6 best cd writers for macs

CD writers for Macs, also known as optical drives or external CD/DVD drives, are hardware components that allow you to read and write CDs and DVDs on your Mac computer. These drives are often used for various purposes, such as installing software from physical discs, creating backup copies of data, or watching DVD movies. Here are some key points about CD writers for Macs:

  1. External CD/DVD Drives: Many Macs, especially laptops like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, do not come with built-in CD/DVD drives due to their slim form factor. Therefore, users often opt for external CD/DVD drives that connect to the Mac via USB or USB-C ports.

  2. Compatibility: When purchasing an external CD/DVD drive for your Mac, it's crucial to ensure that it's compatible with macOS. Most modern drives are plug-and-play and should work seamlessly with macOS without requiring additional drivers.

  3. Read and Write Speeds: CD/DVD writers come with different read and write speeds. Higher speeds allow for faster data transfer and disc burning. Be sure to choose a drive that meets your speed requirements based on your intended use.

  4. Formats Supported: Verify that the CD/DVD drive supports the disc formats you plan to use. Common formats include CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD-RW. Some drives may also support Blu-ray discs.

  5. Software Compatibility: macOS includes built-in software for reading and writing to CDs and DVDs. However, if you need more advanced features or intend to create specialized discs (e.g., audio CDs or bootable DVDs), you might want to use third-party software such as Roxio Toast or Nero Burning ROM.

  6. Use Cases: External CD/DVD drives for Macs are handy for various purposes, including:

    • Software Installation: Installing software from physical discs that are not available as digital downloads.
    • Data Backup: Creating backup copies of important data on CDs or DVDs.
    • Media Playback: Watching DVD movies or listening to audio CDs.
    • Legacy Support: Accessing older CDs or DVDs with valuable content.
  7. Portability: External CD/DVD drives are generally compact and portable, making them easy to carry around and use with multiple Mac computers if needed.

  8. Power Source: Some external drives draw power from the Mac's USB port, while others may require an external power source. Ensure that the drive you choose aligns with your power availability.

  9. Price Range: External CD/DVD drives for Macs come in a range of prices, with basic models being quite affordable. Higher-end models with faster speeds and additional features may cost more.

  10. Maintenance: Like any hardware component, optical drives can accumulate dust and dirt over time, affecting performance. Periodically cleaning the drive's lens and ensuring proper storage of discs can help maintain its functionality.

In summary, CD writers for Macs, or external CD/DVD drives, are valuable accessories for Mac users who require CD/DVD reading and writing capabilities on computers that lack built-in optical drives. When choosing a drive, consider compatibility, read/write speeds, supported formats, and your specific use cases to find the best option for your needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cd writers for macs on the market
  

External CD Drive USB 3.0 Portable CD DVD +/-RW Drive DVD/CD ROM Rewriter Burner Writer Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Mac Pro MacBook

Rioddas

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price
  • Plug & play. Easy to use,powered by USB port. No external driver and Power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD driver will be detected
  • High speed. Compatible with USB3. 0 and backwards compatible with USB2. 0 , bringing faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance
  • Intelligent tech. Designed with eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD drive. The copper mesh technology of this external component, you can be rest assured of stable data transmission
  • Trendy design. Brushed texture shell brings trendy sight and touch enjoyment. Embedded cable design, worry- off cable missing any when and where
  • Wide compatibility. Ideal for various devices. It supports Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8. 1/10, Linux, all version Mac OS system. For the desktops, Please connect the device to the back USB port of the motherboard for normal use

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work with windows
Answer: It should work with Windows 8 though I only used with Windows 10. If you insert a DVD and a video player does not start up, you may need a player that will recognize the drive. On a recommendation from a friend, I installed "VLC media player" and this app opens when I insert a DVD into the Riodadas player. VLC is a free and open source media player that works with all Windows versions. You can get the player here: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Question: Can this be used to install windows 10 without the need to somehow install a driver first? it's rather tough to do that when trying to install an os
Answer: This is basically a laptop optical drive in an external case with USB connection. I would think so. If the installation disk contains the installation software and the computer can access a USB device then it should. Changes to the boot device may be required.
Question: Does this play games like sims
Answer: It's played all my games without so much of a skip.
Question: Does this work on macs
Answer: Won't work with Mac 10.15.7! It was working before; now it seems useless. I see someone else is having this issue.

