MacBooks no longer have built-in optical drives, but a USB-connected drive can still help you read older files, install software from a disc, or burn a DVD. The best choice depends less on appearance than on its connector, macOS compatibility, and the discs you need to use.
These 10 picks cover Apple’s SuperDrive, slim USB-C options, and drives with extras such as M-DISC support. Check the practical details before choosing—especially if your MacBook has only USB-C ports.
Best 10 Macbook External Dvd Drive Picks for 2026
Flexible Everyday Pick
Amicool USB 3.0/USB-C DVD Drive
- USB-A and USB-C connections
- Reads and burns CDs and DVDs
- Built-in cable; no Blu-ray support
Best For: Portable use across MacBook port types
Apple-Made Option
- Plays and burns CDs and DVDs
- Built-in USB Type-A cable
- No separate power adapter
Best For: Compatible Macs without an optical drive
Archival-Media Pick
ASUS ZenDrive with M-Disc Support
- Supports M-Disc media
- USB 2.0 and Type-C cables included
- 13mm slim design
Best For: Mac/PC users seeking M-Disc support
Travel-Ready Pick
Amicool Ultra-Slim USB-C DVD Drive
- 0.5 inches thick; 7.35 ounces
- USB-A/USB-C cord stores underneath
- Separate power cord and storage pouch
Best For: Frequent travel with a MacBook
Best for Archiving
ASUS ZenDrive V1M USB-C DVD Writer
- USB-C connection for newer laptops
- Built-in 24 cm cable storage
- Supports M-DISC archiving
Best For: MacBook users backing up files to optical discs
Best for Travel
ORIGBELIE Slim USB-A/USB-C DVD Drive
- 13 mm thick and about 0.2 kg
- Built-in USB-A and USB-C cable
- Supplemental power cable included
Best For: Travelers using both USB-C and USB-A computers
Best for USB-A Laptops
Rioddas External CD/DVD Burner
- USB 3.0 Type-A connection
- Embedded cable for storage
- Physical eject button
Best For: MacBook users with USB-A ports or a compatible adapter
Slim Travel Pick
ORIGBELIE 13mm USB-A/USB-C DVD Drive
- 13mm-thin design
- Integrated USB-A/USB-C cable
- Reads and burns CDs and DVDs
Best For: Traveling MacBook users who want a compact drive
Multiport Pick
BPAKDU 8-in-1 External DVD Drive
- CD/DVD reader and burner
- USB ports plus SD/TF reader
- USB-A and USB-C connectivity
Best For: MacBook users who also need accessory and card connections
Apple Renewed Pick
- Plays and burns CDs and DVDs
- Compact, Mac-powered design
- USB-C models need an adapter
Best For: Compatible Mac owners who prefer an Apple-branded renewed drive
Flexible Everyday Pick – Amicool USB 3.0/USB-C DVD Drive
If you need a macbook external dvd drive for occasional discs, this Amicool model combines USB-A and USB-C connections with CD and DVD reading and burning. Its slim body and built-in cable make it easy to pack.
Best For: MacBook users who want a portable drive with both connector types.
Pros:
- USB 3.0 and USB-C interfaces provide connection options.
- Reads and writes common CD and DVD formats at up to 24x CD and 8x DVD speeds.
- Built-in cable keeps travel setup simple.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray or DVD-RAM.
- May need a direct, adequately powered USB connection for reliable recognition.
This is a practical choice for mixed-port setups, but check your power arrangement before relying on a hub. The product notes recommend VLC for Mac playback rather than Apple DVD Player.
Apple-Made Option – Apple USB SuperDrive
For buyers who prefer an Apple-made macbook external dvd drive, the USB SuperDrive plays and burns CDs and DVDs. It connects through a built-in USB Type-A cable and needs no separate power adapter.
Best For: Owners of compatible Macs without a built-in optical drive who want Apple’s compact drive.
Pros:
- Plays and burns both CDs and DVDs.
- Built-in cable cannot be left behind.
- Works while a compatible Mac is plugged in or running on battery power.
Cons:
- Built-in connector is USB Type-A, not USB-C.
- Stated compatibility is limited to Mac models from 2008 onward without a built-in optical drive.
Its straightforward design suits compatible Macs, but verify your model and available port before buying.
Archival-Media Pick – ASUS ZenDrive with M-Disc Support
If M-Disc support matters in your search for a macbook external dvd drive, the ASUS ZenDrive offers it alongside standard CD/DVD reading and burning. The 13mm-thin drive includes USB 2.0 and Type-C cables for Mac or PC connections.
Best For: Mac and PC users who want M-Disc support in a slim external drive.
