10 Best Optical Drive For Mac 2026 in the United States

The Asus SDRW-08U9M-U ZenDrive U9M is a slim and lightweight external optical drive that works well with Mac computers, as well as Windows PCs. It supports reading and writing CDs and DVDs, making it handy for tasks like playing discs, burning music, or backing up files. With a reading speed of up to 8X for DVDs and 24X for CDs, plus a writing speed up to 10X, it offers decent performance for everyday use. The drive connects via USB, so it’s easy to plug in without needing extra power adapters, which adds to its portability. Its aluminum body not only looks sleek but also helps protect it during travel.

An added convenience is that it can be used flat on a desk, which some users find easier. The package also includes useful software for copying and backing up data. On the downside, while it covers basic disc needs well, it doesn’t support Blu-ray discs, so if you need that, this won’t fit. Also, the data transfer rate is average, which means it’s not the fastest option if you’re burning large amounts of data frequently.

For home or office users who want a reliable, portable optical drive to use with their Mac, this model represents a solid choice.

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is a solid external Blu-ray drive that works well with both Mac and Windows computers, making it a versatile choice for Mac users needing an optical drive. It supports a wide range of discs including Blu-ray, DVD, and CD, and can write at a fast 16x speed, which means burning discs is quicker than many other drives. A standout feature is its support for BDXL discs, allowing you to back up large amounts of data—up to 128 GB on a single disc—perfect if you need to archive or store big files. It also supports M-DISC, a special type of disc designed for long-term data preservation, which is great for important backups.

The drive connects easily via USB 3.0, ensuring fast data transfer and compatibility with macOS 10.6 or later without hassle. In terms of design, it's a bit larger and heavier than some ultra-portable drives, weighing 2 pounds and measuring 9.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches, so it’s better suited for desk use rather than frequent travel. It includes useful extras like CyberLink Power2Go software for disc burning and encryption, adding privacy protection for sensitive files; however, the bundled software is Windows-oriented, so Mac users might need alternative software for some features.

Customer feedback is strong, praising its speed and reliability, though the price might be higher than simpler DVD drives. If you want a fast, reliable Blu-ray drive for your Mac that can handle large and archival discs, this ASUS model is a capable option, especially if portability is not your primary concern.

The ROOFULL Pro External CD/DVD Drive is a versatile all-in-one optical drive that fits well for Mac users needing an external disc solution, especially those with laptops lacking built-in drives. It reads and writes most common disc types including CD±R/RW and DVD±R/RW at solid speeds (up to 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs), which is good for everyday tasks like playing media, burning discs, or backing up data. Its USB 3.0 connection ensures fast data transfers and it comes with both USB-A and USB-C cables for compatibility with newer and older Macs without extra adapters.

What sets this drive apart is its 9-in-1 design: beyond just a CD/DVD drive, it adds an Ethernet adapter, USB hub with multiple ports, and SD/TF card readers, making it particularly handy if you need extra connectivity for accessories or network access. The drive is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for work, school, or travel.

One downside is that macOS imposes some quirks, like needing to eject discs via software controls rather than a physical tray button after use. Also, although it’s plug-and-play, you’ll still need your own software to play or burn discs. It’s not compatible with Blu-ray or gaming consoles, so it’s strictly for standard CDs and DVDs. Some users might find the hidden USB cable design less convenient. This device is a practical, reasonably priced choice with solid performance and useful features, especially if you want more than a simple external drive and need extra ports and network options alongside broad Mac compatibility.