Verbatim External CD / DVD Writer - Compact & Slimline - USB Powered – Mac & PC Compatible - Black

Verbatim

Based on 631 reviews Check latest price

Product description

CD’s and DVD’s remain among the most commonly used media types, however, more and more, laptop manufacturers are choosing to leave optical drives out of their newer models. The Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer offers laptop users a solution. Weighing a mere 12 ounces, this slim, lightweight external CD/DVD burner fits easily in a laptop bag, and allows users to read/write CD’s and DVD’s any time, any place. For added convenience, the drive draws power from a USB port on your notebook or ultrabook – with no extra AC cables to transport. In addition to supporting all common CD and DVD formats, for both read and write functionality, the Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer is M-Disc ready – providing an archival solution with industry-leading disc lifetime expectancies – ideal for backing up sensitive data, as well as music and video libraries. The Verbatim Slimline CD/DVD Writer features Nero Burn & Archive software for seamless archiving, and reliable secure disc burns.*

Contents:

•External Slimline CD/DVD Writer

•USB 2.0 Cable

•User manual (on CD)

•Nero Burn & Archive Software (compatible with Windows operating systems only)

•Quick Install Guide

  • Compatible with all common CD/DVD formats and players; M-Disc ready; 8X DVD Write Speed and 24X CD Write Speed
  • Weighing 12 ounces, this CD/DVD burner is compact, lightweight and USB powered (comes with cord) - no need to carry additional AC adapter
  • Industry-leading disc lifetime expectancies – ideal for backing up sensitive data, as well as music and video libraries
  • Featuring Nero Burn & Archive software (only compatible with Windows)
  • Verbatim has been a leader in data storage technology since 1969, and guarantees this product with a 2 year limited warranty and technical support
  • DVD movie playback requires DVD playback software (not included)

User questions & answers

Question: won't burn a music audio cd in nero or windows media program. "could not write to disc" then "device not available" data cd, dvd's are fine
Answer: MTK Processor.
Question: `can i get a cable that connects from my verbatim dvd-cd writer to an hdmi hd smart tv
Answer: Sí, puertos micro USB y de tamaño completo
Question: will the dvds it makes play on dvd players
Answer: My box just says 11 Delta Pro 2. I don’t see a model number.
Question: Can you watch a dvds on a computer using this device? When we tired to play a dvd it wouldn't work and it said something about an app for
Answer: Yes this model should have a full size USB port.

Product features

Verbatim External Slimline CD/DVD Writer

Though CDs and DVDs are still among the most commonly used media types, more and more computer manufacturers are choosing to leave optical drives out of their new models. If you still use these media types, or even newer optical media types such as Blu-ray discs or M-Discs, you may find yourself in the position of needing to buy a separate optical drive, and there are several things to consider.

Internal vs. External

Optical drives can either be internal or external, and it’s an important choice when deciding which optical drive to buy. Internal drives are actually placed inside your computer, connected via an IDE or SATA port. Internal drives are usually more affordable and have higher read/write speeds. However, installation can be difficult and for some laptops, impossible, given the ultra-slim profile of some newer models.

External drives, on the other hand, exist outside of your computer and connect to your computer via a USB or FireWire port. They can either pull power from your computer itself or from a separate power outlet. Typically, they are more compact, more portable, and can fit easily into a laptop bag. However, due to external connectivity, they may have slightly lower read/write speeds compared to internal drives.