Pros:
- Supports M-Disc media.
- Includes USB 2.0 and Type-C cables.
- Offers up to 8x DVD and 24x CD media speeds.
Cons:
- Uses a USB 2.0 hardware interface.
- Listed Mac support specifies Mac OS X 10.6 or higher; confirm your particular setup.
The ZenDrive stands out for its media support and included cable choices. Its Nero BackItUp feature is described for Android devices, so it should not be treated as a Mac backup feature.
Travel-Ready Pick – Amicool Ultra-Slim USB-C DVD Drive
This Amicool macbook external dvd drive emphasizes portability: it is listed at 0.5 inches thick and 7.35 ounces, with a dual-ended USB-A/USB-C cord that stores in a groove underneath. It reads and burns supported CDs and DVDs.
Best For: MacBook users who carry a drive regularly and want compact cable storage.
Pros:
- Thin, lightweight design and included soft storage pouch suit travel.
- USB-A and USB-C connections accommodate different computer ports.
- Dedicated charging port and separate power cord address USB power limitations.
- Manual emergency-eject hole provides a way to retrieve a disc if software control is unavailable.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
- Not compatible with ChromeOS, tablets, TVs, or cars.
Its storage details and extra power provision make it worth considering for travel with an ultra-thin laptop. Check the listed disc and device compatibility if you plan to use it beyond a MacBook.
Best for Archiving – ASUS ZenDrive V1M USB-C DVD Writer
If you need a macbook external dvd drive for reading discs and backing up files, the ASUS ZenDrive V1M combines a USB-C connection with a cable that stores in the drive. Its M-DISC support makes it especially relevant for long-term archives.
Best For: MacBook users who want a USB-C DVD writer for portable use and M-DISC archiving.
Pros:
- Built-in storage keeps the 24 cm connecting cable with the drive.
- Supports macOS and Windows, with a USB-C interface for newer laptops.
- Supports M-DISC media for long-term storage of photos, videos, and data.
Cons:
- The advertised three-step drag-and-burn software is Windows-only.
- The built-in cable is 24 cm long, which may limit placement.
This is the strongest fit of the three if USB-C and M-DISC support matter to you. Mac users should plan to use macOS-compatible burning software rather than ASUS’s Windows-only drag-and-burn feature.
Best for Travel – ORIGBELIE Slim USB-A/USB-C DVD Drive
The ORIGBELIE is a macbook external dvd drive worth considering when bag space is tight. It measures 13 mm thick, weighs about 0.2 kg, and has an integrated cable with both USB-A and USB-C connectors.
Best For: Travelers who want a slim CD/DVD reader and writer with USB-A and USB-C connection options.
Pros:
- USB-powered plug-and-play setup requires no additional driver.
- Supports up to 8x DVD and 24x CD read/write speeds.
- Includes a storage bag and a cable for supplemental 5V power when needed.
Cons:
- Some computers may need the included supplemental power cable to read discs reliably.
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
The dual-connector cable is useful if you switch between MacBooks and older USB-A computers. On a Mac, note that the drive icon may not appear until a disc has been inserted and read successfully.
Best for USB-A Laptops – Rioddas External CD/DVD Burner
The Rioddas is a practical macbook external dvd drive for a MacBook with a USB-A port, or for use with a compatible USB-C adapter. Its USB 3.0 connection, embedded cable, and physical eject button cover the basics without a separate power adapter.
Best For: MacBook owners with USB-A connectivity who want a portable CD/DVD burner with a physical eject button.
Pros:
- USB-powered plug-and-play operation needs no external driver or power adapter.
- Embedded cable stays with the drive during transport.
- Physical eject button can release a disc even if the computer does not recognize the drive.
Cons:
- Its listed interface is USB-A, so USB-C-only MacBooks need a compatible adapter.
- Does not support Blu-ray or 4K discs.
Choose this model if a straightforward USB-A burner and accessible eject control are your priorities. Check your MacBook’s ports before buying, since a USB-C adapter is not listed among its features.
Slim Travel Pick – ORIGBELIE 13mm USB-A/USB-C DVD Drive
If you need a macbook external dvd drive that takes little room in your bag, this ORIGBELIE model is 13mm thick and weighs about 0.2 kg. Its integrated cable offers USB-A and USB-C connections for reading or burning CDs and DVDs.
Best For: MacBook users who want a slim, portable drive without carrying a separate cable.
Pros:
- Integrated USB-A/USB-C cable supports MacBooks with either port type.
- Reads and writes supported CDs and DVDs at up to 24x CD and 8x DVD speeds.
- USB-powered, with no additional driver or power supply required.
