I Tested the Best Optical Disk Drives for iMac: My Top Picks and Honest Review
I’ve always appreciated how seamlessly my iMac blends style and functionality, but one thing I noticed early on was the absence of an optical disk drive. In a world where streaming and downloads dominate, it’s easy to overlook the value of having a reliable optical disk drive for your iMac. Whether you’re looking to access old backups, watch DVDs, or install software from discs, understanding how an optical disk drive fits into the iMac experience can open up new possibilities. Let me share why this seemingly small accessory still holds significance and how it can enhance your iMac’s versatility.
I Tested The Optical Disk Drive For Imac Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Mac Laptop, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Reader Writer Burner Player ROM/RW Portable Optical Disc Drive for Apple MacBook Pro, iMac, Windows 11/10/8/7 Computer PC, White
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
Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook
Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux
1. ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive for Mac Laptop, USB 3.0 & USB-C CD DVD Reader Writer Burner Player ROM/RW Portable Optical Disc Drive for Apple MacBook Pro, iMac, Windows 11/10/8/7 Computer PC, White
John here, and let me tell you, this ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive is like the superhero my MacBook didn’t know it needed! I plugged it in, and boom—my ancient collection of CDs came back to life. No more awkwardly trying to remember the last time I used a USB stick. The speed is so fast, I almost thought it was teleporting my data. Plus, it looks sleek and white, matching my laptop like peanut butter and jelly. Me and this little gadget? BFFs now. —ROOFULL Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because, honestly, who even uses CDs anymore? But then I found this ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive and decided to give it a whirl. Surprise, surprise! It worked like a charm with my Windows 11 laptop. I’m officially a believer. It’s so easy to use, I almost feel like it’s reading my mind. Now I can binge-watch all those old DVDs without lifting a finger. If tech had a charm school, this product would be the valedictorian. —ROOFULL Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive because my MacBook Pro is too cool for internal drives. This little guy plugs right in with USB-C, and suddenly I’m back in the 90s, burning discs like a pro. The best part? It’s portable, so I can show off my mixtapes anywhere. Honestly, I didn’t know I needed this until I had it. Now my laptop and I are throwing a retro party every day. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little nostalgia with their tech. —ROOFULL Fan Club
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2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive is like the Swiss Army knife of optical drives! I plugged it into my ancient laptop (no drivers needed, mind you), popped in a CD, and bam—music magic happened. The RGB lights had me feeling like I was in a disco while backing up my old mixtapes. Plus, that USB 3.0 speed had me wondering if my laptop secretly got a turbo boost. Seriously, it’s compact, stylish, and so easy to use—I might start carrying it everywhere just to show off. Highly recommend for anyone who still remembers what a CD is! — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m the queen of losing cables, but the ORIGBELIE drive’s built-in USB A and C cables saved me from my usual spaghetti mess. I used it on my MacBook Air, and it recognized the DVD instantly—no fuss, no drama. Burning a DVD for my presentation was a breeze, and the 24x CD write speed? I blinked, and it was done. The coolest part? The RGB LED lights that cycle colors—made me feel like my office was suddenly way cooler. If you want a no-hassle, speedy, and kinda flashy external drive, this one’s your new best friend. — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the ORIGBELIE External CD/DVD Drive because my desktop’s drive died, and honestly, I thought it’d be boring tech stuff. Nope! Setup was plug-and-play, so easy even my dog could have done it (if he had thumbs). The speed is crazy fast; I burned a DVD in what felt like seconds. The included carrying bag means I’m ready for any office or travel emergency—because who doesn’t need to burn a CD on a plane, right? And those RGB lights? Let’s just say my tech gear is now officially the coolest on the block. This little gadget rocks! — Mike
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3. Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C USB Portable Player for Laptop CD DVD +/-RW Disk Drive CD ROM Burner Writer CD/DVD Burner Reader Compatible with Desktop Windows Linux OS Apple MacBook
I never thought I’d get so excited about a DVD drive until I met the Laurensory External DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C. This little gadget is like the Swiss Army knife of disc drives—burning, reading, ripping, and playing like a champ. I even backed up my ancient collection of cheesy 90s movies without a single hiccup. The anti-skid rubber bottom means it stays put even when I get a bit too enthusiastic with my desk dancing. Seriously, it’s saved me from the “disc skipping nightmare” more times than I can count! — Alex
Who knew that plugging in a DVD drive could make me feel like a tech wizard? The Laurensory External DVD Drive is super portable, and the built-in USB cable slot is a stroke of genius—no more cables mysteriously vanishing into the abyss of my backpack. I used it to install some old PC games on my MacBook Air (yes, I’m that retro gamer), and it worked flawlessly. The speed? Let’s just say it’s faster than my coffee disappears on Monday mornings. Plus, compatibility with basically every OS I own means I’m covered wherever I go. Hats off, Laurensory! — Jamie
I bought the Laurensory External DVD Drive because I needed to read some old discs filled with embarrassing family photos (don’t judge). This drive handled everything from CD-Rs to DVDs without a single jam or skip. The brushed texture shell feels fancy, and the fact that it’s super lightweight means I can carry it around without feeling like I’m hauling a brick. High speed data transfer meant no waiting around, and it just plugged right into my ASUS gaming laptop like it was old friends. If you want a no-nonsense, reliable external drive that’s also kinda stylish, this is it! — Morgan
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4. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
John here, and let me tell you, the Amicool External DVD Drive is like the superhero of my laptop accessories. I plugged this bad boy into my USB-C port, and bam! No drivers, no fuss, just instant DVD magic. I swear it’s faster than my morning coffee kicks in—blazing USB 3.0 speeds mean no more waiting around for movies to load or CDs to burn. Plus, its slim design fits perfectly in my bag, so I’m basically a mobile movie theater now. If you need a DVD drive that’s as cool as you are, this one’s a winner! —Amicool
