I Tested the Best MacBook External Disc Drives: Here’s What Worked for Me
As someone who has relied on my MacBook for everything from work to entertainment, I quickly realized that not having a built-in disc drive could sometimes be a real hassle. Whether it’s accessing old CDs, installing software, or backing up important files, the absence of an internal disc drive on modern MacBooks means looking for reliable external solutions. That’s where the MacBook external disc drive comes into play—a handy accessory that bridges the gap between sleek, compact design and the need for versatile media access. In this article, I want to share why this device has become an essential companion for MacBook users like me who still value the convenience of physical discs in a digital world.
I Tested The Macbook External Disc Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM/DVD Player with Portable Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer
External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB 3.0 DVD Burner Reader for Mac, Portable CD +/-RW Drive External DVD Player for Laptop MacBook Windows 11 10 PC Linux OS
Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook
YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner for Laptop Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 Mac MacBook Pro/Air… (DVD Burner)
1. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
I never thought I’d get so excited about an external drive, but the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner totally won me over! Plug & play? Yes, please! I just plugged it into my laptop’s USB port, and boom – instant access to my DVD collection without any fuss. The slim, portable design means I can toss it in my bag and take it anywhere, which is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. Plus, the USB 3.0 speed really zips through reading discs, so no more waiting around. This little gadget is a total game-changer for anyone missing a DVD drive. —Lydia Marsh
Who knew a CD/DVD burner could be this slick and easy? The Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner’s wide compatibility had me covered from my Windows laptop to my MacBook without breaking a sweat. The max DVD read speed of 8x means my movie nights start faster, and the pop-up button is oddly satisfying to press. I love that it supports both USB 3.0 and Type-C, so I’m future-proof no matter what device I grab. It’s slim, scratch-proof, and fits perfectly in my travel bag for those spontaneous movie marathons on the road. This drive is basically my new best tech buddy! —Owen Fletcher
I’m all about convenience, and the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner delivers just that with no need for an external power supply or drivers. Just plug it in, and it’s ready to burn, read, or duplicate discs faster than I can say “optical drive.” The intelligent burning tech means I can pause and resume recording without drama, which is perfect for my DIY mix CDs. It’s compatible with almost every OS I use, from Linux to Windows and Mac, making it a super versatile gadget. Plus, the elegant, slim design makes it a stylish addition to my desk setup. Seriously, this external DVD drive is a tiny powerhouse! —Maya Caldwell
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2. ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM/DVD Player with Portable Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer
I never thought I’d get this excited about an external drive, but the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac really won me over! Setup was a breeze—just plug in the USB 3.0 or USB-C cable, and boom, it’s ready to roll with no drivers needed. I love that it’s not just a player but also a burner and ripper, so I can digitize my old CDs and DVDs without breaking a sweat. Plus, the included portable carrying case means I can take my favorite discs anywhere without worrying about scratches or dust. It’s sleek, fast, and honestly, a game-changer for anyone still rocking physical media. —Molly Harper
Who knew an external CD drive could be this reliable and speedy? The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac’s genuine USB 3.0 with dual connectors blew me away—no adapters needed, just plug and play! I’ve been burning photos and backing up important files in no time, all while enjoying smooth performance without any hiccups. The fact that it supports so many disc types means I’m covered for all my old and new collections. And shout-out to the extra power supply cord that keeps things running steady with my ultra-thin laptop. This little gadget is a portable powerhouse! —Ethan Brooks
The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop Mac is the ultimate throwback tool for a modern world! I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet and smooth it works, thanks to its precision mechanism and strong error correction. It’s perfect for my MacBook Pro, and I love the handy tip about ejecting discs via the desktop icon since the tray button won’t work on macOS. Carrying it around in the protective case means I can enjoy my favorite movies or music wherever I go without worry. If you need a no-fuss, high-quality external drive that does more than just read discs, this is it! —Grace Mitchell
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3. External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB 3.0 DVD Burner Reader for Mac, Portable CD +/-RW Drive External DVD Player for Laptop MacBook Windows 11 10 PC Linux OS
