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

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is a strong choice if you need an external Blu-ray drive for your MacBook Pro. It connects via USB 3.0, ensuring fast data transfer and broad compatibility with both Mac (OS X 10.6 or newer) and Windows systems. Its standout feature is the 16x writing speed for Blu-ray discs, which supports large BDXL discs up to 128 GB—a plus if you want to store huge files or backups. The drive also supports M-DISC technology, allowing for long-lasting data storage, which is great for important files.

On the design side, it has a sleek, diamond-shaped look, making it stylish to carry around. It’s bus-powered through the USB cable, so you don’t need an extra power adapter, adding to its portability. The included CyberLink Power2Go software offers helpful disc burning and optional encryption to keep your files private. However, it’s primarily aimed at Blu-ray media rather than just DVDs, so if you only need basic DVD reading or writing, this might be more than you require.

Although compatible with macOS, some users may find occasional software setup a bit tricky since it’s better supported on Windows. Durability-wise, ASUS typically makes reliable products, but it’s a slim external drive, so gentle handling is advised. This drive is well suited for MacBook Pro users who want fast, versatile Blu-ray writing and playback on the go, but casual DVD users might find it more powerful than necessary.

The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive is a practical choice for MacBook Pro users needing a reliable way to read and write CDs and DVDs since many newer laptops lack built-in drives. It supports both USB 3.0 Type-A and USB-C connections, making it easy to plug in without extra adapters. The drive offers fast reading and writing speeds (up to 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs), ensuring smooth playback and burning of discs. It works well with macOS (10.16 and later), Windows, and Linux, so it's versatile across different computers.

One handy feature is the integrated USB hub with four additional ports plus SD and micro-SD card readers, which lets you connect other devices and easily transfer photos from cameras—a nice bonus for expanding your laptop’s connectivity. The slim, lightweight design and included carrying case make it very portable, perfect for working on the go or at home. Power is usually supplied through the USB cable, but if your laptop doesn’t provide enough power, the included separate power cord can be plugged into a USB adapter or power bank.

This drive won’t work with Blu-ray discs or newer media like 4K discs, and it’s not compatible with Chromebooks, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, or smart TVs. Mac users should note that ejecting discs requires using the system menu instead of a physical button due to macOS limitations. Also, while it’s plug-and-play, third-party software is needed to play or burn discs. Built for quiet and stable operation, the drive includes error correction and shock resistance for reliable use. The included 2-year warranty adds extra peace of mind. It is a strong option for those seeking a multi-purpose, portable external DVD drive that supports a wide range of discs and adds extra USB ports, especially suited for MacBook Pro users who need a convenient disc solution.

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.