Top 5 External Optical Drives for Mac: Buyer's Guide

Remember when your Mac used to come with a CD or DVD drive built right in? For many of us, those days are long gone. Now, if you want to pop in an old movie disc or install software from a disc, you might find yourself out of luck. This can be a real headache when you have important files or favorite movies stuck on discs that your modern Mac just can’t read.

Finding the perfect external optical drive for your Mac can feel like a maze. There are so many different brands and features, and it’s tough to know which one will work best with your Apple computer. You want something reliable, easy to use, and that won’t break the bank. We get it, and that’s exactly why we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explain what to look for in an external optical drive, share some top picks, and help you understand the key differences so you can pick the best one for your needs. Get ready to unlock all those old discs again!

Top External Optical Drive For Mac Recommendations

No. 1

ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support, Compatible with Both Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp for Android Devices (USB 2.0 & Type-C Cables Included)

13mm for ultra slim and light
Mac/PC Support
Includes USB 2. 0 and Type-C cables
Nero BackItUp function for Android Devices
DISC Encryption II for password-controls and hidden-file functionality

SaleNo. 2

Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD Player CD ROM Rewriter Writer Reader for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple

【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will usually be detected right away without the need for extra drivers. For stable operation and sufficient power, we recommend connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer (for desktops, use a rear motherboard port) and avoiding USB hubs or extension cables. This user-friendly design ensures quick setup for both beginners and professionals.
【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. To ensure a reliable connection, please connect it directly to your computer. The drive supports multiple disc formats such as DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW. Please note: It does NOT support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray (BD) discs, or certain proprietary formats. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/write speed is 24x.
【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7, Linux, and all macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) for MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Mac mini; NOT for iPad/iPhone/Apple TV/ChromeOS; for Mac, insert disc FIRST, connect directly to USB port (use a POWERED USB‑C hub for M1/M2/M3 to avoid insufficient power), and open media with VLC Player (Apple DVD Player not supported). Works with most computers from brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Important: Designed specifically for computers. It is NOT compatible with TVs, tablets, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), car stereos, or standalone Blu-ray players.
【SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN – BUILT-IN CABLE, READY TO GO】With an integrated cable design, slim body, and stylish matte finish, this lightweight CD/DVD drive is both durable and portable. Easily slip it into your laptop bag or backpack and use it anytime, anywhere—perfect for business, travel, or home use
【MULTIFUNCTIONAL & RELIABLE OPERATION】 Equipped with intelligent error correction and anti-shock technology, this drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs. If the drive is not recognized or a disc cannot be read, try restarting your computer or testing with a different, standard CD-R or DVD-R disc. The pop-up button and built-in cable design offer convenience and portability. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power and performance.

No. 3

ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 Type-C 13mm DVD Player

【Plug & Play】This ORIGBELIE external CD DVD drive is powered by USB port, no additional drivers and power supply required! Just plug the USB type-A or type-C connector on the data cable to your computer and the CD burner will be detected by computer automatically, you can then use the corresponding software to read and write the discs with no complex settings. As for Mac system, please note that the computer will not display the device icon until the disc is placed and read successfully.
【High-Speed】The external DVD drive supports USB 3.0 high speed data transmission and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.1. It delivers max 8x DVD read/write speeds and max 24x CD read/write speeds, provides faster data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps (625MB/S) without lag or distortion, get more done in less time! It also boasts strong error correction capability, noise reduction, shock resistance and low power consumption.
【Wide Compatibility】- This external cd drive supports various devices. It's compatible with Windows 11/ 10 / 8 / 7 / XP / 98 / SE / ME / 2000, Vista 7 / 8, Linux, Mac OS 10.6 or above such as Apple MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini and MacBook Pro. For desktops, please connect the DVD burner to the back USB port of the motherboard to avoid power shortage. (Not support for Cars, TV, Tablet, Phones, iPads, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch, Projectors, Chromebook, Surface (some models), Ubuntu system and blu ray disk)
【All Kinds of Disc】This CD player for laptop support read and write various formats discs, e.g. CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, VCD e SVCD. The CD drive also can be used to listen to music, watch movies, data backup, burn files, install software, operating systems or games. If the CDs or DVDs can't be read by computer, use the charging cable included in the packge to connect to 5V charger or power bank to get extra power, that's because some computer doesn't have enough power to support the operation of the USB DVD drive external.
【Ultra Slim and Portable】Measuring just 13mm in thickness and weighing only 0.2 kg, the ORIGBELIE external optical drive is extremely slim and portable, taking up minimal space in travelling bag while on-the-go. Integrated data cable design, no need to worry about cable missing. What's more, its durable construction and anti-skid bottom ensure stable operation.

