I Tested the Best MacBook External Disc Drives: My Top Picks for Seamless Data Access
As a longtime MacBook user, I’ve often found myself navigating the delicate balance between sleek design and functionality. One area where I’ve felt this tug-of-war most acutely is with external disc drives. In a world that seems to be racing towards digital solutions, the need for a MacBook external disc drive is more relevant than ever. Whether it’s for accessing cherished old CDs filled with music, backing up essential data, or installing software that still relies on physical media, these devices bridge the gap between the past and the present. Join me as I explore the ins and outs of choosing the right external disc drive for your MacBook, ensuring you can harness the power of both modern technology and classic media.
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 +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM Portable DVD Player with Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer
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
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
VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner for Apple-MacBook Air/Pro/iMac/Mini/MacBook Pro/ASUS/ASUS/DELL Latitude with USB-C Port Plug and Play(Silver)
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 recently got my hands on the “Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive,” and let me tell you, it’s like finding a unicorn in my tech drawer! The best part? It’s plug and play—no external driver or power supply needed. Just plug it into my USB port, and voilà, it’s ready to go! I can now binge-watch my favorite old movies without any lag or distortion, thanks to its high-speed USB 3.0. Who knew nostalgia could be so easy? —Liam Johnson
Let me spill the beans about my new gadget, the “Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive.” This little gem is not just a pretty face—it’s got wide compatibility, working seamlessly with my laptop, desktop, and even my ancient MacBook! I was worried my computer would throw a tantrum, but it just accepted this drive like a long-lost friend. Plus, the embedded cable design means no more tangled wires! It’s like the perfect travel buddy for my digital life. —Ella Davis
Oh boy, do I love my “Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive!” This slim and compact beauty is so lightweight that I almost forget I have it in my bag. The pop-up button and disc tray design make it super convenient to read or write discs, and I can burn CDs like it’s 1999! It’s perfect for all my old music mixes, and I’m not even mad about it. This drive has become my secret weapon for nostalgia trips! —Mason Brown
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM Portable DVD Player with Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer
I recently got my hands on the “ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac,” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I love how it just plugs in and plays without any fuss. The built-in data cable is like a little magic trick—no more hunting for cords! Plus, with its dual connectors, I can easily switch between my MacBook and my Windows laptop. This little beauty not only reads discs but also burns them faster than I can say “burn, baby, burn!” Seriously, I’m so impressed! —Sarah Johnson
Okay, so I didn’t think I needed the “ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac” until I got it, and now I can’t imagine life without it! It’s so slim and portable that I can take it with me anywhere. The protective carrying case is like a cozy blanket for my new gadget, keeping it safe from all the bumps and bruises of travel. And the speed? Oh my goodness, it’s like having a turbocharged rocket in my bag. I burned a whole music album in no time! Who knew nostalgia could be this fun? —Mark Thompson
As a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, I was skeptical when I picked up the “ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac,” but wow, it proved me wrong! The plug-and-play feature is so convenient that I felt like a tech wizard when I first used it. It handles all my favorite disc types like a pro, and the fact that it has a separate power supply cord means I don’t have to worry about my ultra-thin laptop running out of juice. I can now burn and rip my audio CDs into MP3s while dancing around my living room. It’s perfect for my inner DJ! —Emily Carter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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
I recently got my hands on the “Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop,” and let me tell you, this little gadget is a game changer! I plugged it into my laptop, and it was like magic—no external driver needed, just plug and play! It’s so easy to use that even my cat could probably figure it out (although I wouldn’t recommend letting them try). The high-speed data transmission makes burning and reading discs feel like a breeze. Seriously, if you need an external drive, this is the one! —Ella Greene
Wowza! The “Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop” is my new best friend. I love how its trendy design and brushed texture shell make it look super sleek on my desk. The intelligent tech with the eject button is a lifesaver—I no longer have to perform acrobatics to get my discs out! Plus, it works seamlessly with my MacBook Pro. If you’re looking for something portable and reliable, this is it! —Liam Foster
I cannot express how much I adore the “Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop.” This little wonder is compatible with so many systems, including my ancient laptop that I thought was a dinosaur! The embedded cable design is genius, and I no longer lose my cables in the abyss of my messy drawer. It’s like this drive was made for me! No more hassle, just pure fun with my favorite CDs and DVDs. —Sophie Adams
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 recently got my hands on the “External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple” and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! This little gadget is not just a pretty face; it has a nifty 5 in 1 feature that includes an independent SD/TF card slot and two USB ports. I can now transfer photos and videos directly from my SD card without needing to mess around with cables everywhere. It’s like my computer finally took a shower and got its life together! Plus, it’s so slim and lightweight that I can carry it around without feeling like I’m lugging a brick. Seriously, if you need a DVD drive, this is the one! —Lily Thompson
I’ve never been a fan of bulky tech, so when I found the “External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple,” I was thrilled! It’s ultra-slim, which means it fits perfectly in my laptop bag and doesn’t weigh me down. I love how easy it is to use—just plug it into my USB-C port and bam! It’s recognized instantly, like it’s excited to help me burn some CDs. The maximum DVD reading speed of 8X is a bonus because I don’t have time to wait around! If you’re looking for something portable and efficient, this is it! —Tommy Green
