Before the online revolution and SSD drives changed digital storage trends, Blu-Ray technology was an excellent medium that enabled users to store voluminous data in a compact and secure manner.
Unfortunately, over the years, its popularity has declined faster than the number of computing devices that feature this forgotten technology. But Blu-Ray is everything but obsolete. Even now, Blu-Ray offers several use cases, from accessing data on your old optical disc media to viewing 4K movies. You can even Burn data on high-capacity discs for Long-Term offline data storage.
Blu-Ray: The Game Changer
High-capacity Blu-Ray discs beat their immediate rivals, the High-Definition Digital Versatile Disc (HD DVD), to emerge as a superior storage medium. Blu-Ray took over from where DVD left off when film and gaming companies chose Blu-Ray to distribute their content.
Blu-Ray discs have a longer lifespan and storage than previous optical storage discs, allowing companies to distribute movies in FullHD 1080p and later in 4K resolution on UHD Blu-Ray. The 25GB storage capacity on a single-layer Blu-Ray disc (BD-R) is far superior to the meager 700MBs of CDs and 4.7GB of DVDs. And if you use a quadruple-layer BDXL disc, Blu-Ray discs store up to 128GB of data.
Blu-Ray manages these vast storage capacities using a more precise 405 nm laser, enabling it to pack more data bits per unit area. A Blu-Ray disc is also significantly different from conventional CDs and DVDs as it uses specialized recording materials laid out in multiple layers that give it higher capacities.
Moreover, many Blu-Ray drives (read writers) support M-discs. An M-disc is an optical disc that offers a lifespan of 1000 years, making it the unanimous choice for Long-Term Cold Storage using Blu-Ray. And with backward compatibility with CDs and DVDs, a Blu-Ray drive is a versatile device.
The Optical Drive Dilemma
It’s 2023, and unlike a decade ago, laptop manufacturers now don’t offer computers with built-in optical drives. By foregoing optical drives, manufacturers provide thinner and lighter computers that are also cheaper.
Further, the dependence on optical drives has decreased because of the gigantic leaps in computer technology. With the rise in cloud computing and SaaS (Software as a Service), the demand for conventional optical media for software distribution has significantly reduced.
Besides software, filmmakers and content creators have several online streaming options besides Blu-Ray to ensure their content reaches viewers. Moreover, big film production companies and content creators prefer such platforms because they showcase their entire catalog of titles, reducing the need for optical media.
Despite these reasons, Blu-Ray drives (and media) remain the most durable and cost-effective solution for data storage.
Table of Contents
- Blu-Ray: The Game Changer
- The Optical Drive Dilemma
- Comparison of the Best External USB-C Blu-Ray Writers
- 1. Verbatim External Blu-ray Writer – Our Choice
- 2. Pioneer BDR-XS07UHD – 4K UDH Blu-Ray
- 3. ASUS SBW-06D5H-U – Software Bundle
- 4. BUFFALO MediaStation BRXL-PUS6U3 – Great Value
- 5. Archgon MD8107 – For MacBook
- 6. Bunud External Blu-Ray Drive – USB Hub
- 7. MthsTec External Blu-Ray DVD Drive – Durable
- 8. Alphami External Blu-Ray DVD Drive – Cheapest
- Best External USB-C Blu-Ray Writers – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Comparison of the Best External USB-C Blu-Ray Writers
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Verbatim External Blu-ray Writer | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: Yes | Buy on Amazon |
 | Pioneer BDR-XS07UHD | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: Yes | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS SBW-06D5H-U | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: Yes | Buy on Amazon |
 | BUFFALO MediaStation BRXL-PUS6U3 | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: Yes | Buy on Amazon |
 | Archgon MD8107 | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: Yes | Buy on Amazon |
 | Bunud External Blu-Ray Drive | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: Yes | Buy on Amazon |
 | MthsTec External Blu-Ray DVD Drive | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: No | Buy on Amazon |
 | Alphami External Blu-Ray DVD Drive | Blu-Ray Write Speed: 6x Media Types: Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD M-disc support: No | Buy on Amazon |
1. Verbatim External Blu-ray Writer – Our Choice
The Verbatim External Blu-Ray Writer is a premium device that offers everything you’ll need from a Blu-Ray writer. Its understated design and excellent build quality give it a unique combination of helpful functionality and pleasing simplicity.
