Need a non-Pioneer drive to read problematic DVD-Rs

[Qaenos]

I have a bunch of 20+-year old homemade (i.e. DVD recorder, computer burner, etc.) DVD-Rs of movies/tv shows/video that I am ripping. I have a top-of-the-line Pioneer BDR X13U that is reading most of them fine, but there are a few DVD-Rs that the mighty Pioneer drive chokes on. Some of these “bad” discs are a little scratched up, some of them look perfect. Of course I wipe them with a clean, soft cloth, from the middle to the edge (not circular) but that doesn’t help.

I’m looking for a non-Pioneer drive in 2025 that has a great reputation for reading problematic DVD-Rs. Preferably one that is UHD friendly too, but I would consider one that is not if it’s the best at DVD-Rs.

Any recommendations?

[dcoke22]

I have seem some users on this forum talk about pulling old DVD-ROM drives out of their closet to deal with problematic DVDs.

Generally speaking, Pioneer drives are considered the top of the line in 2025. That said, sometimes the same disc in a different drive produces different results. A LG BU40N is reasonably priced and is a decent non-Pioneer drive. Otherwise, maybe a good Sony or Plextor DVD drive from 25 years ago might work.

[Qaenos]

Thanks for replying!