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For most Mac owners, buy the ASUS ZenDrive U9M (SDRW-08U9M-U). It is portable, bus-powered, includes both USB-C and USB-A connectivity, and supports ordinary CD/DVD reading and writing without forcing current MacBook owners to buy a separate adapter. The ASUS-listed price is $39.99 at the time of research.
Choose the LG GP65NB60 if you want the cheapest reputable CD/DVD writer, the OWC Mercury Pro for a powered desktop archive or frequent burning, and the Verbatim 98938 for a lightweight M-DISC-oriented setup. Apple’s USB SuperDrive still works as a Mac accessory, but Apple no longer sells it directly, so it is a legacy option rather than the default new-buy recommendation.
The Best CD/DVD Drives for Mac in 2026
External optical drives are still useful for importing music CDs, opening archived files, watching DVD movies, burning data discs, installing legacy software, and creating physical archives. But a “CD/DVD drive” is not automatically the right drive for every Mac. USB-C connectivity, power requirements, dual-layer support, DVD playback software, region codes, Blu-ray compatibility, and bundled Windows-only software can all affect the purchase.
The recommendations below are based on current product specifications, Apple’s current macOS documentation, connectivity, availability, and use-case fit—not independent laboratory speed or reliability testing. Prices are U.S. prices observed during research and can change.
Quick recommendations
| Drive | Best for | Connection and power | DVD/CD capability | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ZenDrive U9M | Best overall for most Mac owners | USB-C and USB-A cables; bus-powered | Up to 8× DVD and 24× CD writing; dual-layer and M-DISC DVD support | ASUS does not specifically certify this model for macOS Tahoe 26; the listed compatibility is “Mac OS X 10.6 and above” |
| LG GP65NB60 | Best budget choice | USB-A/USB 2.0; bus-powered | Up to 8× DVD and 24× CD writing; dual-layer, DVD-RAM, and M-DISC support | USB-C-only MacBooks need an adapter or dock; cable bundles vary by seller |
| Apple USB SuperDrive | Existing owners or buyers who specifically want Apple’s design | Fixed USB-A cable; bus-powered | CD/DVD reading and writing | No longer sold directly by Apple; USB-C Macs need an adapter |
| OWC Mercury Pro | Frequent burning and permanent desk use | USB 3 and external power supply | Configuration-dependent: 24× DVD burner, 16× Blu-ray burner, or enclosure without a mechanism | Large, less portable, and more expensive than slim drives |
| Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer 98938 | Lightweight M-DISC-oriented use | USB-powered; USB-A-to-USB-C adapter included | Up to 8× DVD and 24× CD writing; M-DISC support | Bundled Nero software is Windows-only; current U.S. stock and pricing should be checked before purchase |
1. Best overall: ASUS ZenDrive U9M
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M (SDRW-08U9M-U) is the best balance for the typical Mac owner. It avoids the most common compatibility annoyance—having a USB-A-only drive and a USB-C-only MacBook—by including both USB-C and USB-A connectivity. It is also slim, bus-powered, and does not require a separate AC adapter for ordinary use.
ASUS lists support for Mac OS X 10.6 and later, DVD writing up to 8×, and CD writing up to 24×. Its specifications include common CD and DVD formats, dual-layer DVD support, and M-DISC DVD support. Maximum speed depends on the medium: ASUS lists up to 8× for DVD±R, 6× for dual-layer DVD±R, and 4× for DVD+R M-DISC.
#1 Best Overall
- 【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will usually be detected right away without the need for extra drivers. For stable operation and sufficient power, we recommend connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer (for desktops, use a rear motherboard port) and avoiding USB hubs or extension cables. This user-friendly design ensures quick setup for both beginners and professionals.
- 【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. To ensure a reliable connection, please connect it directly to your computer. The drive supports multiple disc formats such as DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW. Please note: It does NOT support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray (BD) discs, or certain proprietary formats. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/write speed is 24x.
