon’s premium aluminum-based external blu-ray writer drive comes with various advanced features and capabilities. This compact device features a sleek and stylish CNC aluminum body that is built to last. In addition, the ultra HD Blu-ray device supports M-DISC BD-R, a type of disc designed to last for many years, making it an ideal choice for archiving essential files and data. Moreover, this high-end UHD 4k Blu-ray drive is compatible with different devices and can read and write regular blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs.
Pros
- Compatible with Mac and Windows OS
- Does not require a driver for reading
- USB 3.0 compatible
- Carry case included
Cons
- Cable may be short for some uses
- Spindle might be fragile
"I’ve been using this player to rip my Blu-Ray and UHD collections, and it’s done an impressive job, handling even 4K with ease. It has a decent built quality, although the wires have a cheaper feel. However, that minor issue does not alter its overall functionality."
Quick Fact5. Best Compact: Buffalo MediaStation Portable Blu-Ray Drive
Image: Buffalo Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 175 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Buffalo’s MediaStation portable Blu-ray disc drive helps you play and burn Blu-ray, DVDs, and CDs and connects to your device via USB. It is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems and has an ultra-slim and compact body. The trusted Blu-ray drive with BDXL support is suitable for high-capacity burning and enables you to write up to 128 GB of data to a single Blu-ray disc. It also includes the CyberLink Media Suite for playback and burning discs on your PC and has DVD video upscaling for near Blu-ray quality playback.
Pros
- Has a USB-powered LED indicator
- Compact and portable design
- M-disc compatible blu-ray device
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- USB cable may be short for some uses
- Might have issues in loading older files
"The short cables aside, this Blu-ray player has been perfect for backing up discs. It's also sleek and fits seamlessly into the under-cabinet storage area. All in all, it allows me to easily watch my old media and backup data."
6. Best High Speed: OWC Mercury Pro 16X Blu-Ray
Image: Owc OWC’s Mercury Pro is an external aluminum-housed Blu-ray optical drive that supports USB 3.0 and M-DISC. It is compatible with Mac and PC operating systems, including OS X 10.6 , Windows XP, and the later versions. Liked by several reviewers, the drive is available in two configurations–a 24x DVD burner and a 16x Blu-ray burner. Plus, this portable device comes with a 0.6-meter USB 3.0 cable and an external power cable.
Pros
- SATA Blu-ray drive
- Quick read and write speed
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- Includes a user guide
Cons
- USB cords might be short
- Case might be shallow
"Setting it up was straightforward, and I am amazed at how easily it has read my older optical devices, including the scratched-up ones. Its build is also solid, and the included cables, though short, work efficiently. Besides, it does not heat up even when used for long hours."
7. Best Scratch-Proof:Moglor External Blu-Ray DVD Drive Burner
This multi-functional Blu-ray burner by MOGLOR can read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs with ease. The incorporation of an advanced chip offers super-fast read and write speeds. This power-efficient Blu-ray burner is powered through a single USB cable and requires no external driver support. The ingenious use of USB 3 support offers significantly faster and reliable transfers. The Blu-ray disc drive burns CDs at a maximum speed of 24x and BD-ROMs at 6x. The scratch-proof and sleek design of this Blu-ray burner makes it a serious contender on our list of the best-selling Blu-ray burners.
Pros
- Quick read speed
- Plug and play device
- Wide compatibility
- 4K video support
Cons
- It may not be compatible with all types of files
"Although I was skeptical about its functionality due to its simple design, it has won me over with its fast transfer speeds. Its build is also top-notch, and the plus and play mechanism allows me to use it with all my devices. Besides the short battery life, it's been a pleasure using this device."
8. Best Wide Compatibility: Wintale External Drive 3D Blu-Ray DVD Burner
Equipped with the newest chip, this external Blu-ray drive by Wintale offers an unforgettable experience. The slim form factor coupled with its low noise operation makes it an ideal solution for traveling and working. This DVD burner supports a maximum display output of up to 4K. It’s noteworthy to mention the backward compatibility of the USB port that also works with USB 2.0 and 1.0 devices. The device has 3D support and serves well in tandem with media devices for entertainment purposes.
Pros
- Type-C cum USB 3 support
- Supports up to 128GB of data storage
- Wide compatibility
- Plug and play device
Cons
- May have some slight inconsistent write speeds
"This external Blu-ray DVD drive is a nifty addition to my workspace. It connects effortlessly and works well with both USB and type-C ports. Though noisy, it never causes recording failures, so I have stuck with it."
9. Best Compact:THCL Blu-Ray DVD Drive
The sleek and slim form factor with the polished metal finish is eye-catching. The company has ensured a scratch-free frame with a durable and compact design. This disc reader and burner is a budget choice and is equipped with support for both BD discs as well as CDs. In terms of compatibility, it boasts a USB 3.0 hub that is backward compatible. The compact drive is power-efficient and does not require an external AC adapter. Thanks to the implementation of error correction, the burner copies data correctly and effectively.
Pros
- Supports 3D Blu-ray discs
- Compatible with Windows and MAC OS
- Shockproof
- Noise reduction technology
Cons
- Might be prone to overheating
"This reader has made it a breeze to revisit and retrieve photos and videos stuck in old CDs. The old-style mechanism posed a slight learning curve, but its compatibility has been impressive. Plus, the durable build allows me to carry it with ease."
10. Best Lightweight: Verbatim External DVD CD Writer
Verbatim’s DVD CD writer comes with a USB 3.0 Y connection cable, an instruction manual, archive software, and an AC power adapter. It comes with a tray mechanism for loading the CDs and has a slim design topped with an aluminum enclosure. Its hardware interface runs on USB 3.0, which allows you to organize, burn, and archive your important files. This superior-quality DVD CD writer is available in silver and black.
