In recent years a number of laptop manufacturers have begun excluding DVD drives from their products. This is partly due to most software being available online which when combined with faster internet connections makes the DVD drive almost obsolete. While excluding the drives does help keep the laptops compact and light weight, there are still times when you will need to read or burn a DVD.

1. Dvd Drive For Macbook Usb C
2. Dvd Drive For Mac Pro
3. Dvd Drive For Macbook Pro Usb C
4. Dvd Drive For Mac Computer

As a result, we created this best external DVD drive guide to help you find a drive that will satisfy your needs. There is a wide variety to choose from, all capable of reading and writing a range of disc types. We have also included models that will suit different operating systems depending on whether you are using windows or Mac.

I've had this drive on two How many blank discs does it take to burn just ONE? Well, if you're using the Apple USB Superdrive, the answer is six, apparently. I've had this drive on two computers, a Mac Pro at work and another at home and it never goes smoothly.

Related: Best OS for gaming – Windows, Linux or Mac

The older Macs that came with internal DVD drives do not recognize external DVD drives, but if the internal fails a small edit in one tiny system file will force the Mac to recognize an external DVD/CD drive. A more extensive description is here h. Burn DVDs and CDs with this Dell USB DVD/RW drive. Plug it into your computer's USB port to play and burn discs or to load new software onto the hard drive. This slim Dell USB DVD/RW drive fits into a tote bag, and it draws power directly from the computer's USB port for hassle-free operation. Dec 05, 2018  LG is the best Mac portable DVD drive that's alternative to Apple USB SuperDrive but at a lower price. It can read and burn DVD and CD on Mac and PC, also delivering 8x max DVD writing speed. There easiest way to boot to any device other than a Mac’s internal hard drive is to press and hold the Option key immediately after hearing the Mac startup chime. Continuing to hold this button down will bring up a menu where you can select a disc or drive to boot from.

Top 10 Best External DVD Drives

1. LG Electronics 8x USB 2.0 Ultra Slim DVD Drive GP65NB60

LG’s GP65NB60 comes in four color options, and it is an ultra-slim model that is just 14mm in height. USB 3.0 compatible, the unit runs at up to 480Mbits and also runs on USB 2.0 interface. Maximum DVDR write speeds are 8x while CD write seeds are 24x.

Fast and efficient, this model has a sustained DVD write speed of 11.08 Mbytes while CD transfer rates are 3.6 MB/s. The unit is compatible with Windows Server 2003 and higher, so it will run on most any operating system still in use today.

The unit does have jamless and silent play as well as TV connectivity.

Under-run prevention is embedded into the DVD drive, allowing for a 0.75 MB buffer for smoother operation. The GP65NB60 is powered by USB which is convenient when working on the go.

2. ASUS ZenDrive

The ASUS ZenDrive can be bought in either black or silver, which both look fantastic. In addition, the base model comes with USB 2.0 interface as standard. However, there is another model that adds Type C interface, too.

Ideal for laptops and other smaller units, this model is just 13mm thick. It’s ultra-slim and comes with a complete backup solution, making it easier to back-up your documents and files.

M-DISC is available to keep your files backed up without data loss or degradation for 1,000 years. M-DISC is able to keep data safer and with less potential data loss than any other medium available such as DVD.

DVD write speeds are 8X, and Nero backup solutions are available for your Android Devices. You can also use disc encryption as well as drag and burn options. ZenDrive will work with Windows 10, and you can write to CD format, too.

USB 3.0 is supported and will allow for even faster write speeds when available.

3. Dell USB DVD Drive-DW316

Dell’s DW316 is a slim drive offering plug and play disc burning capabilities. This unit can be used at home or on the go, and it’s lightweight at 200g with a low profile of 14mm. You’ll find that the unit is an optical drive that has the pre-loaded CyberLink Media Suite.

Exceptional performance allows the DW316 to have write speeds as high as 24X for CD and 8X for DVD+RW discs.

Powered completely through USB, there’s no need for power cords or any other cords. Just plug the unit into your Mac or Windows computer or laptop, and you’re ready to go. However, blu-ray cannot be read on the DVD drive, but it’s an easy-to-use option that comes at an affordable price.

Modern PCs will automatically detect the drive when it’s plugged in, so it’s usable in seconds and is also quieter than most competing models.