- 【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7, Linux, and all macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) for MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Mac mini; NOT for iPad/iPhone/Apple TV/ChromeOS; for Mac, insert disc FIRST, connect directly to USB port (use a POWERED USB‑C hub for M1/M2/M3 to avoid insufficient power), and open media with VLC Player (Apple DVD Player not supported). Works with most computers from brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Important: Designed specifically for computers. It is NOT compatible with TVs, tablets, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), car stereos, or standalone Blu-ray players.
- 【SLIM & PORTABLE DESIGN – BUILT-IN CABLE, READY TO GO】With an integrated cable design, slim body, and stylish matte finish, this lightweight CD/DVD drive is both durable and portable. Easily slip it into your laptop bag or backpack and use it anytime, anywhere—perfect for business, travel, or home use
- 【MULTIFUNCTIONAL & RELIABLE OPERATION】 Equipped with intelligent error correction and anti-shock technology, this drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs. If the drive is not recognized or a disc cannot be read, try restarting your computer or testing with a different, standard CD-R or DVD-R disc. The pop-up button and built-in cable design offer convenience and portability. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power and performance.
- Best fit: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro owners who want one portable drive for reading, importing, watching DVDs, and occasional burning.
- Why it wins: USB-C and USB-A flexibility, bus-powered operation, broad ordinary DVD/CD support, and a reasonable ASUS-listed price of $39.99.
- Trade-off: It uses a slim USB 2.0 optical mechanism and is not the ideal choice for a heavy-use desktop archive.
One compatibility qualification matters: ASUS’s “Mac OS X 10.6 and above” statement is a manufacturer claim, not explicit model-specific certification for macOS Tahoe 26. Apple does document external optical-drive functionality in current macOS, including DVD playback and burning, but those are separate from a manufacturer’s certification of a particular model.
2. Best budget choice: LG GP65NB60
The LG GP65NB60 is the value pick if you only occasionally need to read or burn CDs and DVDs. Best Buy listed it at $28.99 during research, making it cheaper than the ASUS while retaining the core features most people need.
LG’s documentation and the retailer listing identify Mac compatibility, dual-layer DVD support, DVD-RAM support, M-DISC support, up to 8× DVD writing, and up to 24× CD writing. The listed media formats include CD-DA, CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD±R, DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM DL, and DVD-Video.
The important compromise is connectivity. The GP65NB60 uses USB-A and USB 2.0. A MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with only USB-C/Thunderbolt ports will need a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter or a dock. Check the exact box contents before ordering because cable bundles can vary by seller.
- Buy it if: price matters most and you already have a compatible adapter, dock, or USB-A Mac.
- Do not choose it over the ASUS if: you want native USB-C convenience and the price difference is small.
- Compatibility note: LG’s available documentation refers to older macOS versions rather than explicitly certifying macOS Tahoe 26.
3. Best Apple-branded option: Apple USB SuperDrive
The Apple USB SuperDrive remains a straightforward CD/DVD reader and writer, particularly for someone who already owns one. Apple documents it as compatible with Macs introduced in 2008 or later that do not have a built-in optical drive.
However, it should not be presented as the automatic best new purchase in 2026. Apple’s former SuperDrive product page now redirects to the general storage category and states that the product is no longer available on Apple.com. Remaining new-old stock, refurbished units, and used drives may still be available, but prices vary and some sellers charge a premium for the Apple logo.
The SuperDrive has a fixed USB-A cable. Apple says that USB-C Mac users can connect it with an Apple USB-C-to-USB adapter. Apple also recommends connecting it directly to a Mac rather than through an external display or USB hub if the drive fails to respond.
- Good purchase: a reasonably priced, tested unit from a seller with returns, especially if you already own the required adapter.
- Bad purchase: a used SuperDrive that costs more than a current USB-C-capable alternative simply because it is Apple-branded.
- Best existing-owner advice: keep using it if it works; ordinary macOS Finder, Music, and DVD Player workflows still support external optical drives.
