• TCL CSOT is reportedly now mass producing the first inkjet-printed OLEDs for consumers
• MSI just revealed a new 27-inch monitor which seemingly uses this 4K panel
• Inkjet printing is a more affordable way of making OLEDs and it will usher in cheaper monitors and laptops, and eventually TVs further down the line

TCL CSOT has seemingly taken a big step towards putting inkjet-printed OLED panels in the homes of consumers, and mass production of these screens is now reportedly underway.

OLED-Info reports that the Chinese manufacturer has kicked off production with an initial 27-inch 4K panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It offers a brightness of up to 300 nits and 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut (meaning lifelike and accurate color representation).

This inkjet-printed screen is destined for monitors, but bigger panels for the likes of TVs are expected to be in the cards for the future. For starters, though, we're looking at production for monitors and also laptop OLEDs.

This is still the very early stages for TCL, and OLED-Info clarifies that we are only talking about 'low volume' production on the firm's Gen 5.5 inkjet line for now. Still, it's an important step to take, but producing the panels is one thing, and it'll take some time for these to be incorporated into monitors which are then shipped to retailers where consumers can buy them.

Note that the Gen 5.5 inkjet line has produced OLED panels before, just not displays destined for consumer products (they were screens for commercial use in the medical field).

It seems that the freshly announced MSI Pro Max OLED 271UPJW12 uses this TCL 4K panel, although that isn't explicitly stated in the press release for the new model published by TechPowerup. All the specs match up, though, and it couldn't really be any other screen anyway – and this revelation is another sign to back up OLED-Info's contention that mass production is now up and running.

MSI boasts of the monitor: "With a 164 PPI density and an optimized RGB Stripe sub-pixel layout that closely resembles the uniform RGB structure of traditional LCDs, this advanced design effectively eliminates color fringing, optimizing text and image clarity."

We don't get a price from MSI, but that's not surprising at this stage, because as noted, the release is likely still some way off yet.

Analysis: what's the big deal with inkjet-printed OLEDs anyway?

As we've covered in the past, there are some distinct advantages with using an OLED printed by an inkjet compared to traditional (Fine Metal Mask) OLED panels. They are more power-efficient, and the inkjet-printed (IJP) OLEDs will also have a longer lifespan, but most crucially, they're cheaper.

TCL has previously told us that these IJP panels are 20% cheaper than existing OLEDs (and they can be made 30% faster, too). Analyst firms believe that these printed panels could be up to 35% cheaper in the future, when production is higher volume and more refined (with less waste).

The upshot should be OLED monitors which are a good deal more affordable, not to mention laptops with OLED screens that hit cheaper price points – and as noted, TVs eventually, too. The lower power usage will also be a major benefit for notebooks in terms of extending battery life, given that the display is one of the biggest drains on the battery.

The overall affordability of OLED will also be helped by TCL's inkjet-based creations, because the dominant panel makers – LG Display and Samsung – will be forced to be more competitive with their pricing. Add to that the emergence of BOE's Generation 8.6 panels, which went into mass production last month – again offering a more economical way to produce OLEDs thanks to much larger substrates – and this poses yet more competition, meaning there'll be some distinct downward pressures on OLED pricing.

The catch is that it will take some time for this to happen, especially in the world of bigger screens for the likes of OLED TVs – but make no mistake, it is happening.

MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2: One-minute review

The MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 is a wired analog keyboard with a retro design that belies its advanced analog adjustability.

It certainly harks back to a time when the ‘gamer aesthetic’ was in full swing, with its translucent keycaps and faux-industrial body. The rear and side lighting are interesting touches, though.

It’s also a veritable slab of a keyboard. It’s very thick, although it gets thinner towards the front, which means the keys angle towards the user slightly. This is just as well, since the Made68 Ultra V2 doesn’t have any pop-out feet, as many of the best gaming keyboards do.

The materials feel premium enough and solidly put together. It’s heavy, which helps the board to stay planted, but this could be an issue if you frequently move your board around.

Although the Made68 Ultra V2 has bright RGB backlighting, it’s a misstep that it doesn’t shine through the keycap characters. In fact, it actively obscures them, so you’d best get familiar with touchtyping if you aren’t already.

There are plenty of useful FN shortcuts, but unfortunately none of them is labelled on the relevant keycap, so you’ll have to refer to the manual and learn them by heart.

If you want to customize bindings, you can use MelGeek’s web app for this purpose. There are plenty of options here, but it’s the precise and copious analog adjustments that are even more impressive.This app is easily accessible via two taps of the Mode button on the rear, which is a thoughtful touch and one I wish more gaming keyboards featured. For a web app, it’s also very fast and stable.

In a word, the best way to describe the performance of the Made68 Ultra V2 is solid. The keys don’t wobble at all, and presses are firm with a satisfying thunk once they reach the end of their travel. This provides plenty of feedback, while the dampening is sufficient enough to prevent harshness. At the same time, they’re also very snappy and responsive, thanks to their quick rebound.

I also found the WASD position comfortable, and all peripheral keys were easy and comfortable to hit. I did find myself hitting its edge on occasion, but its springiness and dampening still make it better than many others I’ve encountered.

All of this performance and adjustability doesn’t come cheap, though. The Made68 Ultra V2 is more expensive than many of its rivals — even those with bigger names, which makes the Made68 Ultra V2’s price harder to swallow. But if you prize a sturdy construction and a solid feel above all else, there aren’t many that can beat it on these fronts.

MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 review: Price & availability

• $219 (about £160 / AU$300)
• Available now in multiple colorways
• Top-of-the-sector pricing

The MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 costs $219 (about £160 / AU$300) and is available now in multiple colorways from the brand’s website. International shipping is offered, with region-dependent charges.

This is expensive for any wired gaming keyboard, even analog models. It’s costlier than some offerings from the big hitters in the space, such as Razer and SteelSeries. For instance, the former’s Huntsman V3 Tenkeyless 8KHz costs $169.99, yet it has similar analog tweakability and even includes controller emulation, which the Made68 Ultra V2 misses out on.

As for SteelSeries, its Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is also cheaper than the Made68 Ultra V2, and what’s more it’s one of the best analog gaming keyboards I’ve ever used in terms of build and performance. Its keys feel great and offer superb control. It might miss out on controller emulation, but it shines in virtually every other area.

MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 review: Specs

MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 review: Design

• Retro looks
• Very thick and heavy
• Advanced customization options

I think it’s fair to say that the appearance of the Made68 Ultra V2 will prove divisive. Some may view it as charmingly retro, while others will think it dated. The translucent keycaps allow the switches underneath to be seen and let the RGB shine through. The effect is nice, but it does look like something we might have seen 20 years ago.

The frame is also a throwback to a time when gaming peripherals had an industrial bent, with its metallic side plates and sharp corners. However, the large rectangular lightbar adds some interest, and I haven’t seen anything like this before on a keyboard. The same is true of the side light bars, so the Made68 Ultra V2 at least has something to distinguish it from others in the space.

Complementing that sharp and angular appearance is its thickness. This tapers off somewhat towards the front, which has the effect of tilting the keys towards you. This is a good thing, since the Made68 Ultra V2 has no folding feet, although I still would’ve welcomed some to create even more of an angle.

Perhaps the sheer weight of the unit is the reason for this absence. Whether this is a flaw or a feature will likely depend on personal preferences. If you want a solid, planted feel, then you may well appreciate its heft; however, if you move your board around frequently, or take it with you on your travels, you won’t.

There are numerous Fn shortcuts on the Made68 Ultra V2, although it’s a shame that none of them is marked on the keycaps themselves, which means you’ll have to commit them to memory.

But even if they were marked, you’d be hard pressed to see them, since the RGB backlighting fails to shine through the keycap characters. In fact, it actively obscures them; turning off the backlighting actually makes the keycap symbols easier to read, which defeats the point of the feature in the first place. This is perhaps the biggest design flaw of the Made68 Ultra V2.

If you want to customize these shortcuts, and rebind all the other keys, you’ll need to use MelGeek’s web app. This is easily accessed by double-tapping the Mode button on the rear of the board, which is a thoughtful touch and one I wish every keyboard featured. There are plenty of system and media commands available for mapping, but it's the analog features and adjustments that really stand out here.

Take the multi-binding features. There’s a counter-strafing mode that triggers a second input when releasing a key; so if you’re holding A to strafe left, you can set this same key to trigger a D input when released to stop you quicker. There’s also a Rappy Snappy mode that gives priority to a single input when two keys are pressed depending on which is pressed further down.

There are a pleasing amount of actuation adjustments, too. You can set the actuation point between 0.1mm and 3.3mm, and even alter the deadzone at the bottom of a key’s travel between 0mm and 0.07mm, which is something I haven’t seen before in other keyboards.

The Rapid Trigger mode also offers plenty of scope for meeting the demands of pro gamers. There’s an adaptive mode with three presets to choose from: Stable, Balanced, or Agile. But if you’re a tinkerer, there’s a manual mode with sliders for adjusting up- and downstrokes independently. These have a large range of 0.01mm to 2.4mm and increments of one hundredth of a millimeter. There’s also a Continuous Rapid Trigger mode, where a key only deactivates when you fully release the key, rather than merely releasing above your predefined actuation point.

This level of analog adjustability is very welcome. It’s a small shame, however, that there’s no controller emulation feature, as some other analog gaming keyboards have. But given the inconsistent effectiveness of such modes, I’m not too disappointed about its absence here.

I often find web apps less effective than standalone software, but I’m pleased to report that MelGeek’s is a fine example of the former. It’s fast, stable, and easy to use, thanks to its uncluttered layout and explanations of its various features. The only real drawback is the lack of visualization; I find this helps to inform all my actuation-related adjustments by letting me see their effects in real time.

MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 review: Performance

• Solid yet snappy keys
• Reasonably comfortable WASD position
• Great for typing

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Made68 Ultra V2 is its key feel. The keys have no play to them and fire straight as an arrow. This makes them very secure, a feeling that’s bolstered by their mild but noticeable indentations. Their surface is pleasantly smooth without compromising traction.

Equally gratifying is the solid thud when the keys hit the end of their travel. There’s just enough dampening here to avoid them feeling harsh, and they still only require a light touch. They also rebound with impressive alacrity, which makes them feel snappy and responsive.

This combination of solid and springy means the Made68 Ultra V2 offers speed and control in equal parts, and makes it just as suitable for typing as it does for gaming. I made far fewer typos than I usually do with keycaps this tall and narrow, which is testament to the keyboard’s precise action.

Thanks to the forward tilt of the keys, the WASD position was comfortable, and reaching the outer keys was easy. I found myself hitting the edge of the space bar on occasion, but its lightness, feedback, and springiness made up for this. It’s a joy to use and one of the best I’ve experienced. I still wished the angle of the keys was a little steeper, though, and I would’ve welcomed a wrist rest for longer sessions to compensate for the thickness of the unit.

Should I buy the MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2?

Scorecard

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2 review: Also consider

How I tested the MelGeek Made68 Ultra V2

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and working
• Plentiful gaming keyboard experience

I tested the Made68 Ultra V2 for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played games such as Counter-Strike 2, which is a stern test for peripherals, given the demands it places on speed and precision.

I’ve been using gaming keyboards for years, and have reviewed a large number of them, across all manner of price points, switch types, and form factors.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: July 2026

Heading off on a vacation? It's easy to forget about boring things like charging solutions, but when you're away from home, keeping your devices juiced up is both more important than usual, and more difficult than usual. I speak from experience — I've found myself in one too many foreign city after a long day of exploring, trying to memorize Google Maps directions to a hotel while my phone battery dwindles alarmingly into the red.

This year, though, I've decided to get myself prepared, and avoid all that stress by arming myself with the right travel gadgets. Luckily, at TechRadar our reviews team members have tested dozens of charging gadgets of all kinds, and below I've rounded up our top recommendations for travel.

I've included a mix of options here. There are plug-in charging stations that will let me juice up multiple gadgets at once if I end up in a hotel room with limited power outlets (or it's a foreign socket and I've only brought one plug adaptor). There are also plug-in or MagSafe power packs that I can keep in my bag for charging when out and about. I've also thrown in a couple more specialized options: a foldable pad that can juice up three different Apple devices at once, and a 6-port beast that can handle charging power-hungry laptops and tablets — ideal while working while on the go.

I've included a handy specs comparison table at the bottom of the page, and if you want to dig into more options, we have separate, dedicated guides to the best wireless chargers and the best power banks. Bon voyage!

Top travel chargers

Specs compared

Unless you plan on conducting all of your virtual meetings at arm's length or from the end of a selfie stick, an excellent webcam is a home office essential nowadays — and a must-have accessory for your setup if you plan to stream or create content online.

