What Is the Difference Between a Writable CD and a Recordable CD?

The basic difference between a recordable CD (CD-R) and a writable CD (CD-RW) is that a CD-R can only be burned once, and a CD-RW can be burned and reused many times.

Recordable CDs

A CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) is a one-time-use CD. Once it has been burned with information for the first time, it is permanently rendered. There is no way to erase the information contained on the disc.

ReWritable CDs

CD-RW stands for Compact Disc ReWritable. These discs have the capacity to be burned with information, erased, and burned again. These discs were once known as CD-Erasable or CD-E.

Quality

Between CD-Rs and CD-RWs there is no difference in sound quality, only the price, with a CD-RW usually being a bit more expensive than a CD-R. As of 2010, a CD-RW has a rewritable lifespan of 1,000 times, though quality of recording plays a factor in its longevity, and both CD-R and CD-RW are available in two storage capacities: 74 minutes/650 megabytes, or 80 minutes/700 megabytes. A CD-RW may have compatibility issues with older CD players.

References

• Media Sciences: Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Discs