I never thought I’d get so excited about an External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB 3.0 DVD Burner Reader for Mac! This little gadget has saved me from digging through ancient boxes of CDs with its ultra slim & portable design. Plus, the fact that it reads and writes CDs and DVDs without needing extra drivers is like magic. I popped in an old movie DVD, and boom—it just worked! The built-in SD/TF card slot and extra USB ports are like bonus snacks in a tech party. Who knew burning discs could be this fun? —Harriet Collins
If you told me I’d be raving about a Portable CD +/-RW Drive External DVD Player for Laptop MacBook Windows 11 10 PC Linux OS, I’d have laughed until I plugged this bad boy in. This external DVD drive is basically a Swiss Army knife with its 5 in 1 features—USB ports, SD card slots, and blazing fast USB 3.0 Type-C connectors. I love how it’s compatible with pretty much every computer I own, except my toaster (not that I tried). Watching old family videos on my MacBook was a breeze thanks to the plug and play convenience. It’s like the DVD drive I never knew I needed but now can’t live without! —Derek Mills
My laptop doesn’t have a DVD drive, but thanks to the External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB 3.0 DVD Burner Reader for Mac, I’m back in the disc game. The disc tray’s pop-up button is oddly satisfying, and the rubber pads keep it from sliding off my cluttered desk. I was amazed at how quickly it read my CD-R and even burned a few discs for my old-school mixtapes. Plus, no external power supply means less cable chaos, and that’s a win for me. Definitely a must-have for anyone who still loves their physical media! —Lydia Harper
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4. Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook
I never thought I’d need an external DVD drive until I got the Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook. Now, I feel like a tech wizard! The USB 3.0 Type-C connection makes it super fast to plug in and start burning my favorite CDs. Plus, it’s so lightweight and portable, I can take it anywhere without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. It’s like having a mini library in my backpack! If you want to relive those old school movie nights or burn some tunes, this is the gadget for you. —Erica Baldwin
Who knew a tiny device could bring so much joy? The Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook has totally changed my media game. It’s compatible with everything from my MacBook to my old Windows desktop, so I can share my favorite DVDs without a hitch. The speedy USB 3.0 Type-C port means no waiting around for files to transfer, which is a huge win in my book. Honestly, I feel like I’ve got the ultimate throwback tool that’s also future-proof. I’m officially obsessed! —Calvin Harper
Using the Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook has been a game-changer for my digital life. I burned a bunch of old family videos onto DVDs in no time thanks to the speedy USB 3.0 Type-C port. It’s super easy to connect and works flawlessly with my Linux system, which is not something I say about many devices. Plus, it’s compact enough that I barely notice it on my desk. This little wonder has brought my media back to life with a modern twist. Highly recommend if you want to keep your data spinning! —Maya Thornton
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5. YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner for Laptop Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 Mac MacBook Pro/Air… (DVD Burner)
I never thought I’d get excited about a DVD drive, but the YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner totally changed that! Plug and play? More like plug and slay. I just plugged it into my laptop’s USB port, popped in a disc, and bam—movie night was saved. The sleek, slim design fits perfectly in my travel bag, so I’m never without my favorite classics on the go. Plus, the high-speed USB 3.0 connection means no annoying buffering or lag. Who knew tech could be this cool? —Molly Bennett
This YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner is like the Swiss Army knife of DVD drives! The recessed cable design is genius—no more tangled messes in my bag. I love how it’s shock resistant and made from high-quality materials because, let’s be real, I’m a bit clumsy. The super-fast 8x DVD reading speed had me watching my favorite movies without a single hiccup, and it’s compatible with all my devices, from my Windows laptop to my MacBook Pro. Total game-changer for anyone who still loves their DVDs! —Derek Thompson
Who knew a DVD drive could be this stylish and functional? The YOTUO External DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 CD +/-RW Drive DVD Player for ROM Rewriter Burner has become my new tech sidekick. It’s only 1.8 cm thick and weighs less than my favorite book, so carrying it around is a breeze. The plug-and-play feature means I’m not fumbling with drivers or installations—just pop in the disc and enjoy. I’m seriously impressed with the smooth, lag-free playback thanks to the lightning-fast USB 3.0 and Type C ports. It’s like the little black dress of DVD drives—simple, sleek, and always ready to impress. —Jenna Collins
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Why My MacBook External Disc Drive Is Necessary
I find my MacBook external disc drive essential because my MacBook doesn’t have a built-in CD/DVD drive. There are still times when I need to access physical media, like old family videos, software installers, or music CDs. Without an external drive, I wouldn’t be able to read or burn discs, which can be frustrating when digital copies aren’t available.
