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10 Best External Cd Player For Mac 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

The ASUS Powerful Blu-ray Drive BW-16D1X-U is a solid choice for Mac users looking for an external CD player. Its primary strength lies in its impressive 16x writing speed, making it one of the faster options available. This drive also supports BDXL, allowing for storage capacities of up to 128 GB, which can be particularly beneficial for users who need to store large files or backups. The USB 3.0 connection ensures compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems, offering versatility for different users.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,183
Compatibility
Read and Write Speed
Supported Formats

Most important from
2210 reviews

Compatibility
Compatible with Mac OS for burning files, ripping CDs, and watching DVDs, although additional software is needed for Blu-ray movie playback.
Read and Write Speed
The ASUS drive outperformed an LG model in speed tests, significantly reducing the time taken to rip CDs and DVDs.
Supported Formats
The drive handles various Blu-ray media types, including 100GB M-Discs and 25GB rewritable discs, without errors.
Build Quality
The drive performed flawlessly for archiving large family video projects, with a straightforward setup and solid build quality.
#2
10.0 score

Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XD08B USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB Type-C) / 2.0 Slim Portable BD/DVD/CD Writer Black

The Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XD08B serves as a versatile and user-friendly option for Mac users needing an external CD/DVD/Blu-ray player. It boasts extensive compatibility with a wide range of macOS versions, ensuring that it can work seamlessly with most Mac systems. The drive connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1 and includes a Type-C conversion cable, making it easy to connect to newer Mac models that primarily use USB-C. This connection type offers faster data transfer rates, enhancing performance when reading or writing discs.

Rating
10.0
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speed

Most important from
273 reviews

Compatibility
Couldn't be simpler to use; just plug into an open USB port, and you're ready to watch regular DVD or Blu-ray movies and shows.
Connection Type
Couldn't be simpler to use; just plug into an open USB port, and you're ready to watch regular DVD or Blu-ray movies and shows.
Read and Write Speed
It's quick to recognize whatever disk is inserted, allowing movies and shows to play without any lag or playback issues.
Supported Formats
Couldn't be simpler to use; just plug into an open USB port, and you're ready to watch regular DVD or Blu-ray movies and shows.
Portability
Lightweight and very portable, making it great for mobile use with a laptop.
Build Quality
The unit functioned flawlessly right out of the box. The drive is functional, sleek, durable, and better, stronger, faster than previous drives.
#3
9.9 score

ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux PC

The ROOFULL External CD/DVD Drive is a versatile and user-friendly solution for those needing an external optical drive, especially given the absence of built-in drives in many modern laptops and desktops. It supports both USB 3.0 and USB-C connections, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Rating
9.9
Compatibility
Connection Type
Read and Write Speed

Most important from
23239 reviews

Compatibility
This external DVD/CD Drive is just what you need if you need to install software on a Laptop or Desktop Computer that does not have a DVD/CD Drive.
Connection Type
The plug-and-play setup, coupled with a few simple keyboard clicks, made it incredibly easy to use.
Read and Write Speed
I have already burned and watched DVDs on it. Love love love!
Portability
Small and lightweight, yet still strong and durable. The case comes with inside padding, ensuring its protection.
Build Quality
The cord length is good and the price was reasonable for such a sturdy and well-made product.

Top 10 Best External Cd Player For Mac 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.6+, Windows
Connection Type: USB 3.0
Read and Write Speed: 16x
Supported Formats: BDXL
Portability: 9.5x2.5x6.5 inches, 2.6 pounds
Power Source: Separate power source required

Chosen by 1183 this week

Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XD08B USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB Type-C) / 2.0 Slim Portable BD/DVD/CD Writer Black

Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, macOS 10.11+
Connection Type: USB 3.2 Gen 1, Type-C cable
Read and Write Speed: max 6X
Supported Formats: BD, DVD, CD
Portability: 230 grams, size of CD case
Power Source: USB
Build Quality: robust, sleek black finish

ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 & USB-C CD Burner DVD Player Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Carrying Case for Laptop Mac MacBook Pro/Air, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux PC

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Connection Type: USB 3.0 Type A, C
Read and Write Speed: Max 24xCD / 8xDVD
Supported Formats: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+/-RW, DVD-ROM
Portability: Compact & Portable
Power Source: USB 3.0, power supply cord
Build Quality: Strong error-correcting, low noise
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Portable External USB DVD Drive Compatible for Microsoft Windows 11/10/8.1 etc, Mac OS, Dell,Acer, ASUS, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo Laptop PC Desktop, CD/DVD-RW Drive, CD-RW Rewriter

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Mac OS
Connection Type: USB
Read and Write Speed: Read: 8x DVD, 24x CD
Supported Formats: DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, CD-RW
Portability: Lightweight, compact, embedded cable
Power Source: USB port
Build Quality: Premium wire drawing material

VikTck External CD DVD Drive USB C Ultra Slim Portable CD DVD Player Burner/Writer/Reader USB Superdrive Disc Duplicator for MacBook Pro/Air/Mac/M1/Laptop/Windows10 (Silver)

Compatibility: mac os, Windows Me, Vista, XP, 2000, 98, 10
Connection Type: USB, USB-C
Read and Write Speed: 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
Supported Formats: CD, DVD
Portability: Ultra-slim, lightweight, embedded cable
Power Source: USB
Build Quality: Solid, brushed texture shell
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Buying Guide for the Best External Cd Player For Mac

Choosing an external CD player for your Mac involves understanding your needs and the specifications that will ensure compatibility and performance. Whether you need it for music, software installation, or data transfer, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the external CD player will work with your Mac. This is crucial because not all CD players are designed to be compatible with macOS. Look for CD players that explicitly state they are compatible with Mac. This ensures that you won't face issues with drivers or software recognition.
Connection TypeConnection type is how the CD player connects to your Mac, typically via USB. USB 3.0 is faster and more efficient than USB 2.0, but USB-C is becoming more common and is often preferred for newer Mac models. Choose a connection type that matches your Mac's available ports for seamless integration.
Read/Write SpeedRead/write speed indicates how quickly the CD player can read data from or write data to a CD. Higher speeds mean faster data transfer, which is important if you plan to use the CD player frequently or for large files. Speeds are usually measured in 'x' (e.g., 24x). For general use, a moderate speed (e.g., 24x) is sufficient, but for heavy use, higher speeds (e.g., 48x) are better.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the CD player. If you need to carry it around or use it in different locations, a lightweight and compact model is ideal. For home or office use where it will stay in one place, portability may be less of a concern.
Power SourcePower source can be either through your Mac's USB port or an external power adapter. USB-powered CD players are more convenient and portable, while externally powered ones might offer more stable performance. Choose based on your preference for convenience versus performance stability.
DurabilityDurability is about how well the CD player is built and how long it will last. Look for models with good reviews on build quality and longevity. If you plan to use the CD player frequently, investing in a durable model will save you from future replacements.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like Blu-ray compatibility, multi-format support, or bundled software. These features can enhance the functionality of the CD player. Consider what extra features might be useful for your specific needs, such as watching Blu-ray movies or using different types of discs.

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