Blu-Ray writers are backward compatible with previous generations of optical discs, so you can read from and write content to conventional media like CDs and DVDs. It supports 8x speed for DVDs, 24x for CDs, and 6x for Blu-Ray. Furthermore, its support for M-disc media enables you to burn your data onto these long-lasting discs, allowing you to set up cold storage for all your precious data.
Technically, the Verbatim Blu-Ray Writer is not a USB-C device. While it uses USB 3.0 natively, it comes with a micro-USB-B to USB-A data cable. However, Verbatim includes a USB-C adapter, so you won’t have to buy one separately for your latest Ultrabook.
The device has a compact design allowing you to easily accommodate it in your laptop bag. Its front panel has an eject button next to a status LED that lets you know when the drive is in use. And the drive is encased in a durable cover with Verbatim branding on the top panel.
- Backward compatible with all conventional optical discs.
- The compact design makes it portable.
- The 6x speed ensures faster read and write speeds for Blu-Ray discs.
- M-disc support ensures your media library lasts longer.
- Compatible with Windows and macOS.
- Expensive
- No support for 4K UHD despite the price.
2. Pioneer BDR-XS07UHD – 4K UDH Blu-Ray
Like the Blu-Ray driver from Verbatim, the Pioneer BDR-XS07UHD is a versatile device that lets you use any optical media type. Apart from all conventional disc types, the XS07UHD also supports M-discs, allowing you to archive your data for the long term.
The drive gives you the complete set of functionalities of a Blu-Ray writer. And Pioneer goes one step further by including PowerRead and PureRead, a feature that enables the drive to read data from dirty or scratched sectors on the disc. These features prevent the drive from skipping the affected portion on the disc and stop the processor from guessing the data bits by providing the actual data bit that it retrieves by repeated read iterations.
Pioneer also includes Auto Quiet mode that reduces the disc’s rotation speed so you can enjoy watching movies without the noise of an optical drive. It’s helpful because the XS07UDH supports 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray playback, allowing you to hook up the drive to enjoy high-resolution movies without disturbing ambient noise.
The drive has an all-black design and is slightly thicker than the Verbatim device. But the 18mm thickness of the XS07UHD means that the device is portable, and you can place it in your laptop bag without adding to the bulk.
- Excellent data reliability features facilitate data retrieval from slightly damaged discs.
- It has M-disc support that enables long-term data archives.
- The lightweight and compact design ensures portability.
- It supports 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray for high-resolution videos.
- Compatible with Windows and macOS.
- Expensive
- Dull aesthetics
3. ASUS SBW-06D5H-U – Software Bundle
Where most Blu-Ray writers require you to find and download compatible software to burn and back up your data, Asus simplifies the process by bundling these tools with their Blu-Ray writer. Thus, it’s perfect for novice users who require a plug-and-play device that they can use without worrying about finding compatible software.
These software tools include CyberLink Power2Go for burning data onto the media. Asus also includes specialized software such as PowerBackup and NeroBackItUp, both versatile tools for simplifying the backup process.
The SBW-06D5H-U is backward compatible with all conventional optical media types, and it supports M-disc for archiving your data. The device attains data transfer speeds of 24x and 8x while writing to CDs and DVDs. These speeds roughly translate into 3.6MB/s for CDs and 11MB/s for DVDs. However, Blu-Ray (for both BD-R and M-disc) is faster than its typical 6x speed translating into 27MB/s.
The Asus SBW-06D5H-U Blu-Ray writer has a dual-tone black and white exterior with rounded edges and a unique illuminated ring on the top right corner. Its slim design is slightly bigger than a CD jewel case and will fit in a laptop bag for easy portability.
- Asus bundles software for easy backup.
- It has M-disc support that enables long-term data archives.
- The lightweight and compact design ensures portability.
- Compatible with Windows and macOS.
- The pleasing design is aesthetically pleasing.
- Expensive
- Noisy at peak performance.
4. BUFFALO MediaStation BRXL-PUS6U3 – Great Value
The Buffalo MediaStation BRXL-PUS6U3 is an excellent device that provides all the functionality of a Blu-Ray writer without burning a hole in your pocket. Its versatile offering includes superior convenience and broad compatibility across several parameters.