While practically every laptop offers a built-in webcam, OEMs rarely deliver an impressive camera as standard. Sure, the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro's 12MP Center Stage camera proves there are exceptions. However, generally speaking, your default webcam likely isn't cutting it.

If you're tired of falling back on your grainy, dimly lit, and low-resolution stock webcam, then it's time to invest in an external webcam to look and sound your best with sharper, richer audio and visual flair.

From an affordable all-rounder like the Logitech HD Webcam C920, perfect for meetings and video calls, to the advanced flexibility of the Insta360 Link 2, ideal for content creation or hosting presentations, our roundup of the best webcams offers some genuinely fantastic options for laptops and desktop computers alike.

The quick list

Best overall

The $60 Logitech HD Webcam C920 was an easy favorite. Images we took with the 1080p camera were sharp, color-accurate, and crystal clear. The C920's 78-degree field of view could comfortably fit two people in the frame for a teleconference. The software with the C920 lets you implement filters, adjust the angle, use the webcam as a security camera, and take photos to save to your hard drive.

This is by far the best webcam out there, and there’s no way any reasonable person could return to the terrible webcams attached to a standard laptop. The Logitech HD Webcam C920 smashes the competition, and once you try it, you’ll unlikely regret it. Additionally, it’s excellent value. $60 for a webcam isn’t a steep price for a future of crisp and clear images.

See our Logitech HD Webcam C920 review.

Best premium webcam

While the webcam that tops our list is a great option suitable for everyday use, the Insta360 Link 2 goes above and beyond, cramming an impressive amount of features and configurability into its typical $199 price tag.

The most stand-out feature is the Link 2's unique dual-axis gimbal design, which allows the 4K webcam to turn and tilt, ensuring you're framed and in focus at all times with its AI tracking, even while moving.

It's ideal for content creation and presenting at a high standard, with the camera also able to snap focus and crop the image to capture whiteboards, or spin down to DeskView for more technical or hands-on demonstrations.

Thanks to an improved 1/2-inch sensor, the Link 2 works excellently in low-light conditions, but when paired with the right lighting setup, you'll capture richly detailed and crisp images that are comparable to DSLR alternatives.

See our full Insta360 Link 2 review.

Best travel webcam

Sure, your laptop's webcam is probably terrible, most are, but are you going to bring a big external webcam with you everywhere? As a remote worker, I've faced this decision many times, and I virtually never take one with me and make do with subpar image quality. The Opal Tadpole webcam is finally the solution to this issue that so frequent travelers have been waiting for.

The Opal Tadpole will remind you of the old clip-on iPod Shuffle, and it is as dead simple to use as the Shuffle, too, with plug-and-play using the built-in USB-C cable. Opal Camera sells a $25 "yoyo" travel case that can fully secure the Tadpole, but its cable can also be used to loop it on your bag. It's so tiny you will never notice it in your bag, but you'll be thrilled you have it when you see the crisp, clear image on your video call instead of the noisy, garbled mess of your built-in webcam.

If you don't ever travel, then by all means, go with another option on this list, like the Insta360 Link webcam above. Thanks to a larger sensor, you'll get more features and a better overall image, but when it comes to a travel-friendly go-anywhere webcam with quality that will blow your laptop webcam away, the Opal Tadpole is it.

See our full Opal Tadpole review

Best midrange webcam

Anker’s PowerConf C200 2k webcam is stylish, sturdy, and affordable ($69.99). It also has a physical shutter to keep the creeps out. What’s wonderfully disturbing about this Anker webcam is that it is on par with or superior to many of the far pricier webcams I have reviewed in the past two years.

The Anker PowerConf C200 is a bargain that delivers high-quality images and video for a fraction of the cost of many other webcams and conference cams. For $69.99, you get a webcam that provides crisp, color-accurate images in normal and low-light conditions with super-fast autofocus.

See our full Anker PowerConf C200 review

Best 4K webcam

If you're looking to prioritize a quality 4K image, the Logitech MX Brio 4K is the way to go. It'll cost you $200, but if you're willing to dish out the extra money, it's a level up from the more affordable options thanks to its 8.5MP Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor.

Not only will this yield a better image in good lighting, but if you don't always have perfect control of your lighting, it will hold up better than the competition in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

While Logitech's AI tracking is not bad, we would still recommend something like the Insta360 Link 2 if tracking movement or more dynamic content is a high priority for you. The built-in mic could also be better, but it's a definite improvement over your laptop mic, and its 4K resolution offers incredibly sharp images that can track your face, body, whiteboards, and even your desk.

See our full Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam review.

Feature comparisons

Recent reviews

Not every webcam we review makes it to this list, but that's not to say they aren't worth looking into. While some of the following webcams may not be the best in their category, that's not to say they aren't fantastic options.

How to find the right webcam

Regardless of the specs, the most important focus (pardon the pun) for a webcam is the crispness of its image and video quality. Combine this with the product's price, and you have an essential checklist of webcam priorities. However, there are a few other things to consider.

Perhaps you want your webcam to be as portable as possible. The Opal Tadpole would be a perfect choice for that purpose. If you need something high-end with excellent features like a noise-canceling microphone and AI Tracking, the Insta360 Link is a great pick.

Alternatively, you might desire cheap and high-quality, so the Logitech HD Webcam C920 (~$60) could be worth it for those needing a solid camera on a budget. Don't mind spending up? You can invest in a Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam for around $200. Although expensive, its incredible image quality could more than compensate for it if you're interested in professional streaming.

FAQs

What webcam features do you need to look for?

If you're using your webcam for video calls, virtual presentations, or live streams, the key features will be resolution and frame rate. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. Regarding frame rate, while 60 fps is ideal at max resolution, a 30 fps 4K webcam is more than adequate for most video calls and streams.

If you use your webcam in dimly lit spaces or while moving around, you may want to look for advanced features like HDR and AI face tracking.

What webcams are best for streaming?

While many of the top Twitch and YouTube content creators use mirrorless cameras for their streams, any of our top Webcams will work fine for casual streams. Unless you plan to make your reaction feed the highlight of your stream, you just need a decent FHD (1920 x 1080p) webcam for most streaming purposes.

How to set up a webcam?

Every webcam is different, but generally speaking, you'll connect it to your laptop or desktop and then make sure your operating system recognizes it. You may need to update or download drivers or specialized software to get the most out of your webcam's range of features.

Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, webcams, PC accessories, software, and even the latest in gaming. And yes, webcams, too!

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades, and we continue to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced team of writers and editors scour the available information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

Our editorial trustworthiness is enforced by one of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

Your laptop or desktop might be holding your setup back — but you don't necessarily need a new machine. If you're drowning in cables, running out of ports, or feeling cramped on a 13-inch screen, one of the best docking stations could transform your setup overnight.

Before you start upgrading to one of the best laptops for more ports or screen space, there’s another option. If your setup is bogged down by too many cables and not enough ports, or your laptop’s humble 13-inch display isn't enough to contain your workload, you might not need a new machine — you might just need a docking station.

One of the best docking stations will give you access to more ports (with greater variety), solid passthrough charging for your device, and support for multiple external monitors.

Pairing a laptop with the right dock lets you expand your setup in ways that rival even the best desktops. You get to keep the portability and go-anywhere potential of your laptop, while still enjoying the full workstation experience at home or at the office.

If you recently invested in a powerful gaming laptop with Thunderbolt 5 or a high-end content creation machine like the MacBook Pro 16 M4, 2025 will be an exciting year. The latest Thunderbolt 5 docking stations are rolling out with faster charging, higher data rates, and better support for external monitors.

In the meantime, our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C docking stations already offers fantastic options. These products can radically improve your setup, big or small, and unlock the full potential of your device. The real question is, which dock should you buy?

I've personally reviewed over 20 laptop docking stations for Laptop Mag in the last two years — and tested many more — making sure they deliver on manufacturer promises and real-world performance.

This buying guide highlights the best docking stations I've tested so far, across a range of categories, from speedy Thunderbolt 4 docks to affordable picks that don't skimp on features or performance. We also include a ranking of the best USB-C cables and accessories.

Do you need help or further information before you decide which dock is right for you? Our handy FAQs section answers many common questions buyers have when making a purchasing decision.

With that in mind, let's dive into our selection of the best laptop docking stations in 2025.

Best Docking Stations 2025: The list in brief

The best laptop docking stations in 2025

Best overall

There are very few things I could fault Plugable's TBT4-UDZ docking station on, but, in contrast, the list of platitudes I could give it is almost as long as this product's official name: the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station—a name that leaves very little to the imagination yet proudly displays its stronger features from the get-go.

I loved using Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station, and I was particularly impressed by its overall versatility. Its awesome array of 16 ports sports variety in spades, with a mix of display options and a welcoming blend of modern and legacy ports. Where the TBT4-UDZ lacks variety is in the performance of each one of those ports, with top-tier speeds pouring out of every input.

As the dock's name implies, the TBT4-UDZ packs super-fast Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 ports, allowing data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps to and from compatible machines. Speeds like this are the death knell of sluggish progress bars as you transfer large files back and forth, making it an excellent option for those who deal in video or creative content or for those who use external storage.

Plugable's dock also incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for ultra-fast and solidly reliable data speeds over an RJ45 connection. This stand-out feature is otherwise rare in most of the docks on this list, which are limited to 1Gbps. This ensures your host machine will be given the maximum opportunity to make the most of your internet connection or LAN.

Whether stood or laid flat, I effortlessly incorporated this dock into a number of different setups, which provided me with plenty of room for expansion. With dozens of ports at my mercy, I could manage a plethora of peripherals and a genuine arsenal of accessories.

I was also greatly impressed by the dock's support for external monitors. It offers connections to handle up to four external displays (2 x HDMI and 2 x DisplayPort) at resolutions up to 4K and refresh rates of 60Hz.

While my typical day-to-day setup doesn't require anywhere near that amount of displays to hand, there are absolutely folks out there who need every last inch of screen space possible when it comes to juggling huge amounts of information spread across multiple spreadsheets or multitasking across several apps without needing to switch between open windows to do so. The experience was flawless, and a genuine eye-opener into the productivity boosts available as you expand your virtual workspace.

Plugable's docking station is a 15-port masterpiece: a premium product that delivers a premium experience without cranking the price up to eye-watering levels. Alongside the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned elsewhere in this list, it's one of my favorite docking stations of our selection, and it often finds its way back into my setup when I'm not making space for whichever dock is next up for review.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station review.

• ­Back to the top ⤴

Best budget

It's hard to deny the impact that a docking station can make on your setup, but it's easy to talk yourself out of it if you're buying on a budget that can't stretch to some of the more expensive models out there.

However, not everybody needs to buy big in order to get the most bang for their buck. If you're looking for a dock to manage a more modest setup, then the Dell Dual Charge Dock will not only serve you well, but also provide an excellent 12W Qi wireless charging cradle in the process.

When I reviewed the Dell Dual Charge Dock at the end of 2023, I was amazed at how effortlessly it found a home on my desk and at how quickly it because a vital piece of equipment for keeping my smartphone topped up throughout the day at the same time as my laptop with its 90W of Power Delivery.

While Dell's docking station might be small, its potential for managing your setup and keeping a host of devices powered is anything but. This 8 port expansion offers mostly legacy USB Type-A ports (though video outputs, ethernet, and a USB Type-C port also feature), which are ideal for managing wired/wireless mice or keyboards an a host of other common peripherals. It can also manage up to two external displays with its HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs.

Even though it's small, the Dell Dual Charge Dock offers some impressive cable management to boot, ensuring that you can have a busy workspace that remains clear and clutter free.

It's sub-$100 price is a rarity for docking stations with this level of function and quality behind them, and while it's by no means a perfect product, it does so much right that it becomes difficult to hold its lack of an SD/micro SD card reader against it, or even that it features a tethered host cable.

The Dell Dual Charge Dock is impressive value for money, refusing to leave you feeling short changed for picking up an affordable option. It's not just a dock, its the point of power for your setup, and it can also double up as a handy display stand for other devices while on charge, too.

If the Dell Dual Charge Dock's asking price is still too rich for your blood, don't fret! I'd recommend checking out our selection of the best USB Type-C hubs instead for a look at some smaller and more affordable options.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Dell Dual Charge Dock review

• ­Back to the top ⤴

Best premium

Logitech's Logi Dock is the docking station so good that they almost named it twice. It's no easy task for a docking station to generate excitement. Hardware like this is designed to be functional, and its design and additional features are often seen as an aftersight.

