With cloud storage being so ubiquitous in the current century, you might think that you no longer need to have internal drives. However, when watching a movie on your PC or laptop, do you prefer a great movie experience or a frustrating movie experience? In this article, we help you find the best Blu-ray drives that better suits your needs. We review Blu ray discs better suited for beginners and those that are great at burning Blu ray discs and archiving data.
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
LG | LG Super Multi Blue Internal SATA 16x Blu-ray Disc Rewriter OEM | Check Price on Amazon | |
ASUS | Asus Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-Ray Drive | Check Price on Amazon | |
PIONEER | Pioneer Electronics Internal Blu-Ray Writer | Check Price on Amazon |
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The Blu ray drive clearly shows the difference between either of the experiences. However, finding the best Blu-ray drive in the current market can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are shopping for new drives.
What is a Blu Ray Drive?
Why would you need to purchase a Blu-ray drive?
In most cases people will buy a Blu ray drive for the extra space it has to offer. A single Blu-ray disk will offer you an equivalent of 35 CDs or 5 DVDs of space.
Even though Blu-ray discs resemble DVDs, they have a narrower laser beam spot and a shorter wavelength. They are capable of holding a lot more content than DVDs.
Blu-ray discs offer better storage methods because they can handle a variety of content. They can actually do both 3D and HD content.
What Should You Consider Before Buying the Best Internal Blu-ray Disc Drive?
Compatible Port
For the internal Blu-ray drive, the first thing you need to do is check whether your PC or laptop has the required slot that will allow you to place the drive. While you check the slot, make sure there is physical space available as well.
If you do not know how to do this, you can find someone who will help you with this. It is crucial to make sure that you have a compatible port because most internal drives tend to use a SATA interface.
System Compatibility
Majority of the built-in Blu-ray drives are designed for the Windows system. They can support Windows 7, 8.1, 10, Vista, and XP. However, to avoid wasting time, you need to make sure that you take a closer look to ensure system compatibility.
Storage Capacity
Blu-ray disc drives have different standard memory capacities. The amount of storage capacity you want is highly dependent upon the number of layers the disc has.
Single layers have a capacity of 25GB, dual layers have 50 GB, XL 3 Layer 100GB, and XL 4 Layer 128GB.
Disc Type
You might also have to consider the different types of disc that the Blu-ray drive will play. Common types in the market include DVD, CD, CD-R, BD, CD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-R, and DVD+R.
Writing Speeds
Even though you need necessarily have to look at the writing speeds when buying a Blu-ray Drive, it is still essential to do so. The most preferred speed is a quality drive that offers 16X DVD writing speed. However, a Blu-ray drive with 12X speed is also just fine.
Supported Discs and Read
Whether or not you just want to use an internal Blu-ray drive to play HD movies, you will need to check the type of discs the drive can support as well as the reading speed.
Cable, Software Drivers
If you opt for an internal Blu Ray drive that lacks a cable or driver disc, then you might want to purchase them separately.
Supported Surround Sound Formats
If it’s within your budget, we recommend supporting surround sound audio formats. This may appear insignificant; however, this will guarantee a better surround sound experience. Some of the formats include Dolby TrueHD Audio and DTS-HD Master formats.
Other Features
When you start shopping for the best internal Blu-ray drive, you may have to look for a few other features. Some of these features may include BD-Live, the ability to record TV, internet connectivity, as well as other features that will increase the Blu-ray drive’s capabilities and make the disc a good score.
The Difference between Blu Ray Drive and DVD
Although they look similar, Blu-ray drives and DVDs have some key differences that set them apart. The most notable differences include:
Data Storage
Blu-ray drives and DVDs store data differently. On a Blu-ray disc, data is stored on top of a single layer of polycarbonate. With DVD, data is placed between two separate layers of polycarbonate. On both Blu-ray discs and DVDs, a hard coating is used to protect the surface to allow fewer readability errors.
Data Transfer
Blu-ray discs and DVDs have different data transfer speeds. However, in this case, Blu-ray drives have the upper hand when it comes to transfers. A Blu-ray drive has 8X drive speed and can transfer data at 36MB/sec while DVDs will transfer data at 10MB/sec for the same 8X drive speed.
Blu Ray Drive Care and Maintenance Tips
- Avoid stacking anything on top of the Blu ray drive
- Avoid using alcohol or cloth on the inside of the Blu ray drive
- Avoid picking it up, tilting it, moving it, jolting it, or this will mess with it when you are using it
- To clean dust buildup out of the Blu ray drive, opt for compressed air in a can
- To get rid of fingerprints on the outside of the drive, opt for rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth
How to Clean and Maintain Internal Blu Ray Drives
To ensure that your internal Blu ray drive lasts longer, you need to handle and clean it correcting to ensure it can last you a long time without any damage.
Cleaning
It is easy to keep your Blu ray disc clean. For light cleaning, we recommend using a lint-free soft cloth. While holding the disc by the center, wipe from the center outward to the edges of the disc.
In case of dust and fingerprints, you need heavy cleaning to be able to remove them from the Blu ray disc. Leaving fingerprints and dust on the disc will not only mess up the disc but the drive as well. In which case, use a lint-free soft cloth, moisten it with special BD cleaning solution or water and wipe them off.
