Optical discs are still useful for playing older music and movie collections, installing legacy software, importing photos, and creating physical backups. The right external drive can add that capability to a modern Mac without taking up much desk or travel space.
These 10 picks cover straightforward CD/DVD readers, writable burners, USB-C options, and models with extra ports or card slots. Use the guide below to match connectivity, portability, and disc-writing features to the way you use your Mac.
Best 10 Optical Disc Drives for Mac Picks for 2026
Best for Power Flexibility
- Extra supplemental power cord
- USB-A and USB-C data connectors
- Reads, writes, and rips CDs/DVDs
Best For: Thin-laptop users who want added power stability
Best Hub Combination
- CD/DVD reader and burner
- Extra USB, SD, and TF connectivity
- USB 3.0 transfer support
Best For: Mac users needing disc access plus peripheral and card ports
Best for Easy Setup
ASUS ZenDrive External DVD Burner
- Slim 13mm design for portable use
- Includes USB 2.0 and Type-C cables
- Supports M-Disc and disc encryption
Best For: Mac users seeking a feature-rich compact DVD burner
Best Plug-and-Play Pick
Amicool USB 3.0 External DVD Drive
- USB 3.0 and Type-C interfaces
- Compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- Integrated cable and slim portable design
Best For: MacBook users wanting fast, flexible connectivity
Best for Dual-Port Convenience
- Built-in USB-A and USB-C cable
- Supports macOS 10.16 and later
- USB 3.0 with 8x DVD and 24x CD speeds
Best For: Mac users needing one drive for USB-A and USB-C ports
Best Multiport Pick
BPAKDU 8-in-1 External CD/DVD Drive
- Adds USB-A, USB-C, USB 2.0, and SD/TF connectivity
- Reads and burns CDs and DVDs at up to 24x/8x
- Plug-and-play design with one-year warranty
Best For: Mac users who want disc access plus extra ports
Best Lightweight Option
Slim USB-A/USB-C CD/DVD Burner
- Supports both USB-A and USB-C connections
- Offers up to 24x CD and 8x DVD speeds
- Compact 0.55-pound design with built-in cable
Best For: Portable everyday CD/DVD use on Mac or PC
Best Proven Design
Rioddas External CD/DVD Burner
- Supports macOS 10.16+ along with Windows and Linux
- Reads and writes CDs/DVDs at up to 24x/8x
- Includes physical eject button and built-in cable
Best For: Mac users wanting a straightforward USB-A disc burner
Best Overall – ROOFULL Drive with Case
For shoppers comparing optical disc drives for Mac, the ROOFULL ECD829-Y is a straightforward CD/DVD reader and burner with both USB-A and USB-C connectors. It supports common CDs and DVDs, reaches up to 8x DVD and 24x CD speeds, and includes a protective carrying case.
Best For: Mac users who want a proven, portable drive with broad CD/DVD functionality and built-in cable flexibility.
Pros:
- USB 3.0 and USB-C connectors are built in, so an adapter is usually unnecessary.
- Reads, writes, burns, rips, and plays common CD/DVD formats.
- Includes a protective sleeve and a two-year service commitment.
- Compatible with all macOS versions listed by the manufacturer.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray or 4K discs.
- Not compatible with Chromebooks, tablets, phones, TVs, cars, or gaming consoles.
- On Mac, the disc icon appears only after a disc is successfully read.
This is a well-rounded choice when you want simple operation, portable storage protection, and support for both older USB-A computers and newer USB-C Macs.
Best Compact USB-C Pick – VikTck USB-C SuperDrive
This VikTck model is a compact option for optical disc drives for Mac, especially for MacBooks with USB-C ports. It connects through a single USB-C cable, supports CD/DVD reading and burning, and includes a USB-C-to-USB-A converter for older computers.
Best For: USB-C MacBook owners who want a small plug-and-play drive without an external power adapter.
Pros:
- USB-C connection is designed for newer MacBook models.
- Includes a USB-C-to-USB-A converter for broader computer compatibility.
- Supports up to 8x DVD and 24x CD read/write speeds.
- Uses error correction, anti-shock, and noise-reduction features.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
- Should not be connected through a USB hub or extension cable.
- DVD playback on a computer requires a media player such as VLC.
Choose this drive when a simple USB-C connection and compact design matter more than extra ports or included storage accessories.
Best for Power Flexibility – ROOFULL Ultra-Slim Drive
If power stability is a concern when choosing optical disc drives for Mac, this ROOFULL ultra-slim model includes an extra power cord alongside USB-A and USB-C data connectors. It handles common CD/DVD reading, writing, burning, and ripping tasks without requiring driver installation.
Best For: MacBook and thin-laptop users who may need supplemental power for consistent disc operation.
Pros:
- Dual USB-A and USB-C data plugs support newer and older computers.
- Extra power cord can connect to a USB adapter or power bank when needed.
- Supports CD/DVD playback, burning, ripping, and file archiving.
- Ultra-slim design is convenient for travel and small workspaces.
Cons:
- The supplemental power cord provides power only; it does not transfer data.
- Does not support Blu-ray or 4K discs.