Formats

Another important factor in deciding which drive to buy is the format you want to work in. Today most drives work with multiple formats, but it is still important to make sure the drive you’re buying is compatible with the media types you want to use. Some common formats most drives now support are DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM. Some less common formats include DVD-RAM, DVD+R/DVD-R Dual Layer and miniDVD. If you’d like to work with Blu-ray discs, make sure you get a drive that is Blu-ray compatible. Generally, if you’re unsure what media type you’ll be working with, choosing a drive that works with multiple media types may be your best option.

System Compatibility

With the prevalence of drives, finding one that is compatible with your operating system is less of a challenge than it has been. However, it is still important to make sure they are compatible, both with the hardware and software. If you choose to get an external drive, it will connect to your computer one of two ways: a USB port or FireWire port. While most computers will have at least one USB port, some newer models do not come with a FireWire port. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough USB ports to support your drive. Software-wise, some drives come with additional software, such as writing software; make sure it is compatible with your operating system as well.

Tray vs. Slot Loading

How a drive actually loads the disc may be another factor to consider. Typically there are two different loading styles: tray and slot. Tray loading is your typical DVD player style; you push a button, the tray ejects, you place the disc into the tray, and the tray goes back in. Drives with tray loading have the advantage of accommodating irregular sized discs (such as miniDVD), and feature a manual eject button, in case the disc fails. Slot loading is the newer style of disc loading; there is a slot on the drive in which you insert the disc without a tray – similar to your car CD player. Slot loading drives have fewer moving parts, and allow for a slim drive form factor, however, they may not recognize irregular shaped discs, so formats like miniDVD may not be supported.

M DISC Compatibility

Unlike traditional optical discs, which use dyes that break down over time, data stored on an M DISC is engraved on a patented inorganic write layer – it will not fade or deteriorate. This unique engraving process renders these archival grade discs practically impervious to environmental exposure, including light, temperature and humidity.* ISO/IEC 16963 longevity tests have proven the durability of M DISC technology, and it withstood rigorous testing by the US Department of Defense. Based on this testing, M DISC media has a projected lifetime of several hundred years.**

*U.S. Department Of Defense Longevity Test Summary

Storage Capacity

Verbatim M DISC media has storage capacities up to 100GB. M DISC BD-R media is compatible with the latest Blu-ray hardware from leading manufacturers – no special drives required for recording or playback. However, if you want to use M DISC DVD for archiving, you need to select a drive that is M DISC compatible.

**ISO/IEC 10995 Test Program Performed by Millenniata

External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 Ultra-Slim Portable Burner Writer Compatible with Mac MacBook Pro/Air iMac Desktop Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista (White)

Hcsunfly

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WARRANTY

√ We offer 45days full refund, 1 year replacement exchanged,

√ If you have any problems with our product or service, please contact us and we promise to resolve the issue within 24 hours.



Plug & Play

No driver and external power required, powered by the USB port



Multiple Purpose

The external CD/DVD drive can used to install software, play movies and music, backup the data,

watch teaching video, and burn your precious memories and keep photos



Wide Compatible

Supported OS: Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / 7 / 8.1 / 10, Linux, MacOS system, MacBook Air and Mac mini



USB3.0 Technology

USB3.0 super speed interface, which is 10x faster transmission speed than USB2.0 (up to a maximum of 5Gbps)



Portable Compact Design

Ultra-slim portable DVD drive, convenient to use and carry.



lntelligent Technology

Embedded cable design, shockproofing, low noise, anti-interference and high durability.



