3 best desktop cd players

Desktop CD players, also known as CD drives or optical drives, are electronic devices designed to read and sometimes write compact discs (CDs). These components are typically associated with computer systems but can also be standalone units for audio playback. Here is some information about desktop CD players:

  1. Types of CD Players:

    • CD-ROM Drives: These are read-only CD drives primarily used for reading data from CDs, such as software, music, or video files.

    • CD-RW Drives: CD-RW drives can both read and write data to rewritable CDs. This makes them useful for creating data backups or burning music or video CDs.

    • DVD Drives: Many CD drives also support DVD playback and writing. They are commonly referred to as CD/DVD drives.

  2. Compatibility:

    • CD drives are available in different formats, including IDE, SATA, and external USB. Compatibility with your computer will depend on the type of connection and your system's hardware.

  3. Read and Write Speeds:

    • CD drives have varying read and write speeds, which determine how quickly they can access data from a disc or write data onto it. Faster speeds are beneficial for tasks like burning CDs or playing high-quality video content.

  4. Audio Playback:

    • Some CD drives are equipped with audio output jacks, allowing them to function as standalone CD players for audio CDs.This feature is particularly useful if you want to listen to music without the need for a separate stereo system.

  5. Compatibility with Disc Formats:

    • CD drives can handle different types of discs, including audio CDs, data CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs (recordable), and CD-RWs (rewritable). Ensure that the drive you choose is compatible with the specific disc format you intend to use.

  6. Buffer Underrun Protection:

    • Many modern CD/DVD drives include buffer underrun protection, which helps prevent errors during the burning of CDs and DVDs.

  7. Software and Drivers:

    • To fully utilize a CD drive's capabilities, you may need compatible software and drivers. Most modern operating systems come with built-in support for CD/DVD drives.

  8. Standalone vs. Internal Drives:

    • Standalone desktop CD players are designed solely for audio playback and come with built-in speakers or audio output jacks. Internal CD drives are typically installed within a desktop computer's case and serve multiple purposes, including data access and burning.

  9. Maintenance:

    • CD drives require occasional maintenance, such as cleaning the laser lens and keeping the drive free of dust and debris. Cleaning kits are available for this purpose.

  10. Obsolete Technology:

    • CD drives are becoming less common as digital downloads and streaming services have gained popularity. Many modern laptops and desktops are manufactured without built-in CD drives, as users increasingly rely on cloud-based and digital media.

When considering a desktop CD player, think about your specific needs, whether for data storage, multimedia playback, or occasional disc burning. Additionally, check the compatibility with your computer and the types of discs you plan to use with the drive.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best desktop cd players on the market
  

External CD Drive USB 3.0 Portable CD DVD +/-RW Drive DVD/CD ROM Rewriter Burner Writer Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Mac Pro MacBook

Rioddas

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price
  • Plug & play. Easy to use,powered by USB port. No external driver and Power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected
  • High speed. Compatible with USB3. 0 and backwards compatible with USB2. 0 , bringing faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance
  • Intelligent tech. Designed with eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. The copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission
  • Trendy design. Brushed texture shell brings trendy sight and touch enjoyment. Embedded cable design, worry- off cable missing any when and where
  • Wide compatibility. Ideal for various devices. It supports Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8. 1/10, Linux, all version Mac OS system. For the desktops, Please connect the device to the back USB port of the motherboard for normal use

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work with windows
Answer: It should work with Windows 8 though I only used with Windows 10. If you insert a DVD and a video player does not start up, you may need a player that will recognize the drive. On a recommendation from a friend, I installed "VLC media player" and this app opens when I insert a DVD into the Riodadas player. VLC is a free and open source media player that works with all Windows versions. You can get the player here: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Question: Can this be used to install windows 10 without the need to somehow install a driver first? it's rather tough to do that when trying to install an os
Answer: This is basically a laptop optical drive in an external case with USB connection. I would think so. If the installation disk contains the installation software and the computer can access a USB device then it should. Changes to the boot device may be required.
Question: Does this play games like sims
Answer: It's played all my games without so much of a skip.
Question: Does this work on macs
Answer: Won't work with Mac 10.15.7! It was working before; now it seems useless. I see someone else is having this issue.

External CD Drive USB 3.0/Type-C Portable CD/DVD+/-RW Burner Player Writer CD ROM for Laptop Mac MacBook Ai Pro Windows Desktop PC(Silver)

NOLYTH

Based on 736 reviews Check latest price
  • ※【New Design CD drive】NOLYTH CD drive is compatible with Mac/MacBook Pro/Air/Laptop/PC.Powered by USB-C/USB port and embedded cable design, made with Aluminum Alloy material of shockproof,low noise,anti-interference and high durability.NOLYTH external CD drive works well in burning/writing/reading for laptop/mac/pc.No driver program or extra power supply required.Don't need to install software to set for driver.
  • ※【Easy to Use】This external DVD drive is very easy to use with brand NOLYTH,just plug and play,you just need to plug this external CD DVD drive into your USB C/USB port and it will be detected.NOLYTH external DVD drive is a perfect companion for computers without the internal drive.You can burn files,install software and create a backup CD.NOLYTH external CD DVD drive allows you to watch DVD/CD movies with no lag and burn music, movies to CD or DVD at any time.
  • ※【High Speed】NOLYTH external DVD drive is equipped with USB C high speed interface,up to a maximum of 10Gbps and stable performance with strong fault tolerance.It is backwards compatible with USB3.0/USB 2.0 and USB1.0.Adopted unique intelligent burning technology,NOLYTH external DVD burner supported DVD+/-R/RW, CD/DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW. Max DVD read speed 8X; Max CD read speed 24X and max CD burn speed 8X.This external CD burner equipped with brand new chip and strong error-correction ability.
  • ※【Widely Compatible】 NOLYTH external CD/DVD drive works for laptop/Mac/PC/Windows10/7/8/XP/Vista,all Version MAC OS.Specially designed to compatible with Mac/MacBook Pro/Air/Samsung/ASUS/HP/Dell/Sony/Acer and other Ultrabook,Netbook or Laptop/PC without internal drive but with USB C and USB interfaces.
  • ※【Customer Service】NOLYTH external DVD drive offered 60days full refund and 2 year technical support, Any problem please contact with us before return.We promise to resolve the issue within 24 hours and do the best to you.Each NOLYTH USB external optical drive is including a free usb3.0 adapter and a protactive carrying storage case.