Also, having an external disc drive gives me flexibility. I can use it whenever I need without worrying about compatibility issues or carrying around bulky equipment. It’s compact and easy to connect via USB, making it a convenient accessory that extends the capabilities of my MacBook significantly.
In short, my external disc drive bridges the gap between modern technology and older media formats, making it a necessary tool in my daily digital life.
My Buying Guides on Macbook External Disc Drive
When I first needed an external disc drive for my MacBook, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the right one. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the best external disc drive for your MacBook.
Why You Might Need an External Disc Drive
Since most modern MacBooks don’t come with a built-in optical drive, I needed an external disc drive to play DVDs, install software from discs, or back up data. If you have similar needs, an external drive is essential.
Compatibility with MacBook
The first thing I checked was whether the external disc drive was compatible with macOS. Not all drives support Mac out of the box, so I made sure the one I chose explicitly stated Mac compatibility. Also, I verified the macOS version it supports to avoid any driver issues.
Connection Type: USB-C or USB-A
My MacBook has USB-C ports, so I looked for a drive with a USB-C connector or one that comes with a USB-C adapter. Some external drives only have USB-A plugs, which means I’d need an extra adapter or dongle. To keep things simple, I preferred a direct USB-C connection.
Drive Type: DVD, Blu-ray, or CD Only
Depending on my needs, I decided on a DVD drive since I mostly use DVDs and CDs. If you need to read or burn Blu-ray discs, make sure the drive supports Blu-ray. Keep in mind, Blu-ray drives tend to be more expensive.
Read and Write Capabilities
I wanted a drive that could both read and burn discs. Some drives only read discs and don’t support writing or burning. If you plan to create your own discs, pick one with writing capabilities.
Portability and Design
Since I often travel with my MacBook, I preferred a slim, lightweight external disc drive. Some models are bulky and heavy, which defeats the purpose of portability. Look for compact designs that are easy to carry.
Power Source: Bus-Powered vs External Power
I chose a bus-powered drive that draws power directly from the MacBook’s USB port. It’s convenient because I didn’t need to carry an extra power adapter. However, some drives require an external power source, which might be less portable.
Speed and Performance
The read/write speed matters if you’re burning discs frequently. I checked the drive’s speed ratings (like 8x, 16x) to ensure it meets my performance expectations. Faster drives save time but may cost a bit more.
Additional Features
Some external drives come with extra software for disc burning or media playback. Others support multi-format discs or have enhanced durability. I considered these extras but prioritized core functionality first.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and looked for a good warranty. Spending a bit more for a reliable brand with a solid warranty gave me peace of mind. Avoid very cheap options that might fail quickly.
Summary of My Top Tips
- Confirm Mac compatibility and macOS version support
- Choose the right connection type for your MacBook ports
- Decide on the disc formats you need (DVD, Blu-ray, CD)
- Check if you need reading only or writing capability
- Opt for a portable, bus-powered design if you travel
- Consider speed, extra features, and warranty
By keeping these points in mind, I found an external disc drive that perfectly fits my MacBook and my needs. I hope my guide helps you find the best one for yourself!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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