The MediaStation supports all media types and comes with M-disc support. It offers 6x speed for Blu-Ray, 8x for DVDs, and 24x for CDs, making it ideal for watching movies, accessing data on your legacy discs, and enabling backup on newer media types like BD-R and M-discs.
Like the Asus, this drive also comes with bundled software like CyberLink Power2Go and PowerDVD for your convenience. It’s a plug-and-play device compatible with Windows and macOS. Even though Buffalo doesn’t explicitly mention compatibility with Linux, experienced users won’t have a problem running it on their Linux-based computers.
The device is powered by a USB bus (that has a USB-C connector), and the drive’s design incorporates an LED on the front panel that indicates the functional status of the drive. Moreover, its compact and lightweight design provides easy portability.
Lastly, where most Blu-Ray manufacturers offer a one-year warranty, Buffalo ensures you stay protected for longer by providing a two-year warranty. Further, its US-based customer support will be helpful and adds tremendous value to the deal.
- It has M-disc support that enables long-term data archives.
- Bundled software makes it convenient to use.
- The lightweight and compact design ensures portability.
- Compatible with Windows and macOS.
- The 2-year warranty and US-based customer support add value.
- The USB cable needs to be longer, making it easier to connect the device to the back of your computer.
5. Archgon MD8107 – For MacBook
The Archgon MD8107 is an excellent choice if you are a MacBook user and want a Blu-Ray drive to back up your data on optical discs. Its design will complement your laptop and seamlessly merge with your workstation aesthetics.
However, vanity is one of many reasons you should consider the MD8107 from Archgon. The device offers typical support for Blu-Ray, DVDs, and CDs, allowing you to read and write to these optical media. It also reads 4K UDH Blu-Ray discs so that you can enjoy your favorite high-resolution movies. But this is limited to Windows users, as you won’t find the software (for macOS) to play UHD Blu-Ray.
The Archgon MD8107 is also a rugged device with a CNC Aluminum shell that prevents damage. The material makes the drive durable and able to withstand accidental drops during regular use. The use of aluminum means the drive remains lightweight and portable, courtesy of its compact design.
The drives use a USB bus to draw power from your computer. On the drive end, it uses a micro-USB-B port, and Archgon bundles two data cables, one each with USB-A and one USB-C. The drive is competitively priced, but you won’t mind paying a slightly higher price for a device that looks like its origins were in the Apple design studio.
- UHD Blu-Ray support lets you watch movies in 4K.
- The CNC Aluminum body makes the drive durable.
- The compact and lightweight design makes it portable.
- Pleasing aesthetics that complement your MacBook.
- It includes a protective carrying case.
- No software is included for burning or media playback.
- Expensive
6. Bunud External Blu-Ray Drive – USB Hub
The Bunud External Blu-Ray Drive addresses a very relevant problem that most users of thin-and-light laptops face: limited USB ports. An external Blu-Ray writer is a USB device too, and using one means you must sacrifice a precious port.
This external Blu-Ray writer from Bunud has an in-built USB hub, giving you added flexibility to connect additional USB devices. It features two additional USB-A ports and a media card reader to use TF and SD cards.
Of course, this is over and above the typical Blu-Ray writer features this drive offers. The device has standard compatibility for CDs, DVDs, and M-discs in addition to Blu-Ray (all variants). However, it lacks support for UHD Blu-Ray, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you intend to watch movies in 4K.
The added functionality of the USB hub translates into a bulkier device, but despite that, the drive is compact, and you can carry it on your travels. Moreover, like the Archgon MD8107, this drive also has an aluminum body that makes it durable and resistant to accident drops and rough handling.
- It has a built-in USB hub to expand your setup quickly.
- Backward compatible with conventional optical disc types.
- The Aluminum body makes the drive durable.
- The compact and lightweight design makes it portable.
- The embedded USB cable means you won’t lose the data bus.
- No software is included for burning or media playback.
- It doesn’t support UHD Blu-Ray discs.
7. MthsTec External Blu-Ray DVD Drive – Durable
The MthsTec Blu-Ray writer is an inexpensive device you can carry when work takes you away from your workstation. Its durable, shockproof, and lightweight design ensures that the drive doesn’t damage easily and that you can travel without worrying about it being careful while handling it on the go.
It’s a low-cost device, so you’ll forego a few functionalities. While the drive is perfect if you want to use Blu-Ray, DVDs, and CDs, it lacks M-disc support, and you’ll need to buy a more expensive device if you want that functionality. It also lacks support for UDH Blu-Ray discs, limiting your viewing experience to movies in 1080p.
