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

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#1

Winner

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C, Portable CD DVD ROM +/-RW Optical Disc Drive Player Reader Writer Burner for Apple Mac MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,252
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speeds

Most important from
9164 reviews

Compatibility
Compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, broadening its usability.
Connection Type
Plug-and-play functionality makes it incredibly simple to use—just connect it to a USB-C or USB 3.0 port and it's instantly recognized.
Read and Write Speeds
Handles both reading and writing tasks smoothly, though it can be a bit noisy during the burning process.
Portability
Lightweight and portable design, with a cable that neatly fits into a cutout for easy storage and transport.
Power Source
No need for a separate power cable, as both data and power are drawn from a single USB connection.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,252
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speeds

Most important from
9164 reviews

Compatibility
Compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, broadening its usability.
Connection Type
Plug-and-play functionality makes it incredibly simple to use—just connect it to a USB-C or USB 3.0 port and it's instantly recognized.
Read and Write Speeds
Handles both reading and writing tasks smoothly, though it can be a bit noisy during the burning process.
Portability
Lightweight and portable design, with a cable that neatly fits into a cutout for easy storage and transport.
Power Source
No need for a separate power cable, as both data and power are drawn from a single USB connection.
#2

Kadlun External DVD CD Drive External USB 3.0 USB C External CD Drive for Laptop Desktop PC MacBook iMac, DVD +/-RW Burner Optical Drive External DVD Drive for Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Linux/Vista/MacOS

Rating
10.0
Compatibility
Read and Write Speeds
Portability

Most important from
395 reviews

Compatibility
Recognizes and runs smoothly on Linux, with a quiet operation and compact design.
Read and Write Speeds
Works great with MacBook Pro for transferring home videos, offering good speed and ease of use.
Portability
Ideal for accessing old CDs and DVDs without the added weight of an internal 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.

Rating
10.0
Compatibility
Read and Write Speeds
Portability

Most important from
395 reviews

Compatibility
Recognizes and runs smoothly on Linux, with a quiet operation and compact design.
Read and Write Speeds
Works great with MacBook Pro for transferring home videos, offering good speed and ease of use.
Portability
Ideal for accessing old CDs and DVDs without the added weight of an internal drive.
#3

tengertang Type-C Super External Drive,USB Portable External DVD/CD Drive Burner/Reader/Rewriter for The Latest MacBook/MacBook Pro/ASUS/DELL Latitude with USB-C Port (Silver.)

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Durability

Most important from
35 reviews

Compatibility
I love that it is compatible with my Mac and allows me to watch DVDs easily.
Durability
The drive needs to be on a flat surface to avoid skipping back to the beginning.

The tengertang Type-C Super External Drive offers a versatile solution for MacBook Pro users seeking an external DVD/CD drive. Its wide compatibility includes various versions of Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, giving it broad applicability across different systems. The inclusion of a USB Type C to USB converter ensures smooth operation with both the latest MacBook Pros and older models or other USB-compatible laptops. This drive benefits from a plug-and-play feature, simplifying setup without the need for additional software or a power adapter, making it user-friendly even for those not tech-savvy.

It boasts high-speed intelligent combustion technology, strong error-correcting capabilities, and noise reduction technology, which are significant advantages for a smooth and efficient user experience. The drive's portability is evident from its compact dimensions and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. However, there are some limitations. The drive is not compatible with iPads or Android tablets due to power constraints, which might limit its use for some users. Additionally, it supports a limited range of operating systems, excluding versions post-OS X Yosemite.

The read and write speeds (8x, 24x, 4x) are decent but may not be the fastest on the market. Durability-wise, the drive's build quality isn’t extensively highlighted, so long-term reliability remains uncertain. This product is well-suited for MacBook Pro users who need a portable and easy-to-use external drive for occasional media handling.

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Durability

Most important from
35 reviews

Compatibility
I love that it is compatible with my Mac and allows me to watch DVDs easily.
Durability
The drive needs to be on a flat surface to avoid skipping back to the beginning.

Buying Guide for the Best External Dvd Drives For Macbook Pros

When choosing an external DVD drive for your MacBook Pro, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. External DVD drives can be used for various purposes such as watching movies, installing software, or backing up data. Understanding the different specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your requirements.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the external DVD drive can work with your MacBook Pro. This is crucial because not all drives are compatible with all operating systems. Look for drives that explicitly state they are compatible with macOS. This ensures that the drive will work seamlessly with your MacBook Pro without requiring additional drivers or software.
Connection TypeThe connection type determines how the external DVD drive connects to your MacBook Pro. The most common types are USB-A and USB-C. USB-C is the preferred option for newer MacBook Pros as it offers faster data transfer speeds and is more future-proof. If your MacBook Pro only has USB-C ports, you may need an adapter for USB-A drives. Choose a drive with a connection type that matches your MacBook Pro's ports to avoid compatibility issues.
Read and Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly the drive can read data from or write data to a disc. These speeds are measured in multiples of the base speed (e.g., 8x, 16x). Higher speeds mean faster performance, which is important if you plan to burn a lot of discs or transfer large amounts of data. For casual use, such as watching movies or occasional backups, standard speeds (8x) are sufficient. For more intensive tasks, look for higher speeds (16x or more).
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the external DVD drive. If you plan to carry the drive with you frequently, a compact and lightweight model is ideal. Portability is less of a concern if the drive will remain stationary on your desk. Consider your lifestyle and how often you will need to transport the drive when making your decision.
Power SourceExternal DVD drives can be powered either through the USB connection (bus-powered) or via an external power adapter. Bus-powered drives are more convenient as they don't require an additional power source, making them more portable. However, they may have lower performance compared to externally powered drives. If you need a drive for high-performance tasks, an externally powered model might be a better choice. For general use and portability, a bus-powered drive is usually sufficient.
Supported FormatsSupported formats refer to the types of discs the external DVD drive can read and write. Common formats include CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. Ensure the drive supports the formats you need. For example, if you want to watch Blu-ray movies, make sure the drive can read Blu-ray discs. If you only need to read and write standard DVDs and CDs, a drive that supports these formats will be adequate. Consider your specific needs and choose a drive that supports the necessary formats.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the external DVD drive can withstand wear and tear. A durable drive is important if you plan to use it frequently or transport it often. Look for drives made with high-quality materials and good build quality. Reading user reviews can also provide insights into the durability of a particular model. If you need a drive for occasional use, durability may be less of a concern, but it's still worth considering.

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