Read also: How to build a gaming PC – Ultimate guide

4. Pioneer BDR-XD05B

Pioneer is a leader in audio, and they also manufacture some of the best computer peripherals on the market. Offering a clamshell design, this model comes in black or silver and supports USB 3.0 and also BDXL.

The only time this fast-performing writer will slow down is when burning Blu-ray discs, but speeds are still at 6X, which is impressive for an external writer.

PowerDVD is provided, so you’ll have the software needed to play and write media. Quiet and very compatible, the XD05B is able to backup all of your media faster and more efficiently than competing models.

5. ASUS Lite Portable USB 2.0 Slim External Drive

ASUS offers a very compact, portable DVD burner that comes with 8X speeds and is compatible with both Windows 10 and Mac. The unit is designed to be an easy backup solution, and it offers encryption technology as well as double security to keep all of your files safe.

A drag-and-drop interface allows for simple burning within seconds.

Cables are provided for USB ports. If you want to watch movies off of the player, you’ll need to plug in both USB ports to properly power the drive. Offering a very low entry price, this is one of the better DVD writers on the market.

E-Green Engine is available for the best optical storage option today.

6. Apple USB SuperDrive – Best for Mac

Apple’s USB SuperDrive is the best external DVD drive for Mac, and this is because it’s designed directly by Apple. Sleek and compatible with all Macs, this model can play and burn all of your media: CDs and DVDs.

Create backup discs quickly, and while more expensive than competing models, the SuperDrive is one of the quietest on the market.

You won’t need an external power source, and all of your favorite Mac models are supported: Mac Mini, MacBook and MacBook Air. The only downside is that since there is no external power source, you’ll have to rely on your laptop’s battery to power your drive.

This means that your battery will deplete slightly faster than normal.

7. Pioneer BDR-XU03

Pioneer is back with an external Blu-Ray writer, and this model comes with a stand (higher version). The magnesium body is sleek and aesthetically appeasing, and faster writing speeds are offered through USB 3.0.

Writing speeds are as fast as 6X, and there’s no need for an external power source.

Performance is quiet, and the company includes PureRead 2 Smarter Media Playback and PowerRead Smooth. Blu-ray media support allows for 100 GB triple-layer and 128 GB quad layer storage options.

You can use this external drive to view all of your Blu-Ray media, but you do need separate software (included) to be able to watch all of your Blu-Ray content.

8. Samsung External DVD Drive SE-218CB

Samsung’s external DVD writer has interface compatibility for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, and buffer memory of 1.0 MB for smoother reading and writing. You’ll be able to burn both DVD and CD mediums, and access time for both is just 150 MS.

Writes are made at 8X for most DVD media and 24X for CD media.

Seek time is a mere 190 ms, and the USB cable will act as the writer’s power source. The USB cord is included, and most MACs will run this writer. Windows machines will also work thanks to the automatic recognition feature.

9. HP DVD600S

HP’s DVD600S is an ultra-thin, lightweight multi-format writer. Delivering the latest in optical technology, this writer has a 13.2 mm thickness and weighs just 250 grams. The writer can record on double- and single-layer technology.

No AC adapter is required, as the writer will be powered by the USB.

DVD read and write speeds are 8X, CD speeds are a fast 24X. While the USB cord is integrated into the writer, it is small and you can use an extender as needed. Aside from this small issue, the writer does as is advertised: writes and reads media.

10. Archgon MD-3102S-U3 Blu-ray Combo

Archgon offers a Blu-ray combo that has a built-in Panasonic combo drive that can both read and write CD and DVD. Blu-ray discs are also able to be read. More expensive than other models, this unit is durable with a premium aluminum casing and uses USB 3.0 for faster writing speeds.

Of course, USB 2.0 is supported, too.

Cyberlink Media Suite is included. The unit will work with Windows 7 and up as well as Mac OS 10.8.5 and later. Keep in mind that while the drive can read a Blu-ray disc, it cannot write to Blu-ray (something a lot of consumers overlook).

Related posts:

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How do you install a second optical drive or replace the primary one in the Mac Pro models? What options are available for the second Mac Pro 'optical drive bay'?

Although the default optical drive in early models is an IDE/ATA, all Mac Pro models have two front-facing optical drive bays that can support two standard dimension 5.25' 3 Gb/s Serial ATA devices (also called SATA 2.0 or SATA II) courtesy of two Serial ATA ports.