However, Logitech has seemingly pulled off the impossible with the Logi Dock, creating a device that is stunning to have featured in your setup and serves many purposes along the way.

Not only is Logitech's offering a fantastic premium product, but it excels in connectivity: It uniquely offers Bluetooth 5.1 pairing of up to 7 additional devices beyond its eight-port expansion. Of those ports, three are USB Type-C, two are USB Type-A, and the remaining two are HDMI and DisplayPort outputs that support resolutions up to 4K with HDR and a 60Hz refresh rate.

You may notice that none of the ports mentioned were Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 compatible, which, I can't lie, would have really pushed the Logi Dock to all-new heights. However, it would likely have pushed its cost in a similar direction, and the Logi Dock already has a premium price tag.

Far be it from me to turn my nose up to a solid USB Type-C dock, though. Especially when there's so much more on offer here than a simple case of port expansion. This dock is also outfitted with custom 55mm neodymium drivers, making it a stereo soundbar with no right sounding as impressive as it does for being part of a docking station setup.

But that's the trick Logitech has pulled here. The Logi Dock isn't just a docking station; it's also a fully-fledged conferencing tool with a built-in noise and echo-canceling beam-forming mic array, simplifying your setup for both work and entertainment. It's a little bit of everything, and it does it all impressively well, but it does come with a challenging price tag.

This kind of multi-functionality is hard to come by regarding docking stations, but it's one of the things I enjoy coming across most. Docking stations can get a little dry and bland sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with that. They are, after all, meant to blend into the background and quietly manage your setup from the shadows. However, when manufacturers think outside the box and combine their docks with other accessories or peripherals, they address one of a dock's primary tasks, which is often overlooked: Cable management.

Cable management isn't exactly at the top of the list of things reviewers take a docking station to task for, but I'm not like most reviewers. I believe that the hardware responsible for managing your connections should do a decent job of keeping things neat and tidy as it does so. It reflects the thought that went into the dock itself, after all.

I'm also a firm believer that there's no better cable management than being able to replace the need for specific cables to be there in the first place. The Logitech Logi Dock is a docking station first and a mic and speaker bar second, eliminating the need for separate devices cluttering your setup.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Logitech Logi Dock review.

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Best Thunderbolt 4

Whether you own a Thunderbolt 4 computer, USB4 Chromebook, or Apple Silicon MacBook, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a fantastic solution for your workstation needs—especially if those needs require you to have access to some of the fastest data transfer rates until Thunderbolt 5 docks begin making an appearance.

However, its power does lead to a considerable drawback: its price. The TS4 is one of the more expensive options on this list, and considering the already high price of docking stations, that's saying something. Performance is what you're paying for here, and you'll get it in spades, along with plenty of ports and a considerable power supply.

The TS4 offers an incredible 18 additional ports (17 after the host port is connected), including an SD and microSD card reader, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a myriad of audio and USB Type-A/Type-C ports.

It's port expansion heaven, which sounds so dull it could make trainspotting look like Monday Night Football, though I promise you that's far more exciting than I made it sound.

Throw a dart at this dock, and you're likely to hit a port offering impressively fast speeds. This makes it the perfect option for professional power users who need a full array of accessories to maximize their productivity and performance.

That productivity can be further enhanced with support for up to two external displays. A DisplayPort 1.4 connection will allow for an external display with up to 8K resolution, or it can work in tandem with a USB-C DP port to power two displays with 4K resolutions at a refresh rate of 60Hz. You can even drive an external display for your Chromebook if it has a USB4 connection.

Better still, the TS4 is a veritable desktop power station, offering 98W of host charge and a number of powered ports to keep your peripherals and sidekick devices juiced up throughout the day. Included among that number is a USB Type-C port that offers 20W of Power Delivery alone, ideal for keeping your smartphone or tablet topped up throughout the day.

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 isn't the latest Thunderbolt dock to release, but no matter how many more I've come across, I always return to the TS4 as my favorite.

Based on performance alone, it's one of the best options. Still, factor in its tiny footprint, vertical/horizontal positioning, excellent cable management, and wealth of power for your host machine and other devices, and you have a brilliant docking station — one well worth its place on this list.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 review.

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Best USB Type-C

The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is a sleek and deceptively crafty device that effortlessly blends into your setup by posing as a modern monitor stand. However, it's also an exceptional docking station, pulling double duties as an excellent port expansion and charging solution that offers top-tier cable management.

Anker's dock has been one of my favorites to review this year, as I'm always impressed when a docking station goes the extra mile to cover as much ground as possible. Multipurpose docking stations like the Anker 675 allow you to make the most of smaller desks or more confined work areas by taking on multiple roles within your setup.

With this dock in place, not only did I not need a separate monitor stand to ensure my screen was positioned correctly, but I also didn't need to worry about finding a place to charge my smartphone either, thanks to a built-in Qi-certified 10W wireless charging panel embedded into the aircraft-grade aluminum shelf.

However, while I personally use a monitor arm for my display, I still found great use for the Anker 675 to neatly house my most used accessories and peripherals—keeping my desk and work area looking immaculate in the process. Aiding that further is the Anker 675's incredible cable management system, which includes an underside cable caddy to keep wires tucked neatly out of sight.

If you're a power user and want multiple displays simultaneously, then Anker's dock might not be everything you're hoping for. This dock only supports one external display, but it does so at 4K resolutions and 60Hz. The Anker 675's sturdy frame is great for monitors up to 24 inches, but it can support whichever size display you prefer as long as it doesn't exceed the aluminum frame's 22-pound weight limit.

While each of the Anker 675's available ports is speedy (with plenty of them also offering decent charging options beyond the 100W of Power Delivery to the host machine), they are limited in number. This is another reason this dock would be excellent for smaller setups.

However, there's still plenty of space to connect a mouse and keyboard, with ports left over for additional peripherals. There's even a built-in SD/microSD card reader so you can quickly access flash memory if your laptop doesn't offer a reader of its own.

It might not be the most powerful dock available, with no Thunderbolt 4 support. But Anker's dock is definitely among the most useful, going above and beyond to manage your setup and ensure that every bit of space you have is made good use of.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station review.

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Best gaming

Despite the Razer branding, this Thunderbolt 4 dock isn't marketed as a gaming docking station, but its gamer aesthetic and high-performance ports and video output make it an ideal option for those looking to level-up their setup or battlestation.

The Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma oozes Razer's modern gamer chic with its monolithic aluminum chassis. However, while strikingly modern and sleek, this is a Razer product, and no Razer product is quite complete without a peppering of RGB lighting. For the Chroma, this means rich underglow lighting from a 12-zone RGB strip that traces the base of the dock along the sides and front.

This striking feature makes the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma look absolutely stunning against the typically hum-drum appearance of its contemporaries, and can be customized to show various colors in a range of patterns—the Razer Synapse app even allows for advanced customization that can color match to certain areas of your screen, adding a small but noticeable level of ambient lighting to your setup.

It's not all about this dock's looks. Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma is also an incredibly speedy Thunderbolt docking station that offers three additional downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports that provide power, fantastic data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, and excellent video output options.

There's no HDMI or DisplayPort outputs on Razer's dock, meaning if you're not using a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt monitor then you'll need to pick up an adapter to link up an external display. However, the dock's speedy Thunderbolt 4 ports also offer impressive bandwidth that can provide high resolution support and super fast refresh rates to up to two monitors at once.

If you're running at 4K resolutions, then Razer's dock will provide refresh rates of up to 60Hz. Razer's dock can also deliver refresh rates of up to 144Hz or 240Hz for monitors with QHD or FHD resolutions, respectively. This makes it a fantastic option for gamers who want all the benefits of an excellent Thunderbolt 4 dock, without sacrificing on buttery smooth game-friendly performance.

The major downside of Razer's Thunderbolt 4 dock is its 90W of Power Delivery. It falls far short of keeping even a modest gaming laptop fully charged under load, and will force you to keep using your proprietary charger if you want to avoid cutting your play time short.

While this likely isn't too much of a hassle, as most gaming laptops will take up semi-permanent positions at a desk for most, it can be frustrating to know that this dock's charging potential, which is a big factor in its $299 (at the time of reviewing) price tag, is something you won't be able to make regular use of.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma review.

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Best for MacBook

Let me tell you about Satechi's Dual Dock Stand—a device that performs triple duty as a docking station, ergonomic laptop stand, and external SSD enclosure. As mentioned earlier, I'm a big proponent of multi-purpose devices like this. I firmly believe that an excellent all-in-one solution is far easier to manage than three separate devices.

Decked out in Space Metal Grey, Satechi's dock is the ideal MacBook companion visually and a vital accessory for functionality. It offers everything you'd need from a workstation set up with a zero-footprint design that fits snugly under your MacBook, greatly expanding your device's potential and comfort without becoming a distraction.

The Dual Dock Stand's built-in SSD enclosure isn't just ideal for augmenting the storage of your MacBook. Thanks to this dock's lightweight build, tethered host cables, and portability, it can also act as an external SSD, helping to transfer data between devices quickly.

The charge offered by Satechi's dock isn't as high as that of other entrants to this list, offering just 75W of charge to the host machine. However, with Apple's latest MacBooks taking advantage of the impressively efficient Apple Silicon chipsets (M1 > M3), this is enough power to keep most MacBooks topped up easily across your standard working day.

However, there are trade-offs to be made. Satechi's dock is a bit of a port hog for one. It'll require both of your left-hand Thunderbolt ports to run at its fullest potential. This means that if you want to take full advantage of the speeds offered by that standard, you won't be able to do so while the dock is connected.

Of the nine ports it offers in return, none allow you to take full advantage of the host machine's Thunderbolt-capable speeds. You'll be limited to speeds you'd find with any other USB Type-C hub or dock, which could be a deal breaker for power users looking to maximize their productivity and take full advantage of the bandwidth available on their host machine.

If that's a deal breaker for you, I would advise seeking a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 dock like the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned earlier in this list.

Many docking stations will work with a MacBook, and if you're interested in seeing which are the best for the Apple ecosystem specifically, check out our selection of the best docking stations for MacBooks. All the previously mentioned docks on this list also work with MacBooks. It's just that this dock is specifically designed to work primarily with Apple's laptops.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Satechi Dual Dock Stand review.

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Comparison chart

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Recently reviewed

Not every docking station we review makes it to this list, but that's not to say they aren't worth an honorable mention at the very least. While some of the following docking stations may not be the best laptop docking stations in their category, that's not to say they aren't some fantastic options regardless.

FAQs

• Q: What is a laptop docking station?
  A: Docking stations are primarily hardware port extensions for your PC or laptop. Their core feature is to grant access to more ports with a wider port type selection. This gives you more options for maximizing your machine's productivity, efficiency, and potential by making more peripherals and accessories available at any one time.
  
  In addition to this, most modern docking stations allow you to manage a number of external displays to expand your screen space with ease. They can also supply your laptop (and often accessories, too) with a steady stream of power. This means you can sidestep the use of your laptop's proprietary charger and, highlighting a dock's impressive cable management potential, cut down on the amount of wires in use.
  
  However, some docks offer additional features like doubling as an ergonomic laptop stand, improving audio potential with built-in speakers, or subtly taking its place on your desk while acting as a monitor stand.
  
• Q: Do I need a docking station?
  A: We can't say for certain that you "need" a docking station, but we can say that most people looking to build a computing setup around a laptop probably should have a docking station.
  
  Considering the number of available ports on modern laptops and their lack of legacy USB I/O, it's likely that you will eventually come unstuck when relying solely on your laptop to manage a host of peripherals, accessories, and external displays.
  
  A docking station manages all of that for you, greatly increasing the number of ports you can use and the variety of ports you have to hand. Not only this, they can help you manage external monitors to great effect, catering to additional screen real estate for productivity, and higher refresh rates for gaming.
  
• Q: Why are docking stations so expensive?
  A: While a docking station might not look deserving of its price tag from the outside, the inside can house as many chips as the laptop it's connecting to.
  
  Docking stations are incredibly complex hardware that needs to manage several streams of traffic simultaneously, including data, video, and often audio, while supplying a steady stream of power to the host machine and any connected peripherals.
  
  As such, higher-quality docking stations can quickly increase prices. However, that increased asking price will often translate into expanded performance, more ports, and better support for faster, higher-resolution external displays.
  
  We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Why are docking stations so damn expensive?"
  
• Q: Can I use a docking station with my MacBook?
  A: Absolutely! We looked specifically at the best MacBook docking stations, but each dock listed on this page should work fine with Apple devices. However, it's worth noting that due to limitations with earlier Apple M-Series chipsets, the number of external displays you can use will vary. This shifted with the Apple M4 laptops, so the current best MacBooks all support at least two external displays.
  
