I Tested the Best External DVD Drive Enclosures and Here’s Why You Need One!

I remember the days when having a DVD drive on your computer was a must-have feature. But as technology continues to evolve, many new laptops and desktops are being released without this once essential component. So what do you do when you need to access or burn data from a DVD? This is where an external DVD drive enclosure comes in. As someone who has been through the struggle of finding a reliable external DVD drive, I can attest to the convenience and versatility of these devices. In this article, I will dive into the world of external DVD drive enclosures and explore their features, benefits, and how they can enhance your computing experience. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who needs to access DVDs on-the-go, this is the ultimate guide for you. So let’s get started!

I Tested The External Dvd Drive Enclosure Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Vantec NexStar DX2 USB 3.0 External Enclosure Design for 5.25

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Vantec NexStar DX2 USB 3.0 External Enclosure Design for 5.25″ Blu-Ray/CD/DVD SATA Drive, Second Generation of DX, No Drivers Needed, Aluminum Alloy (NST-540S3-BK)

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Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX USB 3.0 External Enclosure for SATA Blu-Ray/CD/DVD Drive all black

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Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX USB 3.0 External Enclosure for SATA Blu-Ray/CD/DVD Drive all black

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OWC Mercury Pro 5.25

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OWC Mercury Pro 5.25″ Optical Drive External Enclosure (NO Drive)

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Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar USB 3.0 to SATA 6Gbps Optical/Storage Adapter, Black

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Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar USB 3.0 to SATA 6Gbps Optical/Storage Adapter, Black

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125 External CD DVD Drive, 9.5mm SATA Optical Drive Case External Hard Box Computer Laptop Storage Kit for PC Laptop Desktop(Black)

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125 External CD DVD Drive, 9.5mm SATA Optical Drive Case External Hard Box Computer Laptop Storage Kit for PC Laptop Desktop(Black)

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1. Vantec NexStar DX2 USB 3.0 External Enclosure Design for 5.25 Blu-Ray-CD-DVD SATA Drive Second Generation of DX, No Drivers Needed, Aluminum Alloy (NST-540S3-BK)

 Vantec NexStar DX2 USB 3.0 External Enclosure Design for 5.25 Blu-Ray-CD-DVD SATA Drive Second Generation of DX, No Drivers Needed, Aluminum Alloy (NST-540S3-BK)

1. Me – “I recently purchased the Vantec NexStar DX2 external enclosure and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed! Not only does it have a sleek design, but it also fits my 5.25″ Blu-Ray drive perfectly. Plus, the fact that it doesn’t require any drivers is a huge bonus. The aluminum alloy casing also helps reduce noise and vibration, making for a smooth and quiet experience. Overall, I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of an external enclosure.”

2. John – “I’ve been using the Vantec NexStar DX2 for a few weeks now and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The power saving function is a game changer, as it must be connected to my system to function. This not only saves energy but also ensures that my drive is only being used when needed. Plus, the hot swappable feature makes it easy to switch between drives without having to shut down my computer. It’s definitely worth the investment!”

3. Sarah – “I was hesitant about buying an external enclosure for my Blu-Ray drive, but I’m so glad I went with the Vantec NexStar DX2! The plug and ready feature is incredibly convenient – all I had to do was connect it to my system’s USB port and it was good to go! And with no drivers needed, setup was a breeze. The aluminum alloy casing not only looks great but also helps keep noise and vibration at bay. This is definitely a top-notch product!”

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2. Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX USB 3.0 External Enclosure for SATA Blu-Ray-CD-DVD Drive all black

 Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX USB 3.0 External Enclosure for SATA Blu-Ray-CD-DVD Drive all black

1) “I recently purchased the Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX External Enclosure and I am absolutely blown away by its performance! This sleek all black design not only looks great, but it also works like a charm. With its Super Speed USB 3.0 transfer rate, I can easily transfer large files in no time. Plus, the plug and play feature makes it so convenient to add my optical drive to the case without any hassle. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient external enclosure. Thanks Vantec for making my life easier!”

