OWC Mercury Pro Blu-ray Drive Review: Worth Buying?
The shocker? Several long-term buyers claim that the OWC Mercury Pro Blu-ray/DVD/CD Read/Write Solution “outlasted every other optical drive” they've owned — while others warn theirs became “an expensive DVD/CD player” after just two years. From archival M-Disc burning to UHD Blu-ray ripping, this heavy, aluminum-housed drive delivers pro-level performance if you fit the right user profile. Verdict: 8.7/10
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Buy if you need archival-grade burning and multi-format support on Mac/PC; avoid if you expect manufacturer-level support for the internal mechanism
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy, aluminum chassis minimizes vibration | Internal LG mechanism can fail within 2 years for some |
| Supports M-Disc and BDXL up to 128GB | OWC warranty covers enclosure only, not drive mechanism |
| True plug-and-play on Mac and PC | Included USB cable is short |
| Quiet, fanless design (in newer models) | Older quad-interface models have noisy cooling fan |
| Rubber feet and grommets reduce desk noise | No bundled burning software |
| Flexibility: fits most 5.25” SATA drives | Price higher than generic enclosures |
Claims vs Reality
One of OWC’s core claims is "archive quality M-Disc compatibility for data lasting 1,000 years." This has strong real-world backing. Trustpilot reviewer Shawn B. confirmed: “I have successfully burned a dozen BDR M discs with this drive and all have passed 100% integrity checks… fully engraving a dozen write-once M-Discs.” For archivists, this promise translates into peace of mind.
OWC also advertises “high-speed USB 3.2 interface” for rapid transfers. On Amazon, a buyer reported ripping a 7GB DVD in "half the time" compared to Apple’s SuperDrive. But Videomaker’s test of an earlier quad-interface model revealed quirks — while CD/DVD speeds matched expectations, Blu-ray over eSATA was “strikingly poor” compared to USB 2.0 and FireWire 400. Interface choice clearly impacts real-world performance.
Finally, OWC touts “sleek, durable aluminum” design to keep things cool and quiet. Users largely verify this in current models. A verified buyer on Amazon praised that “the aluminum transfers heat out of the case pretty well, so the only noise will be from your drive.” Older quad-interface units did include a cooling fan — Videomaker noted it spun whenever powered, adding extra sound.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For archival professionals, the drive’s M-Disc and BDXL support is transformative. Amazon user reviews celebrate the ability to store up to 128GB on a single disc. One wrote: “These new discs have huge capacity! You can store a ton of stuff on 100GB… OWC assured me it should burn to the verbatim BDXL discs.” This makes it ideal for photographers safeguarding massive raw image libraries or indie filmmakers archiving masters.
Mac users consistently report flawless plug-and-play operation. An Apple Community poster described the 24x DVD model as “self powered and works beautifully” for audiobook ripping. Trustpilot reviewer Jason P. echoed this with “works great burning M-Disc BD-Rs with macOS Sierra.”
Design quality earns cross-platform applause. Buyers emphasize the weighty, tank-like aluminum case and vibration control. “There’s mounting points for all eight screw holes… every last one has rubber grommets to cut down on vibration,” noted one Amazon customer — a small touch that matters if burning at max laser strength.
Common Complaints
The most damaging reports involve longevity. Michael W. on Trustpilot lamented, “I paid $130 for just two years of service… LG WH16NS40 is obsolete according to LG repair.” These failures leave users with an intact enclosure but no optical function, and OWC’s warranty only covers the chassis.
Cable length frustration is frequent. Multiple Amazon reviewers wanted a longer USB cable, with one calling the included one “too short… at some point I’ll want to pick up a slightly longer one.”
Software omission is another sticking point. PC Hardware Outlet’s review of the 8X Blu-ray quad-interface unit warned: “Since the Mercury Pro doesn’t come with any software, you may be in a tight spot here.” For new Windows buyers without bundled burning tools, this adds cost and hassle.
Divisive Features
Interface variety splits opinions. Videomaker reviewers liked having FireWire, USB, and eSATA, but concluded, “esata adds no benefit for external optical drives… we would connect it via firewire or usb 2.0.” For modern users, USB 3.x dominates; legacy ports may be wasted space.
Noise perception also varies. While many praise the quiet, fanless chassis of newer USB 3.2 versions, older cooling fan-equipped models give a constant hum. Dependence on the internal LG mechanism colors user experiences: some view it as “one of the most capable drives out there” (Amazon), others as prone to premature death without viable repair routes.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show high satisfaction for enclosure quality but mixed trust in the lifespan of the internal drive. Shawn B.’s “100% success rate” with Linux burning suggests solid engineering when functional. Conversely, Michael W.’s refusal to recommend after a two-year LG failure reflects a common repair-block scenario — OWC provides the housing, the drive manufacturer handles internals.
Reddit and Apple Community threads reinforce that over 6 months to several years, the enclosure remains robust. One Amazon buyer said their DVD version “performed flawlessly for 5 or 6 years” and upgraded confidently to Blu-ray. Mechanical drive wear is the wildcard, meaning this product’s reliability hinges on the optical mechanism inside, not the enclosure.
Alternatives
The only well-discussed competitor here is the Vantec NST-536S3-BK. Amazon reviewers compared it unfavorably, citing weaker power supply (2A vs OWC’s 3A), noisier fan, and flimsier build. “The vantec looked like it should be $20 bucks. This one actually feels like the price has some connection to the quality,” stated one buyer. For users willing to install their own mechanism, generic SATA-to-USB enclosures exist, but may lack OWC’s precision fit and vibration damping.
Price & Value
Current eBay prices hover at $205.99 + shipping for the 16x model, with Amazon historically around $179.99. Resale value remains decent due to niche demand; working units with functional LG drives find buyers quickly.
Buying tips from the community include sourcing the enclosure separately and adding your preferred internal burner — Jim M. calculated savings by pairing the $49 case with an LG WH16NS40 bought independently. For archivists using expensive M-Discs, upfront cost may be a small fraction of the media investment.
FAQ
Q: Does the OWC Mercury Pro support Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray ripping?
A: Yes, with the correct firmware. An Amazon reviewer confirmed ripping UHD discs using MakeMKV, noting it’s critical to verify firmware compatibility before purchase.
Q: Is it truly plug-and-play on Mac?
A: Yes. Multiple Mac users, including an Apple Community poster, affirmed “works beautifully” without extra drivers, even through USB hubs.
Q: Can it burn 100GB BDXL M-Discs?
A: OWC support has stated it should, and users reported success with Verbatim 100GB discs, though media cost is high at around $20 each.
Q: How quiet is the newer USB 3.2 version?
A: Quiet enough that several owners say the only sound comes from the disc itself spinning. Older quad-interface units with fans are noisier.
Q: What happens if the internal drive fails?
A: The OWC warranty covers the enclosure only. Replacing the internal SATA optical drive yourself is the typical remedy.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an archivist, media collector, or creative pro needing reliable M-Disc and Blu-ray burning with quiet operation. Avoid if you expect full manufacturer support for the optical mechanism or don’t want to manage potential drive replacement. Pro tip from community: Measure your intended drive’s dimensions before purchase to ensure a snug fit, and consider longer USB cabling for convenience.
