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10 Best Optical Drive For Mac 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Pioneer Electronics BDR-XS07UHD 6x Slot Loading CD DVD BluRay Portable USB 3.1 BD/DVD/CD Burner Supports Blu-Ray, BDXL, and M-Disc Format, Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,210
Compatibility
Type of Discs Supported
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
218 reviews

Compatibility
Works perfectly with both iMac and PC for backing up physical DVDs.
Type of Discs Supported
Perfect solution for ripping 4K movies without needing to flash the drive's firmware.
Read/Write Speed
Fast and quiet performance, ideal for ripping 4K movies to NAS storage.
Portability
Tiny and space-saving design thanks to the slot loading mechanism.

The Pioneer Electronics BDR-XS07UHD is a versatile and portable optical drive compatible with various Mac operating systems including macOS Sierra, Mojave, and High Sierra. It supports multiple disc formats, such as Blu-ray, BDXL, DVDs, and CDs, making it a suitable option for users needing to read and write diverse types of media. The drive boasts a 6x writing speed on BD-R and BD-R DL media, which provides efficient performance for creating Blu-ray discs.

One notable feature is its USB 3.1 interface, ensuring fast data transfer rates and ease of connection to modern devices. Additionally, its dustproof design enhances durability and longevity, which is particularly beneficial for users frequently on the go. However, users should note the potential compatibility issues with macOS Catalina, which may require additional steps or drivers for proper functioning. Weighing only 8.8 ounces and with compact dimensions, this drive is highly portable and easy to carry.

This product is a solid choice for Mac users looking for a reliable and portable optical drive with broad compatibility and robust performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,210
Compatibility
Type of Discs Supported
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
218 reviews

Compatibility
Works perfectly with both iMac and PC for backing up physical DVDs.
Type of Discs Supported
Perfect solution for ripping 4K movies without needing to flash the drive's firmware.
Read/Write Speed
Fast and quiet performance, ideal for ripping 4K movies to NAS storage.
Portability
Tiny and space-saving design thanks to the slot loading mechanism.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
2186 reviews

Compatibility
For Mac users, the drive is truly plug and play, capable of burning and rewriting Blu-ray discs without additional software, although third-party software is needed for Blu-ray movie playback.
Read/Write Speed
The ASUS drive significantly outperformed a comparable LG model, reducing CD ripping time by a third, showcasing its impressive speed.
Additional Features
The electronic opening feature and ease of use make the ASUS drive a fantastic option for anyone looking to rip CDs or DVDs efficiently.

The ASUS BW-16D1X-U is a robust external Blu-ray drive that offers impressive 16x writing speed. It's well-suited for users who prioritize fast data writing and storage, boasting BDXL support that can handle up to 128 GB. This makes it particularly appealing for those needing to store large media files or backups. Its compatibility with both Mac and PC through a USB 3.0 connection ensures versatility, fitting seamlessly into various setups, whether you're on a Windows or Mac system.

The design is both functional and stylish, with a diamond-shaped exterior that adds a touch of elegance. However, it's important to note that the device is relatively bulky, measuring 9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches, and weighs 2.6 pounds, which could affect portability if you're looking for a more travel-friendly option. One standout feature is the included CyberLink Power2Go 8 software, which enhances the disc-burning process with optional encryption, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive data.

Despite its high performance, it does require a dedicated power source, potentially limiting its use in mobile situations. Additionally, while it offers modern connectivity through USB 3.0, users seeking extensive compatibility with USB-C only systems might need an adapter. Given its strong performance ratings and being a top seller in its category, this drive is a solid choice for users who value speed, capacity, and a dual operating system environment, but may not be ideal for those who prioritize compactness and mobility.

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed
Additional Features

Most important from
2186 reviews

Compatibility
For Mac users, the drive is truly plug and play, capable of burning and rewriting Blu-ray discs without additional software, although third-party software is needed for Blu-ray movie playback.
Read/Write Speed
The ASUS drive significantly outperformed a comparable LG model, reducing CD ripping time by a third, showcasing its impressive speed.
Additional Features
The electronic opening feature and ease of use make the ASUS drive a fantastic option for anyone looking to rip CDs or DVDs efficiently.
#3

BUFFALO MediaStation Desktop 16x External Blu-ray Writer for PC with USB 3.0. TAA Compliant. Plays and Burns Blu-Rays, DVDs, and CDs.

