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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive with 16x Writing Speed and USB 3.0 for Both Mac/PC Optical Drive BW-16D1X-U

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,260
Compatibility
Read and Write Speeds
Portability

Most important from
2261 reviews

Compatibility
Setup is straightforward on Windows, requiring no special software downloads to get started quickly.
Read and Write Speeds
The drive excels at archiving large video files onto Blu-ray discs, delivering reliable performance with quiet operation and no overheating during long burns.
Portability
Though bus-powered convenience is mentioned in the brief, some users note this model uses an AC adapter, which impacts portability.
Power Source
Though bus-powered convenience is mentioned in the brief, some users note this model uses an AC adapter, which impacts portability.
Durability
The drive’s thin plastic tray door can rattle and the mechanism may become noisy over extended use, suggesting delicate handling is advisable.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,260
Compatibility
Read and Write Speeds
Portability

Most important from
2261 reviews

Compatibility
Setup is straightforward on Windows, requiring no special software downloads to get started quickly.
Read and Write Speeds
The drive excels at archiving large video files onto Blu-ray discs, delivering reliable performance with quiet operation and no overheating during long burns.
Portability
Though bus-powered convenience is mentioned in the brief, some users note this model uses an AC adapter, which impacts portability.
Power Source
Though bus-powered convenience is mentioned in the brief, some users note this model uses an AC adapter, which impacts portability.
Durability
The drive’s thin plastic tray door can rattle and the mechanism may become noisy over extended use, suggesting delicate handling is advisable.
#2

LG Electronics BP60NB10 Ultra Slim Portable Hybrid Drive UHD 4K/Blu-ray/DVD+/-RW Drive, USB 3.0 Compatible, PC Windows, Linux, Mac OS, with M-DISC support, Noise Reduction, Black

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speeds

Most important from
769 reviews

Compatibility
While it supports Blu-ray and DVD reading and writing out of the box on macOS, playing 4K UHD Blu-ray discs requires third-party software that is still evolving.
Connection Type
The device runs well on a single USB connection in many cases, but a second USB plug is available for extra power if needed, ensuring stable operation without an external power source.
Read and Write Speeds
The drive delivers reliable performance with smooth playback and reasonable ripping speeds, making it ideal for backing up and streaming high-quality media.
Portability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, though the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and can cause the drive to move during operation.
Power Source
The device runs well on a single USB connection in many cases, but a second USB plug is available for extra power if needed, ensuring stable operation without an external power source.
Supported Formats
The tray-loading mechanism supports a wide variety of disc types, including small or irregularly shaped discs, adding to its versatility.
Durability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, though the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and can cause the drive to move during operation.

The LG BP60NB10 is a slim and portable external Blu-ray/DVD drive that works well with MacBook Pros, thanks to its USB connection and broad OS compatibility including macOS. It's especially good if you want to play or burn Blu-ray discs in addition to DVDs and CDs, with added support for M-DISC, which helps preserve data longer. The drive’s noise reduction technology makes movie watching quieter, and it can smooth playback of slightly damaged discs, which is a nice touch.

However, it uses USB 2.0 rather than the faster USB 3.0 standard, so data transfer and disc burning might feel slower compared to newer drives. Its write speed maxes out at 6x, which is adequate but not very fast for large data tasks. The device is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around with your MacBook Pro without needing an external power source, as it draws power via USB. It also supports a wide range of disc formats, including DVD-RAM, which adds versatility.

While the use of older USB technology can limit performance and some users might still notice disc spin noise in very quiet environments, this drive represents a solid and portable option for Blu-ray and DVD use with your MacBook Pro. Those prioritizing speed, however, may want to consider faster alternatives.

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speeds

Most important from
769 reviews

Compatibility
While it supports Blu-ray and DVD reading and writing out of the box on macOS, playing 4K UHD Blu-ray discs requires third-party software that is still evolving.
Connection Type
The device runs well on a single USB connection in many cases, but a second USB plug is available for extra power if needed, ensuring stable operation without an external power source.
Read and Write Speeds
The drive delivers reliable performance with smooth playback and reasonable ripping speeds, making it ideal for backing up and streaming high-quality media.
Portability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, though the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and can cause the drive to move during operation.
Power Source
The device runs well on a single USB connection in many cases, but a second USB plug is available for extra power if needed, ensuring stable operation without an external power source.
Supported Formats
The tray-loading mechanism supports a wide variety of disc types, including small or irregularly shaped discs, adding to its versatility.
Durability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, though the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy and can cause the drive to move during operation.
#3

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive Player Burner USB 3.0 & USB-C Portable CD/DVD-ROM +/-RW Optical Disk Drive with 4 USB Ports + 2 SD/TF Card Reader + Carrying Case for Laptop PC Windows Mac Linux Computer

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speeds

Most important from
20972 reviews

Compatibility
Offers seamless syncing with Mac and works well once properly set up, enhancing MacBook Pro connectivity.
Connection Type
The permanently attached USB cable can be inconvenient due to its short length, but it prevents loss.
Read and Write Speeds
Reading speeds are solid but not the fastest; it typically maxes out around 12x, which is slower than some competitors.
Portability
The included carrying case is both attractive and practical for on-the-go use.
Durability
Quiet and well-constructed design ensures stable operation without distracting noise.

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.

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speeds

Most important from
20972 reviews

Compatibility
Offers seamless syncing with Mac and works well once properly set up, enhancing MacBook Pro connectivity.
Connection Type
The permanently attached USB cable can be inconvenient due to its short length, but it prevents loss.
Read and Write Speeds
Reading speeds are solid but not the fastest; it typically maxes out around 12x, which is slower than some competitors.
Portability
The included carrying case is both attractive and practical for on-the-go use.
Durability
Quiet and well-constructed design ensures stable operation without distracting noise.

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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