Replacing the primary optical drive or installing a second optical drive in the Mac Pro models is a simple procedure, but installation instructions still are useful nevertheless. Apple provides official support for individuals installing optical drive(s) in the Mac Pro, as well.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac Pro)

Identification Help

To replace the primary optical drive or install a second one in the Mac Pro, the process is similar for all systems. However, there are some differences between the earlier A1186 and later A1289Model Number Mac Pro models, perhaps most notably that the earlier models do not include the necessary cables for a second drive. It is important to know whether you have an original (2006/2007) or 'Early 2008' model (A1186) or alternately a 'Early 2009,' 'Mid-2010' or 'Mid-2012' model (A1289).

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In addition to the 'close enough' Model Number identifier, the Mac Pro lines each can be uniquely identified by EMC Number. The EMC number is listed on the rear of the system in small type.

Additionally, all Mac Pro lines can be identified to some extent by the Model Identifier in software. To locate the model identifier, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the 'More Info..' button. If the Mac Pro is running OS X 'Lion' (10.7) or later, click the 'System Report' button after clicking 'More Info..' as well.

Useful identifiers for the Mac Pro lines include:

More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.

EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can identify these systems by their Serial Numbers.

SuperDrive & Blu-ray Options

The only official custom configuration option Apple offers for the second 5.25' external Mac Pro 'optical drive bay' is a second 18X double layer DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive for an additional US$100.

However, the Mac Pro is capable of supporting third-party optical drive options that include Blu-ray. Apple provides no support for commercial Blu-ray movies, but commercial movies can be played with third-party software and the Blu-ray format can be used for convenient backups up to 50 GB.

Site sponsor Other World Computing sells a variety of Mac Pro compatible optical drives including internal Blu-ray drives that are capable of both reading and writing Blu-ray media.

Dvd Drive For Macbook Usb C

Hard Drive & SSD Options

Particularly if you already have filled the four hard drive bays in your Mac Pro, you also can install additional storage in either of the Mac Pro optical drive bays using a third-party adapter from OWC's Multi-Mount series.

Which adapter to use depends on which Mac Pro you have and what you want to install -- a single 3.5' hard drive, a 3.5' hard drive and a 2.5' SSD, or two 2.5' SSDs -- but there are a variety of options that make the process easy.

Optical Drive Upgrade Instructions

Apple provides a PDF with instructions on how to install a second optical drive or replace the primary one in the Mac Pro -- and covers this information in the instruction manuals for each model as well (pages 63-68 for the 'Early 2009' line and pages 68-73 for the 'Mid-2010' and 'Mid-2012' lines).

The official documentation absolutely should be read before performing an optical drive installation. However, perhaps even better than the official drawings, OWC provides step-by-step videos of the upgrade process.

Mac Pro Optical Drive Upgrade Video
Original (2006 & 2007) & Early 2008 (A1186)

Mac Pro Optical Drive Upgrade Video
Early 2009, Mid-2010 & Mid-2012 (A1289)

After watching these videos, it should be clear that installing an optical drive in all Mac Pro models is straightforward. However, if you do not feel comfortable -- or have the time -- to perform the installation yourself, hiring a professional always is a good idea.

Optical Drive Upgrade Purchase & Professional Installation Options

To ensure full compatibility, it always is best to buy an optical drive and other upgrades from a trusted company with Mac knowledge for the most trouble-free experience.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells Mac Pro compatible internal Blu-ray drives as well as Multi-Mount adapter kits and other Mac Pro upgrades.

In Australia, site sponsor RamCity sells Mac Pro compatible internal Blu-ray drives in addition to SSDs that can be installed in the optical drive bays. All upgrades are offered with fast, flat rate shipping Australia-wide.

In Southeast Asia, site sponsor SimplyMac.sg sells Mac Pro compatible storage that can be installed in the optical drive bays with free delivery -- and optional upgrade service -- in Singapore and flat rate shipping to Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea.

Also see:

Dvd Drive For Mac Pro

• How do you upgrade the hard drives in the Mac Pro to SSDs? What SSD options are available? Which SSD configuration provides the fastest performance?
• How do you install a second optical drive or replace the primary one in the Mac Pro models? What options are available for the second Mac Pro 'optical drive bay'?
• How many PCI slots of what type are provided by the Mac Pro models? How do you install a PCIe card in the Mac Pro?

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