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

#1

Winner

9.7 score

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

This portable external USB DVD drive stands out for its broad compatibility, supporting various operating systems including multiple versions of Mac OS, making it a versatile choice for users with different devices like laptops, desktops, and notebooks. Its plug-and-play functionality is user-friendly, requiring no additional drivers or external power, which simplifies setup and use especially for those who are not tech-savvy.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,449
Compatibility
Connection Type
Supported Formats

Most important from
59 reviews

Compatibility
Included DVD player software is outdated and not supported on Windows 10 or 11, requiring an upgrade at extra cost.
Connection Type
The drive works well and plays CDs immediately upon connection.
Supported Formats
To play DVDs, additional software needs to be downloaded.
#2
9.4 score

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

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.

Rating
9.4
Compatibility
Read/Write Speed
Size and Portability

Most important from
93 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.
#3
9.2 score

Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XS07S Silver Color to Match Mac.6X Slot Loading Portable USB 3.2 Gen1(3.0) BD/DVD/CD Writer. Supports BDXL and M-Disc Format. USB Bus Powered

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.

Rating
9.2
Connection Type
Read/Write Speed
Portability

Most important from
159 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.

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

#1

Winner

9.7 score

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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: Various OS including Mac OS versions
Connection Type: USB
Read/Write Speed: 8x DVDs, 24x CDs
Portability: Lightweight and compact
Supported Formats: CD-RW, DVD±R
Additional Features: Plug-and-play, embedded cable design

Chosen by 1449 this week

OWC Mercury Pro 16X Blu-ray, 16X DVD, 48X CD Read/Write Solution

Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Connection Type: USB 3.0
Read/Write Speed: 48x
Portability: Lightweight and portable
Supported Formats: M-DISC
Additional Features: Aluminum housing, external power required

Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XD08G USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB Type-C) / 2.0 Slim Portable BD/DVD/CD Writer Gold

Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, macOS 10.11-15
Connection Type: USB 3.2 Gen 1, Type-C cable
Read/Write Speed: max 6X
Portability: 230g, 5.24 x 5.24 x 0.58 in
Supported Formats: Blu-ray, DVD, CD
Additional Features: PureRead 3+, M-DISC support
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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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