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You can download some movies and shows directly to a Mac using the Prime Video for Mac app or the Apple TV app. Downloads depend on the title, service, region, and sometimes plan. Netflix and Disney+ do not list Mac among their supported download devices, so use a supported phone or tablet for those services.

Which services let you download to a Mac?

Service or option Mac downloads What to know
Prime Video Yes, in the macOS app Only eligible titles can be downloaded. The reviewed Amazon help page does not specify title eligibility, expiry periods, or plan rules; check the app and current account terms. Amazon’s Mac download guidance
Apple TV subscription and channels Yes, for eligible titles in the Apple TV app Expiry and download limits vary by channel or title. Subscriptions, channels, and features vary by country or region. Apple’s Mac download instructions
Apple digital purchases Yes Purchased media can be downloaded to a Mac for offline playback. A title removed from Apple’s services may no longer be available for future download. Apple’s purchase guidance
Netflix No Mac download support is listed Netflix lists iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Fire tablets, and certain Chromebooks. Use one of those devices for downloads. Netflix’s supported-device list
Disney+ Computer downloads are stated as unsupported Disney+ help says downloads are limited to supported mobile devices. Check current device and plan rules in Disney+ help. Disney+ download guidance

Streaming-app downloads are typically managed inside the service’s app rather than saved as ordinary video files. Do not assume you can transfer a download to another device or play it in another app.

Download Prime Video titles on a Mac

  1. Install and open the Prime Video app for macOS.
  2. Find the movie or show you want and open its detail page.
  3. Select the download option if it appears. For a series, download a season or individual episodes when those options are available.
  4. Open the app’s downloads area to watch while offline.

Amazon’s guidance says downloaded playback over Chromecast or AirPlay is not permitted. Watching on a television offline is possible only with supported devices and appropriate adaptors; the Mac download itself does not make every TV connection compatible. Amazon also advises against using USB-connected drives for Prime Video downloads.

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Download Apple TV content on a Mac

  1. Open the Apple TV app on your Mac and find the movie or episode.
  2. Click Download if the title is eligible.
  3. To find saved titles later, go to Library > Downloaded.

How long Apple TV downloads last

Apple says downloads for most Apple TV channels last up to 30 days, although some expire sooner. For some Apple TV subscription titles, the download expires 48 hours after playback begins or 30 days after download, whichever comes first. Channels or subscriptions may also set limits on simultaneous downloads or devices. Check the title and channel terms in the app.

#1 Best Overall
Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD Player CD ROM Rewriter Writer Reader for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
  • 【PLUG & PLAY – EASY CONNECTION】 Simply connect the Amicool External DVD Drive to your computer’s USB or Type-C port, and it will usually be detected right away without the need for extra drivers. For stable operation and sufficient power, we recommend connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer (for desktops, use a rear motherboard port) and avoiding USB hubs or extension cables. This user-friendly design ensures quick setup for both beginners and professionals.
  • 【FAST & STABLE DATA TRANSMISSION】 Featuring dual interfaces (USB 3.0 and Type-C), this optical drive supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. To ensure a reliable connection, please connect it directly to your computer. The drive supports multiple disc formats such as DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW. Please note: It does NOT support DVD-RAM, Blu-ray (BD) discs, or certain proprietary formats. Maximum DVD read speed is 8x, and maximum CD read/write speed is 24x.
  • 【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Compatible with Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 7, Linux, and all macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) for MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Mac mini; NOT for iPad/iPhone/Apple TV/ChromeOS; for Mac, insert disc FIRST, connect directly to USB port (use a POWERED USB‑C hub for M1/M2/M3 to avoid insufficient power), and open media with VLC Player (Apple DVD Player not supported). Works with most computers from brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and Samsung. 👉 Important: Designed specifically for computers. It is NOT compatible with TVs, tablets, game consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), car stereos, or standalone Blu-ray players.
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  • 【MULTIFUNCTIONAL & RELIABLE OPERATION】 Equipped with intelligent error correction and anti-shock technology, this drive supports reading, writing, and burning discs. If the drive is not recognized or a disc cannot be read, try restarting your computer or testing with a different, standard CD-R or DVD-R disc. The pop-up button and built-in cable design offer convenience and portability. For desktop PCs, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for optimal power and performance.

