The Best external cd/dvd drive for mac of 2023 – Reviewed and Top Rated
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, we find out the Best external cd/dvd drive for mac of 2023. Check our ranking below.
2,930 Reviews Scanned
SaleRank No. #1
Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
- 【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION, NO DRIVER REQUIRED】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will be automatically recognized—no need for additional drivers or external power supply. This user-friendly design ensures a quick setup and smooth operation for both beginners and professionals. Perfect for laptops and desktops that do not include an internal optical drive.
- 【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION – USB 3.0 AND TYPE-C】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Enjoy smooth, lag-free playback of movies, music, and data files. The drive supports multiple disc formats including DVD+R, DVD, DVD-R, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/burn speed is 24x.
- 【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY – WINDOWS, MAC & LINUX】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7 / XP / Vista, Linux, and all versions of macOS. Works seamlessly with most mainstream computer brands such as Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Note: Designed for laptops and desktop computers only. Not compatible with TVs, tablets, Chromebooks, or car entertainment systems.
- 【SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN – BUILT-IN CABLE, READY TO GO】 With an integrated cable design, slim body, and stylish matte finish, this lightweight CD/DVD drive is both durable and portable. Easily slip it into your laptop bag or backpack and use it anytime, anywhere—perfect for business, travel, or home use.
- 【MULTIFUNCTIONAL OPTICAL DRIVE – READ, WRITE & BURN】 Equipped with intelligent error correction, anti-shock, and low-noise technology, the Amicool external drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs efficiently and reliably. The pop-up button and disc tray design make disc handling convenient. For desktop users, it is recommended to connect the drive to a USB port on the back panel for optimal performance.
Rank No. #2
ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner CD-ROM Portable DVD Player with Carrying Case for Windows 11/10 PC MacBook Pro Linux Computer
- 【Best External CD DVD Drive for Laptop & Mac】With over 1 million units sold worldwide since its debut on Amazon, the ROOFULL ECD829-Y is a proven, time-tested choice trusted by countless users. Setup is effortless — simply connect the data cable (neatly stored on the bottom) to your computer, and it will be automatically recognized. Insert your disc and enjoy smooth use with your favorite software — no drivers needed, plug and play! (Mac users: the disc icon will appear on the desktop once a disc is inserted and read successfully. Scroll down for detailed setup steps and recommended software.)
- 【More Than Just a DVD/CD-ROM Drive】This is not just an external CD/DVD reader player, but also a fast DVD and CD burner, writer, rewriter, recorder, and ripper. Enjoy your favorite music and movies, burn photos, videos, or files to blank discs, and digitize audio CDs or video DVDs into MP3, WMA, or MP4 formats for convenient storage. You can also install software or games, view photo discs, and back up important data. Compatible with all common disc types, including CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer DVD±R DL (also supports VCD). (Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported.)
- 【Genuine USB 3.0 & Dual Connectors】Unlike many budget drives that claim USB 3.0 by using look-alike connectors but rely on a USB 2.0 setup with only 4 internal wires, the ROOFULL external CD drive features true USB 3.0 performance with 9 internal wires, a dedicated USB 3.0 PCB, and a 3.0 controller IC. This ensures smooth data transfer up to 5 Gbps (625MB/s, nearly 10 times faster than USB 2.0), along with improved stability and longer product lifespan. The built-in data cable includes both USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C connectors, allowing easy connection to most laptops and desktops without needing an adapter or hub
- 【Compatibility & Incompatibility】This USB CD/DVD external drive works with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98 and most Linux systems on laptops, desktops, and all-in-one PCs from popular brands including HP, Dell, Lenovo (ThinkPad), ASUS, LG, Samsung, Microsoft, and more. It’s also fully compatible with Apple MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, and Mac mini/Studio running macOS 10.16 or later. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power stability. Note: Not compatible with ChromeOS (Chromebooks), smartphones, iPads/tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles (cars/trucks), some Surface models, and Blu-ray/4K discs
- 【Separate Power Supply Cord】Some modern ultra-thin laptops limit USB port power output to save energy and extend battery life. This may cause insufficient power for high-demand external devices. To solve this, we include an extra power cable so you can connect to a USB power adapter or power bank, ensuring stable operation of the optical drive. If your computer provides enough power through the data cable, you can simply unplug the power cord. (Note: The power cord is for power only; do not use it as a data cable.)
