10 Best Optical Drive For Mac 2025 in the United States

The Apple USB SuperDrive is a sleek and compact optical drive designed for Mac users who need to play and burn CDs and DVDs. This drive stands out for its portability, being only slightly larger than a CD case, making it easy to carry in a travel bag and convenient for use on limited desk space. It's especially user-friendly with its built-in USB Type-A cable, eliminating the need to carry extra cables or a power adapter, and it works with Mac models from 2008 onwards that lack a built-in optical drive.

However, its compatibility is limited to devices with a USB 2.0 port, which may be a drawback for users of newer Macs without such ports. The read and write speeds are decent at 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs, which should suffice for most everyday tasks like watching movies, installing software, or creating backup discs. Nevertheless, these speeds are not the fastest available in the market. The Apple USB SuperDrive provides a straightforward and reliable solution for users needing an external optical drive for their Mac, though its limited compatibility with newer Mac models may require additional adapters.

The Pioneer Electronics BDR-XS07UHD is a versatile and portable optical drive compatible with various Mac operating systems including macOS Sierra, Mojave, and High Sierra. It supports multiple disc formats, such as Blu-ray, BDXL, DVDs, and CDs, making it a suitable option for users needing to read and write diverse types of media. The drive boasts a 6x writing speed on BD-R and BD-R DL media, which provides efficient performance for creating Blu-ray discs.

One notable feature is its USB 3.1 interface, ensuring fast data transfer rates and ease of connection to modern devices. Additionally, its dustproof design enhances durability and longevity, which is particularly beneficial for users frequently on the go. However, users should note the potential compatibility issues with macOS Catalina, which may require additional steps or drivers for proper functioning. Weighing only 8.8 ounces and with compact dimensions, this drive is highly portable and easy to carry.

This product is a solid choice for Mac users looking for a reliable and portable optical drive with broad compatibility and robust performance.

The BUFFALO MediaStation Desktop 16x External Blu-ray Writer offers solid compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, making it versatile for users of different operating systems. It supports a wide range of discs, including Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, and can write Blu-ray discs up to 128 GB, which is great for high-capacity burning needs. The device connects via a high-speed USB 3.0 interface, ensuring quick data transfer and efficient performance. It also boasts impressive read and write speeds, with 12x read and 16x write for Blu-rays, and 16x read/write for DVDs, making it a reliable choice for various optical media tasks.

An additional benefit includes US-based support and a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, providing peace of mind for users. The quality build is confirmed by its Japanese origin and TAA compliance, underscoring its reliability and adherence to standards. The product's dimensions (1.97 x 6.3 x 8.66 inches) and weight (2.65 pounds) may impact its portability, making it less convenient for users seeking a more compact and lightweight external optical drive. Additionally, while it is primarily designed for PC use, Mac users may need to ensure compatibility with their specific operating systems and software.

The inclusion of CyberLink Media Suite offers enhanced media playback and burning capabilities but may require some learning for users unfamiliar with such software. This product is best suited for those needing a dependable, high-capacity optical drive with robust performance features for both professional and personal use.