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10 Best Mac Compatible External Dvd Drives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07UHD@6X Slot Loading Portable with a Matte-Black Body USB 3.2 Gen1(3.0) BD/DVD/CD Writer. Firmware 2023 (Version: 1.03 and up). Cyberlink Software Included

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,248
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed
Size and Portability

Most important from
92 reviews

Compatibility
The drive is truly plug and play for Mac, unlike some less expensive alternatives that aren't recognized by Mac OS.
Read/Write Speed
The Pioneer Portable Rewritable Blu-ray Player offers flawless operation, making file burning effortless and quiet, ensuring a peaceful working environment.
Size and Portability
Its compact design allows for easy portability, making it an exceptional choice for on-the-go use.

The Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07UHD offers a robust solution for Mac users looking for a versatile external DVD drive. It excels in compatibility, supporting a wide range of macOS versions right from El Capitan to the latest ones. This ensures it meets the needs of those with various Mac setups. Its connection type is modern, utilizing USB 3.2 Gen 1 and a USB Type-C connector, making it a good fit for both older and newer Mac models that favor Type-C. With a 6x write speed, it is suitable for everyday disc-burning tasks, although not the fastest available. It includes M-DISC support, which is beneficial for long-term data storage, adding to its usefulness as a reliable data preservation tool.

In terms of size and portability, the drive is compact and lightweight at just 9.9 ounces, and it can be mounted vertically, saving desk space, which is a plus for those with limited work areas. The inclusion of a slot loading mechanism is praised for its dustproof capabilities and quiet operation, enhancing its appeal for those who value a tidy workspace and noise control. A matte-black rubber-coated finish gives it a sleek look, although the rubber coating might attract dust over time.

The drive is bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the USB port, which is convenient as it doesn't require an additional power source. However, this might slightly limit performance if used with older USB ports. While the product is well-regarded, with a customer rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, some users might find the need to update firmware occasionally a bit of a hassle.

For those prioritizing durability, the drive's design and the warranty update are reassuring, though it's wise to verify the warranty terms in the provided user manual. The drive's inclusion of Cyberlink software is an added bonus, particularly for users needing software support for media tasks. This product is ideal for Mac users seeking a compact, versatile Blu-ray drive with modern connectivity and reliable performance for everyday use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,248
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed
Size and Portability

Most important from
92 reviews

Compatibility
The drive is truly plug and play for Mac, unlike some less expensive alternatives that aren't recognized by Mac OS.
Read/Write Speed
The Pioneer Portable Rewritable Blu-ray Player offers flawless operation, making file burning effortless and quiet, ensuring a peaceful working environment.
Size and Portability
Its compact design allows for easy portability, making it an exceptional choice for on-the-go use.
#2

Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07S Silver Color to Match Your Computer.6X Slot Loading Portable USB 3.2 Gen1(3.0) (No Application Software Included) No UHD and UHD disc Supported

Rating
10.0
Connection Type
Read/Write Speed
Portability

Most important from
156 reviews

Connection Type
The included cable connector is slightly different but convenient, and it doesn't require an additional power hookup.
Read/Write Speed
The quality of performance is great, especially for high-resolution recording, though it records slowly.
Portability
The burner is elegant, slim, and doesn't take up much space.
Additional Features
Disks are inserted into a slot rather than opening the top, which is a nice design change.

The Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07S is a portable and stylish device, designed to cater to Mac users needing an external DVD drive. Its sleek silver finish complements modern computers, making it an attractive addition. With a write speed of 6x and support for various formats including BD, DVD, and M-DISC, it offers solid performance for most standard tasks. The USB Type-C connection allows for compatibility with newer Mac models, while the included USB Type-C cable adds convenience right out of the box.

One of the notable strengths is its support for M-DISC, allowing users to store data long-term. This feature could be especially appealing for those who prioritize data preservation. However, the drive does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, which might be a limitation for users seeking high-definition capabilities.

In terms of portability, the drive is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. While the drive is compatible with a wide range of macOS versions, it lacks bundled software, meaning users need to source their own applications for specific tasks. Additionally, its operation may produce louder sounds if lower-quality discs are used, which could be a concern in quiet environments.