- Not compatible with Chromebooks, phones, tablets, TVs, cars, or game consoles.
The extra power option makes this a practical pick for systems whose USB ports may not provide enough power, while the slim build keeps it easy to carry.
Best Hub Combination – ORIGBELIE Drive and USB Hub
Among optical disc drives for Mac, the ORIGBELIE stands out by combining CD/DVD burning with extra connectivity. Along with USB 3.0 data transfer, it provides additional USB ports plus SD and TF card slots for moving files from peripherals and memory cards.
Best For: Mac users who need a disc drive and a compact hub for USB accessories or camera-card transfers.
Pros:
- Reads and writes common CD/DVD formats at up to 8x DVD and 24x CD speeds.
- Includes three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, and a USB-C port.
- SD and TF slots support photo and video transfers from cards.
- Plug-and-play design includes an embedded cable and slip-resistant pads.
Cons:
- SD and TF card slots cannot be used simultaneously.
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
- Not compatible with cars, TVs, tablets, smartphones, projectors, or gaming consoles.
This is the most useful choice for expanding a port-limited Mac while also adding optical media support, though buyers who only need a disc drive may prefer a simpler design.
Best for Easy Setup – ASUS ZenDrive External DVD Burner
The ASUS ZenDrive is a practical choice for shoppers comparing optical disc drives for Mac. Its slim 13mm design supports Mac and Windows computers, includes both USB 2.0 and Type-C cables, and handles DVD and CD reading and burning at up to 8x and 24x, respectively.
Best For: Mac users who want a compact, broadly compatible drive with M-Disc support and disc-encryption features.
Pros:
- Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and Windows PCs.
- Includes USB 2.0 and Type-C cables for flexible connection options.
- Supports M-Disc and DISC Encryption II for added archival and privacy features.
- Slim 13mm form factor is easy to carry.
Cons:
- Uses USB 2.0 hardware, rather than USB 3.0.
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
The ZenDrive stands out for its established brand, included cables, and extra disc-protection features. It is a strong fit when portability and compatibility matter more than maximum USB transfer performance.
Best Plug-and-Play Pick – Amicool USB 3.0 External DVD Drive
The Amicool external drive offers a straightforward option among optical disc drives for Mac, with USB 3.0 and Type-C interfaces for flexible computer connections. It supports CD and DVD reading, writing, and burning, while its integrated cable and slim body suit travel and everyday laptop use.
Best For: MacBook owners who prioritize USB 3.0 connectivity, portability, and simple direct connection.
Pros:
- Dual USB 3.0 and Type-C interfaces support up to 5Gbps transfer speeds.
- Compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, Windows, and Linux.
- Supports DVD read speeds up to 8x and CD read/write speeds up to 24x.
- Built-in cable and lightweight design improve portability.
Cons:
- May need a powered USB hub with some M1, M2, or M3 Macs.
- Does not support Blu-ray, DVD-RAM, ChromeOS, tablets, TVs, or game consoles.
- Apple DVD Player is not supported; VLC Player is recommended for Mac playback.
The Amicool is a versatile pick for users who want modern USB connectivity and broad computer compatibility. Direct connection is important, particularly when a Mac does not provide enough USB power through a hub.
Best for Dual-Port Convenience – 2-in-1 USB CD/DVD Drive
This 2-in-1 external drive is designed for shoppers seeking optical disc drives for Mac with both USB-A and USB-C connectivity. It supports common CD and DVD formats, offers USB 3.0 transfer performance, and includes error-correction and noise-reduction features for routine playback, burning, and file backup.
Best For: MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio users who need a dual-port drive for modern and legacy USB connections.
Pros:
- Integrated dual-port cable supports USB-A and USB-C devices.
- Compatible with Macs running macOS 10.16 or later.
- Supports up to 8x DVD and 24x CD reading and writing.
- Compact body includes cable storage, anti-slip pads, and noise reduction.
Cons:
- Mac users must insert a readable disc to activate and display the drive icon.
- Not compatible with Blu-ray or 4K discs, ChromeOS, tablets, TVs, or vehicles.
- Desktop users should connect directly to a rear USB port for stable power.
The drive’s built-in USB-A/USB-C cable makes it convenient across different Mac setups, while its supported disc formats cover common backup and media needs. Check the macOS requirement and connection guidance before buying.
Best Multiport Pick – BPAKDU 8-in-1 External CD/DVD Drive
For shoppers comparing optical disc drives for Mac, the BPAKDU stands out as a feature-rich option. Along with CD/DVD reading and burning, it adds a USB 3.0 hub, three USB 2.0 ports, SD/TF card readers, and USB-C connectivity. It supports Mac OS 10.6 or later, Windows, and Linux, with USB-A and USB-C interfaces.
Best For: Mac users who want an optical drive combined with extra ports and memory-card transfer features.
Pros:
- 8-in-1 design includes CD/DVD burning, USB ports, USB-C, and SD/TF card readers.
- Supports up to 24x CD and 8x DVD read/write speeds.
- Plug-and-play design with error correction and a portable form factor.
- Includes a one-year after-sales warranty.
