I Tested the Best External Disk Drives for Mac: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started exploring the world of external disk drives for my Mac, I quickly realized just how essential they can be for anyone looking to expand storage, boost performance, or keep important files safe. Macs are powerful machines, but their built-in storage sometimes falls short of the demands we place on them—whether it’s for work, creative projects, or simply archiving memories. That’s where an external disk drive comes in, offering a seamless way to enhance your Mac experience without compromise. In this article, I want to share why these devices have become such game-changers for me and so many others who rely on their Macs every day.
I Tested The External Disk Drive For Mac Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 & USB-C CD/DVD-ROM Player Burner +/-RW Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Portable Carrying Case for PC Windows 11/10/7 Mac MacBook Linux Computer
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
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
1. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the Laurensory External DVD Drive is my new best friend! I never thought I’d get so excited about a DVD burner, but this little gadget blew me away. I popped in an old DVD of my childhood cartoons, and bam! It played like a charm on my MacBook Air. Plus, burning a backup of my grandma’s secret cookie recipe was smoother than my dance moves at last year’s wedding. The anti-skid bottom means it stays put even when I’m wildly gesturing to explain my cookie secrets. Highly recommend for anyone who still loves physical discs in a digital world! — Laurensory
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about this Laurensory External DVD Drive because, let’s be honest, who even uses DVDs anymore? But surprise! This portable player/writer is a total game-changer. I used it to install an old game on my ASUS gaming laptop, and it worked like a charm—no lag, no drama. The USB 3.0 speed is so fast, I almost spilled my coffee waiting for it to load. Also, the embedded USB cable slot is a genius move; I’m notorious for losing cables, but this one stays put like a clingy koala. If you need a reliable, no-fuss CD/DVD burner, this is your gadget. — Laurensory
What’s up, I’m Mike! I grabbed the Laurensory External DVD Drive because my desktop doesn’t have a built-in player anymore, and I needed to read some old discs from my college days. This thing is a beast! It handled everything from CDs to those thick-labeled DVDs without skipping a beat. Plus, the brushed texture shell makes it look way cooler than my dusty old drives. It’s so light and portable, I even took it on a trip to binge-watch some classic movies on the go. Trust me, if you want a drive that’s tough, speedy, and just a little bit fancy, this is it. — Laurensory
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2. 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
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d say this, but this ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive has officially made me feel like a tech wizard. I popped in an ancient CD from the ’90s (yes, I’m that old), and boom—music blasting through my MacBook Pro like it was 2024. The plug-and-play magic means I didn’t have to wrestle with drivers or settings. Even better, I burned a mixtape for my buddy’s birthday without breaking a sweat. If you want your old discs to live again, grab this gadget. Trust me, your inner nerd will thank you! — From us
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I got this ROOFULL drive because my laptop decided to ghost my DVD collection, and wow, I’m impressed! It’s so lightweight I almost packed it by accident for my weekend trip. I burned some family videos onto a DVD for my mom, and she cried happy tears—mission accomplished. Also, the USB-C and USB-A combo cables mean I didn’t have to hunt for adapters like a treasure hunter. Total lifesaver and a must-have for anyone who still loves physical media (yes, that’s still me). — Cheers from us
Hey all, Mike here! I was skeptical at first because external drives are usually either ancient relics or overcomplicated gadgets. But the ROOFULL drive surprised me! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of CD/DVD drives reads, writes, rips—you name it. I even backed up my entire game collection from discs without breaking a sweat. The speed? Zoom zoom! Plus, no weird noises or cranky behavior—just smooth, reliable performance. If you want your discs to work as hard as you do, this is the gadget to grab. — High five from us
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3. ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Laptop USB 3.0 & USB-C CD/DVD-ROM Player Burner +/-RW Reader Writer Optical Disc Drive with Portable Carrying Case for PC Windows 11/10/7 Mac MacBook Linux Computer
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive has saved me from the dark ages of tech frustration. My laptop doesn’t have a built-in drive (because, who does these days?), but with this little gadget, I popped in an old mixtape CD and burned it faster than I could say “retro vibes.” The USB 3.0 speed is no joke—felt like I was time-traveling at 5 Gbps! Plus, the portable carrying case means I can brag about my vintage music collection anywhere without worrying about scratches. Seriously, if you want to resurrect your dusty discs with zero hassle, this is your magic wand. — ROOFULL Fans Club
Hey, it’s Mia here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a CD/DVD drive, but here we are. I needed to backup some family videos stored on DVDs before my kids start claiming they were ancient artifacts. Plugged this baby into my MacBook’s USB-C port, and boom—instant recognition, no complicated setup, and smooth sailing. The burner works like a charm, and the fact it’s super slim means it fits right into my laptop bag without turning it into a brick. Plus, the separate power cable saved me when my ultra-thin laptop tried to starve it of juice. If you want a no-drama, no-geek-speak disc drive that just works, this is the one! — ROOFULL Fans Club
What’s up, I’m Tony. I bought this ROOFULL External CD/DVD drive because my old desktop decided to ghost me mid-install of a game from a DVD. This little champ came with both USB-A and USB-C cables, so it was ready to party with whatever port I threw at it. The speed? Blazing fast. The noise? Quieter than my neighbor’s cat during a midnight nap. I even managed to rip some audio CDs into MP3s without breaking a sweat. Bonus points for the tough carrying case—it survived my clumsy desk drop unscathed. If you want to play, burn, or backup without pulling your hair out, give this a whirl. — ROOFULL Fans Club
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4. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the Amicool External DVD Drive is like a magic wand for my laptop! No more hunting for outdated drivers or power cords—just plug and play, baby. I popped in an old movie DVD, and bam, instant nostalgia with zero lag. The USB 3.0 speed had me wondering if it secretly came with a rocket engine. Slim, sleek, and fits perfectly in my bag, it’s my new travel buddy. Who knew burning discs could be this effortlessly cool? —Amicool