The drive emphasizes portability, which is apparent from its sturdy build quality and the embedded USB data bus with both USB-A and USB-C connectors. For additional convenience, MthsTec even provides a groove on the lower panel of the drive to stow the data cable to avoid it from snagging on your other devices.
The MthsTec Blu-Ray write has a futuristic industrial look with angled edges on the top panel, which MthsTec illuminates with concealed LED lighting. It works flawlessly with Windows and macOS. And although you won’t need to install device drivers, MthsTec does not bundle software for burning or playback, so you’ll have to buy that separately.
- Affordable price
- The durable design prevents damage.
- The compact and lightweight design makes it portable.
- The embedded USB cable means you won’t lose the data bus.
- Backward compatible with conventional optical disc types.
- No support for M-disc.
- No support for UHD Blu-Ray discs.
8. Alphami External Blu-Ray DVD Drive – Cheapest
The Alphami External Blu-Ray drive is the cheapest Blu-Ray writer that provides you with all essential features. Thus, it’s perfect for users who need a device for a limited project, like backing up a finite amount of your data. It’s inexpensive, so you won’t mind paying the low price and then stowing the drive once you finish the project.
It’s backward compatible with DVDs and CDs. And while it doesn’t support M-disc and UHD Blu-Ray, you can use all Blu-Ray media to store data and create an archive that’ll last you up to 100 years.
The design and features are like the MthsTec writer. While this drive’s top panel is also futuristic-looking with angled edges that form a pentagon, it doesn’t have the LED lighting you get on the MthsTec writer. Its sturdy build quality makes it shockproof and ensures that it makes minimal noise even at peak performance.
Apart from that, this drive also comes with an embedded USB cable, so you don’t have to worry about losing it. And like with the MthsTec Blu-Ray writer, this drive requires you to download any burning or playback software separately.
- Price
- Backward compatible with conventional optical disc types.
- The compact and lightweight design makes it portable.
- The embedded USB cable means you won’t lose the data bus.
- Compatible with Windows and macOS.
- No support for M-disc.
- No support for UHD Blu-Ray discs.
Best External USB-C Blu-Ray Writers – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the 6x speed of Blu-Ray signify?
The original rating of the Blu-Ray defines its speed as 36Mbps (or 4.5MB/s). With the advancement of data transfer technologies and their incorporation with Blu-Ray, modern Blu-Ray drives offer six times that speed (or 6x). Thus, newer drives offer read (and write) speeds of 6 x 36, 216Mbps (or 27MB/s).
However, these speeds significantly depend on several factors, including your computer’s configurations, total data size, size, and type of individual files.
In fact, the drive’s speed is also governed by the media type you are using. Blu-Ray writers typically offer slower speed when writing to Triple-layer, Quadruple-layer, and Re-writable Blu-Ray discs. So, it’s advisable to check the drive’s specifications and examine its speed for each media type.
What is the difference between regular Blu-Ray and UHD Blu-Ray?
A UHD Blu-Ray disc (or 4K UHD Blu-Ray) is a newer Blu-Ray media type that can store more data on a single-layer disc than a conventional single-layer Blu-Ray disc. It has a capacity of 66GB as opposed to the 25GB capacity of a regular Blu-Ray disc.
The significantly higher capacity is adequate to accommodate full-length 4K UHD films with higher color definition and better sound quality, translating into an immersive viewing experience for the end user. Not all Blu-Ray drives can read UHD Blu-Ray discs, so you’ll need a special drive to read this media type.
What are M-discs? Why do they have a longer lifespan?
M-discs are an optical media type like Blu-Ray. These discs use a unique material that gives them an exponentially longer life. M-discs offer similar storage capacity as standard Blu-Ray discs, but their most noteworthy feature is their 1000 years lifespan which it gets by using a material called Glassy Carbon. However, not all Blu-Ray writers support M-discs, so checking the drive specifications beforehand is advisable.
How long does it take to write data on a Blu-Ray disc?
The time to write data to a Blu-Ray disc depends on these factors.
- The volume of data.
- Speed of the drive.
- Media type
- Systems configuration
Mathematically speaking, it would take slightly over one minute for a 6x Blu-Ray writer to write 10GB of data to a BD-R disc.
