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10 Best External Dvd Drives For Macbook Pros 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Aumdie External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD Burner External DVD Drive with 2 USB Ports and 2 TF/SD Card Slots, DVD Player for Laptop, External CD Drive for Laptop Mac,PC,Windows 11/10/8.1/7

The Aumdie External CD/DVD Drive offers several features that make it a versatile option for MacBook Pro users. It includes multiple USB ports (USB 3.0 and 2.0) and slots for TF and SD cards, which can be convenient for transferring files or charging devices. The USB 3.0 connection ensures high-speed data transfer, and the drive supports a variety of formats, including CD±R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD.

It doesn't support Blu-ray discs or devices with Apple's latest M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips, which might be a limitation for some users. Additionally, it requires proper drivers and media player software to function correctly, which might be a bit of a hassle for those less familiar with tech setups. The drive is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around, and features like noise reduction and error correction enhance its durability and performance.

The plug-and-play feature adds convenience as it doesn't need a separate power source, running directly off the USB port. While the product has a solid build and offers a 1-year guarantee, the non-compatibility with newer MacBook chips and the need for specific software might be drawbacks for some users.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Compatibility
Works great with various devices, providing great value for the money.
Connection Type
Portable and easy to move from one room to another, offering plug-and-play convenience.
Read and Write Speeds
Access and speed are perfect, making it very easy to use and set up.
#2

Kadlun External DVD CD Drive External USB 3.0 USB C External CD Drive for Laptop Desktop PC MacBook iMac, DVD +/-RW Burner Optical Drive External DVD Drive for Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Linux/Vista/MacOS

The Kadlun External DVD CD Drive is a versatile and portable option for MacBook Pro users who need an external drive for reading and writing CDs and DVDs. It offers broad compatibility, working seamlessly with Windows, Linux, and all versions of Mac OS, though it's important to note that it does not support Chromebooks, Android devices, TVs, iPads, iPhones, projectors, vehicles, or Blu-ray discs. This makes it suitable for most laptops and desktop PCs, including MacBook Pros.

The drive features a combined USB 3.0 and USB-C data cable, allowing for faster data transfer speeds up to 5 Gigabits/s, which is significantly faster than USB 2.0. The inclusion of both connectors eliminates the need for an adapter, making it convenient for users with different types of ports on their devices. In addition to reading discs, it can burn and rip CDs and DVDs, supporting various formats such as CD±R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, and SVCD disks. However, the eject button is disabled when used with macOS, requiring users to eject discs through the desktop interface.

The drive is lightweight and compact, with dimensions of 6 x 6 x 0.98 inches and weighing just 11.3 ounces, making it easy to carry around in a laptop bag. It is also praised for its reliable performance, strong error-correcting capabilities, and quiet operation. The Kadlun drive is an excellent choice for people who need a portable and efficient external DVD/CD drive, particularly for MacBook Pro users. However, those needing Blu-ray support or compatibility with non-PC devices will need to look elsewhere.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Compatibility
Recognizes and runs smoothly on Linux, with a quiet operation and compact design.
Read and Write Speeds
Works great with MacBook Pro for transferring home videos, offering good speed and ease of use.
Portability
Ideal for accessing old CDs and DVDs without the added weight of an internal drive.
#3

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)

The VikTck External CD DVD Drive is a versatile and user-friendly external drive designed for MacBook Pros and a wide array of other devices. One of its biggest strengths is its easy plug-and-play setup, eliminating the need for external drivers or power supplies. This makes it convenient for users who may not be tech-savvy. It boasts broad compatibility with multiple operating systems, including various versions of Windows and macOS, which makes it a flexible option for different users.

The drive is equipped with a high-speed USB 3.0 interface, offering fast data transfer rates, and it includes a USB-C adapter for newer devices, which enhances its usability for modern laptops. The write speeds are decent with 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs, making it suitable for everyday tasks like watching movies, backing up data, and installing software. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design, coupled with the embedded cable, makes it highly portable and easy to carry around.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The drive does not support Blu-ray discs, which could be a limitation for users who need that functionality. It also doesn't work with iPads, car systems, TVs, projectors, Chrome OS, tablets, or smartphones, which reduces its versatility somewhat. Additionally, the drive must be connected directly to a USB port on a computer (not through a hub or extension cable), and the user needs to install a media player like VLC for it to function properly on a computer. The VikTck External CD DVD Drive is a solid choice for MacBook Pro users looking for a reliable and portable external drive, provided they don’t need Blu-ray support or connectivity with a broader range of devices.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Compatibility
The inclusion of a USB-C adapter is appreciated, making it compatible with newer Mac models.
Connection Type
The drive is truly plug-and-play, working well on MacBook Pros without needing additional drivers or power supplies.
Read and Write Speeds
The drive runs quietly and efficiently for tasks like downloading CDs and burning DVDs.
Portability
It’s compact and easy to use, even if the instructions are minimal.

Buying Guide for the Best External Dvd Drives For Macbook Pros

When choosing an external DVD drive for your MacBook Pro, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. External DVD drives can be used for various purposes such as watching movies, installing software, or backing up data. Understanding the different specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your requirements.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the external DVD drive can work with your MacBook Pro. This is crucial because not all drives are compatible with all operating systems. Look for drives that explicitly state they are compatible with macOS. This ensures that the drive will work seamlessly with your MacBook Pro without requiring additional drivers or software.
Connection TypeThe connection type determines how the external DVD drive connects to your MacBook Pro. The most common types are USB-A and USB-C. USB-C is the preferred option for newer MacBook Pros as it offers faster data transfer speeds and is more future-proof. If your MacBook Pro only has USB-C ports, you may need an adapter for USB-A drives. Choose a drive with a connection type that matches your MacBook Pro's ports to avoid compatibility issues.
Read and Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly the drive can read data from or write data to a disc. These speeds are measured in multiples of the base speed (e.g., 8x, 16x). Higher speeds mean faster performance, which is important if you plan to burn a lot of discs or transfer large amounts of data. For casual use, such as watching movies or occasional backups, standard speeds (8x) are sufficient. For more intensive tasks, look for higher speeds (16x or more).
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the external DVD drive. If you plan to carry the drive with you frequently, a compact and lightweight model is ideal. Portability is less of a concern if the drive will remain stationary on your desk. Consider your lifestyle and how often you will need to transport the drive when making your decision.
Power SourceExternal DVD drives can be powered either through the USB connection (bus-powered) or via an external power adapter. Bus-powered drives are more convenient as they don't require an additional power source, making them more portable. However, they may have lower performance compared to externally powered drives. If you need a drive for high-performance tasks, an externally powered model might be a better choice. For general use and portability, a bus-powered drive is usually sufficient.
Supported FormatsSupported formats refer to the types of discs the external DVD drive can read and write. Common formats include CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. Ensure the drive supports the formats you need. For example, if you want to watch Blu-ray movies, make sure the drive can read Blu-ray discs. If you only need to read and write standard DVDs and CDs, a drive that supports these formats will be adequate. Consider your specific needs and choose a drive that supports the necessary formats.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the external DVD drive can withstand wear and tear. A durable drive is important if you plan to use it frequently or transport it often. Look for drives made with high-quality materials and good build quality. Reading user reviews can also provide insights into the durability of a particular model. If you need a drive for occasional use, durability may be less of a concern, but it's still worth considering.

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