Rating
10.0
Connection Type
Read/Write Speed
Portability

Most important from
156 reviews

Connection Type
The included cable connector is slightly different but convenient, and it doesn't require an additional power hookup.
Read/Write Speed
The quality of performance is great, especially for high-resolution recording, though it records slowly.
Portability
The burner is elegant, slim, and doesn't take up much space.
Additional Features
Disks are inserted into a slot rather than opening the top, which is a nice design change.
#3

BUFFALO 6X Portable Blu-ray Drive, TAA-Compliant, Read/Write, Plays and Burns BD/DVD/CD, USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-A/Type-C, Compatible with Mac/PC/Win 8 / Win 10 / Win 11 / Laptop/Desktop

Rating
9.9
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
45 reviews

Compatibility
Works right out of the box with no setup required, just plug and play.
Read/Write Speed
Fast, quiet, and full-featured, making it a great choice.

The BUFFALO 6X Portable Blu-ray Drive is a versatile external drive compatible with both Mac and Windows computers. It connects via USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-A and includes a Type-C adapter, offering flexible connectivity options. The drive supports Blu-ray, DVD, and CD formats, with read/write speeds of 6x for Blu-ray and 8x for DVDs, making it suitable for various media tasks.

Its compact size (5.8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches) and lightweight design (15.2 ounces) make it highly portable, ideal for users who need an external drive on the go. The drive is powered through the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power source, which adds to its convenience. Made in Japan, the drive promises durability and quality, further supported by its TAA compliance and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

However, it's worth noting that the CyberLink Media Suite for playback and burning is specifically for PC users, which might limit some functionalities for Mac users. Additionally, the price point might be higher due to its Blu-ray capabilities and build quality. This drive also supports M-DISC for long-lasting recordings, which is a significant advantage for those needing reliable data storage. This drive is a strong choice for users looking for a portable, high-quality external Blu-ray drive compatible with both Mac and Windows.

Rating
9.9
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
45 reviews

Compatibility
Works right out of the box with no setup required, just plug and play.
Read/Write Speed
Fast, quiet, and full-featured, making it a great choice.

Buying Guide for the Best Mac Compatible External Dvd Drives

Choosing the right external DVD drive for your Mac can enhance your ability to read and write DVDs, which is useful for various tasks such as watching movies, backing up data, or installing software. When selecting an external DVD drive, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure compatibility and performance that meets your needs.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the external DVD drive can work with your Mac's operating system and hardware. This is crucial because not all drives are designed to work seamlessly with macOS. Look for drives that explicitly state they are compatible with Mac. This ensures that you won't face issues with drivers or software conflicts. If you have a newer Mac model, make sure the drive supports the latest macOS version.
Connection TypeConnection type refers to how the external DVD drive connects to your Mac. Common connection types include USB-A, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. USB-A is widely used but may require an adapter for newer Macs that only have USB-C ports. USB-C and Thunderbolt offer faster data transfer speeds and are more future-proof. Choose a connection type that matches your Mac's available ports and consider the convenience of not needing additional adapters.
Read/Write SpeedRead/write speed indicates how quickly the drive can read data from or write data to a DVD. This is important for efficiency, especially if you plan to burn large amounts of data or watch high-definition movies. Speeds are usually measured in multiples of 'x' (e.g., 8x, 16x). Higher speeds mean faster performance. If you need the drive for occasional use, a lower speed may suffice, but for frequent or heavy use, opt for higher speeds.
Size and PortabilitySize and portability refer to the physical dimensions and weight of the external DVD drive. If you plan to use the drive at home, a larger, less portable model might be acceptable. However, if you need to carry it with you, a compact and lightweight drive is preferable. Consider how often you'll need to transport the drive and choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Power SourcePower source indicates whether the external DVD drive requires an external power supply or can be powered directly through the USB connection. Drives that are USB-powered are more convenient and portable, as they don't require an additional power adapter. If you prefer a clutter-free setup or need to use the drive on the go, opt for a USB-powered model.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the external DVD drive can withstand wear and tear over time. This is important for ensuring long-term reliability, especially if you plan to use the drive frequently or transport it often. Look for drives with sturdy construction and positive reviews regarding their longevity. If you need a drive for occasional use, durability may be less of a concern, but for regular use, invest in a more robust model.

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