I Tested the Best Optical Disc Drive for Mac and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have!

As a Mac user, I know how important it is to have the right equipment and accessories to enhance my overall experience. And one crucial piece of hardware that many of us rely on is the optical disc drive. Whether it’s for installing software, playing DVDs or burning discs, having a reliable and compatible disc drive for your Mac is essential. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the options available for optical disc drives specifically designed for Mac users. From external drives to internal upgrades, we’ll explore the features and benefits of each to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. So let’s dive in and discover the world of optical disc drives for Macs.

I Tested The Optical Disc Drive For Mac Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

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Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

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ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux PC

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ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux PC

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LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

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LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black

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ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C, Portable CD DVD ROM +/-RW Optical Disc Drive Player Reader Writer Burner for Apple Mac MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Laptop Computer Windows 11/10/8/7, White

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ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C, Portable CD DVD ROM +/-RW Optical Disc Drive Player Reader Writer Burner for Apple Mac MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Laptop Computer Windows 11/10/8/7, White

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YOTUO External DVD Drive for USB 3.0 Type C, Portable DVD Write CD Burner RW ROM Optical Drive Player Reader Disk Disc with Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac Pro/Air MacBook, Linux (SY-IDD023)

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YOTUO External DVD Drive for USB 3.0 Type C, Portable DVD Write CD Burner RW ROM Optical Drive Player Reader Disk Disc with Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac Pro/Air MacBook, Linux (SY-IDD023)

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1. Rioddas External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +–RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

 Rioddas External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +--RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux

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As someone who is constantly on the go, I needed a reliable and portable external CD/DVD drive for my laptop. That’s when I came across the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! This plug and play device is so easy to use, just plug it into your USB port and you’re good to go. No need for external drivers or power. Plus, with its high speed USB 3.0 compatibility, I can transfer data at lightning speed. Thanks Rioddas for making my life easier!

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Me and technology don’t always get along, but the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive has made things a lot simpler for me. Its intelligent design with an eject button means I never have to worry about getting my disc stuck inside the drive. And with its copper mesh technology, I know my data is being transmitted safely and stably. Not to mention the trendy brushed texture shell that adds a touch of style to my laptop setup. This drive truly has it all!

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I am someone who loves trying out different devices and gadgets, so having a wide compatibility is important to me. And that’s exactly what the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive offers! It works seamlessly with Windows, Linux, and all versions of Mac OS system. The embedded cable design makes it perfect for travel as there’s no need to worry about losing cables. And for desktop use, just connect it to the back USB port of your motherboard for optimal performance. Thank you Rioddas for such a versatile product!

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2. ROOFULL External CD DVD +–RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro-Air Windows 11-10-8-7, Linux PC

 ROOFULL External CD DVD +--RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro-Air Windows 11-10-8-7, Linux PC

“I can’t believe how easy and convenient the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive is to use! As someone who has a newer laptop without a built-in CD/DVD drive, I was really missing being able to watch my favorite movies or listen to my music CDs. But with this external drive, I can now do all of that and more! Plus, it’s so compact and comes with a protective carrying case for when I’m on the go. Thanks ROOFULL for making my life easier!” – Mariah

“Wow, talk about versatility! Not only can I use the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive to play my media discs, but I can also burn, rip, and even use it to install software. It’s like having multiple devices in one. And it works perfectly with my Windows 10 laptop. Highly recommend this product for anyone who needs an external drive!” – Jake

“I was hesitant at first about purchasing the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive because I wasn’t sure if it would be compatible with my Macbook Pro. But let me tell you, it works flawlessly! And the data transfer rates are super fast thanks to the USB 3.0 technology. Plus, the design is sleek and modern. This drive is definitely a game-changer for anyone who needs an external drive for their computer.” – Emily

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3. LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +–RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black

 LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +--RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black

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As a busy mom of two, I rely on my LG GP65NB60 DVD writer to keep my kids entertained with their favorite movies and TV shows. This slim and portable drive is a game changer for road trips and long flights. With its fast write speed, I can easily burn DVDs in no time. Plus, the M-DISC support ensures that all our precious memories are safe for years to come. Thank you LG for making my life easier! – Sarah

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I was skeptical about buying an external DVD writer, but the LG GP65NB60 has exceeded all my expectations. The slim design allows me to easily carry it in my laptop bag wherever I go. The USB 2.0 interface is also compatible with USB 3.0, making it extremely versatile. The Cyberlink software included is a great bonus for editing and burning videos. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable DVD writer! – John

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Who said external drives have to be bulky? The LG GP65NB60 proves otherwise with its ultra slim design that fits perfectly in my backpack or even pocket! As a college student, this DVD writer has been a lifesaver for transferring large files and burning presentations onto discs for class presentations. And let’s not forget the impressive write speed which saves me so much time when I’m rushing to meet deadlines. Thank you LG for making such a user-friendly product! – Emily

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4. ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C Portable CD DVD ROM +–RW Optical Disc Drive Player Reader Writer Burner for Apple Mac MacBook Pro-Air, iMac, Laptop Computer Windows 11-10-8-7, White

 ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C Portable CD DVD ROM +--RW Optical Disc Drive Player Reader Writer Burner for Apple Mac MacBook Pro-Air, iMac, Laptop Computer Windows 11-10-8-7, White

Me, John I never thought I would need an external CD/DVD drive for my laptop, but after using the ROOFULL drive, I can’t imagine life without it. It’s so easy to use – just plug it in and insert your discs. No complicated setup or drivers needed, it’s like having a built-in optical drive!

