HP F2B56UT External USB Optical Drive - CD DVD Reader Writer — main product image

HP F2B56UT External USB Optical Drive - CD DVD Reader Writer

HP F2B56UT External USB Optical Drive - CD DVD Reader Writer

Name: HP F2B56UT External USB Optical Drive - CD DVD Reader Writer
Brand: HP
SKU: F2B56UT

★★★★★4.2 (38 reviews)

Add CD and DVD read/write capability to any laptop or desktop with this compact, USB-powered portable optical drive.

$39.99*$89.99Save 55%

✓ In Stock on Amazon.com

View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The HP F2B56UT External USB Optical Drive fills a practical gap for laptop and desktop users whose machines no longer include a built-in optical drive. Whether you need to install software from a disc, rip a CD collection, burn a backup DVD, or read archived data, this drive handles CD and DVD read/write tasks through a simple USB 2.0 connection. Being USB-powered means there is no external power brick to carry — just plug the cable into an available USB port and the drive is ready to use.

Weighing in at a compact 1.4 cm height, the drive is designed to travel easily. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux without requiring special drivers on most modern systems, making it a versatile addition to any tech bag. While the USB 2.0 interface will not match the speeds of newer USB 3.0 drives, it provides adequate performance for standard disc operations. For users who need occasional optical disc access without dedicating permanent desk space, this portable drive offers a clean, affordable solution.

Key Features

A versatile and portable tool for your multimedia needs.

Versatile.

Compact

Optical disc format: DVD-RW

Height (cm): 1.4

Specifications

Brand

Model

F2B56UT

Optical Disc Format

DVD-RW

Hardware Interface

USB 2.0

Power Source

USB Powered

Compatible Systems

Windows, macOS, Linux

Color

Black

Height

1.4 cm

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

USB-powered design eliminates the need for a separate power adapter
Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux for cross-platform flexibility
Slim 1.4 cm profile makes it easy to transport and store
Reads and writes both CDs and DVDs in a single device

👎 Cons

USB 2.0 interface limits maximum data transfer speeds compared to USB 3.0 drives
No Blu-ray disc support for higher-capacity media
Lacks a bundled disc-burning software package
External drive adds a peripheral to manage for users who frequently need optical access

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this drive require an external power adapter?

No. The HP External USB Optical Drive is USB-powered, drawing all necessary power through the USB 2.0 cable connection, so no additional power adapter or outlet is needed.

What disc formats can this drive read and write?

The drive supports DVD-RW format, meaning it can read and write both CDs and DVDs, making it suitable for data backup, media playback, and disc burning tasks.

Is this drive compatible with Mac computers?

Yes. The drive works with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, providing broad compatibility across different platforms.

How portable is this optical drive?

The drive is very compact at just 1.4 cm in height, making it easy to slip into a laptop bag or store in a desk drawer when not in use.