TLDR Review: LG BP50NB40 Blu-ray Writer
Pros
- •Performs exceptionally well for reading and ripping Blay and PS3 game discs, making it a solid choice for emulation and backups.
- •Reliable and easy to use once connected properly to a dedicated USB port with sufficient power.
- •Works smoothly for digitizing DVDs and Blays, handling large data tasks without slowing down.
- •Compatible with Mac OS X and recognized by Windows 10 and 11.
- •Silent operation with very good build quality.
- •Supports ISC for long-term data storage.
- •Great for streaming Blay and UHD content through Plex or VLC.
- •Included software is optional; the drive works fine without it.
- •Ultrlim and portable design makes it convenient for on-the-go use.
- •Effective for PS3 disk recognition, a feature not common for many external drives.
Cons
- •The included micro USB to dual US cable often does not provide enough power, leading to recognition and initialization failures.
- •Requires connection to a dedicated USB 3.0 port; unpowered hubs cause functionality issues.
- •Does not support Blay or DVD burning despite being labeled a "Blu-ray writer."
- •Not suitable for audio CD ripping.
- •Sometimes shipped as a refurbished unit even if welackaged.
- •May need manual tweaking to recognize UHD discs properly.
Bottom Line
The LG 6x BP50NB40 Ultra Slim Portable Blu-ray Writer excels as a reliable external Blu-ray reader, particularly if you're into ripping PS3 games or digitizing media collections. However, be prepared to ditch the included cable for a better quality one and always plug it directly into a powered USB 3.0 port to avoid power-related hiccups. If you want actual Blu-ray burning capabilities, this isn’t your go-to, but for playing, ripping, and backing up discs, it’s a strong contender. For seamless, powered connectivity and performance, this device definitely earns a recommendation from us.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across thousands of stores in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Get ShopSavvy
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!