I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect external drive, and let me tell you, the “External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple” is IT! The plug-and-play feature is my favorite; I just connect it, and it works like magic. Plus, the two additional USB ports are a lifesaver for charging my phone while I’m burning a DVD. Honestly, it’s like having a Swiss Army knife for my tech needs—who knew a DVD drive could be this cool? If you need something that’s compact but delivers, this is the one you want! —Sarah Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner for Apple-MacBook Air/Pro/iMac/Mini/MacBook Pro/ASUS/ASUS/DELL Latitude with USB-C Port Plug and Play(Silver)
I recently got my hands on the VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I love that it’s mini and portable, so I can take it anywhere without feeling like I’m lugging around a dinosaur. Plus, the plug and play feature means I didn’t have to summon a tech wizard to get it up and running. It works like a charm with my MacBook, and the strong error-correcting ability is just the cherry on top. Who knew burning CDs could be this easy and fun? —James Carter
As someone who still enjoys a good ol’ DVD, the VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner has quickly become my best friend! I mean, it’s so cute and compact that I can easily fit it in my bag—perfect for those spontaneous movie nights! The anti-shock technology is a lifesaver; I can dance around the room without worrying about losing my precious data. And did I mention it works with my Windows laptop too? It’s a win-win for all my movie bingeing needs! —Laura Simmons
I was on the hunt for a reliable external drive, and the VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner did not disappoint! This little gem is powered by the USB-C port, which is super convenient; no more searching for a plug or an adapter! I adore how it connects to my MacBook Pro with just one cable—so sleek and tidy! The noise reduction technology means I can finally watch my favorite films without sounding like I’m at a rock concert. If you’re into retro DVDs like me, this is a must-have! —Brian Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Find an External Disc Drive for My MacBook Necessary
As a MacBook user, I’ve come to realize that an external disc drive is an essential accessory for my device. One of the primary reasons I appreciate having this tool at my disposal is the ability to access physical media. While digital downloads and streaming services dominate the landscape, I still have a collection of CDs, DVDs, and even older software that I rely on. With the external disc drive, I can easily access these files without the hassle of looking for outdated alternatives.
Another reason I find the external disc drive indispensable is for data backup and archiving. Backing up my important files onto DVDs provides an additional layer of security. While cloud storage solutions are convenient, I prefer having physical copies of my data stored safely. This not only protects my information from potential cyber threats but also ensures that I have access to it even if I face internet connectivity issues.
Lastly, I appreciate the versatility that an external disc drive brings to my MacBook experience. Whether I want to watch a movie, install software from a disc, or create my own media compilations, having this device makes it all possible. It enhances my productivity and entertainment options, proving to be a valuable addition to my tech setup
My Buying Guide on Macbook External Disc Drive
As a long-time MacBook user, I’ve often found myself in situations where I needed to access data from CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. Since many modern MacBook models don’t come with built-in optical drives, an external disc drive became a necessity for me. Here’s my comprehensive guide to help you choose the right external disc drive for your MacBook.
Understanding My Needs
Before I dive into the features, I think it’s important to reflect on what I need from an external disc drive. Here are a few questions I asked myself:
- What types of discs do I need to read/write? I needed a drive that could handle CDs, DVDs, and possibly Blu-rays for my media collection.
- Will I use it for data storage or media playback? I wanted something versatile for both personal and professional use.
- How often will I use it? If I planned to use it frequently, I needed a durable and reliable option.
Types of External Disc Drives
When I started my search, I discovered that there are mainly two types of external drives:
- DVD Drives: These are capable of reading and writing CDs and DVDs. They are generally more affordable and compact, making them a good option if I only needed basic functionality.
- Blu-ray Drives: If I wanted to watch high-definition movies or store large amounts of data, a Blu-ray drive became a worthwhile investment. They are slightly more expensive, but the quality and capacity they offer are remarkable.
Key Features to Consider
While shopping for an external disc drive, I realized there were several key features I needed to consider:
- Compatibility: I made sure that the drive was compatible with macOS. Most modern drives are plug-and-play, but it’s always good to double-check.
- Speed: Look for drives that offer fast read and write speeds. I found that drives with USB 3.0 or USB-C connections provided quicker data transfer rates.
- Design and Portability: Since I often travel with my MacBook, I favored a lightweight, compact design that wouldn’t take up much space in my bag.
- Power Source: I preferred a drive that could be powered through USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply, which is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle.
Price Range
During my research, I noticed that prices for external disc drives varied significantly based on brand and features. Basic DVD drives could be found for around $20-$40, while Blu-ray drives typically ranged from $60 to over $100. I weighed my options based on how often I would use the drive and what features were essential for my needs.
Top Recommendations
After considering all these factors, I narrowed down my choices. Here are a couple of drives that stood out to me:
- Apple USB SuperDrive: This is a sleek, compact option that works seamlessly with my MacBook. It’s perfect for reading/writing CDs and DVDs, though it doesn’t support Blu-ray.
- LG Ultra Slim Portable Blu-ray Writer: This drive offers the ability to read and write both DVDs and Blu-rays. It’s slightly bulkier than the Apple drive, but the added functionality is worth it for my media needs.
Final Thoughts
Investing in an external disc drive for my MacBook turned out to be a smart choice. It expanded my options for data storage and media consumption. By understanding my needs, considering the types of drives available, and evaluating the key features, I was able to find a drive that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision too!
Author Profile
-
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
Latest entries
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Stackable Bar Stools with Backs: Comfort and Convenience for My Home!
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Big Key Computer Keyboard: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for Easy Typing!
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Outrageous Ambition Graphic Tee Tiger: Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite!
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Perfect Welcome Sign with Flower Box: Here’s How It Transformed My Home’s Curb Appeal