JKNJX 9‑in‑1 USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive – Full Review (2026)
“This link will take you to Amazon.”
JKNJX 9‑in‑1 USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive – Full Review (2026)
If your modern laptop doesn’t come with a built‑in CD/DVD drive anymore, the JKNJX 9‑in‑1 External CD/DVD Drive is designed to solve that problem—while giving you extra USB ports and card slots at the same time. This slim, portable disc drive supports CD/DVD burn‑and‑read operations plus a multi‑port USB 3.0 hub, making it a convenient all‑in‑one upgrade for home, office, or travel use.
Below, you’ll see how it performs for speed, compatibility, portability, and everyday convenience, so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your setup.
Key Features
Here’s what makes the JKNJX 9‑in‑1 USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive stand out:
9‑in‑1 multi‑function hub: Serves as an external CD/DVD drive and a 5‑port USB 3.0 hub, plus 1 TF + 1 SD card slot and 1 USB‑C port.
Burn and read DVDs/CDs: Supports writing up to 24x CD speed and reading up to 8x DVD speed, allowing you to watch, back up, or install from discs.
High‑speed USB 3.0 + USB‑C: Offers data transfer rates up to about 5 Gbps (≈625 MB/s), roughly 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
Plug‑and‑play simplicity: Comes with a built‑in data cable stored underneath, so you just plug it into your laptop and go—no extra cables to carry.
Error‑correction and shock‑resistant design: Uses advanced error‑correction technology and a sturdy build to help keep disc reading and burning stable, even on slightly scratched discs.
Broad system compatibility: Works with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98, most major Linux distributions, and Apple MacBooks, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini/Studio (macOS 10.16 or later).
Lightweight and portable: Slim, compact design that fits easily in a laptop bag for home, office, or travel.
This drive is especially useful if you still rely on installation discs, backup DVDs, or old software CDs, but also want extra USB ports and card‑reading options in one compact device.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very versatile (9‑in‑1 hub): Acts as a CD/DVD drive, 5‑port USB 3.0 hub, TF/SD card reader, and USB‑C port all in one unit.
High‑speed USB 3.0 transfer: Much faster than older USB 2.0 drives, good for transferring large files from DVDs or external USB storage.
Burn and read support: Can write CDs and read DVDs, so you can burn backup discs or install software from discs.
Easy plug‑and‑play setup: Integrated cable under the drive means less clutter and no extra adapter to lose.
Error‑correction and shock‑resistant: Helps handle slightly scratched or imperfect discs with fewer read errors.
Works with Windows, Mac, and Linux: Broad OS support covers most desktops and laptops.
Slim and lightweight: Great for travel and tight spaces, easy to slip into a laptop bag.
Extra ports for accessories: Connect a USB hard drive, wireless mouse/keyboard, phone, or cooling fan through the hub.
Cons
Not compatible with every device: Does not support ChromeOS (Chromebooks), iPads/tablets, TVs, vehicles, some Surface models, or Blu‑ray/4K UHD discs.
SD and TF card slots can’t be used at the same time: The TF and SD ports share the same slot; you can use one or the other, not both together.
Speed limited by USB 3.0: While fast, it’s not a high‑speed NVMe‑style SSD connection; burn and read speeds are limited to the disc drive and USB 3.0 spec.
Short‑range cable: The built‑in cable is convenient but not very long, so you may need an external USB extension if the drive is placed far from your laptop.
Blu‑ray and high‑resolution formats not supported: Only handles CD and DVD, not Blu‑ray discs or 4K‑video‑specific formats.
Overall, if you mainly need CD/DVD access plus a few extra USB ports, the pros clearly outweigh the limitations.
Detailed Review
Performance: Burn, Read, and Data Speed
The JKNJX drive supports writing up to 24x CD speed and reading up to 8x DVD speed, which is standard for modern external CD/DVD burners. This means:
You can burn backup CDs or music discs relatively quickly.
DVDs can be read smoothly for watching movies or installing software.
The USB 3.0 + USB‑C interface allows for high‑speed data transfers, up to about 5 Gbps (≈625 MB/s), which is roughly 10 times faster than USB 2.0. This speed is useful when:
Copying large files from DVDs to your computer.
Using the drive with a fast USB‑C SSD or external hard drive through the hub.
The error‑correction technology helps reduce skips or freezes when reading scratched or old discs, although heavily damaged discs may still fail to read. The shock‑resistant design also helps keep the drive stable if you move it slightly while it’s running, though it’s always best to keep the drive and disc still during use.
Multi‑Function Hub Features
Beyond being a CD/DVD drive, the JKNJX device is essentially a 9‑in‑1 hub:
5 USB 3.0 ports: Use these for:
USB hard drives, thumb drives, or flash drives.
Wireless mouse and keyboard dongles.
Phone charging or data transfer.
Laptop cooling fans and other USB accessories.
1 USB‑C port: Can be used to connect a USB‑C device or, in some cases, as an extra power/data port, depending on the host system.