Handling
When handling an internal Blu ray disc, always hold it by the center hole or by the outside edges. Avoid exposing the Blu ray disc to sunlight, extreme heat or cold or humid conditions. Also, avoid flexing the drive.
Best Internal Blu Ray Drives
Blu Ray Drives in 2024 Reviews
1. LG Multi Blue SATA 16X Speed Blu Ray Disc – Best Overall Blu Ray Drive
This Multi Blue Internal SATA Re-writer is our editor’s choice. This drive is perfect for those looking for a drive that has more speed. With a speed of 16x, this could be it.
Not only does this drive write on Blu-ray discs at top speeds, but it also writes on various optical storage media like CDs, DVD 16x, dual, quad, triple-layer BD-R discs.
To watch 3D movies, you can easily pair this drive with 3D playback software. However, to successfully achieve this, you will need to have a 3D display system and 3D glasses.
It has a multi blue feature that allows you to read and write media on different types of discs using a single drive. This will enable you to select the best disc that suits your type of media.
The disc is compatible with DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD-R/RW, as well as Blu-ray. It also allows you to store more onto BDXL discs. The quad-layer BDXL-R disc will enable you to write up to 128 GB of data, while the three layers BDXL RE and BDXL-R discs will take up to 100GB of data. Making this drive ideal for people looking for more storage space they can write more data on.
M-DISC technology has been used on the drive to help store data longer. Instead of using common organic dye to write data, it has a different textured recording surface.
It also comes with a Silent Play feature that comes in handy when you need a silent operation. The feature automatically adjusts the playback speed and detects the type of media.
It is compatible with Windows 7, XP, and Vista. They provide a RoHS certification that helps assure you that no toxic substances are used in the drive which means that it causes no harm to the environment.
Pros
- Features a SATA interface
- Silent play feature
- Compatible with Windows 7, XP, and Vista
Cons
- No installation software
2. Asus Blue Ray Drive – Best Budget Internal Blu Ray Drive
This internal drive is perfect for those looking to copy their media to their Blu-Ray Drive faster but only within a budget.
The Asus Internal Blue Ray Drive is not only affordable, but it also offers 12x speed, which allows you to copy files onto your Blu-ray disc faster. In just 12 minutes, you can be able to burn data onto a 25GB single-layer Blu-ray disc using the 12x Blu-ray burner.
This SATA internal drive supports reading and writing in different formats as well as allows for various media formats. The operating system supports Windows Vista, XP, and 7.
Compared to other internal Blu-ray drives on our list, this model feature that helps it save over 50% power consumption.
This Blu-ray drive also provides 2D to 3D DVD conversion, Blu-ray 3D support, DVD upscaling to HD, as well as other capabilities and formats.
It features the OTS technology, which enhances your burning success rate and gives you high quality and fast operation. You can successfully burn your disks with this drive in three simple steps.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- M-DISC support
- 16x ultra-fast Blu ray writing speed
Cons
- Lacks a SATA cable
- Requires installation software
3. Pioneer BDR-209DBK-KIT Blu-ray 16 x Writer Drive – Runner’s Up
The Pioneer Electronics Internal Blu-ray writer is perfect for anyone looking for a super-fast writer. If you own all the necessary software, then this drive will be an ideal upgrade for you. With the 14x writing speed on BD-RL discs and 16x on BD-R, you can get so much written in minimal time.
With this disc, you can easily write about 25GB of data on a BD-R disc and double that on a BD-RL disc. We love that this drive is compatible with older discs like CDs and DVDs. You can use this drive to use Blu-ray 3D movies using the 3D playback feature.
However, you may have to add other necessary 3D playback software if you want to watch Blu-ray 3D movies. In which case, you may also need to purchase a 3D display system.
It also has a Quickplay feature which helps reduce the waiting time between when you insert the disc and before the media starts playing. Waiting for your media to play can be very frustrating especially if you haven’t even decided what you want to watch. This feature helps the discs load faster, guaranteeing you a good Blu-ray watching experience.
This internal drive comes with a tray cushion as well as a top cover. These features help keep the noise level of the drive at the barest minimum. They also help keep dust out and prevent disc failure.
When writing at high speeds, this drive is also designed to reduce warping and vibration. The disc is kept stable by the BDR-209DBK; it also gives it a quality output.
Pros
- Supports DVDs and CDs
- QuickPlay Technology
- Plays 3D movies
Cons
- Not durable
Best Internal Blu Ray Drives Conclusion
We are already in the age where Blu-ray Drives are successfully replacing DVD drives as a popular storage option. Compared to DVDs, Blu-ray drives have better features and capabilities including being able to read CDs and DVDs.
This review will help you decide which Best Internal Blu Ray Drives fits your preferences and needs. We have featured the three top-rated choices that have lots of features and abilities which make them good choices.
With the right information, you will be able to confidently shop for an internal Blu-ray drive and confidently make a purchase that will fit your personal preferences.
Product | Brand | Name | Price |
---|---|---|---|
LG | LG Super Multi Blue Internal SATA 16x Blu-ray Disc Rewriter OEM | Check Price on Amazon | |
ASUS | Asus Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-Ray Drive | Check Price on Amazon | |
PIONEER | Pioneer Electronics Internal Blu-Ray Writer | Check Price on Amazon |
* If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more details, please visit our Privacy policy page.