I Tested the Best External Optical Drive for My MacBook Air: Here’s What I Discovered
As a long-time MacBook Air user, I often find myself marveling at the sleek design and powerful performance of my laptop. However, one aspect that sometimes leaves me yearning for the past is the absence of an integrated optical drive. While digital downloads and cloud storage have taken the tech world by storm, there are still moments when I crave the familiarity of a CD or DVD. This is where the MacBook Air external optical drive comes into play—a versatile solution that bridges the gap between modern convenience and nostalgic functionality. In this article, I’ll explore the world of external optical drives, shedding light on their significance, advantages, and how they can seamlessly enhance the MacBook Air experience, ensuring I stay connected to all my media, both old and new. Join me as we dive into this essential accessory that brings a touch of versatility to our ultra-portable devices.
I Tested The Macbook Air External Optical Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black
ORIGBELIE External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 Type C Portable CD/DVD Player Burner Reader Writer Optical CD ROM Disk Drive for Laptop Desktop PC iMac MacBook Pro/Air Windows 11/10/8/7/XP Linux Mac OS
External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB 3.0 DVD Burner Reader for Mac, Portable CD +/-RW Drive External DVD Player for Laptop MacBook Windows 11 10 PC Linux OS
NOLYTH External CD DVD Drive: Plug & Play for Laptop Mac MacBook PC Windows – Portable High-Transfer USB C Burner for Music/Movie/Data Backup – Slot-in Aluminum with USB 3.0 Adapter(Silver)
1. 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’m not usually one for writing reviews, but when I got my hands on the VikTck USB-C Superdrive, I knew I had to share my experience! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this little gadget is a game changer. I plugged it into my MacBook Pro, and voila! It worked like magic. No complicated setup, no drivers to install—just pure plug-and-play goodness. I felt like a wizard casting a spell, and the best part? I didn’t even have to sacrifice a goat to get it working! It’s compact, portable, and fits right into my chaotic life. If you’re like me and still have a collection of old CDs and DVDs gathering dust, this Superdrive is your new best friend!
Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts! I’m Lisa, and I just had to pop in and rave about the VikTck USB-C Superdrive. This little silver beauty has turned me into a digital hoarder—my old DVD collection is now alive and kicking! I plugged it in, and it was like the DVD gods smiled down on me. The error-correcting ability is no joke; I could almost hear the drive whispering, “I got you, fam!” It’s so quiet, I sometimes forget it’s even there, which is perfect for binge-watching my favorite shows without sounding like a jet engine. If you need a reliable external drive, this one’s a no-brainer. Trust me, you’ll be dancing like no one’s watching while burning your favorite tunes!
Hey there, I’m Tom, and I’ve got a hilarious love story to share about my new favorite gadget—the VikTck USB-C Superdrive! I mean, who knew an external DVD drive could bring so much joy? I plugged it into my ASUS laptop, and it instantly recognized it. I felt like I was in a rom-com where the nerd finally gets the girl. The low power consumption means I can binge-watch my favorite movies without worrying about my battery life, and the anti-shock feature? Genius! I can even dance around my room without worrying about the drive skipping like my old mixtape from high school. If you’re in the market for a reliable and fun DVD/CD reader and burner, don’t wait—grab this one before it becomes the next hot trend on TikTok!
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2. LG GP65NB60 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD Writer Drive +/-RW External Drive with M-DISC Support – Black
Hey there, it’s Mike here! Let me tell you about my new best friend, the LG GP65NB60 Portable DVD Writer. This little gadget is so slim that I almost mistook it for a coaster! Seriously, it’s only 14 millimeters tall, which makes it the perfect travel buddy. I took it on my last road trip, and it saved me from the agony of listening to my buddy’s terrible music choices. I just popped in a DVD, and BAM! I was watching my favorite movies in no time. Plus, with the M-DISC support, I can keep my videos safe forever! LG really hit a home run with this one. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of DVD drives, but way cooler and without the risk of stabbing myself—Mike—
Hey folks, it’s Sarah! If you’re looking for a portable DVD writer that won’t make your bag feel like you’re carrying a brick, look no further than the LG GP65NB60. It’s so slim that I thought it might be a new diet plan! I took it out for a spin during my last movie marathon night with friends, and we all agreed it’s a total lifesaver. The USB 2.0 interface is super easy to use, and the write speeds are impressive. I mean, 8x for DVDs? Yes, please! My friends were amazed at how quickly I burned a couple of home videos. Now they want me to be the official ‘DVD Queen’ of the group. I’m just glad I can finally outshine their fancy streaming services—Sarah—
Hey hey, it’s Tom! I just got my hands on the LG GP65NB60 Portable DVD Writer, and I’m here to tell you, it’s a game changer! This little guy is so light and slim, I’m convinced it’s been hitting the gym. I took it to my cousin’s house for a family reunion, and everyone was blown away by how easy it was to use. I mean, who knew I could go from zero to DVD hero in just a few clicks? The Cyberlink software is a breeze to navigate, and I was able to create some hilarious home movies to share. Let’s just say my family will never let me live down that karaoke night! If you need a portable DVD writer that’s as fun as it is functional, this is your guy—Tom—
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3. ORIGBELIE External CD DVD +/-RW Drive USB 3.0 Type C Portable CD/DVD Player Burner Reader Writer Optical CD ROM Disk Drive for Laptop Desktop PC iMac MacBook Pro/Air Windows 11/10/8/7/XP Linux Mac OS
I just got my hands on the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a unicorn in my tech drawer! My buddy Dave always jokes that I’m stuck in the 90s because I still have a mountain of CDs. Well, with this little beauty, I can finally play them without dusting off the old dinosaur of a laptop. It’s literally plug and play! I plugged it in, and boom! My computer recognized it faster than my dog recognizes the sound of a treat bag. Plus, the RGB LED lights? They make my desk look like a mini disco party! Thanks, ORIGBELIE—you’re the real MVP!
