Computers
Portable External 4K UHD Blu‑ray Drive with USB Hub
Reviews
3.5/ 5
- 5 stars 4
- 4 stars 1
- 3 stars 0
- 2 stars 1
- 1 star 2
- Brand
- Wbacon
Product review
This compact external drive serves as a multi‑purpose optical unit and USB expansion hub. The enclosure houses a Blu‑ray/DVD/CD reader and burner, plus a built‑in cable for straightforward connection to laptops or desktops. The top surface includes a textured pad to reduce slipping during use.
Beyond basic disc functions, the device provides seven utility ports: one USB 3.0 socket for high‑speed peripherals, three USB 2.0 ports for accessories, an SD card slot and a TF (microSD) slot for camera cards and mobile storage, and an optical drive tray that reads and burns BD/DVD/CD media. It supports external USB storage devices, mice, keyboards, and other USB computer accessories.
Connectivity uses USB 3.0 for enhanced throughput — advertised up to 5 Gbit/s (about 625 MB/s). Optical performance claims include a maximum DVD read speed of 8x, CD read speed up to 24x, and BD read/burn speeds up to 6x. The slim, lightweight profile and integrated cable make it easy to carry with a laptop bag for home, office, or travel use.
Compatibility spans many desktop and laptop operating systems: Windows (including modern and older versions), Linux, and macOS 10 and later. It does not function as a media player for cars, projectors, tablets, iPads, or smartphones — it requires a host computer. For full Blu‑ray or 4K playback and burning, users will need compatible playback or authoring software; some UHD features may also require a firmware update. Note that region code handling is limited: the drive’s region can be changed a small number of times (initial setting included), so check region settings before relying on multi‑region playback.
Pros
- Combines Blu‑ray drive and multiple USB/card ports
- USB 3.0 speeds and decent optical read/burn rates
- Slim, lightweight with integrated cable for portability
Cons
- 4K/UHD features may require firmware and extra apps
- Not compatible with phones, tablets, or projectors
- Region code changes are limited and may be restrictive
VerdictA versatile slim external Blu‑ray drive that adds hub functionality and fast USB 3.0 transfers. Good for occasional playback, disc ripping, and as a portable card reader — but 4K/Blu‑ray features often need firmware and extra software to unlock.
Customer reviews
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julz 5/5
Works, but needs a firmware tweak
This unit does everything I expected once I applied the right firmware. It won’t play UHD discs immediately — a specific firmware file was required — but after flashing it handled modern titles. For playback I used an advanced player and adjusted config to get great results.
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Glenn C. Harrison 5/5
Different internal drives arrive; can be flashed
My unit contained an LG mechanism that accepted a firmware update. Using MakeMKV and the right firmware pack I was able to rip UHD discs. The exact process varied depending on the internal drive, but online guides made it straightforward.
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Metro 5/5
Accepted update and keeps working
After updating firmware it’s been reliable. I’ve made many recordings and it still reads 4K and other Blu‑ray formats without issue. I may buy a second as a backup.
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AF Phil 1/5
Unreliable during movie playback
Stopped reading halfway through a movie and the computer intermittently lost the drive. Rebooting sometimes restored it, but the pattern repeated until I returned it and opted for a standalone Blu‑ray player.
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Greg Story Jr 1/5
Not as advertised for out‑of‑the‑box playback
The listing implied ready 4K/Blu‑ray playback, but it wouldn’t read discs without additional software and setup. I spent nearly an hour trying different fixes before giving up. If you expect a turnkey player, this will disappoint.
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Warpig 4/5
Enable Libre Mode with a small firmware update
The drive identified as HL‑DT‑ST BD‑RE BU50N and required a trivial firmware flash to enable Libre Mode. The case mixes metal and plastic with an angular top plate — looks fine but I’d have preferred a full metal top for a more premium feel.
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X Y & Z artist 5/5
Solid build, works on Mac and PC
Feels well made and worked immediately on both my iMac and a PC with no driver installs. Transfer rates are adequate for reading and playback. Overall a practical option for occasional media use.
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Daniel L. Witzel 2/5
Not ideal for archiving with MakeMKV
On Debian 12 the drive mounts fine, but MakeMKV caused the drive to spin and peg the CPU without progressing. My other drive rips reliably, so I can’t recommend this one for dependable archival ripping.
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