Many users prefer external storage devices, since they are easy to connect and can be moved from system to system without opening the PC box. Pioneer's external offer with the X13 series comes with the codename BDR-X13U/J-S, which is their top-of-the-line external optical storage BD/DVD/CD recorder for 2022-2023.

This external model is actually based at the internal design of BDR-S13UBK with Pioneer's external case design that allows good air flow and reduced dust inside the case for a longer longetivity. The retail package is complete, meaning users will find everything they want to start using the drive, either with PC/MAC systems. The Interface is USB to USB-Type A, which in our opinion should changed in the future with TypeC, since most systems use this port afterall. Users will also receive free CyberLink software, that adds also to the final product cost. The product also comes with external power source, keep that in mind.

The design is very good, we liked the build quality and overall aisthetics/feel of the external drive. The design does allow for air flow and in general after heavy testing, we didn't saw any kind of weakness/problem. The drive packs most of Pioneer's technology for X13 series, however doesn't have all the bells and whistels of the higher end "internal" BDR-S13U-X, but the reading/writing speeds are the exactly the same.

During our testing we did noticed some differences in reading/writing tests, which shows that maybe Pioneer should also offer an external version of the BDR-S13U-X series, since it was slight faster and read better our damaged ABEX test discs with our PureRead 4+ tests. Noise levels are kept also in low levels, and we didn't noticed any serious vibrations even running the drive at full speeds.

Pioneer is among the few remaining optical storage companies that offer frequent firware updates and support for its products and this something that should be considered when buying a new optical storage as well. Overall Pioneer's proposal for a high speed external BD/DVD/CD recorder comes with the codename BDR-X13U-S and if you looking for the best of the best external BD Writer, this is you what you were looking for. As happens with all good things, quality equals increased price and this external drive doesn't come cheap, since the suggested retail price reaches $230 :-)