10 Best External Blu Ray Reader For Mac 2025 in the United States

The Pioneer Electronics USA MAIN-80535 Slim External Blu-Ray Writer (BDR-XU03) is a sleek and lightweight external drive, designed with a stylish magnesium body. This external Blu-ray drive is highly portable, making it easy to carry around with its dimensions of 5.24 x 5.21 x 0.47 inches and a weight of just 8.6 ounces. The drive features a 6x writing speed for Blu-ray Discs (BD), which is a decent speed for a portable device, ensuring efficient performance for most users’ needs like backing up data or watching Blu-ray movies.

The drive is primarily compatible with Windows operating systems, which might be a drawback for Mac users who are the target audience for this category. Users may need additional software or drivers to ensure compatibility with Mac OS, which could be an inconvenient extra step. In terms of connectivity, the drive uses a USB 3.0 interface, ensuring fast data transfer rates and minimal lag during use. This is a significant advantage for users looking to quickly transfer large files or stream content smoothly.

Despite being available since 2013, the device has maintained a solid reputation. The Pioneer BDR-XU03 is a solid choice for those needing a portable and reliable Blu-ray writer but Mac users should verify compatibility before purchase.

The BUFFALO 6X Portable Blu-ray Drive is a solid choice if you need an external Blu-ray player and burner that works smoothly with Mac computers as well as Windows PCs. It supports reading and writing Blu-ray, DVD, and CD discs, with speeds up to 6x for Blu-ray and 8x for DVDs. This means it handles common disc tasks at a decent pace, though not the fastest available. Its USB 3.2 connection, including both Type-A and a Type-C adapter, ensures compatibility with most modern Macs and laptops, making it easy to plug in without hassle. The device is also quite portable—lightweight and slim—so it’s convenient to carry around or use on the go.

One notable bonus is support for M-DISC, a special type of disc that stores data in a way designed to last for up to 1000 years, which is great if you want long-term backups. On the downside, the drive doesn’t offer blazing fast speeds compared to some other models, so if you’re burning large amounts of data frequently, it might feel a bit slow. Also, the included software is tailored mostly for Windows, so Mac users might need to find third-party software for disc burning and playback.

The product is well-built, made in Japan, and comes with a two-year warranty and US-based customer support, which adds peace of mind. For Mac users who want a reliable and portable Blu-ray external drive for occasional reading and writing, this BUFFALO model covers the essentials nicely without being overly complicated or bulky.

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is an external Blu-ray drive that caters well to Mac users with compatibility starting from Mac OS X 10.6 and covering a broad range of Windows operating systems. One of its main strengths is the impressive 16x write speed for Blu-ray discs, which makes it a strong option for those needing to burn large files quickly. The read speeds are sufficient, though not exceptional, with a maximum of 12x for BD-R, ensuring smooth playback and data access.

Connectivity through USB 3.0 is a plus, as it provides faster data transfer compared to older USB versions, which is beneficial for handling large Blu-ray files efficiently. However, at 3.83 pounds and with dimensions of 9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches, it may not be the most portable option available, making it better suited for stationary use rather than on-the-go.

The device supports a wide range of disc formats, from CDs to DVDs and various Blu-ray formats, offering versatility for users who need to access different types of media. However, potential buyers should note that while it's portable in terms of being external and easy to connect or disconnect, its size and weight may not align with those looking for something lightweight. Customer reviews generally suggest satisfaction, with a ranking of 4.4 out of 5 stars, indicating reliability and user contentment. In terms of additional features, the drive doesn't stand out with any unique offerings but covers the basics well enough to be a dependable choice for those prioritizing disc compatibility and speed.