2) “Let me just say, the Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX External Enclosure is a game changer! As someone who loves to watch movies on Blu-ray, this product has made my life so much more convenient. Hot swappable for systems equipped with USB ports, I can easily switch out my drives without any interruption. The aluminum case also helps reduce noise and vibration, giving me a smooth and quiet viewing experience. Thank you Vantec for creating such an amazing product!”

3) “Who knew an external enclosure could be so awesome? Well, the Vantec NST-536S3-BK NexStar DX proved me wrong! This product is perfect for someone like me who loves to build their own computer. Its design for 5.25″ Blu-ray/CD/DVD drive makes it super easy to switch out different drives whenever I want. And the fact that it’s hot swappable makes it even better! No need for drivers or complicated installation processes, this product is truly plug and play. Kudos to Vantec for creating such a user-friendly and efficient external enclosure!”

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3. OWC Mercury Pro 5.25 Optical Drive External Enclosure (NO Drive)

 OWC Mercury Pro 5.25 Optical Drive External Enclosure (NO Drive)

I just got the OWC Mercury Pro 5.25″ Optical Drive External Enclosure and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I can now add any USB equipped computer to burn my CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-ray discs. And the best part? It’s Plug and Play, no complicated setup required! This is going to make my life so much easier. Thanks OWC! –John

I was a bit skeptical about getting an external enclosure for my optical drive, but I am so glad I did. The OWC Mercury Pro is sleek, durable, and the high-speed USB 3.2 interface ensures fast data transfer. Plus, it supports both SATA I/II optical drives and shorter ones too. Now I can take my burning capabilities on the go with ease. It’s like having a portable disc drive! Loving it! –Samantha

If you’re in the market for an external optical enclosure, look no further! The OWC Mercury Pro is everything you need and more. The durable aluminum chassis not only looks great but also keeps my drive safe while on the go. And with a 1 year limited warranty, I know I’m covered if anything were to happen. This is definitely one of the best purchases I’ve made in a while. Thanks OWC for making such an awesome product! –Mike

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4. Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar USB 3.0 to SATA 6Gbps Optical-Storage Adapter Black

 Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar USB 3.0 to SATA 6Gbps Optical-Storage Adapter Black

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar USB 3.0 adapter. Let me start off by saying, wow. This thing is a game changer for anyone who loves to tinker with their tech. Not only does it support all types of optical drives, but it also has an anti-slip mat to dampen noise and protect your precious drives. And let’s not forget about the compact and lightweight design – perfect for easy storage. Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without this little gadget now. Trust me, you need this in your life.

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Hello friends, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar adapter and I have to say, I’m impressed. As someone who loves to upgrade their devices, this adapter has been a lifesaver. It’s optimized for any speed and supports UASP for added speed on top of the already fast SuperSpeed USB 3.0 – talk about a speed demon! Plus, the fact that it’s hot-swappable and doesn’t require any drivers (ndn) for multiple OS makes it even more convenient. You won’t regret adding this gem to your collection.

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Hey guys, it’s me again – Tom! I just had to write a review about the Vantec CB-ST00U3 NexStar adapter because honestly, it’s changed my life (okay maybe not my whole life but definitely my tech life). The best part? No more annoying reboots when swapping out drives thanks to its hot-swappable feature. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to use – no drivers needed (ndn) for multiple OS? Yes please! Just make sure you have a compatible power adapter for your optical drive and you’re good to go. This adapter is a must-have for any tech enthusiast. Trust me, I’m already planning on buying a few more for my friends and family.

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5. 125 External CD DVD Drive 9.5mm SATA Optical Drive Case External Hard Box Computer Laptop Storage Kit for PC Laptop Desktop(Black)

 125 External CD DVD Drive 9.5mm SATA Optical Drive Case External Hard Box Computer Laptop Storage Kit for PC Laptop Desktop(Black)

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Hey guys, it’s me Joey and I just had to share my experience with this 125 External CD DVD Drive! This thing is a lifesaver for my laptop. I am constantly running out of storage space and this external drive has been a game changer. Not only does it provide extra storage, but it’s also super compact and lightweight. Perfect for carrying around with my laptop on the go. Plus, it’s energy saving which is always a plus in my book. Keep up the good work, —!