4. Best for a desk and frequent burning: OWC Mercury Pro
The OWC Mercury Pro is a different kind of product from the slim ASUS, LG, Apple, and Verbatim drives. It is a full-size desktop enclosure with USB 3 and an external power supply. OWC offers configurations with a 24× DVD burner, a 16× Blu-ray burner, or an enclosure without a mechanism so the buyer can select the optical drive configuration.
That makes it a better fit for frequent burning, a large disc library, or a permanent desk setup where stable external power and a substantial enclosure matter more than portability. This is a fit-based recommendation, not a claim that OWC has been independently proven more reliable in laboratory testing.
Be precise when ordering: “Mercury Pro” does not describe one fixed optical mechanism. Confirm whether the selected configuration is DVD-only, Blu-ray-capable, or enclosure-only, and check the media formats and software requirements for that exact version.
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- Avoid it for: a drive that will live in a laptop bag or be used only a few times a year.
- Blu-ray warning: a Blu-ray-capable configuration still does not automatically provide commercial Blu-ray movie playback software.
5. Best lightweight M-DISC-oriented alternative: Verbatim 98938
The Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer, model 98938, is a portable USB-powered writer that includes a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter. Verbatim lists up to 8× DVD writing, up to 24× CD writing, M-DISC support, and a two-year limited warranty. Its listed weight is 12 ounces.
It is a sensible alternative to the ASUS if M-DISC support and the included adapter are priorities. The main software caveat is easy to miss: Verbatim’s bundled Nero software is Windows-only. That does not prevent ordinary Mac use, because macOS Finder and Music can burn data and audio discs without Nero, but Mac buyers should not pay extra expecting the bundled software to run on macOS.
Rank #2
- Plug & Play. Easy to use, powered by USB port. No external driver or power adapter needed. Simply plug it into your USB port for automatic detection. For optimal performance on desktop computers, connect directly to a high-power USB port on the back of the motherboard. This hassle-free solution requires no technical setup, and if the drive isn't immediately recognized, trying a different USB port typically resolves most connection issues
- High Speed & Reliable Performance. Compatible with USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0), this drive delivers fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Engineered with strong fault tolerance, it minimizes freezing, skipping, and errors during disc playback or burning. The stable performance ensures smooth, reliable operation and reduces the risk of defective performance
- Intelligent Tech & Stable Connection. Features a physical eject button that safely releases discs even when your computer fails to recognize the drive—eliminating the common frustration of stuck media. Enhanced with copper mesh technology, this external component ensures consistently stable data transmission during all your reading and writing tasks
- Trendy & Practical Design. Features a brushed texture shell for modern visual and tactile appeal. The innovative embedded cable design keeps your USB cable securely stored and always accessible, eliminating worries about misplacement. This compact, all-in-one solution is perfectly suited for easy transport and organized storage
- Wide Compatibility. This external USB CD/DVD drive works with Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Linux, and macOS 10.16+ (MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac mini). Compatible with most laptops/desktops (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Samsung). For optimal performance on desktops, connect to rear USB ports. Supported formats include CD-ROM/R/RW, DVD-ROM/R±RW/R±DL, and VCD. IMPORTANT: Not compatible with ChromeOS, smartphones, tablets, TVs, projectors, vehicles, or Blu-ray/4K discs. Please verify your device type before purchasing
Check U.S. availability and price immediately before buying. The product page does not explicitly certify the model for macOS Tahoe 26, so the same distinction applies: Apple documents the operating system’s external optical-drive functions, while the manufacturer’s product page may cite older macOS support.