Specifications:

Color: Black

Product Dimensions: 5.81*5.58*0.74in

Product Weight: 304g

USB Interface: USB3.0(Backwards compatible with USB2.0&1.0)

Working Voltage: 5V



What's included

1x CD DVD Drive

1x User Manual

  • 【PLUG & PLAY】No driver and external power required, powered by the USB port. the external CD/DVD drive can used to watch DVD movies, listen to music, create backup discs,burn movies/music, install system
  • 【WIDE COMPATIBLE SYSTEM】The DVD drive compatible with Windows 98 / SE / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista / Windows7/ 8/ 10/ MAC OS. Specially designed for MacBook, Ultrabook, Laptop or PC without internal drive
  • 【HIGH SPEED TRANSMISSION】This external CD drive is compatible with USB3.0 and backwards compatible with USB2.0 USB1.0, bringing you faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance fault tolerance
  • 【UNIQUE INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY】Embedded cable design, made with premium wire drawing material of shockproofing, low noise, anti-interference and high durability, works well in burning, writing and reading
  • 【ULTRATHIN & PORTABLE】Ultra-slim portable DVD drive, lightweight, you can put it in the travelling bag or on your desk, which only needs a little space. Really Very Conveniently!

User questions & answers

Question: Can i upload programs that i have on a cd to my laptop
Answer: Hello sir The model number on this one is F9K1112v1 there are all different This is one is AC1000 DB Wifi Dual band AC+
Question: Does it need software to run on windows
Answer: I called their customer service at 1-800-223-5546 and spoke with a CSR by the name of Andrea. She said that up to 250 wireless devices can be used to a device and for none wireless devices it will depend on how many outlets are available on the back of it.
Question: Does this external cd/dvd drive work with Windows 7 and
Answer: Hi Kiante. Yes, you can. But, we highly recommend using a computer in installing the router. You may use this link as your guide: http://www.belkin.com/us/support-article?articleNum=10829
Question: Can i make copies of dvd’s with this
Answer: Hi, Cashawn. If your TV is a Smart TV, then yes, you can connect your TV to this Belkin Wireless N Router (F5D8236-4) via Wi-Fi.

Verbatim External Slimline Portable USB 3.0 BD/DVD/CD Writer with M-DISC Support for PC and Mac, Metallic Black

Verbatim

Based on 244 reviews Check latest price

Product description

External Slimline Blu-ray Writer offers laptop users a solution to the lack of optical drives in newer laptops. Weighing a mere 8 oz. in a genuine metal housing, this slim, lightweight external CD/DVD/BD burner fits easily in a laptop bag and allows you to read and write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs any time, any place. For added convenience, the drive draws power from a USB port on your laptop or computer so no extra AC cables to transport. In addition to supporting all common CD, DVD and Blu-ray formats, for both read and write functionality, this Blu-ray Writer is M DISC ready - providing an archival solution with industry-leading disc lifetime expectancies - ideal for backing up sensitive data, as well as music and video libraries.

  • Read and write CD’s, DVD’s and Blu-ray discs any time, any place. Blu-ray movie playback requires Blu-ray playback software (not included)
  • USB 3.0 powered, no need to carry additional AC adapter; weighing a mere 8 ounces in a genuine metal housing, this slim, lightweight external CD/DVD/BD burner fits easily in a laptop bag
  • 6X Blu-ray Write Speed, 8X DVD Write Speed, 24X CD Write Speed. M DISC Ready, perfect archival solution with industry-leading disc lifetime expectancies
  • Compatible with all common CD, DVD, and Blu-ray formats including BDXL with discs capacities of 100GB and higher
  • Features Nero Burn & Archive software; software compatible with Windows operating systems only
  • Verbatim has been a leader in data storage technology since 1969, and guarantees this product with a 2-year limited warranty and technical support

User questions & answers

Question: Picture says one usb is connected to laptop. but the product description says it include y connector usb and ac adaptor. what’s the truth
Answer: The country of origin for our Almond Flour is Spain.
Question: can I plug this into a stereo and play it via the video outputs
Answer: Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us. Our Almond Flour is Non-Gmo. The extraction process is done mechanically. Thank you, Terrasoul Superfoods
Question: Please confirm that this blu ray burner writes to blu ray M-Discs, right
Answer: Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us. Our Almond flour is glyphosate free. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. Thank you, Bethany Terrasoul Superfoods
Question: Will this also play blue ray movies
Answer: Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us. The Almonds are from the Spain as is the Almond Flour. Thank you, Terrasoul Superfoods