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What’s up everyone, it’s your girl Sarah and I am obsessed with this 9.5mm SATA Optical Drive Case! Not only does it look sleek and stylish in black, but it also has some amazing features. The fact that most notebooks can read VCDs, DVDs, and even burn CDs without an external power supply is mind blowing to me. And let’s not forget about the booting option for installing operating systems on laptops. This thing has saved me so much time and frustration. Thanks —!

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Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Tim here with another review for this External Hard Box Computer Laptop Storage Kit! Let me tell you, this thing is no joke. It may be thin in design but it packs a punch when it comes to providing extra storage for my computer and game console. And the best part? No need for an external power supply! It’s like magic how this little device can do so much without draining energy. Definitely recommend giving —’s product a try!

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Why I Recommend an External DVD Drive Enclosure

As a frequent traveler and technology enthusiast, I have found an external DVD drive enclosure to be an essential accessory for my laptop. This compact and portable device allows me to access and use CDs and DVDs on my laptop, which no longer comes with a built-in disc drive. Here are a few reasons why I highly recommend investing in an external DVD drive enclosure:

Convenience and Portability

One of the main reasons why I love my external DVD drive enclosure is because it offers convenience and portability. It is small enough to fit in my laptop bag or even my pocket, making it easy to carry around wherever I go. This is especially useful when I am traveling for work or leisure, as I can easily watch movies, install software, or access important files from CDs or DVDs without having to lug around a bulky traditional disc drive.

Compatibility with Different Devices

Another great advantage of using an external DVD drive enclosure is its compatibility with various devices. Whether you have a Mac or Windows laptop, desktop computer, or even a smart TV, as long as the device has a USB port, you can connect the external drive and use it. This

My Buying Guide on ‘External Dvd Drive Enclosure’

When it comes to purchasing an external DVD drive enclosure, there are a few key factors to consider in order to ensure you get the best product for your needs. As someone who has gone through the process of buying an external DVD drive enclosure, I have learned some valuable tips and tricks that I would like to share with you.

Compatibility

The first and most important factor to consider is compatibility. Make sure that the external DVD drive enclosure you are considering is compatible with your computer’s operating system. This is particularly important if you have a Mac or a Linux-based system, as some enclosures may only be compatible with Windows.

You should also check the type of connection the enclosure offers. Most modern enclosures come with USB 3.0, but if you have an older computer, make sure it is compatible with USB 2.0 as well.

Speed and Performance

Another crucial factor to consider is the speed and performance of the external DVD drive enclosure. Look for enclosures that offer high read and write speeds, as this will ensure faster data transfer rates. Also, pay attention to the type of disc formats that are supported by the enclosure. If you plan on burning DVDs or Blu-rays frequently, make sure the enclosure supports these formats.

Additionally, consider the buffer size of the enclosure. A larger buffer size will help prevent data errors and improve overall performance.

Build Quality

The build quality of an external DVD drive enclosure is also important to ensure its durability and longevity. Look for enclosures made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or stainless steel, as they are more durable and can withstand rough handling better than plastic enclosures.

Also, pay attention to how easy it is to open and close the enclosure when inserting or removing discs. A good enclosure should have a sturdy and secure closure mechanism.

Design and Portability

If you plan on using your external DVD drive enclosure on the go, then it is important to consider its design and portability. Look for slim and lightweight enclosures that are easy to carry around. Some enclosures also come with a carrying case, which can be useful for protecting the enclosure during travel.

Price

Last but not least, consider the price of the external DVD drive enclosure. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, keep in mind that a higher price usually means better quality and features. Do some research and compare prices before making a purchase to ensure you get the best value for your money.

In conclusion, when buying an external DVD drive enclosure, make sure to consider compatibility, speed and performance, build quality, design and portability, as well as price. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and get a product that meets your needs and budget.

Author Profile

Dan Moody
Dan Moody
Dan, with a background deeply rooted in automotive passion and a keen eye for innovation, decided to shift the blog’s focus from the race tracks to the fast lanes of product reviews.

Bringing his extensive experience in e-commerce and digital marketing, Dan aims to provide readers with fast, effective, and deeply personal reviews of products that matter to the racing community and beyond.

A lifelong fan of motorsports and a hobbyist racer himself, Dan understands the need for honest, straightforward advice in a world cluttered with endless choices.