10 Best External Dvd Drives For Macbook Pros 2025 in the United States

The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive is designed for users who need an external optical drive solution for their MacBook Pro, among other devices. Its plug-and-play functionality makes it a convenient choice, requiring no manual driver installation and supporting quick recognition by the computer. It offers versatile features beyond just reading discs; it can also write, burn, and rip CDs and DVDs, which broadens its utility for various tasks like installing software and playing media files.

Compatibility is strong, supporting a range of operating systems including macOS, Windows, and Linux, though it does not support Chromebooks, phones, tablets, game consoles, or certain disc formats like Blu-ray and 4K discs. This may limit its use for some users with these devices. The drive connects via USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C, offering high-speed data transfer rates up to 5Gbps, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0.

For situations where additional power is required, an extra power supply cord is included, though it should not be used independently. The device is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around, and its durable design ensures protection from water, dust, and drops. Users should be aware of certain limitations, such as the inability to open the tray via a button on macOS after usage. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive stands out for its reliable performance, ease of use, and extensive compatibility, making it a solid choice for users needing a portable and versatile external optical drive.

The Kadlun External DVD CD Drive is a versatile and portable option for MacBook Pro users who need an external drive for reading and writing CDs and DVDs. It offers broad compatibility, working seamlessly with Windows, Linux, and all versions of Mac OS, though it's important to note that it does not support Chromebooks, Android devices, TVs, iPads, iPhones, projectors, vehicles, or Blu-ray discs. This makes it suitable for most laptops and desktop PCs, including MacBook Pros.

The drive features a combined USB 3.0 and USB-C data cable, allowing for faster data transfer speeds up to 5 Gigabits/s, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0. The inclusion of both connectors eliminates the need for an adapter, making it convenient for users with different types of ports on their devices. In addition to reading discs, it can burn and rip CDs and DVDs, supporting various formats such as CD±R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD disks. However, the eject button is disabled when used with macOS, requiring users to eject discs through the desktop interface.

The drive is lightweight and compact, with dimensions of 6 x 6 x 0.98 inches and weighing just 11.3 ounces, making it easy to carry around in a laptop bag. It is also praised for its reliable performance, strong error-correcting capabilities, and quiet operation. The Kadlun drive is an excellent choice for people who need a portable and efficient external DVD/CD drive, particularly for MacBook Pro users. However, those needing Blu-ray support or compatibility with non-PC devices will need to look elsewhere.

The Unitek External CD DVD Drive is a versatile option for MacBook Pro users needing an external optical drive. It supports both USB-C and USB-A connections, which is helpful since MacBook Pros typically use USB-C ports. This drive offers decent read and write speeds—up to 8x for DVDs and 24x for CDs—making it suitable for everyday tasks like watching movies or backing up data on discs. It supports a wide range of disc types including CD±R/RW and DVD±R/RW, ensuring compatibility with most media formats you might encounter.

One standout feature is its 5-in-1 design, combining a DVD drive with USB ports and an SD card reader. This can reduce cable clutter and add useful connectivity options, especially for users who want to easily transfer files from cameras or other devices. The drive is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry with your laptop. In terms of power, it uses USB ports both for data and power, and it includes a separate power cable to keep performance stable even when multiple ports are in use. This is a practical addition, although it means carrying an extra cable if your laptop USB power is limited.

On the downside, it doesn’t support Chromebooks, which isn't a concern for MacBook Pro users but limits cross-device flexibility. Some users may find that playing certain DVD file formats, like VOB, requires extra software since Windows Media Player isn’t compatible—Mac users should generally be fine with built-in apps. The build quality is typical for portable drives—good for everyday use but not rugged enough for heavy wear and tear. This Unitek drive delivers a solid balance of compatibility, speed, portability, and extras that make it a practical external DVD solution for MacBook Pro owners, especially those who value additional USB and card-reading ports in a single compact device.