Best external CD/DVD drives for my Mac Mini

My LG SP80NB80 works fine with my 2018 Mac mini running Sequoia 15 for importing music CDs and playing DVD movies.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-8x-external-usb-double-layer-dvdrw-cd-rw-drive-black/5852919.p?

If you are into a lot of burning, then I recommend investing in a better desktop CD/DVD drive.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3USD24/

Avoid the Apple USB SuperDrive. It is now showing as "sold out" in the online store, and was last updated in 2012. It is a badly outdated device.

+1 on a self-powered drive (has an independent power supply). Also, in general, tray-loading drives are less troublesome in the long game than are slot-loaders.

I will be needing a new optical drive soon and will probably buy the same OWC model that den.thed linked: Independent power supply; USB3; replaceable power and data cords for when the cat has onr for dinner. All good.

Omarkg Said:

“suitable cd dvd external drive: i have a mac mini 2018 intel i5 using sequoia.”

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Using an External CD DVD Drive:

Look up compatibility on the Manufacturer’s web site or, or the original packaging. Some just don’t work. My Buffalo brand burner doesn’t work, but by SanDisk one does. The packaging shows this, and it follows are it reads.

The LG SP80NB80 may be okay for playing and importing CDs and DVDs, but you cannot burn music onto it (at least I haven't been able to)(2018 Mac mini running Sequoia 15.0.1).

I will check out the others listed on this thread.

Thank you to all.

I would avoid the Apple Superdrive.

I strongly advise using a tray-loading external CD/DVD drive. I've seen many reports of people getting discs stuck in the slot-loading variety. If you are doing CD/DVD burning, the drive should ideally have a Y-cable with two USB plugs on the computer to provide extra electric current for burning.

In principle, any external dvd player should work. Haven’t tried it in a while. For writing though, i don’t know if this is something that would gave been dropped, maybe someone else has exoerience.

good thing is the mac mini 2018 has usb-3 ports. I have used one on this mini in the past.

i would opt for something self powered, as it might require a usb-3 to usb-c adapter otherwise.

While I used to prefer External drives with their own power supplies, USB3 for Opticaks seems much less of a problem.been using this Bus powered one for 3 years...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091Y9L722?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Out of stock but same item essentially...

https://www.amazon.com/Aumdie-External-Laptop-Burner-Windows/dp/B0CZRQBCNY/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?

Purchased Asus ZenDrive V1M on Amazon, usb c plug, worked instantly using thunderbolt socket on mini m4. came with a disk, didn't need it to start using the drive. the link on amazon is https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Cable-Storage-Interface-Compatible-SDRW-08V1M-U/dp/B0B6D8XB74?pd_rd_w=BIKdg&content-id=amzn1.sym.59910fa8-b73c-408a-aa5f-d0b4e0aa42cb&pf_rd_p=59910fa8-b73c-408a-aa5f-d0b4e0aa42cb&pf_rd_r=AAD3MFD3B6Z60EWE3S66&pd_rd_wg=qtwlQ&pd_rd_r=4575ece1-0055-444d-83b0-1034b56a3999&pd_rd_i=B0B6D8XB74&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_ppx_pt2_dt_b_ba_button_t

$25, and from a known company. Thanks for all the tips, this looks like a keeper.

Mac mini M4, external CD Drive to install software on CD: Reading many reviews that say the older model external apple SUPER DRIVES are incompatible with the new Mini. Without talking in circles, which model of APPLE SUPER DRIVE can I reliably purchase (USB C) that is guaranteed to work for the MINI M4? Please, if you have not actually successfully used one, don't tell me what you THINK might work. I simply need to get one that I can plug in and use without wishing I had not gone down some rabbit hole concerning possibilities. It doesn't have to be an APPLE drive, but I trust Apple. If some other brand works fine, please, what model number. Thanks and happy holidays.

Good point kit109.. I have burned a few CDs with the LG, but mostly use it to up-load CDs and play DVDs.

That's why I recommended the OWC tray loading desktop for those that are into burning disc's.