Alxum External CD DVD Drive for Laptop - 8 in 1 Portable Burner

In this review the Alxum External CD DVD Drive for laptop stands out as a compact, multiport accessory best suited for users who still need optical media and card reading on modern machines. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of an external CD/DVD slot with a built-in SD/TF card reader and four extra USB ports, which turns one peripheral into a small hub for media transfer and occasional phone charging. It is plug-and-play on Windows and MacOS and appeals to photographers, students, and anyone who wants a portable optical drive plus card reader without a separate hub.

Key Features

• 8 in 1 design: Combines an external CD/DVD slot with an SD and TF card slot plus four USB Type-A ports to reduce the number of adapters and cables needed during travel.
• Multiple USB ports: One USB 3.0 Type-A and three USB 2.0 ports provide connection for flash drives, external hard drives and device charging without sacrificing the optical drive.
• High-speed transfer: The USB 3.0 interface supports up to 5Gbps for compatible devices, helping large file transfers complete faster than with USB 2.0 alone.
• Optical burning and reading: DVD reads and burns up to 8x and CD up to 24x, suitable for copying discs, installing legacy software or archiving data.
• Plug-and-play convenience: Powered by the USB port with no external power supply or drivers required for most Windows and Mac systems, making setup quick.

Who It's For

The Alxum drive is ideal for photographers and content creators who need to transfer photos from SD or micro SD cards directly to a laptop while also having occasional access to CDs and DVDs. It is also a practical option for students and professionals who use older installation media or need a lightweight optical drive that fits into a backpack.

It is less appropriate for Chromebook users (not supported) or for users who need sustained high-power charging from the USB ports; desktops may require an extended USB hub if cable length is a concern. If you need a dedicated, high-performance USB hub or heavy charging, a separate solution may be better.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines optical drive, SD/TF card reader and four USB ports in one compact unit, reducing clutter.
• Quiet operation with error correction, so discs are read reliably and without much noise.
• Good value and broad compatibility with Windows, MacOS and Linux systems; many users report instant recognition on Windows.

Cons

• Card slots cannot read SD and TF at the same time, which limits simultaneous use for some workflows.
• Some users report mixed transfer speed experiences depending on the host computer and which USB port is used.

Specifications

Product type	External CD/DVD drive with hub
Drive speeds	DVD up to 8x, CD up to 24x
USB ports	1 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 3 x USB 2.0 Type-A
Card slots	SD and TF (micro SD) card slots
Data interface speed	USB 3.0 up to 5Gbps (backward compatible)
Power	USB bus powered, no external adapter
Included items	USB A to Micro B cable, SD to micro SD holder, user manual

Our Verdict

The Alxum External CD DVD Drive is a sensible, budget-friendly multitool for anyone who needs occasional disc access plus card reading and extra USB ports. It packs useful ports into a slim, portable housing, works across Windows and MacOS and offers good value for travel and mixed-media workflows, though heavy USB charging or simultaneous card reads are beyond its intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work on Mac and Windows?
Yes, it supports Windows, MacOS and Linux systems and typically requires no drivers for plug-and-play operation.

Can it read SD and micro SD cards at the same time?
No, the SD and TF card slots cannot be read simultaneously; only one can be accessed at a time.

Does it need an external power supply?
No, the drive is USB bus powered, but for desktop setups the manufacturer recommends using an extended USB hub if cable length is an issue.