Cons:
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
- On a Mac, the drive icon may not appear until a disc is inserted and read successfully.
This is a practical choice when portability matters more than extra ports. Check that your discs are among its supported formats before buying.
Multiport Pick – BPAKDU 8-in-1 External DVD Drive
For a macbook external dvd drive that also adds connections for accessories, the BPAKDU combines a CD/DVD reader and burner with USB ports and an SD/TF card reader. It supports USB-A and USB-C connections and Mac OS 10.6 or above.
Best For: MacBook users who want optical-disc access and extra ports in one device.
Pros:
- Adds one USB 3.0 port, three USB 2.0 ports, a USB-C port, and an SD/TF card reader.
- Reads and writes supported CDs and DVDs, with listed maximum speeds of 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs.
- Designed for plug-and-play use without additional drivers.
Cons:
- SD and TF cards cannot be used at the same time.
- Does not support Blu-ray discs.
- An extra power cable may be needed if a computer does not recognize the drive because of insufficient power.
The extra ports make this more versatile than a basic disc drive, particularly if you transfer files from camera cards. Keep its card-reader and power caveats in mind.
Apple Renewed Pick – Apple USB SuperDrive
If you prefer an Apple-branded macbook external dvd drive, this renewed USB SuperDrive plays and burns CDs and DVDs without a separate power adapter. It uses a USB-A connection, so MacBook Pro models with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports need a separately sold USB-C to USB adapter.
Best For: Owners of compatible Macs who prefer Apple’s compact drive and are comfortable buying renewed.
Pros:
- Plays and burns both CDs and DVDs.
- Compact design is only slightly bigger than a CD case.
- Works from the Mac’s power whether the computer is plugged in or running on battery.
Cons:
- USB-C MacBook Pro models require a separate adapter.
- As a renewed product, packaging and accessories may be generic.
Check the listed Mac compatibility and your available ports before choosing it. The renewed listing includes a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
How We Picked the Best Macbook External Dvd Drive
We focused on the specifications that matter most to MacBook owners: connection type, stated macOS compatibility, DVD and CD read/write support, portability, and useful extras. The list includes straightforward disc drives as well as models with built-in cable storage, M-DISC support, or additional ports. Product listings do not always make compatibility limits clear, so confirm the seller’s current specifications for your Mac model and macOS version before ordering. We did not treat a USB-C plug or an advertised speed as proof of trouble-free performance.
Quick Comparison: Which Type Fits Your Setup?
Apple’s USB SuperDrive is the simple first-party option, but its USB-A connection may require an adapter or hub on a USB-C-only MacBook. The renewed SuperDrive may cost less, though condition, included accessories, and return terms deserve extra attention. The ASUS ZenDrive V1M offers a USB-C connection and cable storage; the other ASUS ZenDrive adds M-DISC support for buyers who specifically need that format. Amicool and ORIGBELIE offer slim drives with USB-C and USB-A connectivity in the listed configurations. Rioddas is a conventional USB 3.0 choice, while BPAKDU combines an optical drive with additional hub-style connections. The two ORIGBELIE entries have the same supplied product name, so compare their actual listings rather than assuming they differ.
Key Buying Factors for a Macbook External Dvd Drive
Ports, Adapters, and Power
Check whether the drive has USB-A, USB-C, or both, and whether its cable reaches your usual work area. A connector that fits your MacBook is preferable to relying on multiple adapters. Optical drives can draw more power while spinning or burning a disc; if one behaves inconsistently through a hub, try a direct connection and follow the manufacturer’s power guidance.
Disc Formats and MacOS Software
Confirm that the drive reads and writes the formats you own, particularly DVD±RW or CDs you plan to burn. M-DISC support matters only if you intend to use compatible archival media. Basic disc recognition and burning are different from playing commercial movie DVDs: playback may require suitable software, and some discs have region restrictions. Also check whether any bundled software is Windows-only; you should not count on it for macOS.
Size and Everyday Use
A slim, bus-powered drive is easier to carry, while built-in cable storage reduces the chance of leaving a cable behind. If you only use discs at a desk, prioritize a reliable connection and clear compatibility information over the thinnest enclosure.
Who Should Buy Which Macbook External Dvd Drive?
Choose the Apple USB SuperDrive if you prefer Apple hardware and have a suitable connection. Pick a USB-C ZenDrive V1M or a dual-connector Amicool or ORIGBELIE model if minimizing adapters is the priority. Consider the M-DISC-capable ASUS model for that specific format, or BPAKDU if you also want its extra ports—after checking what those ports support. For occasional access to old discs, a basic compatible drive is usually enough; for frequent burning, pay closer attention to supported formats, power requirements, and return policy.