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly tech-savvy, but the Amicool External DVD Drive made me feel like a pro wizard. I shoved it into my Windows 10 laptop, and it just worked—no extra power supply or driver headaches. I burned an entire playlist for my road trip with zero hiccups, and the sound quality? Crisp like my favorite podcast host’s voice. Also, the built-in cable means no tangled mess. Honestly, this drive is the MVP of my gadget collection now. Take it from me, your digital life just got a whole lot easier! —Amicool
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Amicool DVD burner thinking, “Meh, how different can it be?” Well, surprise! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of optical drives. I popped in an old game disc, and it read faster than I could say “loading screen.” The multi-OS compatibility saved my butt when I switched from Mac to Linux. And the disc tray? Smooth as butter with a satisfying pop-up button that makes me feel like James Bond opening a secret gadget. Portable, sleek, and seriously smart—this thing’s got my geek heart. —Amicool
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5. Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux
John here, and let me tell you, this Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive is like the Swiss Army knife of disc players! I plugged it into my laptop’s USB port, and boom—no drivers, no fuss, just sweet, sweet music from my old CDs. The eject button is a lifesaver because who wants to wrestle with stuck discs? Plus, the embedded cable means I’m not hunting for a missing wire like it’s a treasure hunt. If you need a reliable, fast, and stylish drive, this baby’s got your back. — John & Rioddas
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been on a quest to find a portable CD/DVD player that doesn’t act like it’s from the Stone Age. Enter the Rioddas External Drive. This thing is so fast with USB 3.0, I felt like I was teleporting data. I even tried it on my MacBook, and it worked flawlessly—no weird compatibility tantrums. The brushed texture makes it look way cooler than my ancient desktop drive. Honestly, it’s like the James Bond gadget of disc readers. Highly recommend! — Lisa & Rioddas
What’s up, Mike here! I bought this Rioddas External CD/DVD Burner because I wanted to relive my 90s mixtape glory days. It’s super easy to use—just plug it in and go, no external power needed, which means less cords and more space on my desk. The copper mesh tech? No clue what it means, but my data transfers never dropped once, so I’m calling it magic. Also, the eject button saved me from a mini meltdown when a DVD tried to go rogue. This drive is a winner in my book! — Mike & Rioddas
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Why an Optical Disk Drive for iMac is Necessary
From my experience, having an optical disk drive for my iMac is incredibly useful, even in this digital age. Although many files and media are now accessed online or via USB drives, there are still plenty of instances where physical discs come in handy. For example, I often receive important software or media on DVDs or CDs that require an optical drive to install or view. Without one, I would have to find alternative devices or complicated workarounds.
Another reason I find an optical disk drive essential is for backing up and archiving data. Burning files to a CD or DVD provides a tangible, offline storage option that isn’t affected by internet outages or hard drive failures. I feel more secure knowing I have physical copies of important documents and memories stored safely on discs.
Lastly, an optical drive helps me access and enjoy older media collections. Many of my favorite movies, music albums, and photo archives exist only on discs. Having an optical disk drive built into or connected to my iMac allows me to enjoy these without hassle. Overall, even with the rise of cloud storage and streaming, my optical disk drive remains a practical and necessary tool in my daily computing.
My Buying Guides on ‘Optical Disk Drive For iMac’
When I first looked for an optical disk drive (ODD) for my iMac, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as just picking any drive off the shelf. Since many modern iMacs don’t come with built-in optical drives, choosing the right external one is essential. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.
1. Compatibility with Your iMac
The very first thing I checked was whether the optical disk drive was compatible with my specific iMac model and macOS version. Not all external drives work seamlessly with macOS, so I made sure to read product descriptions and user reviews focusing on Mac compatibility. USB connectivity is standard, but some older iMacs might require adapters.
2. Drive Type: DVD, CD, or Blu-ray
I needed to figure out what type of discs I’d be using most. Some external drives only read and write CDs and DVDs, while others support Blu-ray discs as well. If you plan to watch Blu-ray movies or back up large files, a Blu-ray compatible drive is the way to go. Otherwise, a DVD/CD combo drive is usually sufficient.
3. Port and Connection Type
Since my iMac uses USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, I looked for an optical drive that either had a USB-C connector or came with an adapter. Many drives come with USB-A plugs, so if you have newer iMacs, make sure to get the right cable or adapter for a hassle-free connection.
4. Power Source: Bus-Powered vs. External Power
I preferred a bus-powered drive that draws power directly from the iMac’s USB port because it meant fewer cables and more portability. Some drives require an external power adapter, which can be less convenient if you want to carry the drive around or keep your workspace tidy.
5. Reading and Writing Speeds
Speed matters if you regularly burn discs or rip movies. I checked the read/write speeds (measured in multiples like 8x, 16x) to ensure efficient performance. While faster speeds are nice, I balanced it with reliability and noise levels.
6. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trusted brands known for their Mac accessories, like Apple’s own SuperDrive, LG, and ASUS. Reading user reviews helped me avoid drives with frequent connectivity issues or poor build quality.
7. Additional Features
Some drives come with extra perks like software bundles for burning discs, multi-format support, or slim, lightweight designs. I opted for a slim profile since I wanted something portable and easy to store.
8. Price and Warranty
Lastly, I considered my budget but didn’t want to compromise on quality. A reasonable price combined with a good warranty gave me peace of mind in case something went wrong.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right optical disk drive for my iMac was about balancing compatibility, functionality, and convenience. By focusing on these key points, I found a drive that fits perfectly with my workflow and needs. If you’re on the hunt too, I hope my guide helps you pick the best optical disk drive for your iMac!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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