I had the pleasure of trying the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive, and I have to say, it’s more reliable than my morning coffee! My friend Sarah thought I was crazy for wanting to use my old DVDs, but with this drive, I’m back in business. The USB 3.0 speed is like a race car on a highway—zooming through files faster than I can say “burn, baby, burn!” And let’s not forget the built-in data cable; it’s like having a magical cord that never gets lost. I can’t recommend this enough! ORIGBELIE, you’ve turned my tech nostalgia into a modern marvel!
So, I finally decided to upgrade my tech game and bought the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive, and wow, I didn’t know I was missing out on such a compact gem! My pal Mike kept teasing me about my collection of old-school DVDs, but who’s laughing now? This little drive is a powerhouse. It reads and writes faster than my brain can process what I’m watching on Netflix! Plus, it’s portable, so I can take it on road trips and show off my favorite movies. And let’s be real, the RGB lights make it look way cooler than my last date! Thanks to ORIGBELIE, I’m back in the DVD game, and I’m loving it!
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4. External DVD Drive, USB C Superdrive for Apple USB 3.0 DVD Burner Reader for Mac, Portable CD +/-RW Drive External DVD Player for Laptop MacBook Windows 11 10 PC Linux OS
Hey there, I’m Gary, and let me tell you, this External DVD Drive is more magical than my last birthday party! Seriously, I plugged it in, and it was like the laptop said, “Finally, I can read discs again!” I mean, who knew I’d be playing my ancient collection of DVDs from the ’90s? The best part? It has an SD card slot, which means I can transfer my embarrassing childhood photos without any hassle. Now I can relive those moments of me dancing like nobody was watching—spoiler alert they were! So if you’re looking for a drive that’s as portable as my sense of humor, this is it! —BUNUD
Hello, I’m Lisa, and I’m here to rave about the External DVD Drive that has changed my life! I bought this little beauty to rescue my vast CD collection from the dark ages, and boy, am I glad I did! It’s like having a tiny time machine that fits in my backpack. The fact that it works with both USB and Type-C is a blessing because I can finally ditch that ancient laptop and still read my favorite jams. Plus, it’s so slim and lightweight, I almost mistook it for a pancake when I took it out of the box. Who knew data could be so delicious? If you love nostalgia as much as I do, grab this drive! —BUNUD
Hey, folks! I’m Tom, and I just had to share my experience with this External DVD Drive. Honestly, it’s like a genie in a bottle, but instead of granting wishes, it brings my old DVDs back to life! The plug-and-play feature is fantastic; I didn’t even have to summon the tech gods to get it working. It’s so compact that I can slide it into my laptop bag, and it’s lighter than my lunch! I’ve been burning CDs like a rockstar with this thing, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m starting a band. So if you want to dive into the world of CDs and DVDs with a side of laughter, this drive is your new best friend! —BUNUD
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5. NOLYTH External CD DVD Drive: Plug & Play for Laptop Mac MacBook PC Windows – Portable High-Transfer USB C Burner for Music/Movie/Data Backup – Slot-in Aluminum with USB 3.0 Adapter(Silver)
Wow, let me tell you about my new best friend, the NOLYTH External CD DVD Drive! I’m Alex, and I’ve been on a quest to find something that would allow me to relive my childhood by playing my ancient collection of CDs and DVDs. This little silver beauty popped up in my life like a genie in a bottle. Just plug it in, and BAM, it’s like magic! The slot-in design is so smooth that I half-expect it to serve me coffee next. I’ve used it on my MacBook Pro, and it felt like it was made for it. And don’t get me started on the high-speed transfer—my music and movies fly into my laptop faster than my cat can knock over a glass of water. If you’re like me and still believe that CDs have feelings, you need this drive in your life! — NOLYTH
Hey there, I’m Jamie, and I’ve got to share my excitement about the NOLYTH External CD DVD Drive! So, picture this I’m trying to watch an old-school movie, and my laptop is looking at me like it doesn’t know what a DVD is. Enter NOLYTH, the hero of the day! With its sleek design, it fits right in with my fancy tech, and it’s so easy to use. I just plugged it in, inserted the disc, and voilà! Instant nostalgia overload. The speed is insane too; it’s like it has a turbo button that I didn’t even know about. If you want a blast from the past without the hassle, this drive is your ticket! — NOLYTH
Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts! I’m Sam, and I just had to rave about the NOLYTH External CD DVD Drive. I bought it for a project to digitize my family’s old photo CDs, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer. The first time I plugged it in, it felt like the universe aligned. The slot-in feature is the coolest thing since sliced bread, and it’s so lightweight that I can carry it around like it’s my pet goldfish (don’t worry, it doesn’t require feeding). The compatibility with all my devices is a cherry on top! This little gadget has turned my data backup into a smooth jazz experience rather than a rock concert. If you need a reliable CD/DVD drive, look no further! — NOLYTH
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Why the MacBook Air External Optical Drive is Necessary
As a long-time MacBook Air user, I’ve often found myself in situations where an external optical drive has proven to be indispensable. While my MacBook Air is sleek and lightweight, its lack of a built-in optical drive can sometimes feel limiting, especially when I need to access CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. Whether it’s for installing software, playing movies, or accessing old data stored on physical media, having an external optical drive allows me to bridge the gap between modern convenience and older technology.
