Buyer's Guide 2026Q1: ASUS BW-16D1X-U vs Verbatim 43890

[gilbert32]

I'd like to purchase one of the following 2026 Q1 broader available drives to use them as a Libredrive (after flashing).

1. ASUS BW-16D1X-U: probably LG WH16NS40 inside
2. Verbatim 43890: probably LG BU40N inside

What is the recommendation of those two?
Any downsides (in comparison) for the recommendation?

Any other drive recommendations which are broader available (eg. Verbatim 43888)?

I've read in the forum that the ASUS BW-16D1X-U got some issues with the current version of MakeMKV and requires an older version (eg. v1.17.7).

[Billycar11]

i would go for the BU40N had better luck with those when i was selling them