Laynie Hasan.

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Tech & Office Comparisons · Reviewed September 19, 2026

LG GP65NB60 vs ASUS ZenDrive U7M: Which External DVD Drive Fits Modern Laptops?

Both are slim USB 2.0 DVD writers with up to 8X DVD and 24X CD operation plus M-DISC support. The practical differences are cable options, bundled software and exact computer compatibility.

Best for

Laptop users who need occasional access to CDs or DVDs for installation, playback, ripping permitted media or writing compatible discs.

Probably not for

Blu-ray discs, guaranteed playback of protected media, USB-free tablets, professional archival claims or computers that do not meet the listed system requirements.

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LG GP65NB60 Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer

LG identifies GP65NB60 as an external slim DVD writer with M-DISC support. The current exact Amazon listing specifies a 14 mm profile, USB 2.0 connection, maximum 8X DVD write speed and 24X CD write speed. LG provides model-specific manuals, firmware and compatibility support under GP65NB60.AVAR10B. It is an optical CD and DVD drive, not a Blu-ray drive.

Pros

  • LG maintains a model-specific support page with manuals and firmware resources.
  • The 14 mm body and USB-powered design are suited to occasional portable disc access.

Cons

  • The exact listing centers on a USB-A connection, so USB-C-only laptops may need a suitable data adapter.
  • DVD and CD support does not include Blu-ray reading or writing.

Who it’s for: Choose it for the familiar LG slim-drive format and model-specific support path. Skip it if native USB-C cabling is required or Blu-ray is part of the library.

Check LG GP65NB60 Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer on Amazon

ASUS ZenDrive U7M SDRW-08U7M-U External DVD Writer

ASUS specifies a 13.9 mm external USB 2.0 DVD writer weighing 235 grams, with up to 8X DVD and 24X CD speeds depending on media. M-DISC writing is listed at 4X. The exact Amazon product package includes both USB Type-A and Type-C cables and identifies the SDRW-08U7M-U model. ASUS lists Windows and macOS support, with bundled software features that vary by operating system.

Pros

  • Included USB-A and USB-C cables make the package easier to move between old and new laptop ports.
  • ASUS publishes a detailed read and write speed table plus 4X M-DISC writing support.

Cons

  • USB-C cabling does not change the underlying USB 2.0 drive interface into a faster optical mechanism.
  • Bundled disc software is platform-dependent, so macOS users should not assume every Windows utility is included.

Who it’s for: Choose it when included USB-A and USB-C cables or ASUS software support fit the setup. Skip it if a less expensive basic USB-A drive already covers every computer you use.

Check ASUS ZenDrive U7M SDRW-08U7M-U External DVD Writer on Amazon

Both cover CDs and DVDs, not Blu-ray

Each drive reads and writes common CD and DVD formats and publishes maximum figures up to 8X for DVD and 24X for CD operations, depending on the disc type. Those multipliers are media-specific limits, not a promise that every job runs at the maximum from start to finish. Verification, small files, computer performance and the quality of blank media can extend the total time.

Neither exact model is a Blu-ray drive. A Blu-ray movie, game disc or data archive needs compatible Blu-ray hardware and software even though the disc looks similar. Before buying, identify the labels on the discs that matter. If the task is only installing old software or reading photo DVDs, a basic DVD writer can be sufficient. A Blu-ray collection changes the requirement entirely.

USB-C changes the plug, not the optical speed

ASUS includes both USB Type-A and Type-C cables with the exact ZenDrive U7M package, which is convenient for a modern laptop without rectangular USB-A ports. The drive itself remains a USB 2.0 device. A Type-C connector therefore improves compatibility, not the physical reading or writing speed of the DVD mechanism. Use one direct data connection rather than a charge-only cable.

The LG listing is oriented around USB-A. A USB-C-only computer may need a data-capable adapter or dock that supplies adequate power. Optical drives can be sensitive to underpowered hubs, so direct connection is preferable when possible. Confirm the included cable before purchase because bundles can change. Keep the short cable relaxed and the drive on a stable surface while a disc is spinning.

M-DISC support needs compatible blank media and expectations

LG and ASUS both document M-DISC support, and ASUS specifies up to 4X M-DISC writing. That feature means the drive can write supported M-DISC media; it does not independently certify a lifetime for every file or replace a backup plan. Long-term access also depends on the disc, storage conditions, file format and having a compatible optical drive available in the future.

Use reputable compatible media, verify written discs and keep another copy of important files on a different storage type in another location. An optical disc can be one layer of a backup strategy, not the only copy. For files used every day, a portable SSD is faster and more convenient; the Samsung T7 versus Crucial X9 comparison covers that separate use case.

Software and exact model identity deserve a final check

LG provides manuals and firmware resources for GP65NB60.AVAR10B. ASUS publishes Windows and macOS compatibility for the ZenDrive U7M, but bundled utilities and their features are not identical across platforms. DVD movie playback may require separate licensed software, and copy protection can limit what a drive can play or duplicate. Owning hardware does not override copyright or disc restrictions.

Choose LG for its straightforward slim DVD-writer package and LG support page. Choose ASUS when having USB-A and USB-C cables in the box or its documented software bundle is useful. Verify GP65NB60 or SDRW-08U7M-U on the Amazon page rather than accepting a similar family name. For paper archives that should become searchable PDFs, the Epson ES-50 versus Brother DS-640 comparison addresses scanners instead.

Official sources and further reading

Sources reviewed on September 19, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.

Related reading

Commission disclaimer

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy or sign up through one of them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That commission does not change the price you pay or the criteria used in this guide. Product details, prices, availability, and terms can change, so confirm the current information on the linked page before buying.