How to choose the right type of drive
Start with the disc job
| What you want to do | Minimum requirement | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Read files from CDs or DVDs | External CD/DVD reader | Any reputable Mac-compatible USB optical drive should be sufficient |
| Burn ordinary data discs | CD/DVD writer | Confirm CD-R/RW and DVD±R/RW support |
| Burn dual-layer DVDs | DVD writer with DVD±R DL support | Some inexpensive drives support only single-layer writing |
| Import music CDs | CD-capable optical drive | Ripping quality depends on disc condition, software verification, and drive behavior—not just advertised speed |
| Watch DVD movies | DVD reader plus playback software | Region codes, copy protection, and disc structure can affect playback |
| Burn audio CDs | CD writer plus burning software | An audio CD is different from a data disc containing music files |
| Archive data | Writer, suitable media, and verification | M-DISC is not a replacement for multiple backups |
| Read or burn Blu-ray | Blu-ray-capable drive | A standard CD/DVD drive cannot read Blu-ray; software is a separate issue |
USB-C versus USB-A
Current MacBook Air models list two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and no USB-A ports, while current MacBook Pro models use USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, with some newer configurations using Thunderbolt 5. See the current MacBook Air specifications and MacBook Pro specifications for the exact model details.
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For a current laptop, the simplest choices are:
- Native USB-C drive: best for convenience. The ASUS includes USB-C and USB-A cables.
- USB-A drive plus adapter: perfectly reasonable when the drive is substantially cheaper or already owned.
- USB hub or dock: convenient, but not every hub supplies stable power to every slim optical drive.
- Desktop powered drive: preferable for repeated burning or when a portable drive disconnects under load.
Before buying, check whether the package contains a USB-C cable, a USB-A cable, a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter, a Y-cable requiring two USB ports, or an AC power supply. Do not describe a USB-A drive as “USB-C” merely because a small adapter is included; identify the actual drive connection and the adapter separately.
Bus-powered portable versus externally powered desktop
Portable slim drives draw power from USB and are convenient for occasional use. They are usually the best value when you need to read a disc, import a CD, or burn a few discs each year.
A desktop drive with its own power supply is larger and less convenient, but it avoids relying entirely on a laptop port, adapter, or hub. If a slim drive repeatedly spins up and disconnects, a powered hub may help; a full-size externally powered drive is the more robust long-term fit for repeated work.
Tray-loading versus slot-loading
The Apple SuperDrive uses a slot-loading design. Slim third-party drives commonly use a tray. Slot-loading drives look clean and compact, while tray-loading drives make it easier to inspect the disc and are generally more forgiving with unusual, labeled, or damaged media. Neither mechanism should be called universally more reliable without independent comparative testing.
Do not overpay for USB 3
Many portable DVD writers top out at approximately 8× DVD and 24× CD speeds regardless of whether their external connector is marketed as USB 2.0 or USB 3. ASUS, LG, and Verbatim publish figures in this range. The optical mechanism, disc quality, error correction, and media condition often matter more than the interface’s theoretical bandwidth for ordinary CD/DVD work.
USB 3 is more relevant for a Blu-ray writer, a full-size desktop unit, or repeated large transfers. It is not proof that a low-cost USB 3 slim drive has a faster or better optical mechanism.
CD/DVD formats that matter
For general compatibility, look for support for CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD±R DL. DVD-RAM is useful if you have older media or equipment that uses it. M-DISC support matters only if you plan to buy M-DISC media.
The LG GP65NB60 listing is unusually explicit, including CD-DA, CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD±R, DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM DL, and DVD-Video. ASUS also lists common CD/DVD formats, dual-layer DVD, and M-DISC DVD support, but maximum write speeds vary by disc type and should not be treated as guaranteed sustained performance.
M-DISC: useful medium, not a complete backup plan
ASUS, LG, Verbatim, and OWC market M-DISC support. M-DISC is designed and marketed as an archival optical medium, and manufacturers may promote very long projected lifetimes. Those claims apply to the medium and its recording conditions; they do not guarantee that every burned disc will remain readable indefinitely.
M-DISC cannot protect data from theft, fire, accidental deletion, a lost optical drive, or a failed computer. For important archives, keep at least two verified copies in separate locations. After burning, read the disc back and compare the files with the originals rather than assuming that a successful-looking burn proves the archive is good.