No. 4

BPAKDU External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, DVD Player for Laptop, 8 in 1 USB 3.0 Ultra-Slim Portable, CD Burner External Disk Drive Optical Compatible with Desktop Mac,Windows 11/10/8/7 Linux

【PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS】If your Windows 10/11 laptop PC cannot recognize this CD/DVD drive,Please connect the extra power cable to solve the problem of unrecognized caused by insufficient power supply.or you might find a solution by searching for "AyPhnwzyuoI" on YouTube. There are repair methods shown in the video that may help If it is not solved, reach out to us for a driver troubleshooting tool, the download link is not allowed here.
【8 IN 1 Optical Drive】 Our portable DVD player is not only a CD/DVD reader, but also a CD/DVD burner, including 1 port USB 3.0 hub, 3 USB 2.0 port, SD or TF card reader and 1 USB-C Port, is perfect for transferring photo and video files from your camera by cards to your computer. (Note: SD and TF card cannot be used at the same time).
【Plug and Play】 The external DVD drive is powered by a USB 3.0 port, no internal DVD driver and external power required, is the perfect companion for laptop or desktop that can be used directly by plugging it into USB port. No need for additional drivers. PLUG and PLAY. The CD Rom external drive for laptop has strong error correction, anti-skid and quiet capabilities.
【Best Choice of Data Backup】Discs are designed to last up to 1,000 years, making them ideal for long-term data archiving and backup.a DVD Disce can store up to 4.7GB of data, equivalent to 2,000 photos/5 movies
【USB 3.0 HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER】CD Burner with high speed USB 3.0 technology, many of the port cluster connectors are labelled by blue color and backward compatible with USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is an updated version of USB 2.0 which provides higher data transfer rates up to 5 Gigabits/S (625MB/S). It is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Besides that, The cd drive offers Max 8x DVDR Read Speed and Max 24x CD Write/Read speed, faster than you expected.

No. 5

LG GP65NB78 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

Ultra slim portable DVD writer drive(14 millimeter height)
USB 2.0 interface ( USB 3.0 Compatible, upto 480Mbits/s)
Max 8x DVDR write speed / Max 24x CD write speed
Video memory requirement : 64 MB or higher (128 MB recommended)
With Cyberlink Software, support M Disc

SaleNo. 6

External CD/DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C Burner Writer Reader for Laptop/PC/Mac

Experience High-Speed Read/Write: This Type-C & USB 3.0 external CD/DVD drive delivers blazing-fast performance with up to 8x DVD rewrite/read speed and 24x CD write/read speed. Leveraging dual Type-C and USB 3.0 connectivity, it achieves maximum 5Gbps data transfer rates – ensuring seamless playback of music and movies, smooth software/system installation, and error-free disc burning
Plug and play, no driver required: Our product design is simple, providing a worry free experience - just plug it in, no need to install complex drivers. This design ensures efficient user use and provides users with a direct digital experience. Our product comes with USB-A and USB-C interfaces, and we believe these interfaces can adapt to your device and bring portable CD burning functionality to your laptop
Broad Compatibility:Our product is engineered for extensive compatibility, adapting to various formats and devices. Whether you're working on a PC, Mac, or other platforms(except for Chromebook, car platforms, tablets, and televisions), it effortlessly integrates into your digital ecosystem. With wide-ranging support for different file types and operating systems,you can trust our products to provide you with excellent experiences in CD burning, DVD burning, CD reading, and other aspects
Portable and Lightweight:Our optical drive stands out with its exceptional portability and lightweight design, measuring just 0.79 inches thick and weighing only 0.55 pounds. It easily fits into your handbag or backpack, making it perfect for use at the office, home, or on the go. Made from high-quality materials and featuring a sleek, minimalist design, this external cd/dvd drive is not only stylish and durable but also incredibly convenient . It supports multiple disc formats, offering you a seamless digital experience. Choose our optical drive and let portability and lightness become your trusted companions
Thoughtful service, thoughtful product: Our external DVD/CD burner uses a built-in cable, eliminating the hassle of cable storage. In addition, for your suggestions on after-sales issues with the product, you can also contact us through the methods provided in the user manual, and we will be happy to serve you.

SaleNo. 7

5-in-1 Extemal CD/DVD Drive for Laptop,USB 3.0 & Type-C Portable CD/DvD Rw Burner with SD/TF Card Reader &DVD-ROM Rewritable Player，Compatible with Laptop Pc Desktop, Windows11/10/8/7 Linux Mac os