SaleRank No. #3
LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support - Black
- 14 millimeter height ultra slim portable DVD writer drive
- USB 2.0 interface (upto 480Mbits/s, USB 3.0 Compatible)
- Max 8x DVDR write speed
- Max 24x CD write speed
- Slim design. Video memory requirement:64 MB or higher (128 MB recommended)
Rank No. #4
ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Mac Laptop, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Reader Writer Burner Player ROM/RW Portable Optical Disc Drive for Apple MacBook Pro, iMac, Windows 11/10/8/7 Computer PC, White
- 【Best External CD Drive for Mac & Laptop】If you're looking for a simple and reliable external optical drive for reading and writing CDs and DVDs on your laptop or Mac, this white ECD829-Y, trusted by over one million users, is a good choice. Simply plug the data cable into your laptop PC > It will be recognized by your PC automatically (On Mac, the disc drive icon will appear on the desktop after a disc is inserted and successfully read) > Insert your CDs or DVDs > Use a media player, burning, or ripping software to read, write, and rip your CDs and DVDs—no complex settings needed, plug and play! (Scroll down for recommended software and detailed steps)
- 【Not Just a CD/DVD-ROM】This external DVD drive does more than just play music CDs and movie DVDs — it's also a CD/DVD burner, writer, rewriter, recorder, and ripper. With it, you can enjoy your old CD/DVD collection, burn music, photos, family videos, or data to blank discs, and rip (digitize) audio CDs or video DVDs into digital files like MP3, WMA, or MP4 to store on your computer. You can also view photo discs, install software or games, and back up important data for long-term storage or sharing. It supports all common disc formats, including CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, CD+R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer DVD±R DL (VCD too). Note: Blu-ray and 4K discs are not supported
- 【Genuine USB 3.0 & Dual Connectors】Unlike many cheap drives that claim USB 3.0 but actually USB 2.0 solution (with just 4 internal wires), this ROOFULL CD drive uses a real USB 3.0 setup with a full 9-wire cable, true USB 3.0 PCB, and a dedicated chip for faster, more stable performance. The USB 3.0 data cable (under the device) includes both USB Type-A and Type-C connectors, making it easy to connect to most laptops and desktop computers without needing an adapter. Enjoy transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps (625MB/s - 10 times faster than USB 2.0), better power efficiency, longer lifespan, and smooth data handling with full-duplex support
- 【Wide Compatibility】This USB external CD/DVD-RW drive works with Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini/Studio running macOS 10.16 or later, as well as Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP and Linux laptops or desktops. For desktop PCs, we recommend using a rear USB port on the motherboard for a stable power supply. 【Note】This disc drive is not compatible with ChromeOS (Chromebooks), smartphones, iPads/tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles (cars/trucks), some Surface models, or Blu-ray/4K discs.
- 【Extra Power Cable Included】In case your computer’s USB port doesn’t provide enough power through a single data cable, we’ve included an additional USB power cable. Just plug it into a USB power adapter or portable power bank to ensure the drive runs smoothly, especially when reading or burning discs. No more power issues or interrupted performance. You can remove the power cord if there is no power shortage issue. (Note: The power cord is not a data cable, avoid using it independently.)
SaleRank No. #5
Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux
- Plug & Play. Easy to use, powered by USB port. No external driver or power adapter needed. Simply plug it into your USB port for automatic detection. For optimal performance on desktop computers, connect directly to a high-power USB port on the back of the motherboard. This hassle-free solution requires no technical setup, and if the drive isn't immediately recognized, trying a different USB port typically resolves most connection issues
- High Speed & Reliable Performance. Compatible with USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0), this drive delivers fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Engineered with strong fault tolerance, it minimizes freezing, skipping, and errors during disc playback or burning. The stable performance ensures smooth, reliable operation and reduces the risk of defective performance
- Intelligent Tech & Stable Connection. Features a physical eject button that safely releases discs even when your computer fails to recognize the drive—eliminating the common frustration of stuck media. Enhanced with copper mesh technology, this external component ensures consistently stable data transmission during all your reading and writing tasks
- Trendy & Practical Design. Features a brushed texture shell for modern visual and tactile appeal. The innovative embedded cable design keeps your USB cable securely stored and always accessible, eliminating worries about misplacement. This compact, all-in-one solution is perfectly suited for easy transport and organized storage
- Wide Compatibility. This external USB CD/DVD drive works with Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Linux, and macOS 10.16+ (MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac mini). Compatible with most laptops/desktops (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung). For optimal performance on desktops, connect to rear USB ports. Supported formats include CD-ROM/R/RW, DVD-ROM/R±RW/R±DL, and VCD. IMPORTANT: Not compatible with ChromeOS, smartphones, tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles, or Blu-ray/4K discs. Please verify your device type before purchasing
Last update on 2025-07-19 / Affiliate links / Product Titles, Images, Descriptions from Amazon Product Advertising API
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