Rank #3
- 【Plug & Play】This ORIGBELIE external CD DVD drive is powered by USB port, no additional drivers and power supply required! Just plug the USB type-A or type-C connector on the data cable to your computer and the CD burner will be detected by computer automatically, you can then use the corresponding software to read and write the discs with no complex settings. As for Mac system, please note that the computer will not display the device icon until the disc is placed and read successfully.
- 【High-Speed】The external DVD drive supports USB 3.0 high speed data transmission and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.1. It delivers max 8x DVD read/write speeds and max 24x CD read/write speeds, provides faster data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps (625MB/S) without lag or distortion, get more done in less time! It also boasts strong error correction capability, noise reduction, shock resistance and low power consumption.
- 【Wide Compatibility】- This external cd drive supports various devices. It's compatible with Windows 11/ 10 / 8 / 7 / XP / 98 / SE / ME / 2000, Vista 7 / 8, Linux, Mac OS 10.6 or above such as Apple MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini and MacBook Pro. For desktops, please connect the DVD burner to the back USB port of the motherboard to avoid power shortage. (Not support for Cars, TV, Tablet, Phones, iPads, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch, Projectors, Chromebook, Surface (some models), Ubuntu system and blu ray disk)
- 【All Kinds of Disc】This CD player for laptop support read and write various formats discs, e.g. CD±R/RW, CD-ROM, DVD±R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, VCD e SVCD. The CD drive also can be used to listen to music, watch movies, data backup, burn files, install software, operating systems or games. If the CDs or DVDs can't be read by computer, use the charging cable included in the packge to connect to 5V charger or power bank to get extra power, that's because some computer doesn't have enough power to support the operation of the USB DVD drive external.
- 【Ultra Slim and Portable】Measuring just 13mm in thickness and weighing only 0.2 kg, the ORIGBELIE external optical drive is extremely slim and portable, taking up minimal space in travelling bag while on-the-go. Integrated data cable design, no need to worry about cable missing. What's more, its durable construction and anti-skid bottom ensure stable operation.
Using an external drive on macOS Tahoe 26
Apple’s current documentation says Macs can use external optical drives to play and burn CDs and DVDs. Apple’s DVD Player guide includes macOS Tahoe 26 documentation. That establishes support for the operating system’s workflows, but it should not be confused with every manufacturer explicitly certifying every current drive model for macOS 26.
First connection and verification
- Connect the drive directly to the Mac if possible.
- If it is USB-A, use a known-good USB-A-to-USB-C adapter or dock.
- Insert a known-good commercial CD or DVD.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > About > System Report.
- Open Disc Burning in the sidebar and confirm that macOS reports the drive and its supported burning capabilities.
If the drive is not visible, try another USB port, cable, or adapter before concluding that macOS is incompatible.
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Import a music CD with Music
- Open Music.
- Choose Music > Settings > General.
- Set When a CD is inserted to Show CD, Play CD, Import CD, Import CD and Eject, or Ask to Import CD.
- Insert the CD. If it does not appear automatically, select it under Devices.
- Click Import CD.
- Choose the format under Music > Settings > Files > Import Settings.
- Enable Use error correction when reading Audio CDs if the disc is scratched or the imported audio contains clicks or pops.
Music can retrieve track names over the internet. If the Mac is offline or the disc is not recognized, tracks may appear as “Track 01,” “Track 02,” and so on. Apple’s default import format is AAC, but the Import Settings menu provides other encoding choices.
For lossless FLAC files, verified extraction, AccurateRip checks, logs, or difficult discs, consider a dedicated tool such as X Lossless Decoder (XLD). XLD’s results depend on the disc’s condition, the drive’s read behavior, correct offset and error handling, and software verification. The recommended ASUS, LG, or Verbatim drive has not been independently proven here to produce better rips than the others.
Burn data discs with Finder
- Insert a blank disc.
- When prompted, choose Open Finder.
- Open the mounted blank disc.
- Drag files and folders into the disc window.