【External Optical Drive – GODBPNYMU】 Choose the technologically advanced GODBPNYMU external optical drive. This DVD-ROM rewritable disc player delivers dependable performance. Through durable construction, it helps extend the lifespan of the drive. Plug-and-play functionality paired with high-speed read/write capabilities provides convenient and reliable performance
【Universal Compatibility with Systems and Devices】Compatible with Windows 7/8.1/10/11/XP/Vista ， 2000, ME, Linux, and all versions of macOS. Seamlessly compatible with mainstream computer brands including Apple, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, NEC, IBM, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung, Acer, and more. Note: Only compatible with laptops, desktop computers, all-in-one PCs, and mini PCs. Desktop users are advised to connect the optical drive to a USB port on the rear panel of the computer case for optimal reading performance. Not compatible with TVs, tablets, or in-car entertainment systems
【5-in-1 Multifunctional Hub 】This external optical drive not only burns and reads CD/DVD but also functions as an external USB hub for laptops. It features 2 USB 2.0 ports and 1 TF & SD card slot, compatible with USB hard drives, wired/wireless mouse and keyboard sets, computer coolers, and other USB peripherals. The card slot design enables convenient transfer of data, photos, and videos from camera memory cards or mobile phone cards to your computer
【Integrated Cable Design Dual 】 USB-A and USB-C 3.0 ports for convenient use. This slim, portable CD/DVD player fits easily into your laptop bag, making it the perfect companion for home use, data backup, movie playback, software installation, office work, or travel—enjoying your favorite CD and DVD collections anytime! The built-in cable neatly tucks away at the bottom. Includes a USB power cable for external drives experiencing insufficient power—connect to a computer's USB port or a 5V/2A device for optimal disc reading. Note: The included power cable does not support data transfer
【Complete Kit – External Optical Drive】 Includes the 5-in-1 drive, dual cables, and manual. Backed by a reliable 24-month warranty.

Choosing the Right External Optical Drive for Your Mac

Do you have old CDs or DVDs you want to watch or use on your Mac? Or maybe you need to install software from a disc? If your Mac doesn’t have a built-in CD/DVD drive, an external optical drive is your answer. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.

What to Look For: Key Features

When you shop for an external optical drive, keep these important features in mind:

Disc Types: Most drives read and write CDs and DVDs. Some also handle Blu-ray discs, which hold more data and offer better picture quality for movies.
Connection Type: Look for USB-C ports. They are faster and more modern than older USB-A ports.
Read/Write Speeds: Higher numbers mean faster performance. For DVDs, look for speeds like 8x or higher.
Power Source: Most external drives get power from the USB cable. Some larger or more powerful ones might need a separate power adapter.
Software: Some drives come with special software for burning discs or playing Blu-rays. Check if you need it.

Materials That Matter

The best external optical drives are built to last. You’ll often see them made with:

Plastic Casing: Most drives use strong plastic. This keeps them light and protects the delicate parts inside.
Metal Components: Inside, metal parts help the drive work smoothly and reliably.

What Makes a Drive Great (or Not So Great)

Several things can make an external optical drive perform well or poorly.

Factors That Improve Quality:

Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make more reliable products.
Good Reviews: See what other users say about their experience.
Sturdy Build: A drive that feels solid and well-made usually lasts longer.
Fast Connections: USB-C connections make transferring data quicker.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

Cheap Materials: A drive that feels flimsy might break easily.
Slow Speeds: If a drive takes a long time to read or write discs, it can be frustrating.
Compatibility Issues: Make sure the drive works with your specific Mac model and macOS version.
Noisy Operation: Some drives can be quite loud when they spin up.

User Experience and When You’ll Use It

Using an external optical drive is usually simple. You plug it into your Mac, insert a disc, and your Mac should recognize it. You can then open the disc like any other folder.

Common Uses Include:

Watching Old Movies: Play DVDs or Blu-rays on your Mac.
Installing Software: Many older programs still come on discs.
Backing Up Data: Burn important files onto DVDs or Blu-rays for safekeeping.
Digitizing CDs: Rip music from your CD collection to your Mac.
Working with Archives: Access data from old discs.

A good external optical drive is a useful tool for any Mac user who needs to interact with physical discs. Choose wisely based on the features and quality that matter most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do all Macs need an external optical drive?

A: No, only Macs that do not have a built-in CD/DVD drive need one.

Q: What is the difference between a CD and a DVD?

A: DVDs can store much more information than CDs. They are also often used for movies.

Q: Can I use an external optical drive with any Mac?

A: Most external drives work with modern Macs that have USB-C ports. Always check the product details for compatibility.

Q: Do I need special software to use an external optical drive?

A: Usually, no. Your Mac’s operating system can read discs. You might need special software for burning or playing Blu-rays.

Q: What does “read/write speed” mean?

A: It tells you how fast the drive can read data from a disc or write data to a blank disc.

Q: Are external optical drives noisy?

A: Some can be, especially when spinning up a disc. Quieter models are available.

Q: Can I use an external optical drive to play Blu-ray movies?

A: Yes, but you need a Blu-ray drive and often special Blu-ray playback software.

Q: How do I connect an external optical drive to my Mac?

A: You connect it using a USB cable, usually USB-C.

Q: What if my Mac only has USB-A ports?

A: You can use a USB-C to USB-A adapter or cable.

Q: How long do external optical drives typically last?

A: With good care, they can last for many years, depending on usage and build quality.