DVD Players

Buying an external DVD player solves a modern-day dilemma: laptops haven't had disc drives for years, yet DVD collections, software CDs, and burned discs with home movies still exist. At Strex, you can compare external DVD players and burners that connect to your laptop via USB—plug-and-play, even as a burner—and a DVD player with HDMI that lets any TV play discs.

For laptop or TV: which one do you need?

The external USB variants are for your computer: watching, listening to, ripping, and burning DVDs and CDs on laptops without a built-in drive—via USB 3.0 without a separate power supply or drivers, and with an optional protective case for when you're on the go. The HDMI player is for the living room: it connects to your TV and plays DVDs in 1080P, the solution for the movie collection in the cupboard and a TV that doesn't have its own player. In short: discs on a laptop → USB, discs on a TV → HDMI.

What to look for?

• ✔ USB 3.0 — fast enough for ripping and burning without stuttering
• ✔ Player and burner — these external drives don't just read; they also burn DVDs and CDs
• ✔ Plug-and-play — just plug it in and it's ready on Windows and macOS, without drivers or external power
• ✔ HDMI output — for TV use: DVDs in 1080P on any modern screen
• ✔ Warranty — 2 years standard at Strex

Why a DVD burner is still surprisingly useful today

The disc seemed like a thing of the past—until you need one. Practical scenarios that still justify an external burner: safeguarding old family DVDs to your computer before the discs age (discs degrade slowly but surely—it's better to copy them this year than in ten years' time), software and drivers only provided on CD, ripping music CDs to your library, and the car audio and collector's scene that still runs on discs. One laptop-sized device covers all of that—and then disappears back into the drawer until next time. Prefer a big-screen experience for your movies? Combine the HDMI player with a projector for a movie night to remember. You can find more in electronics & gadgets.

Frequently asked questions

Does an external DVD player work on every laptop?

Yes, via USB: plug it in and the drive appears automatically—plug-and-play on Windows and macOS, without a separate power supply or drivers. If your laptop only has USB-C ports, a simple USB adapter or hub will suffice.

Can I also burn DVDs with this player?

Yes, these external drives are both a player and a burner in one: writing to DVDs and CDs works with the standard burning software on Windows and macOS. Useful for backups of family movies, music CDs for the car, and sharing large files without the internet.

Does the HDMI player also play burned DVDs?

Yes, in addition to original movies, it also plays self-burned DVDs—so, those discs with holiday videos and family recordings. Connect to the TV via HDMI, insert the disc, and play in 1080P.

Does the external player need a separate power cable?

No, the power is supplied via the same USB cable as the data—one cable, no adapter. This makes the drive completely portable: keep it in its sleeve in your laptop bag and use it anywhere there is a USB port.

Take a look at the DVD players and burners from Strex—for laptop and TV—and keep your disc collection alive.

Want to know more? Read our article "External DVD player and burner: what are they still for?".