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Type of Discs Supported
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
420 reviews

Compatibility
Handles all disc formats without errors, even with rough or scratched discs.
Type of Discs Supported
Handles all disc formats without errors, even with rough or scratched discs.
Read/Write Speed
Writes discs quickly and efficiently, completing a 20GB disc in under 30 minutes.
Additional Features
Upgrading the included CyberLink software saves money compared to buying a new retail license.

The BUFFALO MediaStation Desktop 16x External Blu-ray Writer offers solid compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, making it versatile for users of different operating systems. It supports a wide range of discs, including Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, and can write Blu-ray discs up to 128 GB, which is great for high-capacity burning needs. The device connects via a high-speed USB 3.0 interface, ensuring quick data transfer and efficient performance. It also boasts impressive read and write speeds, with 12x read and 16x write for Blu-rays, and 16x read/write for DVDs, making it a reliable choice for various optical media tasks.

An additional benefit includes US-based support and a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, providing peace of mind for users. The quality build is confirmed by its Japanese origin and TAA compliance, underscoring its reliability and adherence to standards. The product's dimensions (1.97 x 6.3 x 8.66 inches) and weight (2.65 pounds) may impact its portability, making it less convenient for users seeking a more compact and lightweight external optical drive. Additionally, while it is primarily designed for PC use, Mac users may need to ensure compatibility with their specific operating systems and software.

The inclusion of CyberLink Media Suite offers enhanced media playback and burning capabilities but may require some learning for users unfamiliar with such software. This product is best suited for those needing a dependable, high-capacity optical drive with robust performance features for both professional and personal use.

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Type of Discs Supported
Read/Write Speed

Most important from
420 reviews

Compatibility
Handles all disc formats without errors, even with rough or scratched discs.
Type of Discs Supported
Handles all disc formats without errors, even with rough or scratched discs.
Read/Write Speed
Writes discs quickly and efficiently, completing a 20GB disc in under 30 minutes.
Additional Features
Upgrading the included CyberLink software saves money compared to buying a new retail license.

Buying Guide for the Best Optical Drive For Mac

Choosing the right optical drive for your Mac involves understanding your needs and the specifications of the available drives. Optical drives are used to read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, which can be useful for various purposes such as installing software, watching movies, or backing up data. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an optical drive for your Mac.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the optical drive will work with your Mac. This is crucial because not all drives are compatible with all Mac models. Check if the drive supports macOS and if it connects via USB, Thunderbolt, or another interface that your Mac has. Ensuring compatibility will save you from the hassle of returns and non-functional devices.
Type of Discs SupportedOptical drives can support different types of discs, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. This specification is important because it determines what kind of media you can use with the drive. If you only need to read and write CDs and DVDs, a standard drive will suffice. However, if you want to watch high-definition Blu-ray movies or back up large amounts of data, you will need a drive that supports Blu-ray discs.
Read/Write SpeedRead/write speed indicates how quickly the drive can read data from or write data to a disc. This is important for efficiency, especially if you frequently burn discs or transfer large files. Speeds are usually measured in multiples of the base speed (e.g., 8x, 16x). Higher speeds mean faster performance. If you need to perform tasks quickly, opt for a drive with higher read/write speeds.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the optical drive around. If you plan to use the drive with multiple devices or need to take it with you on the go, a lightweight and compact design is essential. Portable drives are typically smaller and may not require an external power source, making them convenient for travel and use in different locations.
Additional FeaturesSome optical drives come with additional features such as built-in software for disc burning, encryption capabilities, or the ability to play 3D Blu-ray discs. These features can enhance the functionality of the drive and provide added convenience. Consider what extra features might be useful for your specific needs and choose a drive that offers them.

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