Pros
- Warranty available
- Includes an installation guide
- Lightweight design
- Wide compatibility
- Portable
Cons
- Tray may not be durable
"I found this Blu-ray drive dependable for watching movies and burning discs. Setup is a breeze, and it is recognized quickly by modern operating systems. Although its transfer speed could be improved, it won me over with its versatility."
11. Best With Eject Button:Asus BW-16D1HT Internal Drive Blu-Ray Burner
Image: Asus This Blu-ray disc recorder from Asus is a good addition to your desktop. The internal Blu-ray burner drive is capable of writing data at a maximum speed of 16x. Appreciated by multiple reviewers, the burner can back up 25GB of data in just 8 minutes. It is easy to use, and at the front of the disc tray is a quick eject button and light indicator. To use this internal Blu-ray burner, your computer must have a CPU equivalent or better than the Intel Pentium D, 1GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce 7600GT.
Pros
- Compatible with Windows OS
- Quick read and write speed
- BDXL support
- M-disc support
Cons
- It may not read 4K discs very smoothly
"The highlight of this optical device is its UHD capabilities. While it functions well on all operating systems, the DVD writing speed may feel low for Windows. I wish it included the necessary cables, but on the whole, it's pretty easy to use."
Quick TipHow To Choose The Right Blu-Ray Drive?
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a Blu-ray drive.
- Type: There are internal as well as external Blu-ray burners. What you opt for relies upon the purpose and frequency of use. If your work requires you to be constantly stationed in front of your desktop PC, an internal Blu-Ray or Blu-ray drive for desktop might be a good option. However, nothing can beat the portability and form factor of an external Blu-ray disc burner.
- Read and write speed: The performance of a Blu-ray disc burner significantly depends on its read and write speeds. Do bear in mind that when burning information to discs on a Blu-ray burner, the type of DVD used will affect read and write speeds to a great extent. This is because certain discs are high-capacity discs and require more time for the laser to embed information into the pits on the disc. While choosing a Blu-ray burner, pay attention to the read and write speeds of the discs that you intend to use. For reference, a Blu-ray burner that can write BD-ROMs at a maximum of 6x is one that works quickly.
- Cache size: Make sure to purchase a Blu-ray burner that has a cache capacity of 4 megabytes. This allows the burner to fix most writing errors that usually arise due to minor scratches. Purchasing one with M-disc support is very advantageous. This is because M-discs are very durable and have an extra layer of protection on them.
- Connectivity: An external Blu-ray burner usually connects to a PC using a USB connector. Choosing one with 2 USB 3.0 ports that offer backward compatibility could make your work a lot easier and quicker. Before purchasing a Blu-ray burner, make sure to check that your PC meets the minimum system requirements of the desired Blu-ray burner.
- Additional features: Some other noteworthy features to look for when purchasing a Blu-ray burner include strong error correction technology, noise reduction technology, and a shockproof body.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I read a DVD on a Blu-ray drive?
Yes, you can play a DVD on a Blu-ray drive but you cannot play a Blu-ray disc on a DVD player. This is because a Blu-ray drive uses cutting-edge technology to read and write data to a disc.
2. Is Blu-ray better than streaming?
Blu-ray is significantly better than streaming content over the internet. This is because a Blu-ray disc allows for a larger storage capacity while streaming services usually compress data to achieve smooth playback. Even at 4K, the maximum quality when streaming is 25 megabytes per second compared to the high range of 82-128 megabytes per second that Blu-ray discs offer.
3. How fast is a Blu-ray drive?
Most Blu-ray drives can read Blu-ray discs at up to 6x speed.
4. Do I need a special drive for Blu-ray discs?
Yes, one needs a Blu-ray drive to run and rip Blu-ray discs, as regular DVD players cannot read them.
5. Is Blu-ray faster than DVD?
Blu-ray drives read any information at the same speed, irrespective of the location of the data on the disc. The reading speed of a DVD drive varies based on how far the information is located from the center of the disc.
6. Why won’t my Blu-ray player play regular DVDs?
The most common reasons could include scratches on the disc, incorrect or non-compatible regional code, and Incorrect configuration of your TV or device.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer when it comes to reviewing electronic products. To curate content for this post, he has performed extensive research on Blu-Ray drives and has analyzed several online product reviews. Each product has been described briefly, and its pros and cons have also been highlighted. He chose technologically superior drives with various data support systems and updated software for optimal performance. He has also included a buyer’s guide to make shopping easier.
The Bottom Line
Blu-Ray may be one of the most sought-after devices for running high-quality video content without lags. The best Blu-Ray drives are compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows OS, support 4K resolution, meet your data storage requirements, and integrate noise reduction technology. When choosing one, you should ensure it is compatible with your device to prevent overheating or losing files. Our favorite picks include the OWC Mercury Pro 16X Blu-Ray that supports USB 3.0 and M-DISC and the ASUS BW-16D1HT Internal Drive Blu-Ray Burner with 16x writing speed. We also suggest you choose the Pioneer BDR-XS07S Blu-ray Burner, which integrates PowerRead4+ technology that allows you to play audio and video despite fingerprints and minor scratches.
Infographic: Benefits Of Blu-ray Discs
Blu-ray discs are an advanced alternative to CDs and DVDs, enabling the storage of large chunks of high-fidelity data. This makes them a logical choice for those who want to experience high-quality multimedia content. Discover the advantages of investing in Blu-ray discs in the following infographic.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- 13 Things To Learn About A Blu-ray Player
https://www.lifehack.org/299430/13-things-learn-about-blu-ray-player
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