Product features

External Slimline Blu-ray Writer

Looking to store data on CD’s, DVD’s and Blu-ray discs? The Verbatim External Slimline Blu-ray Writer is here to help! This slim, lightweight external writer fits easily in a laptop bag, and allows users to read and write CD’s, DVD’s and Blu-ray discs any time, any place.*

*Blu-ray movie playback requires Blu-ray playback software (not included)

Perfect Portable Solution

Weighing a mere 8 ounces in a genuine metal housing, this slim, lightweight burner fits easily in a laptop bag – perfect for on-the-go use!

USB Powered

For added convenience, the drive draws power from a USB port on your computer. And the included AC adapter gives you more flexibility in powering the drive.

Maximum Compatibility

This writer provides users an all-in-one read/write solution for all of your optical media, including all common formats of CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs.

Bundled Burn Software

The Slimline Blu-ray writer comes bundled with Nero Burn & Archive software, for seamless archiving, and reliable secure disc burns (software is compatible with Windows operating systems only).

M DISC Compatibility

The Verbatim Slimline Blu-ray writer is also M DISC compatible, allowing you to archive important data on M DISC media. Unlike traditional optical discs, which use dyes that break down over time, data stored on an M DISC is engraved on an inorganic write layer, which resists fading and deterioration. This unique engraving process renders these archival grade discs practically impervious to environmental exposure, including light, temperature and humidity.* ISO/IEC 16963 longevity tests have proven the durability of M DISC technology, and it withstood rigorous testing by the US Department of Defense. Based on this testing, data written on M DISC media has a projected lifetime of several hundred years.**

*U.S. Department Of Defense Longevity Test Summary

**ISO/IEC 10995 Test Program Performed by Millenniata

Storage Capacity

The Verbatim Slimline Blu-ray Writer accepts media with storage capacities up to 100GB, making it ideal for backing up important files and storing them offline, protecting data from ransomware attacks.

External CD DVD Drive USB C CD DVD Burner/Writer Slim Portable Slot in CD DVD Reader for MacBook Pro/Air/Mac/Laptop/Windows10 (Sliver)

Oulin

Based on 81 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Why this external CD DVD drive?



WORKING both with USB and USB-C

FAST SPEED DRIVE -- Read speed is up to 24X and write speed is up to 8x.

ULTRA-THIN PORTABLE DVD DRIVE -- Drive Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.4 x 0.7 in, weight 11.94 ounces. 

PLUG AND PLAY -- Slot-in style is more convenient to read or burn CDs/DVDs. 



Read Speed(Max) :

CD: 24X (3.6MB/sec)

DVD: 8X (10.8MB/sec);



Writing Speed (Max.)

CD: 8X

DVD: 6X



What's Included: 

1 x USB external drive

1 x User Manual 

1 x USB type C female to USB 3.0 adapter



Notes: 

1.This is an external DVD CD drive, not a blue ray burner drive, so it can't play blue ray disc.

2.This external USB C DVD drive is a Slot-in drive, not a pallet drive, no eject button, just slot-loading.

3 Date transfer speed is also affected by computer and system environment.

4 If you connect with your desktop computers, plug the player into motherboard USB socket behind computer, not USB port front of your computer.