- Choose File > Burn to Disc and follow the prompts.
To burn a disk image, Control-click the .dmg file and choose Burn to Disc. To erase rewritable media, Control-click the optical drive in Finder and choose Erase Rewritable Disc. Apple says Finder-created discs can be readable on Windows and other computers.
Burn an audio CD with Music
- Create a playlist in Music.
- Insert a blank disc.
- Select the playlist.
- Choose File > Burn Playlist to Disc.
- Select Audio CD, MP3 CD, or Data CD or DVD.
- For an audio CD, set recording speed, the gap between songs, Sound Check, and CD Text where available.
- Click Burn.
A data disc containing MP3 files is not the same as a standard audio CD. Also, protected or unauthorized songs may prevent the Burn Playlist to Disc command from appearing.
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Apple’s DVD Player can play DVDs through an external DVD drive. It does not play Blu-ray discs. Ordinary DVD playback can also be attempted with VLC for Mac, which provides separate Intel and Apple-silicon downloads. Encrypted or region-restricted DVD behavior can depend on the drive, firmware, and software environment.
DVD playback has several limitations:
- A region-coded DVD must match the drive’s region.
- Apple says the drive region can be changed only five times, including the original setting. After the fifth change, it is permanently set to the last selected region.
- DVD Player may not recognize video content burned onto certain DVD-RW discs.
- Copy-protected DVD folders copied to the Mac cannot simply be opened in DVD Player as ordinary files.
Blu-ray is a separate buying decision
For Blu-ray data reading or burning, buy a drive that explicitly supports Blu-ray. Verbatim sells an external all-in-one writer supporting CD, DVD, Blu-ray, BDXL, and USB 3.2 Gen 1, but says movie playback software is not included. OWC offers a 16× Blu-ray Mercury Pro configuration.
Playing commercial Blu-ray movies is both a hardware and software/copy-protection question. Verify current macOS support and compatible playback software separately. For example, Pioneer’s BDR-XD08B page lists compatibility through macOS Sequoia 15, but does not list macOS Tahoe 26; do not assume that an older compatibility table proves Tahoe support.
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Troubleshooting an external optical drive
The Mac does not recognize the drive
- Connect the drive directly to the Mac.
- Avoid a monitor hub or unpowered hub.
- Try another USB port.
- Try another cable or adapter.
- Insert a known-good commercial CD or DVD.
- Check Apple menu > System Settings > General > About > System Report > Disc Burning.
- If the drive spins up and disconnects, try a powered hub or a desktop drive with its own power supply.
- Restart the Mac and test again.
Apple specifically warns that the SuperDrive may not respond through some external displays or USB hubs and recommends a direct connection. That advice is sensible for other slim bus-powered drives as well, although the exact behavior varies by hub, adapter, cable, and Mac.
Rank #4
- 13mm for ultra slim and light
- Mac/PC Support
- Includes USB 2. 0 and Type-C cables
- Nero BackItUp function for Android Devices
- DISC Encryption II for password-controls and hidden-file functionality
A burn fails
- Try better-quality blank media.
- Confirm that the blank disc type matches the drive’s capabilities.
- Confirm that the drive supports dual-layer writing if you are using DVD±R DL.
- Make sure the Mac has enough free internal storage. Apple says a burn may temporarily require approximately 700 MB for a CD, 4 GB for a DVD, and 8 GB for a dual-layer DVD.
- Use a direct USB connection and avoid a marginal adapter or overloaded hub.
- Close other apps that may have the disc open.
A DVD ejects immediately
Possible causes include a region mismatch, a drive that has already used its five permitted region changes, a DVD-RW video structure that DVD Player does not recognize, a damaged or scratched disc, or copy-protected content being opened as an ordinary folder.
The disc will not eject
- Quit the app using the disc.
- Select the disc in Finder and choose File > Eject.
- Click the Eject button next to the disc in Finder’s sidebar.
- Restart the Mac if necessary.