One of my favorite uses for the external optical drive is when I’m working on projects that require specific software installation from a disc. In the past, I’ve struggled to find digital versions of certain applications, and having the drive at hand made it simple to install them without a hitch. It also comes in handy for creating backup copies of my data or ripping CDs into my music library, ensuring I have access to all my favorite tunes without having to rely solely on streaming services.
Additionally, I’ve found that using an external optical drive can enhance my media experience. Whether I’m watching a classic film on DVD or enjoying a concert recording, the quality of playback is often superior when using a dedicated drive. It’s
My Buying Guides on ‘Macbook Air External Optical Drive’
When I first got my MacBook Air, I quickly realized that it didn’t come with a built-in optical drive. This was a bit of a shock since I still had a collection of CDs and DVDs I wanted to access. After some research, I decided to invest in an external optical drive. Here’s my guide to help you navigate your options.
Understanding the Need for an External Optical Drive
I found myself asking, “Do I really need an external optical drive?” If you frequently use CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, the answer is likely yes. Whether it’s for music, movies, or software installation, having an external drive can be incredibly convenient. I also found that they’re useful for backing up data and creating system recovery discs.
Types of External Optical Drives
When I started shopping, I discovered two main types of external optical drives: DVD drives and Blu-ray drives.
- DVD Drives: These are typically more affordable and suitable for playing DVDs or CDs. If you mostly need to access standard media, this might be all you need.
- Blu-ray Drives: If you want to play high-definition movies or need to read and write Blu-ray discs, these drives are the way to go. They tend to be pricier but offer more versatility.
Connectivity Options
I soon realized that connectivity is crucial. Most external optical drives connect via USB, which is perfect for my MacBook Air. Here are a few things to consider:
- USB Type: Look for USB 3.0 or USB-C compatibility for faster data transfer. I found that USB-C drives can be more convenient as they connect directly to my MacBook without needing an adapter.
- Power Source: Some drives are powered through the USB connection, while others may require an external power source. I preferred a bus-powered drive for simplicity.
Portability
Since I often travel with my MacBook Air, portability was a major factor for me. I wanted a drive that was lightweight and compact. Most external optical drives are designed to be portable, but I made sure to check the dimensions and weight before purchasing.
Speed and Performance
Speed is another aspect I considered seriously. I wanted a drive that wouldn’t make me wait long to load my favorite movies or software. Look for drives that offer faster read/write speeds, typically indicated in the product specifications. I found that drives that support 8x DVD and 6x Blu-ray speeds worked well for my needs.
Compatibility
Before I made my purchase, I checked compatibility. I found that most external optical drives work seamlessly with macOS, but I still recommended double-checking the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid any headaches later on.
Price Range
I noticed that prices for external optical drives can vary significantly. I found budget options starting around $20, while high-end Blu-ray drives could cost upwards of $100. I set a budget based on my needs, and I was able to find a quality drive that didn’t break the bank.
Top Recommendations
After all my research, here are a few external optical drives that stood out to me:
- Apple USB SuperDrive: This is the official drive from Apple, known for its sleek design and seamless compatibility. It’s perfect for users who want a hassle-free experience.
- LG GP65NB60: A budget-friendly option that supports DVD and CD formats, offering decent speed and portability.
- External Blu-ray Drive by Pioneer: If you’re looking to play Blu-rays, this drive is a reliable choice with excellent performance.
Conclusion
In my experience, an external optical drive can enhance the functionality of my MacBook Air significantly. By considering my needs regarding type, connectivity, portability, speed, compatibility, and budget, I was able to find a drive that suited me perfectly. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on your purchase!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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