  • ★【High Storage and High Speed USB C Drive】 The type C external drive offers 5 to 10 times more storage than others which means supporting data storage up to 128GB and supporting 8.5G 4.7G 700M CD DVD burning capabilities. With panasonic UJ-120 BD-ROM Combo Drive Inside, the speed is up to 8X (10.8MB/sec) in write DVDs, and reading speed is up to 24X(3.6MB/sec) on CD.
  • ★【Ultra Slim and Portable Drive】 0.7 inch thin and 11.95 ounces weight make it compact, not only maximizes desktop space but also fits for you when you need them on your business trips.
  • ★【Specially designed for Macbook】 Perfect for the new MacBook and MacBook Air/Pros using USB C . Every item we provide a USB Type c(Female) to USB(Male) converter, so once you want to use for the USB port Macbook Air/Pro or other Notebook, you can use smoothly with it.
  • ★【Widely Compatible】This external CD DVD drive is compatible with WindowsXP/2003/Wind8/Vista 7, Linux, Mac 10 OS system, NOT compatible with higher version than OS X Yosemite. Fit for Mac/Samsung/ASUS/HP/Dell/Sony/Acer and other Notebook and Laptop/PC without internal drive but with USB C or USB interfaces.
  • ★【Plug and Play, Easy to Use】 Slot-in loading, just plug and play, no driver program required. ※ High recommend to use professional software such as BurnAware Free and Power DVD to burn CD/DVD. [Software is NOT included.] ※ We aim to provide our customers with a satisfactory shopping experience. If you encounter any problems during the shopping, please do not hesitate to contact us. Simply reach us by Amazon message.
  • ★★ It can't be used for ipad tablets,Not available on iOS. it can be used for laptops, desktops.★★

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a DVD player or just a burner
Answer: I believe it’s supposed to be a DVD player as well but, it would even read a CD so, had to send it back.
Question: Is this compatable with MacOs Catalina
Answer: Yes
Question: Does this drive work with the newest MacBook M1 models
Answer: Yes

External CD DVD Drive USB C USB 3.0 Slot in Type C Burner Portable Slim DVD CD RAM Writer Reader for iMac Notebook Laptop Desktop Support Mac os Win 7 Win8 Win10 (Sliver)

Lvaen

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Notes: 



1.This is normal external CD DVD drive, not a blue ray burner drive, so it can't play blue ray disc.



2.This external USB C DVD drive is a Slot-in drive, not a Pallet drive, just slot-loading.



3. Date transfer speed is also affected by computer and system environment.



Read Speed(Max) :

DVD: 8X

CD: 24X



Writing Speed

CD: 24X

DVD±R:8x

DVD±R DL:6x



Rewrite Speed

CD: 16X

DVD-RW:6x

DVD+RW:8x



What's Included: 

1 x USB C External Slot in Drive

1 x User Manual 

1 x USB type C female to USB 3.0 adapter



Warranty: We offer 60 days full refund and 1 year quality warranty, please no hesitate to contact our customer service if you have any problems with the product. We promise to resolve the issue within 24 hours.

  • 【HIGH COMPATIBILITY】 Work with WIN XP, VISATA, WIN7, WIN8, WIN10, MAC OS, Sliver style is specially matched with MacBook Notebook Laptop and PC without drive hardware but with USB C/USB interface.
  • 【Slot-in CD Drive 】Slot-in CD Drive added sensitive touch eject button helps pop the CD/DVD out in any emergency
  • 【ULTRA-THIN PORTABLE DVD DRIVE】Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.4 x 0.6 in, weight 12 ounces. Slim and lightweight and quite compact design not only maximizes desktop space but also fits for you when you need them on your business trips.
  • 【PLUG AND PLAY】Powered by the USB port,No driver program or extra power supply required. ※NOTE: Blank CD is not formatted, please download a software and finish the setting before burning.※
  • 【FAST SPEED DRIVE】Maximum burn speeds of 8x for DVD-R/+R and 24x for CD-R, maximum read speeds of 8x for DVD-R/+R and 24x for CD-R

User questions & answers

Question: Can I use this to install photoshop to my computer
Answer: I don't know why you couldn't. It's a normal external drive.
Question: is this a dual layer burner
Answer: I don’t know. Was not advertised as such
Question: Can this be used to install windows 10 without the need to install a driver first
Answer: This is basically a laptop optical drive in an external case with USB connection. I would think so. No need to install a drive firstly.
Question: Can I use this to put dvd movies on my Ipad
Answer: I’m afraid I don’t know. Sorry. Try the Apple store?

Latest Reviews

View all