User questions & answers

Question: Does the transfer of info go both ways - i.e. can I put a Turbo tax disc in and transfer program to my laptop
Answer: It is the width of the shoe. It is an extra wide shoe if it has the 4E in front of the size. So an 11 4E would be size 11 extra wide.Narrow: BStandard: DWide: 2EExtra Wide: 4E
Question: Can this be used to digitize a CD collection
Answer: They ARE narrow. I want a wider size and according to the shoe size chart link, I wanted a 2E, not 4E Ultrawide, BUT Amazon Zappo's only stock the 'normal' Narrow and 4E Ultrawides. @WayneM, there is no 'half size larger' to select, apparently they don't pay attention to what people are buying and they don't bother to restock. I went ahead and ordered the D 'medium' which is actually very NARROW. The shoes came and they just fit me with the laces all the way stretched out. That said, I like them anyway - they're light and the sole is solid. The box only says size 10.5 and No width letter. And they don't show the width letter on the shoe's label either. Good shoe, not great sizing.So, Zappo's / Amazon has some work to do to avoid confusion and returns, just stock the medium wides, please. And start labeling the shoes better.
Question: Does this play blu rays
Answer: I've been wearing them for walking for almost a year now. I started walking a few hundred yards a day last summer when I weighed 270 and by fall I was walking 6-8 miles a day! I am down to 190 and my asics venture 5s have finally begun to wear out. I normally wear orthotics but have never put them in the asics and my feet are just fine! As a side note I bought some new balance on sale a couple weeks ago and my feet immediately began to hurt! I am buying another pair of asics venture5s today!
Question: compatible with mac desktop
Answer: These shoes kick A$$ and take names. These new Matt 5 running shoes are outta names now

External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 Portable CD/DVD+/-RW Drive/DVD Player for Laptop CD ROM Burner Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Linux OS Apple Mac Black

Gotega

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

About Our Product

Currently, it's the best way to get an external DVD RW Burner, if your slim laptop or desktop has no internal DVD drive. Not need any additional software and extra power supply, plug and play. High-speed USB 3.0 CD DVD RW Burner with low impedance and anti-interference ability, bringing you smooth and fast experience for watching movies, listening to music, installing softwares or system, burning discs. Portable Compact Design:Slim, lightweight, shock-resistant design, and just slips easily into your travel bag.



Emergency Eject Hole.

Powered by only one USB 3.0 connector, no need extra power cable, faster speed bring you better experience than old USB 2.0 drive. Just plug in computer, it will be recognized automatically within seconds, then you can press pop-up button, put in disc and enjoy movies, music, burn discs or install software/system, etc.



Tips

♦ This is a universal CD/DVD drive burner, not a Blu-ray drive, can not play Blu ray discs.

♦ Please connect the laptop external power supply when you use this external optical drive.

♦ Because of the limitations of the Chrome OS, this external optical drive can not work with Chrome OS and Chromebook.

♦ This protable CD/DVD drive can not work with TV, car, smartphone.

♦ Before you using the External CD/DVD Drive, please make sure your computer has a "Media Player''.

♦ If you find the External CD/DVD Drive start out a little slow, please wait for 5-10 seconds.

♦ Windows 10 system is advised to install VLC Media player to play DVD and CD. We suggested that you download the 3.0 drive for windows 10, then it will work. For the desktop, please connect the device to the USB port of the motherboard for normal use.

♦ If your windows 10 start up delay, please connect both USB 3.0 data cable and power supply cable to make sure it has enough power.

  • 📀【High Writing and Reading Speed】 Max 8x DVDR Write Speed and Max 24x CD Write Speed provide high writing and reading speed
  • 📀【Wide Compatible】This external dvd cd drive is compatible with Windows 98 / SE / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 10/8/7,Mac ios(ios 8.6 to 10.14). And perfect for PC, Laptop, Comprehensive Computer, Internal PC hard disk reader
  • 📀【Plug and Play Technology】Powered by USB port so just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected. Don’t need to install software to set up driver
  • 📀【Advanced USB3.0 Technology】 USB 3.0 provides fast data transfer speed and stable performance to record CD/ music/ videos/ install software or create CD/DVD backup disc ( also compatible with USB2.0)
  • 📀【Ingenious Design】 This ultra-slim CD/DVD player for laptops equipped with an eject button so that you needn't worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. Besides, the copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission

User questions & answers

Question: will this play dvd's on a Dell i5 8gen touchscreen laptop
Answer: If your laptop has a USB port, yes.
Question: Can i use this on a acer chromebook laptop
Answer: I don't know, I use a Microsoft based system. My understanding is that Chromebook is a cloud based storage system, you'll have to do some research.
Question: Can I put my Hallmark card maker dvd in and then print from it
Answer: Yes , this neat little unit rips photo CD's like a champ , rips mucic cd's, and DVD's , plays movies , as well as yes , you can put your hallmark cd into it and it will work.
Question: If i hook this up in my vehicle can i use it like a cd player and listen to music
Answer: Product Description states: '♦ This protable CD/DVD drive can not work with TV, car, smartphone.'

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