- For some stuck-disc situations, Apple documents holding the mouse or trackpad button while restarting as an emergency-eject method.
Do not force a tray or pull at a disc while the mechanism is spinning.
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If you only need one old file, it may be cheaper and simpler to use another computer with an optical drive and copy the file to a USB drive or secure cloud storage. Older Apple coverage documented CD/DVD sharing from another Mac, but that should not be treated as the primary current solution without verifying support in the exact macOS versions involved.
A used Apple SuperDrive can make sense when it is inexpensive, the seller accepts returns, it has been tested with both a CD and a DVD, and you already have a USB-A adapter. It is poor value when it costs more than a new USB-C-capable ASUS, LG, or Verbatim drive.
A full-size internal SATA optical drive in an enclosure can suit a large disc library or frequent ripping, especially when serviceability and a more substantial mechanism matter. The OWC Mercury Pro is the clearest mainstream desktop example in this comparison.
Finally, avoid buying a generic no-name drive solely because the box says “USB 3.0.” That label does not establish Mac compatibility, stable power behavior, dual-layer support, firmware quality, or a useful return policy. Many inexpensive drives may use similar slim mechanisms, but established brands make specifications, warranty terms, and returns easier to verify.
Buying checklist
- Does the drive have native USB-C, or will you need an adapter?
- Is it bus-powered, and does it require one USB port or two?
- Does the package include the cable and adapter shown in the listing?
- Does it write CD-R/RW and DVD±R/RW?
- Does it support DVD±R DL if you need dual-layer discs?
- Does it support DVD-RAM or M-DISC if those formats matter to you?
- Are you buying a DVD-only drive when you actually need Blu-ray?
- Is bundled software Windows-only?
- Is the manufacturer’s macOS claim old, general, or explicitly current for your model?
- Does the seller offer returns if the drive fails to mount or burn?
- For important archives, do you have a second verified copy in another location?
Final buying decision
Choose the ASUS ZenDrive U9M for the best overall combination of USB-C convenience, USB-A flexibility, portability, ordinary CD/DVD support, and price. Choose the LG GP65NB60 if you want the lowest-cost reputable option and can handle USB-A. Choose the OWC Mercury Pro when the drive will stay on a desk and you burn or archive frequently. Choose the Verbatim 98938 when its included USB-C adapter, two-year warranty, and M-DISC support fit your priorities.
Buy the Apple USB SuperDrive mainly when you already own one or find a tested, sensibly priced unit. It remains usable, but Apple’s decision to stop selling it directly makes it a legacy accessory—not the best default purchase for a USB-C Mac in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a standard external DVD drive play Blu-ray discs on a Mac?
No. A standard CD/DVD drive cannot read Blu-ray. You need a drive that explicitly supports Blu-ray, and commercial Blu-ray movie playback also requires compatible software and copy-protection support. Apple DVD Player does not play Blu-ray.
Do I need an adapter to use a DVD drive with a MacBook?
Only if the drive uses USB-A and your MacBook has USB-C/Thunderbolt ports without a compatible dock. The ASUS ZenDrive U9M includes USB-C and USB-A connectivity, while the Apple SuperDrive has a fixed USB-A cable and requires an adapter for USB-C-only Macs.
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No. M-DISC is an archival optical medium, but it does not protect against theft, fire, deletion, or a lost or failed drive. Keep multiple verified copies in separate locations.
Can I import a music CD without the software bundled with the drive?
Yes. macOS Music can import audio CDs, and Finder and Music can burn ordinary data and audio discs. Some included applications, such as Verbatim’s bundled Nero software, are Windows-only, but they are not required for these basic Mac workflows.
The Bottom Line
Best overall: ASUS ZenDrive U9M. Best low-cost pick: LG GP65NB60. Best desktop option: OWC Mercury Pro. Best Apple-specific choice: a reasonably priced, tested SuperDrive you already own or find used. Before ordering, verify the connector, power arrangement, disc formats, software requirements, and whether you truly need Blu-ray.
Quick Recap
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