Most affordable but well performing external CD/DVD drive for a MacBook Pro Retina?

[Republius]

I do not care if it is Apple brand or a third-party brand.

Thank you for your expertise and assistance.

 

[jlc1978]

I bought an LG BluRay drive and am very happy with it. If you get a used one from Amazon or an open box from Best Buy you can save some money. The DVD drives start at around $20 and the BluRay around $60. I've had mine about 3 years now with no issues.

 

[heyyitssusan]

USB SuperDrive.

 

[snaky69]

I do not care if it is Apple brand or a third-party brand.

Thank you for your expertise and assistance.

The one that fits your needs and budget. They all pretty much come from the same factory. If it has the features you want at a pricepoint you like, buy it.

 

[joe-h2o]

I use a Samsung slim DVD drive. It's bus powered and cost me about $25 on Amazon. Works perfectly for the times I need it.

This is the exact one I have: http://smile.amazon.com/Samsung-Por...57829455&sr=8-4&keywords=samsung+dvd+external

 

[Spudlicious]

I used the DVD drive from my Lenovo laptop, replacing it in that machine with a second SSD. The complete kit of SSD adapter caddy for the Lenovo and external housing for the DVD drive cost about £20 from Amazon, and it works great with Mac or PC. I've only tested it, mind you, I doubt I'll ever again need to use an optical disc.

 

[Fishrrman]

Samsung sells this (amazon link):
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SE-50...1458052726&sr=8-3&keywords=samsung+506+bluray

Although I'm not currently a BluRay user, I thought it might be worth having for future considerations.

Of note is that (at least with my Mac Mini) this drive requires only -one- USB cable to operate. Some external DVD/CD drives require two (using a Y-cable) for enough "bus power".

Also be aware it's a "tray loading" drive. This was my preference, may not be yours.

In my opinion, a more capable drive than Apple's for not much more $$$$...

 

[jlc1978]

Samsung sells this (amazon link):
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SE-50...1458052726&sr=8-3&keywords=samsung+506+bluray

Although I'm not currently a BluRay user, I thought it might be worth having for future considerations.

One advantage of a blu-ray drive is you can rip them with MakeMKV and then play the rip on your Mac.