What an Apple TV subscription includes

The Apple TV subscription does not include third-party branded subscription services or every title offered to rent or buy in the Apple TV app. Seeing a title in the app does not mean it is included with one subscription; check whether it is included, requires another subscription, or must be rented or purchased. Availability of the app, channels, subscriptions, and store features varies by country or region.

Can you watch Netflix or Disney+ offline on a Mac?

Netflix

Netflix’s published offline-download device list does not include Mac. It lists iPhone, iPad, Android phones or tablets, Fire tablets, and certain Chromebooks. To watch Netflix offline, download the title in the Netflix app on a supported device such as an iPad. Look for the download icon because not every title is available, and downloads remain on the device used to download them. Netflix says downloads can expire. See Netflix’s supported devices and download and expiry guidance.

Rank #2
ORIGBELIE External CD DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 Type-C 13mm DVD Player
  • 【Plug & Play】This ORIGBELIE external CD DVD drive is powered by USB port, no additional drivers and power supply required! Just plug the USB type-A or type-C connector on the data cable to your computer and the CD burner will be detected by computer automatically, you can then use the corresponding software to read and write the discs with no complex settings. As for Mac system, please note that the computer will not display the device icon until the disc is placed and read successfully.
  • 【High-Speed】The external DVD drive supports USB 3.0 high speed data transmission and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.1. It delivers max 8x DVD read/write speeds and max 24x CD read/write speeds, provides faster data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps (625MB/S) without lag or distortion, get more done in less time! It also boasts strong error correction capability, noise reduction, shock resistance and low power consumption.
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Disney+

Disney+ help says computer downloads are not supported and limits downloads to supported mobile devices. Its device and plan requirements can change, so check the current Disney+ help information and your account’s eligibility before relying on offline viewing. Check Disney+ download guidance.

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Subscription downloads versus buying a title

A subscription download is a temporary, service-controlled copy. It may be limited to certain titles, devices, plans, or regions, and it can expire. Downloading a title does not turn it into a permanent video file.

Rank #3
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Antika External CD Drive USB 3.0 Portable Slim External DVD Drive CD DVD +/-RW ROM Burner Writer/Player for MacBook Pro Laptop/Desktops Win 11/10/7/8.1 /XP
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  • 【Wide Compatibility】This CD drive external that can support various devices. Compatible with Windows 11/ 10/ 8/ 7/ XP/ 2003/ 2000 and all versions of Mac OS systems, Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Laptop, Notebook, PC, Desktop Computer. (This CD/DVD drive does not support Blu-ray discs. Not compatible with TVs, tablets, autoplayers)
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  • 【Easy to Use】 Plug and Play. The external DVD drive is powered via a USB port, no DVD driver or additional power supply required. Simply plug the driver into the USB port to recognize the DVD driver. You can burn files, install software and create backup CDs. With this CD-DVD-RW burner you can instantly watch DVD/CD movies and burn music and movies to CDs or DVDs
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Apple says purchased digital media can be downloaded to a Mac and played offline. That is distinct from a subscription download, but it is not a guarantee of unlimited future cloud access: if Apple removes a title from its services, you may not be able to download it again. If continued access matters, download the purchase to a compatible device you possess. Apple explains purchased media downloads.

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What to do before a trip

  • Confirm that the exact title has a download option; availability varies even within one service.
  • Use the app and device on which you plan to watch. Netflix downloads, for example, are available on the device used to download them.
  • For subscription content, check expiry, plan eligibility, and any device or simultaneous-download limits.
  • Download and verify playback while you still have internet access, rather than assuming a title will remain available offline.
  • If Netflix or Disney+ offline viewing is essential, use a supported phone or tablet. An iPad is one option listed by Netflix and covered by Apple’s Apple TV download guidance, but it does not add downloads to macOS.

Native Prime Video and Apple TV downloads require no extra hardware. External storage is not documented as a way to store streaming-app downloads, and Prime Video specifically advises against USB-connected drives for downloads.

Best Value
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  • High Speed & Reliable Performance. Compatible with USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0), this drive delivers fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Engineered with strong fault tolerance, it minimizes freezing, skipping, and errors during disc playback or burning. The stable performance ensures smooth, reliable operation and reduces the risk of defective performance
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Rank #4
ASUS ZenDrive Black 13mm External 8X DVD/Burner Drive +/-RW with M-Disc Support, Compatible with Both Mac & Windows and Nero BackItUp for Android Devices (USB 2.0 & Type-C Cables Included)
  • 13mm for ultra slim and light
  • Mac/PC Support
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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