Cons:
- SD and TF cards cannot be used simultaneously.
- Some Windows laptops may need the extra power cable if the drive is not recognized.
- Not compatible with Blu-ray discs, tablets, smartphones, TVs, cars, or projectors.
This is the most versatile choice of the three if you need more than disc access. Its added ports are useful for transferring files from cards, though the broader feature set may be unnecessary if you only need a basic Mac CD/DVD reader.
Best Lightweight Option – Slim USB-A/USB-C CD/DVD Burner
This slim external drive is a straightforward contender among optical disc drives for Mac. It includes both USB-A and USB-C connections, supports CD/DVD reading and burning, and requires no driver installation. At 0.79 inches thick and 0.55 pounds, it is designed for easy carrying between home, office, and travel setups.
Best For: Mac and PC users who prioritize a compact drive with flexible USB connectivity.
Pros:
- USB-A and USB-C interfaces accommodate newer and older computers.
- Supports up to 24x CD and 8x DVD read/write speeds.
- Plug-and-play operation requires no driver installation.
- Built-in cable helps reduce cable clutter.
Cons:
- Not compatible with Chromebooks, tablets, televisions, cars, or smartphones.
- The listed compatibility does not include Blu-ray discs.
- Plastic enclosure may be less substantial than heavier desktop-style drives.
The B0DZNC1NWS is a sensible basic burner for Mac owners who want portability and both connector types without added hubs or card readers. Its feature set is focused, making it a good fit for routine disc playback, software installation, and burning.
Best Proven Design – Rioddas External CD/DVD Burner
The Rioddas external drive is a practical choice for optical disc drives for Mac, supporting macOS 10.16 and later as well as Windows and Linux. It reads and burns common CD and DVD formats, connects over USB 3.0, and uses a built-in cable for easier storage. A physical eject button also provides a convenient way to release a disc if the computer does not recognize the drive.
Best For: MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini users seeking a simple USB-A CD/DVD reader and burner.
Pros:
- Supports macOS 10.16+, Windows, and Linux.
- Reads and writes CDs and DVDs at up to 24x CD and 8x DVD speeds.
- USB 3.0 connection is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
- Built-in cable, physical eject button, and fault-tolerant design improve everyday usability.
Cons:
- Uses USB-A only, so some newer Macs may require an adapter or hub.
- Not compatible with ChromeOS, mobile devices, TVs, vehicles, projectors, Blu-ray, or 4K discs.
- Desktop users are advised to connect directly to a high-power rear USB port.
Choose the Rioddas if your Mac has a compatible USB-A port or you already own an adapter and want a focused, no-frills optical drive. The eject button and integrated cable are particularly useful touches for regular disc use.
How We Picked the Best Optical Disc Drives for Mac
We focused on external drives that are practical for current Mac setups, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini systems that may lack built-in optical hardware. The selection prioritizes USB compatibility, CD and DVD reading, disc-burning capability, portability, and clear cross-platform usefulness.
We also considered extras that can improve convenience, such as included cases, USB-C support, integrated hubs, SD or TF card slots, M-Disc compatibility, and bundled backup software. Because external drives vary in cable design and power requirements, buyers should verify the connector and macOS compatibility before ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Best for | Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday CD/DVD use | USB 3.0 and broad format support | Provides dependable playback and file access |
| Modern MacBooks | Native USB-C or a compatible adapter | Reduces cable clutter and connection issues |
| Creating discs | DVD±RW or DVD burner support | Allows you to write music, video, and data discs |
| Travel | Slim housing, low weight, and a case | Makes storage and transport easier |
| More peripherals | Built-in hub or SD/TF card slots | Adds useful connectivity without another accessory |
Key Buying Factors for Optical Disc Drives for Mac
Connection and Power
Check whether your Mac has USB-A, USB-C, or both. A USB-C drive is the simplest choice for newer MacBooks, while USB-A models may need an adapter or hub. Most portable drives draw power through USB, so avoid relying on an unpowered hub if the drive has trouble spinning up.
Reader Versus Burner
A reader can access existing CDs and DVDs, but a burner is needed to create or rewrite discs. If you plan to archive files, make audio CDs, or author DVDs, choose a model labeled DVD±RW or DVD burner. Confirm that the included software, if any, supports your macOS version; the drive itself may work even when older bundled software does not.
Size, Noise, and Media Support
Slim drives are convenient for occasional use, but optical mechanisms can be slower or noisier than internal drives. Check supported CD and DVD formats, write speeds, and whether features such as M-Disc support matter for long-term archival projects.
Who Should Buy Which Optical Disc Drives for Mac?
Choose a basic slim USB drive if you mainly need to read music CDs, watch DVDs, or retrieve files occasionally. Choose a USB-C model for a newer MacBook and the most direct connection. Choose a burner if you create backups or physical media. Choose a hub-style drive if your Mac has limited ports and you also transfer files from SD cards or connect USB accessories.
Before buying, confirm the operating system requirements, connector type, included cables, and return policy. For most users, a compact USB 3.0 or USB-C DVD±RW drive offers the best balance of compatibility, flexibility, and value.