1 TF/SD card slot (TF and SD share one slot):
Perfect for transferring photos and videos from camera SD or TF (microSD) cards to your laptop.
You can use either SD or TF at a time, not both simultaneously.
This makes it very handy if you often:
Need to transfer photos from a camera SD card.
Want to plug in multiple USB devices but your laptop has few ports.
Are working from a thin, port‑limited laptop (like many ultrabooks and MacBooks).
Plug‑and‑Play and Ease of Use
One of the biggest advantages of this drive is its plug‑and‑play behavior. The data cable is built into the unit and stored underneath, so you don’t need to carry a separate cable or worry about losing it. You just:
Plug the integrated cable into your laptop or desktop.
Insert your CD or DVD.
Use your preferred software (like VLC, Windows Media Player, or disc‑burning tools) to play, burn, read, or write content.
No complicated drivers or lengthy setup is required on most Windows, Mac, or Linux systems, which is great for users who aren’t tech‑savvy.
System and Device Compatibility
The JKNJX drive works with a wide range of operating systems, including:
Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98.
Most Linux distributions.
Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini/Studio running macOS 10.16 or later.
It also supports major PC brands like HP, Dell, Lenovo (ThinkPad), ASUS, LG, Samsung, and Microsoft Surface (most models).
However, it does not support:
ChromeOS (Chromebooks).
iPads, tablets, or mobile‑only devices.
TVs or car/vehicle entertainment systems.
Some Surface models and Blu‑ray/4K discs.
If you primarily use a Windows or macOS laptop or desktop, this drive should work without any issues. For Chromebook or tablet users, you’ll need a different solution.
Portability and Build
The slim and lightweight design makes this drive easy to slip into a laptop bag or backpack. It’s much smaller and lighter than many older external optical drives, so it’s a good fit for travel.
The built‑in cable helps keep everything tidy; you don’t need to deal with extra cords in your bag. The drive is also compact enough to sit next to a laptop on a desk or coffee table without taking up much space.
The shock‑resistant build helps protect it from minor bumps and drops, which is important if you carry it around frequently. Proper handling and storage in a padded bag will further extend its lifespan.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The JKNJX 9‑in‑1 USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive is ideal for:
People with slim laptops that lack a built‑in CD/DVD drive and still need to use installation or backup discs.
Students and office workers who need to access old software, drivers, or training discs.
Photographers and videographers who want a quick SD/TF card reader plus extra USB ports on the go.
Home users who want to watch or back up DVDs and CDs without upgrading their entire system.
Tech‑savvy and casual users who want a simple, plug‑and‑play optical drive with expanded USB connectivity.
This drive is less suitable if:
You mainly use Chromebooks, iPads, or tablets as your primary devices.
You need Blu‑ray or 4K‑Ultra HD disc support, not just CD/DVD.
You want very long‑range cable reach without using an external USB extension.
If your main priorities are CD/DVD functionality, extra USB ports, and easy portability, this JKNJX drive is a very practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this drive on a Mac?
Yes. It’s compatible with MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini/Studio running macOS 10.16 or later, as long as your Mac has a USB‑A or USB‑C port.
Does it support Blu‑ray discs?
No. This drive is designed for CD and DVD only, not Blu‑ray or 4K‑UHD discs.
Can I use SD and TF cards at the same time?
No. The TF and SD share one slot, so you can use either SD or TF at a time, not both together.
Is it compatible with Chromebooks?
No. It is not compatible with ChromeOS devices or Chromebooks.
How fast is the burn speed for CDs?
Maximum CD burn speed is up to 24x, which is standard for modern external CD/DVD drives and allows relatively quick burning of music or data CDs.
Do I need to install drivers every time?
In most cases, no. The drive works plug‑and‑play on Windows, Mac, and major Linux systems, so you usually don’t need to install extra drivers.
Can I use the USB hub ports while burning a disc?
Yes. The 5 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB‑C port, and card slot can be used alongside disc operations, so you can transfer files from a USB drive or SD card while burning or reading a disc.
Final Verdict
The JKNJX 9‑in‑1 USB 3.0 CD/DVD Drive is a very practical solution if you still rely on CDs and DVDs but want extra USB ports and a card reader in a single compact device. Its plug‑and‑play setup, high‑speed USB 3.0 transfer, strong error‑correction, and broad Windows/Mac/Linux compatibility make it a solid upgrade for:
Users with thin laptops lacking an optical drive.
Participants in home‑office, photography, or software‑installation scenarios that still use discs.
If you:
Need reliable CD/DVD burn‑and‑read capability,
Want extra USB ports and a card reader without carrying multiple gadgets, and
Are okay with CD/DVD but not Blu‑ray support,
then this JKNJX drive is very likely a worthwhile addition to your setup.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links to products and services. If you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that appear to meet clear quality and usability standards, so you can trust that my goal is to help you make an informed decision rather than just push a sale.