Best DVD Drives for Mac mini iMore 2021

CVDs and DVDs are largely a thing of the past. And yet, they still exist and can be purchased separately for use with your computer. Once you've purchased the best monitor for your Mac mini, you might need an external drive. Here are the best Mac mini DVD drives on the market.

LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD+/-RW External Drive

Budget option: LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 Super Multi Ultra Slim Portable DVD+/-RW External Drive

Staff Favorite

The LG GP65NG60 is an ultra-slim and portable external CD/DVD drive with write speeds of 24x CD and 8x DVD+R. In other words, it's fast. The drive is lightweight, budget-friendly, and comes in four gorgeous colors, including gold and silver. It also comes with Silent Play technology, which promises to reduced noise while the drive is in use.

$30 at Amazon
Apple SuperDrive

Apple's choice: Apple SuperDrive

When Apple first started removing optical drives from its machines, it created an external drive. With Apple's SuperDrive you'll be able to seamlessly connect to your Mac mini to play or burn CDs and DVDs without having to install additional software on your system. The SuperDrive doesn't come equipped with a USB-C, but that shouldn't be an issue since the mini still has a couple of compatible USB-A ports. It also works well with macOS Big Sur!

$79 at Apple
NOLYTH External DVD Drive USB 3.0/Type-C

Future-proof: NOLYTH External DVD Drive USB 3.0/Type-C

USB-C is taking over the tech world, and with the Confoly Superdrive, you'll be ready. The Confoly drive is said to be just as good as Apple's own drive but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you have the option to connect via USB-C or USB-A with its included adapter.

$40 at Amazon
Archgon Premium Aluminum External

Stylish design: Archgon Premium Superdrive

The Archgon drive is absolutely beautiful. Its 1mm-thick body weighs just over a pound and is made from durable aluminum. The drive has an interesting textured finish and supports UHD 4K Blu-ray discs and 3D content playback, as well as DVDs.

$119 at Amazon

Best Mac mini DVD drives

There you have it! Whether you're still totally dependent on using CDs and DVDs or you just like having the option if the need ever arises, you're sure to find something that'll work for you. Personally, I think the LG GP65NG60 will be a great option for most people. The drive is sleek, easy-to-use, and super budget-friendly.

Of course, there are other drives on the market, including Apple's Super Drive and the stylish Archgon Premium Superdrive. So if you want a piece of the past, these options are a great place to find what you're looking for.

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Impressive Blu-ray drives for the Mac mini
Blu-rayed

Impressive Blu-ray drives for the Mac mini

The Mac mini doesn't come with its own disc reader or burner, so you'll need something external. If you're looking to burn some Blu-ray disks from your Mac mini, these drives will get the job done successfully.