Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars with 450 reviews
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EdK1 Posted
Yes, you can playback DVDs with this ASUS EXTERNAL CD/DVD writer. And while the tray is still empty, you can use the onscreen display to eject it, but when it’s actually loaded, that method doesn’t work, so it has to be manually ejected using a pin via the pinhole. Haven’t tried burning a disc with it yet, but it’s possible that it’s a similar maneuver. I’m only using this with my Mac mini having Apple silicon- so at least it works! You’d have to experiment with Mac versions of playback software for satisfactory results. So can ASUS update the firmware so that this is 100% operational with latest macOS? The unit comes with 2 cables; I’m using the USB-C.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
JZa2025 Posted
I'm using the ZenDrive it to build a digital music library of my CDs. Works great with and without the included software disk. It takes a couple minutes on average to rip a CD. Spent a day going through 100+ CDs ripping most to 320kbps mp3 and the drive disconnected (unrecognized as a USB device) maybe 2-3 times, it does get warm after a few CDs back to back. Depending on the CD sometimes the CD won't rip while using the legacy Windows Media Player and you'll need to install the included software and rip using that. No issues with the drive itself. I travel frequently and ended up buying this due to my location at the time. I also have the ~$30 LG disk drive and they both perform very similarly.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
Sillyman789 Posted
Was cleaning out an old desk and found a CD-R with old home movies. Of course today's computers don't have disc drives so I had to buy this product which worked perfectly. Definitely keeping it just in case a similar need arises again.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
ColB Posted
Nice small external drive. Runs smooth and is quite. Easy to install with just two connections. One to a computer and the other to an electrical outlet.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
ConsultABlindGuy Posted
It works, I had to contact support right away because of errors with my laptop attempting the first few burns but after talking to cyberlink and updating a few things it seems to be workin just fine now...But it is an external burner and that in itself means there can be issues BUT usually in rare cases. Thanks to support for helping me quickly and getting it functioning smoothly with the updates. Pros: External, Dual USB Adapter for additional power source if needed,Easy to use Cons: Ejection Button is small sn blends in with the frame, Tho well built for the price feels like your going to break it inserting/removing discs if not on a large table when fully opened., May need updates/support if you have any errors depending on your system...
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
CHARLIE Posted
Very good product. Quick delivery. I use it to play dvd's and music. very satisfied
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
Rick Posted
Yes, this is the most compact external drive I have ever used. It works so easily with my laptop when I need to load software from a disc. It was inexpensive too.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
JOHNF Posted
Purchased due to Dell external drive not working with new Mac M5 air. Plug and play eith no issues.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
LeeW Posted
The drive is quiet, and its operation is simple. It's very thin.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
EngerTower Posted
Since most laptops don't come with a dvd anymore, it is annoying when you buy some software and find it is the dvd version. This external unit works like advertised. I love ASUS products as my laptop is an ASUS gaming laptop and I have never had any problems with them. I don't know how well it works if you use it every day. I just need it for the occasional backup
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
Dusty Posted
Have used it several times for disk writing, music play drive and software loading. Was easy to set up and use, with no compatibility issues on my Dell laptops. Since these drives need a lot of power it comes with both a USB C-Type cable and a USB-A double cord. If you don't have a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt you will need two available USB-A ports (USB 1 or 2).
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
Ashy Posted
Highly recommend this product, worked great, great price!
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
JohnS Posted
Great product. I needed a dependable drive to record audio and video files that works with Windows 11. This works great. Reasonable price and great reviews. I always research before purchasing and this truly lived up to its awesome reviews.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
RoseofCimarron Posted
So happy to find a DVD player for my Samsung Notebook. I had read reviews of many and none of them seemed that great. This ASUS is working well. I've had it nearly two months and no problems. It requires two USB ports.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
KevinF Posted
easy setup, plug and play. Software very easy to use .
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
mantoothnation Posted
I've read the other reviews but this worked right away on my 2024 MacBook Pro using just the single USB-C type connector. It booted up "mystery" unlabeled DVDs and CDs I've had in a drawer for the better part of two decades. It is a fragile little thing. You think you're going to bust it just by putting in a new disc. I don't know how much punishment it could take being lugged around in a backpack. But l don't plan on making it portable...keeping it around for the very rare use case that I need to read CD-ROM / DVD media or even burn a DVD. For less than $40, I don't have any complaints.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
pinki Posted
I have owned several of these from different manufacturers and this one is a better product. Easy to use and excellent picture quality. Great price also.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
meinthewoods Posted
Works great. I have not had it long enough to give a 5. Does what I want. Good to have the software that came with the device. It does need a case for protection. That would have been a nice add on. I sure I can find one.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
DAVEG Posted
Ripped more than 500 cds with it now. About 20 it can’t read. Not bad for the money but I shoulda just bought a 3.5” bay one and a USB enclosure for it. Gonna try that got the failed tips. It’ll only take half of them to pay for itself in replacement cost.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black
AntonT Posted
I do not actually have this item. I bought it as a gift for someone in another state. I have no actual experience of using it. So why this one instead of some other? Several reasons. 1) It had a known brand name. I've read that some off-brand optical drives are actually pulls from defunct laptops, and not brand-new items. I didn't want that. 2) I liked that it came with two different size cables for connecting the drive to a computer. I figured this increased the chances of being able to connect it to whatever machine the ultimate recipient had. 3) I could see from the photos that there was no "spindle" in the caddy that a disc had to be forced onto. Just lay it in the tray and all is fine. This gave me confidence that it would be difficult to damage either the disc or the drive when loading a disc. 4) It was easy to have the recipient pick up the drive at a local store. This saved me from picking up the drive locally and from the cost and risk of damage if I had to ship it myself.
This review is from ASUS - ZenDrive 8x Max. DVD Write Speed External USB 2.0 DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive - Black