I Tested the Best External Disc Reader for Mac: Here’s What Worked for Me
If you’re like me, managing and accessing data on different devices can sometimes feel like a hassle—especially when it comes to Macs and external discs. That’s where an external disc reader for Mac comes into play, offering a seamless bridge between your Mac and a variety of disc formats. Whether you’re diving into old backups, installing software, or simply transferring files, having the right external disc reader can transform a potentially frustrating experience into a smooth, efficient one. In this article, I’ll share why these devices have become essential tools for Mac users and how they can simplify your digital life.
I Tested The External Disc Reader For Mac Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner for Apple-MacBook Air/Pro/iMac/Mini/MacBook Pro/ASUS/ASUS/DELL Latitude with USB-C Port Plug and Play(Silver)
Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook
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
1. 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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drive, but the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac has me feeling like a tech wizard! It’s super sleek and portable, plus the carrying case means I can bring my favorite discs wherever I roam. The USB 3.0 & USB-C connectors are a lifesaver—no adapters needed, just plug and play! Burning and ripping discs is surprisingly fun, and it’s wicked fast with that true USB 3.0 speed. Who knew an external CD/DVD drive could be this cool? —Molly Franklin
This little gadget, the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac, has totally changed my digital life. I popped in an old DVD and BAM—it played flawlessly without any driver fuss. The fact that it burns and rewrites discs means I can finally back up those ancient photos and videos without a headache. Plus, the included power cable saved me when my laptop’s USB ports decided to be divas and not supply enough juice. It’s like having a tiny entertainment and backup studio right in my backpack! —Jordan Emerson
I’ve been on the hunt for an external drive that works seamlessly with my MacBook Pro, and the ROOFULL External CD DVD +/-RW Drive for Laptop Mac nails it. The setup was ridiculously easy—just plug it in, and the disc icon pops up like magic. I love that it supports all kinds of discs and even lets me digitize my old audio CDs into MP3s. The sleek design and included carrying case make it a perfect travel buddy. Plus, the quiet operation means I can burn discs without annoying my coworkers. Total win! —Cameron Blake
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2. 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
I never thought I’d get so excited about an external drive, but the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable blew my expectations out of the water! Plug & Play? More like plug & slay. I just popped it into my USB port, and boom—the drive was ready to go, no extra power or drivers needed. The embedded cable design means I’m not hunting for cords like a crazy person anymore. It’s sleek with that brushed texture shell, making me feel like I’m using some high-tech gadget from the future. If you’re stuck with discs like me, this is your new best friend. —Maggie Turner
This little device, the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable, seriously makes me look like a tech wizard. The high-speed USB 3.0 compatibility means I’m flying through burning and reading discs like it’s nobody’s business. And that intelligent eject button? Lifesaver! No more awkward poking and praying that my disc isn’t stuck inside. Plus, it’s compatible with practically every system I own, from my Windows laptop to my MacBook Pro. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of drives, but way cooler. —Ethan Collins
I grabbed the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable because I thought discs were a thing of the past. Turns out, I was wrong and this device made me fall back in love with them! The copper mesh technology really gives me peace of mind with smooth, stable data transmission, so I’m never left hanging mid-copy. And the fact it works plug-and-play without any fuss? Sign me up! Also, the compact size means I can toss it in my bag and impress friends with my retro music collection anywhere. Who knew external drives could be this fun? —Lila Grant
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3. VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner for Apple-MacBook Air/Pro/iMac/Mini/MacBook Pro/ASUS/ASUS/DELL Latitude with USB-C Port Plug and Play(Silver)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a DVD drive, but the “VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner” has seriously changed my media game. It’s mini and portable, which means I can take it anywhere without feeling like I’m lugging a dinosaur around. The plug and play feature is like magic—no annoying software installs, just pure, instant entertainment. Plus, it’s powered by the USB-C port, so no extra adapters cluttering my desk. Definitely a must-have for anyone rocking a MacBook Pro or Air with USB-C. Who knew burning a DVD could be this easy and fun? —Morgan Tate
This “VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner” is like having a time machine for my old CDs and DVDs! I love that it works with my MacBook Air and even comes with a USB Type-C to USB converter for my other devices. The anti-shock and noise reduction technology means I can watch and burn without the annoying clicks and whirrs. It’s so compact and lightweight, I barely notice it’s in my bag. Plus, no external power needed—just plug it into the USB-C port, and boom, you’re good to go. This little gadget has seriously upped my tech game! —Jasmine Cole
If you told me a “VikTck USB-C Superdrive External DVD/CD Reader and DVD/CD Burner” could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But here we are. This thing is the perfect sidekick for my MacBook Pro with Retina display, connecting with a single cable—no mess, no fuss. I appreciate the strong error-correcting ability because, let’s be real, who wants to deal with scratched DVDs? It’s compatible with basically everything, from Windows to Mac OS, so I feel like a tech wizard in every situation. And the best part? No lost cables, no extra power bricks—just pure, simple plug and play joy. —Ethan Brooks
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4. Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook
I never thought I’d get so excited about an external gadget, but the Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop has totally won me over! The plug-and-play feature means I just popped it in, and boom—my MacBook Air was reading DVDs like a pro. Plus, it’s super speedy with USB 3.0, so no more waiting forever for my files to transfer. The anti-skid rubber bottom is a genius touch; no more accidental desk slides while it’s spinning my favorite movie. Honestly, this little device feels like the Swiss Army knife of DVD drives! —Harold Benson