  If you're unsure, check how many displays can be connected to your MacBook beforehand.
  
• Q: Can I use a docking station with my gaming laptop?
  A: You can use a docking station with your gaming laptop. However, while you'll still be able to use the expanded port options for peripherals or external hard drives, you'll likely encounter an issue with power delivery.
  
  Most current docking stations charge the host machine with up to 100W. While this is fine for most mainstream laptop models, your gaming laptop is likely to require a little more juice to power itself as it performs more strenuous gaming-related tasks.
  
  Future devices that use Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 2.0 as a standard will be much more accommodating to gaming laptops thanks to an expanded Power Delivery range of up to 240W.
  
  Until then, you're likely to get the best experience by using your gaming laptop's proprietary charger for power needs and using a docking station for its expanded port selection.
  
  We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Do you need a docking station for gaming?"
  
• Q: Which types of docking stations are the fastest?
  A: Presently, Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 (40Gbps) docking stations are the best pick if you want the fastest data transfer speeds and best overall performance.
  
  In the future, these docks will likely be overtaken by Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 2.0 docking stations, which may offer speeds of 80Gbps and improved power delivery of up to 240W.
  
• Q: What are the differences between a Thunderbolt/USB4 docking station and a USB-C docking station?
  A: One of the key differences between these types of docking stations is data transfer speed. Thunderbolt 4 docking stations have access to transfer speeds of 40Gbps, double that of the fastest standard USB-C port speeds. USB4 docks can achieve similar speed levels but can be capped at 20Gbps, so check its specifications before buying.
  
  These expanded speeds are great for faster, snappier, and more responsive connections and reduce the risk of a performance bottleneck. While USB-C docks can offer a similar number of high-spec ports to a Thunderbolt dock, the increased bandwidth of a Thunderbolt connection allows for more of those ports to work near their maximum potential simultaneously.
  
• Q: How many external monitors can I connect to a docking station?
  A: Currently, docking stations typically support up to four external displays.
  
• Q: Do all laptops support external displays through docking stations?
  A: No, not every laptop can support external displays. If you own a laptop with a Thunderbolt port, connecting a docking station to that port will allow you to extend your screen without issues.
  
  However, if your laptop doesn't use a Thunderbolt connection, you must ensure that your USB-C port supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode).
  
• Q: How do I know if my laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)?
  A: Typically, you can tell if your laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C by looking at the symbol next to the port. If you spot the DisplayPort logo (a letter ‘D’ overlaid with the letter ‘P’), you should have no issues extending your display.

If you don't see the DisplayPort logo next to your USB-C port but notice a lightning bolt symbol instead, this means that this is a Thunderbolt port. Once again, Thunderbolt ports like this should have no issues supporting external displays.

If you can't see any symbols or logos next to your laptop's ports, check the manual or documentation that came with it for information on port specifications.

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How we test docking stations

Every item we review at Laptop Mag is subject to a variety of synthetic and real-life tests to ensure the product operates as claimed and meets the needs and wants of our readers. Docking stations are not different, though there's more involved in our testing process than simply running through a checklist of a manufacturer's claims.

When it comes to docks, we judge a product's performance based on five metrics: power, ports, performance, presentation, and price.

Firstly, we ensure that a docking station delivers the expected charge by connecting it to various laptops (with increasing power demands) and observing how well they maintain their charge throughout a working day. We also use USB power meters to measure the wattage of the charge heading to the host machine.

Secondly, we use the dock's ports to accommodate peripherals, monitors, and accessories across various setups to test how the number of available ports fares depending on the use case. This helps us to determine a dock's ideal use case, with port number and variety all playing a role in determining how it can best be used.

We then test each of these ports, ensuring they perform to the standards claimed by the manufacturer. This can involve transferring files back and forth to and from an external SSD onto the host machine and connecting multiple monitors to the dock's video outputs to ensure there is no noticeable lag or visual hiccups.

Then, we consider how well the dock handles cable management, a key but often overlooked feature. This also takes into account port placement and the dock's overall design and layout.

Finally, we use these metrics to judge the value of each dock against its MSRP to ensure it's a worthy investment. Docking stations are notoriously expensive pieces of hardware to invest in, so we want to ensure that every docking station we recommend delivers the quality that its price tag might suggest.

With this in mind, we score each dock using a 5-star rating, and we select the best docks within certain categories to appear on this page.

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Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest peripherals and titles in gaming.

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades and continues to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced writers and editors scour information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

One of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing, enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

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The best external DVD/Blu-ray drives thumb their noses at streaming platforms, granting you an internet-free gateway to some of your favorite games and movies and all of that digital rights nonsense that claims you don't get to own the things you buy through online services.

Whether you're disappointed by the increasing "streaming purges" on Disney Plus, Max, and other subscription services, or you're tired of paying for numerous streaming services monthly, a DVD drive is becoming a must-have piece of tech once again.

Sadly, not all physical media is made available digitally, and there's plenty of personal footage and data out there that you might only be able to watch via DVD.

My favorite example is 2010’s Transformers: War for Cybertron, an outstanding game practically scrubbed from existence on digital storefronts. You'll have to cough up an arm, a leg, and half an ear to get a legitimate game key from a gray market site, but if you already have the physical game, an optical drive can save you hundreds of dollars to play this hard-to-get gem.

Speaking of hard-to-get, one of the more obvious choices would be to invest in a laptop with a CD-DVD drive, but given the lack of any modern options, you'd be putting yourself at a great disadvantage in doing so.

If you’re looking to invest in an external DVD drive but don’t know where to start, you've come to the right place. We’ve scoured the market and compiled our shortlist of the best external DVD and Blu-ray drives. Let's dive in.

Best external DVD drives in 2025: The list in brief

The best external DVD drives in 2025

Best overall

The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is a solid choice for anybody looking to add an optical drive to their setup. Not only is its stylish, Zen garden-esque hairline finish striking, but the ZenDrive U9M also boasts decent performance with read and write speeds of up to 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs.

Desktop compatibility is one of ZenDrive’s biggest strengths. The optical drive supports most major operating systems, such as macOS (10.6 and above), Windows (8 / 8.1 and above), and Linux.

The ZenDrive also comes with two cable options, allowing either a USB 2.0 Type-A or Type-C connection, depending on your available ports. It also completely supports the entire range of CD and DVD disc types for playback and writing and M-Disc support for unparalleled archiving of all your digital data.