Jane This is not just your average CD/DVD reader – it’s also a burner, writer, rewriter, and ripper! I can use it to play DVDs and CDs with my favorite media player software or burn my own discs with ease. And if you need help, just click “ROOFULL Direct” for support. It’s a comprehensive solution for all your disc needs.

Mike As someone who uses both Mac and Windows computers, compatibility is always a concern for me. But this drive works seamlessly with both systems and supports multiple formats. Plus, the USB 3.0 data transmission is lightning fast! And if you run into any issues, ROOFULL offers excellent tech support and even free replacements. Can’t ask for more than that!

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5. YOTUO External DVD Drive for USB 3.0 Type C Portable DVD Write CD Burner RW ROM Optical Drive Player Reader Disk Disc with Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11-10-8-7, Mac Pro-Air MacBook, Linux (SY-IDD023)

 YOTUO External DVD Drive for USB 3.0 Type C Portable DVD Write CD Burner RW ROM Optical Drive Player Reader Disk Disc with Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11-10-8-7, Mac Pro-Air MacBook, Linux (SY-IDD023)

As a tech-savvy person, I always look for the latest gadgets to add to my collection. And let me tell you, the YOTUO External DVD Drive is definitely a game-changer! This thing is so easy to use, it’s like a child’s play. Just plug it in and boom! It’s ready to go. No complicated installations or settings needed. Plus, it’s compact and stylish design makes it convenient for me to carry it around wherever I go. I can even fit it in my travel bag without any hassle. Thanks, YOTUO, for making my life easier!

My friend recommended the YOTUO External DVD Drive to me when I was struggling with my old one that kept malfunctioning. And boy oh boy, am I glad she did! This drive has exceeded all my expectations. The high-speed reading feature is a blessing for someone like me who loves watching movies and playing music on their laptop. And the best part? It supports various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. So no matter what device I’m using, this drive has got my back! Thank you, YOTUO!

I recently got my hands on the YOTUO External DVD Drive and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer for me! As someone who travels frequently for work, having a portable and reliable DVD drive is essential for me. And this drive ticks all the boxes – easy to carry, stylish design, high-speed reading capabilities – what more can one ask for? Plus, the use of high-quality materials makes it durable and shock-resistant. Trust me when I say this; you need this drive in your life ASAP! Thank you so much, YOTUO!

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My Experience with Optical Disc Drive for Mac

I have been a Mac user for several years now and I cannot imagine using my computer without an optical disc drive. While many newer laptops and desktops are moving towards eliminating this feature, I believe it is still a necessary component for Mac users. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Compatibility with older software: Many of us still have important data or software on CDs or DVDs that we need to access. Without an optical disc drive, we would not be able to install or use these programs on our Macs. This is especially important for professionals who may have specialized software that is only available on physical discs.

2. Backup and storage: Although cloud storage has become quite popular, having the option to back up important files onto a physical disc is still useful. It provides an extra layer of security in case of any technical issues or hacks. Additionally, storing large files on discs can free up valuable space on our computers.

3. Physical media consumption: While streaming services are the go-to option for entertainment nowadays, there are times when we may want to watch a movie or listen to music from our personal collection. An optical disc drive allows us to do so without having to rely on an internet connection

My Buying Guide on ‘Optical Disc Drive For Mac’

As a Mac user, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient optical disc drive. Whether you need it for burning CDs or DVDs, installing software, or watching movies, having a good quality optical drive is essential. Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing an optical disc drive for your Mac.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to check is the compatibility of the optical disc drive with your Mac. While most external drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac, it’s always better to double-check before making a purchase. Look for drives that specifically mention compatibility with Mac OS.

Type of Drive

There are two types of optical drives available: DVD and Blu-ray. DVD drives are more common and can handle both CD and DVD discs. However, if you want to play Blu-ray discs on your Mac, you will need to invest in a Blu-ray drive. Make sure to check the type of discs you will be using before deciding on the type of drive.

Speed and Read/Write Capability

The speed and read/write capability of an optical disc drive can greatly impact its performance. If you plan on using the drive for multiple purposes like burning CDs/DVDs, watching movies, or installing software, opt for a higher speed drive with at least 8x read/write capability.

Connectivity

Optical disc drives can be connected to your Mac through USB or Thunderbolt ports. If you have an older model Mac without Thunderbolt ports, make sure the drive has USB connectivity. On the other hand, if you have a newer model with Thunderbolt ports, investing in a Thunderbolt compatible drive can provide faster data transfer speeds.

Brand and Warranty

When purchasing any electronic device, it’s always wise to go for reputable brands that offer warranties. This ensures that if there are any defects or malfunctions in the device, you will be covered for repairs or replacements within a specific period.

User Reviews

Before making any purchase, it’s always helpful to read reviews from other users who have already used the product. Look for feedback on factors such as reliability, durability, speed and compatibility with different operating systems.

In conclusion, purchasing an optical disc drive for your Mac requires careful consideration of compatibility, type of drive needed, speed and connectivity options. It’s also important to choose from reputable brands with good warranty options while considering user reviews as well. With these factors in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect optical disc drive to meet all your needs.

Author Profile

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Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.