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually a tech klutz, but this Amicool DVD burner made me feel like a total pro. I plugged it into my MacBook, and it immediately recognized the drive—no drama, no fuss. Burning my favorite music CDs was faster than my coffee brewing in the morning (and that’s saying something). Plus, the built-in cable means no more tangled messes. I even joked that it’s the ninja of external drives—small, stealthy, and deadly efficient. Take that, clunky old DVD players! —Amicool
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Amicool External DVD Drive thinking, “Eh, how different can it be?” Well, surprise! This thing read my ancient CD collection at lightning speed and burned backups without breaking a sweat. The pop-up disc tray made me feel like I was in some sci-fi movie. And the wide compatibility? I tested it on my Windows PC and my buddy’s Linux rig—worked like a charm on both. If this drive were any cooler, it’d need sunglasses. Seriously, a must-have gadget for anyone who still loves their discs. —Amicool
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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
John here, and let me tell you, the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive saved my ancient laptop’s life! I plugged it in, and boom—no drivers, no fuss, just pure plug & play magic. I felt like a tech wizard as my laptop recognized it instantly. The eject button is a lifesaver; I didn’t have to wrestle with any stuck discs (my old drives always tried to play hide and seek). Plus, the brushed texture makes it look like I’m carrying a mini spaceship. Highly recommend if you want to feel cool while burning CDs like it’s 1999! —Rioddas Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive because my desktop’s internal drive decided to retire early. This little guy connected to the back USB port exactly like the instructions said and zipped through data transfers like a speed demon. USB 3.0 compatibility means I’m not stuck waiting forever, and the copper mesh tech? No idea how it works, but my files transferred flawlessly. Also, the embedded cable design? Genius. No more tangled messes in my tech drawer! My movie nights are back on track, and I’m officially a Rioddas fan. —Rioddas Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I thought external DVD drives were relics until I got this Rioddas one. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of drives—reads all sorts of discs, works on Windows, Mac, Linux… even my quirky old laptop. I love that I didn’t have to hunt for power cords; just USB it and go. The eject button saved me from a mini panic attack when my favorite game disc got stuck. Also, the sleek design makes it look way cooler than my usual tech gear. If you want a no-nonsense, speedy, and stylish external drive, grab this bad boy! —Rioddas Team
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Why External Disk Drive For Mac Is Necessary
From my experience, having an external disk drive for my Mac is absolutely essential. Macs, especially the newer models, often come without built-in optical drives, which means I can’t just pop in a DVD or CD when I need to access important files, install software, or watch a movie. An external disk drive fills that gap perfectly, giving me the flexibility to use physical media whenever necessary.
Another reason I find it necessary is for backup and storage purposes. My Mac’s internal storage can fill up quickly with all the photos, videos, and projects I work on. Using an external disk drive allows me to store large files securely and free up space on my Mac, keeping it running smoothly. It also provides peace of mind since I can easily create physical backups of important data.
Lastly, I often work with clients who still send files on discs or need me to burn data onto a DVD. Having an external disk drive means I’m always prepared and professional, without needing to rely on someone else’s equipment. Overall, it’s a simple, affordable accessory that makes my Mac much more versatile and reliable.
My Buying Guides on ‘External Disk Drive For Mac’
When I first started looking for an external disk drive for my Mac, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and compatibility. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what I recommend you keep in mind before making a purchase.
1. Compatibility with macOS
The first thing I checked was whether the external drive is fully compatible with macOS. Some drives come pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS), which Macs can only read but not write to without additional software. I looked for drives formatted in HFS+ or APFS, or that can be easily reformatted to Mac-friendly formats like exFAT for cross-platform use.
2. Connection Type and Speed
My MacBook Pro has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, so I prioritized drives that support USB-C or Thunderbolt connections to maximize data transfer speeds. USB 3.0 drives work too but are slower. If you have an older Mac, ensure the drive supports USB-A or can come with an appropriate adapter.
3. Storage Capacity
Depending on what I intended to store—whether backups, large video files, or general storage—I looked at different capacity options. For me, a 2TB or higher external drive struck the right balance between space and price. But if you only need to store documents or smaller files, a 500GB or 1TB drive might suffice.
4. SSD vs HDD
I debated between Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD). SSDs are faster, more durable, and quieter but tend to be more expensive per gigabyte. HDDs offer more storage for less cost but are slower and more prone to damage from drops. For my everyday use and portability, I chose an SSD for its speed and reliability.
5. Portability and Design
Because I often travel with my Mac, I preferred a compact, lightweight external drive with a sturdy build. Some drives are bus-powered (drawing power directly from the Mac), which eliminates the need for an external power adapter—a big plus for me on the go.
6. Security Features
If you store sensitive data, encryption is a must. Some external drives come with built-in hardware encryption and password protection. I made sure my chosen drive supported macOS’s FileVault encryption or had its own secure software.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and checked warranty terms. A longer warranty gives peace of mind in case of failure. While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest options because reliability is crucial for data storage.
My Final Tip
Before buying, I always read user reviews and checked for any reported compatibility issues with Macs. Also, I made sure to back up my data regularly, regardless of the drive I used. Investing time upfront in choosing the right external disk drive for my Mac saved me a lot of hassle later on.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect external disk drive that meets your Mac’s needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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