The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is available for just $34.99, which is a fair price for what's on offer. Better still, the ZenDrive comes bundled with handy software like CyberLink’s Power2Go and PowerBackup.

Also included is Nero BackItUp and a 12-month subscription to the ASUS Webstorage Cloud Service. ASUS’s external DVD drive is a fantastic all-rounder that doesn’t just grant access to physical media but makes for an impressive tool for backing up and archiving your most important data.

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Best premium

Verbatim's UHD 4K Blu-ray writer does it all, allowing you to play and digitize CD, DVD, and Blu-ray content on Windows and Mac devices with ease (at least with the former).

While the external drive will work with Mac, you'll need to make use of third-party software to do much of the heavy lifting, as the bundled Nero Brun and Archive software isn't compatible with macOS.

Blu-ray playback is also something that requires third-party software for both Windows and Mac, which is standard for all Blu-ray drives.

Verbatim's drive particularly stands out due to its UHD 4K support, which is rarer to find in external drives of this kind, and reflected in its slightly higher $100+ price tag.

The 43888 Blu-Ray Writer is great for digital archiving, capable of storing up to 100GB of data on BDXL discs at speeds of around 27MB/s.

If you're looking for a one-stop solution to your physical media needs, then Verbatim's Blu-ray drive checks all of the boxes: wide compatibility, decent performance, and impressively portable.

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Best Budget

Looking for a reliable disc drive that won't break the bank? The LG GP65 Slim is the way to go. This no-frills portable disc drive gives you all the basics you need for less than $30. It's even available in four different colors: black, silver, gold, and white.

The LG GP65 Slim is a great option for anyone who just needs a basic drive for things like watching movies, where ultra-fast read/write speed isn't a huge concern.

Maybe you're getting back into physical media or found some old movies you want to revisit but don't have a DVD player around anymore. This portable drive is a good alternative that costs less than most DVD players.

The LG GP65 Slim is also a good pick for those who need to bring a disc drive back and forth to work. It's the most lightweight drive on this list and the low price means it won't be a big deal to replace it if you accidentally lose or damage this drive during your commute.

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Frequently asked questions

• Do I need an external CD/DVD/Blu-Ray optical drive?
  This one is entirely a question of preference. You'll notice that most modern laptops have completely omitted the optical drive for several years now, with media, games, and more now primarily available in digital or streaming formats. However, if you have a catalog of physical media you'd like to enjoy, then an external optical drive is a great way to make use of them on newer hardware.
  
• Do I need a special external drive for Mac?
  Possibly. If you're looking to use Blu-Ray disk for data storage, then as long as the drive you have in mind is compatible with macOS, you should be good to go. Blu-Ray media playback is not natively supported on Mac, so you'll need to make use of third-party software if you want to watch movies or TV shows from the disc.
  
• Can I burn CDs/DVDs/Blu-Rays with an external drive?
  Yes, as long as the drive is a "writer" that supports RE, RW, or R format. Just make sure the disks you're using are burnable and use your preferred format.
  
• Can I watch 4K UHD Blu-Rays using an external drive?
  Yes, but only through 4K UHD-compatible external drives. These are typically more expensive and harder to come by, and you'll need to use officially licensed software for playback.
  
• Can I use external optical drives to digitize my DVDs/Blu-Rays?
  Yes, but you'll need to make use of third-party "ripping" software to do so. Depending on where you live, making a digital archive of your physical media may fall into legally gray realms.

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How to choose an external DVD drive

Drive speed
The speed of the drive you pick determines how fast you’ll be able to read and write data within the drive. Speeds range from 1x (slowest) to 24x (quickest), with 1x speeds equating to a data rate of 1.385 MB/s. At this speed, it will take roughly an hour to write a single-layer DVD to capacity and 103 minutes for dual-layer DVDs.

Higher drive speeds indicate how much faster your drive will perform. This means if a drive states its speed as x20, it is twenty times as fast as the base x1 speed (1.385 MB/s * 20 = 27.7 MB/s). The most common read/write speed for an external DVD drive is x8, which results in a data rate of around 11.08 MB/s. The time it takes to write a single-layer DVD to capacity at this rate is just seven minutes, with a dual-layer DVD taking only thirteen minutes.

Connectivity
An important factor to consider when selecting an external DVD drive is the type of connection it uses. As laptops continue to follow the thin-and-light trend, legacy ports like USB Type-A are being phased out in favor of the smaller and faster USB Type-C port.

However, most external DVD drives continue to use Type-A connections because the data rate of even the fastest DVD drives (24x) is only 33.2 MB/s or 266 Mbps, which is well within the 60 MB/s or 480 Mbps bandwidth of a typical USB 2.0 Type-A connection.

While some modern external DVD drives do offer Type-C connections, most remain unchanged. If there are no legacy ports available, you may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter to connect the drive to your chosen device (especially a tablet or smartphone).

Compatibility
Commonly, most external DVD drives will work well with Windows and macOS right out of the box (as long as the Mac in question is a post-2008 model with no internal drive originally fitted). However, other operating systems like Linux, Android and Fire OS aren’t offered the same level of support.

If you are wanting to combine an external DVD player with a Linux or Android based device, make sure the manufacturer lists it as a compatible operating system before you make a purchase.

M-Disc support
Regular recordable DVDs are great for storing data as you move it from one device to the next, but if you want to store information long-term, you should use M-Disc DVDs.

All regular recordable DVDs have their data burnt into an organic dye layer that begins to degrade from the moment it is written to. This gives most standard recordable DVDs a limited lifespan that some estimate to be between two and five years. While it’s not too much hassle to make a new copy of your data within that window, the process can be time-consuming and tedious.

Enter the M-Disc DVD, a write-once optical disc that doesn’t use organic dyes to store data but instead uses a more powerful laser found in M-Disc compatible DVD drives to engrave data onto its glassy carbon surface.

Unlike the short lifespan of regular recordable DVDs, the material used in M-Disc DVDs offers a theoretical lifespan of 1,000 years. This makes drives with M-Disc support fantastic options for those seeking to create long-term backups of sensitive information or sentimental media without worrying about their data becoming lost or corrupted.

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Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest peripherals and titles in gaming.

We are 100 percent independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop has been testFuture Publishing, oneg and reviewing products for three decades and continues to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced writers and editors scour information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

One of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing, enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

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