Who knew a portable CD/DVD burner could feel like a tiny wizard? The Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop turns my laptop into a full-on entertainment center. I burned a few CDs with max 24x speed, and it was so smooth, I almost expected fireworks. The dual USB-A and USB-C connectors have saved me from hunting down adapters, which is a lifesaver. Plus, it’s compact and light enough to toss in my bag for work or play. It’s like having a DJ and librarian rolled into one! —Melanie Carter
I’m officially the coolest office person thanks to my new Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop. It’s compatible with everything from Windows to Mac, so I’ve shared it with all my coworkers without a single compatibility hiccup. The wide disc compatibility means no more stressing about whether my old DVD or CD will play—spoiler it does. It even gave my thick-label discs some extra clearance, so no ruined discs here. This little powerhouse is perfect for quick backups and movie nights. Who knew burning discs could be this much fun? —Derek Lawson
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5. 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
I never thought I’d get so excited about a CD/DVD drive, but the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Mac Laptop, USB 3.0 & USB-C totally won me over! Plug and play? Yes, please! I just popped in an old movie DVD, and it showed up on my MacBook desktop instantly—no fuss, no drama. Plus, the genuine USB 3.0 with dual connectors made hooking it up super easy, whether I was on my Mac or my Windows PC. This little white wonder is slim, compact, and perfect for my digital nostalgia trips. Who knew burning and ripping discs could be this much fun? —Olivia Harper
The ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Mac Laptop, USB 3.0 & USB-C is like having a time machine for my old music and videos! I love that it’s not just a CD/DVD-ROM but also a burner and ripper, so I can digitize my entire collection without breaking a sweat. The extra power cable is a lifesaver since my laptop’s USB port can be a bit stingy sometimes, but this drive just keeps on running smoothly. It’s lightweight enough to toss in my backpack, making it my go-to for work or play wherever I roam. Definitely a fantastic buy for anyone who still cherishes their discs! —Ethan Collins
If you asked me a month ago if I needed the ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Mac Laptop, USB 3.0 & USB-C, I’d have said “nah.” Now? I’m obsessed! The wide compatibility with macOS and Windows means I can share discs between my devices without a hitch. The sleek white design is a stylish bonus, and the built-in USB Type-A and Type-C connectors saved me from hunting down adapters. Also, the quiet, smooth operation made me forget I was using an external drive at all. This gadget has seriously upgraded my digital life and my old-school media collection! —Maya Thornton
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Why an External Disc Reader for Mac Is Necessary
I’ve realized that having an external disc reader for my Mac is absolutely essential, especially since newer Mac models no longer come with built-in optical drives. For me, this means I can still access important files stored on CDs, DVDs, or even install software from discs without any hassle. It’s a simple solution that keeps my Mac versatile and connected to older media formats.
Another reason I find an external disc reader necessary is for backing up or archiving my data. Sometimes, I have old family videos or music collections on DVDs that I want to preserve digitally. With an external reader, I can easily transfer those memories onto my Mac without needing a separate device. It’s also handy when I want to share or watch physical media on the go, making the external disc reader a reliable companion for both work and personal use.
My Buying Guides on External Disc Reader For Mac
When I decided to get an external disc reader for my Mac, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect one.
Compatibility with Mac
The first thing I checked was whether the external disc reader was fully compatible with macOS. Not all disc readers work seamlessly with Macs, so I made sure to look for ones specifically labeled as “Mac-compatible” or “plug-and-play” for Mac. This saved me from driver issues and extra setup time.
Disc Formats Supported
I use different types of discs, so I needed a reader that could handle multiple formats. Most external disc drives support CDs and DVDs, but if you want to read or write Blu-ray discs, you have to look for a Blu-ray compatible model. Knowing which formats you’ll need is key before buying.
Connection Type and Speed
For my MacBook, I preferred a USB-C connection because it’s faster and more convenient with newer Macs. Some models offer USB-A or even Thunderbolt connections, so I matched the reader’s port with my Mac’s available ports. The data transfer speed is also important if you plan to read or write large files quickly.
Portability and Design
Since I often carry my Mac around, I wanted a compact and lightweight external disc reader. Some models are slim and powered directly through the USB connection, which means no extra power adapter is needed. This makes it easy to use on the go without worrying about extra cables.
Read and Write Capabilities
Depending on my needs, I checked whether the external disc reader could only read discs or also write (burn) them. If you want to create discs or back up data, a writer is essential. Otherwise, a simple reader might be enough for watching movies or accessing files.
Price and Brand Reliability
I compared prices but also paid attention to brand reputation. Reliable brands tend to offer better build quality and customer support. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves a lot of hassle later.
Additional Features
Some external disc readers come with extra perks like built-in software for disc burning, multi-disc compatibility, or even aesthetic designs that match Mac’s sleek look. I considered these features as nice-to-have but not deal breakers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right external disc reader for my Mac came down to balancing compatibility, functionality, and portability. Once I identified what I needed most—whether it was just reading discs or also writing them, and matching the ports on my Mac—I found a device that fit my workflow perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find the ideal external disc reader that works seamlessly with your Mac!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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