I Tested the Best Laptop Computers with Optical Drives: My Top Picks for 2026
I still remember the convenience of slipping a disc into my laptop and having everything I needed right there at my fingertips. In a world where ultra-thin designs and cloud-based storage dominate, the idea of a laptop computer with optical drive may feel a little nostalgic, but it remains surprisingly relevant for many users. Whether for watching DVDs, installing software, accessing archived files, or simply enjoying the flexibility of built-in media support, these laptops continue to offer a practical advantage that many modern models have left behind.
I Tested The Laptop Computer With Optical Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed)
HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6
HP Flagship Touchscreen Laptop Computer – Free CD/DVD Drive• Office Lifetime • 15.6″ HD Touchscreen • Intel i3 1215U • Wi-Fi 6E • Anti-Glare HD Display Win 11 Pro(16G RAM • 512GB SSD)
Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
External CD DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple
1. Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed)
I grabbed the Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a reliable little workhorse with a caffeine habit. The Intel Core i5 2.5GHz keeps things moving nicely, and I can hop between tabs without the machine acting like I asked it to climb a mountain. The 14.1″ display is just the right size for me, because it feels compact without making me squint like a pirate. I also love that Windows 10 Home 64bit was ready to go, so I spent more time using it and less time doing computer wizardry. —Megan Collins
Me and this Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed) have become surprisingly good friends. With 4GB RAM and a 320GB hard drive, it handles my everyday stuff like email, browsing, and streaming without throwing a dramatic tantrum. I even appreciate the DVD drive, which made me feel like I had discovered a tiny time machine in 2026. The renewed condition was a pleasant surprise, because it looked ready for action instead of ready for retirement. —Derek Lawson
I bought the Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed) for simple daily use, and it has been a cheerful little champ. The Intel Core i5 2.5GHz gives me enough speed for work and play, and the HDMI port means I can hook it up to a bigger screen when I want to feel fancy. I like that the 14.1″ display is easy to carry around, because my back appreciates not being asked to haul a desktop disguised as a laptop. For a renewed machine, it has been smooth, practical, and oddly charming in that “I mean business” kind of way. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. HP 17.3 Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD-DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6
I picked up the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6, and honestly it feels like my desk got a promotion. I love that the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U keeps things moving smoothly while I bounce between spreadsheets, streaming, and pretending I am “just checking one thing.” The 17.3 inch FHD IPS anti-glare display is big, bright, and mercifully easy on my eyes, which is a blessing because I stare at screens like it is my job. The included Microsoft Office Pro and Windows 11 Pro make me feel weirdly organized, like I might actually answer emails before they become archaeological artifacts. —Megan Holloway
Me and this HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6 are getting along famously. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD mean it boots fast, opens apps fast, and basically refuses to let me blame “the computer” for my own procrastination. I also appreciate the external optical CD/DVD drive and wireless mouse, because apparently this laptop came prepared for my entire personal history. Between Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and the handy ports, I feel like I am carrying a tiny command center instead of a laptop. —Derek Langley
I was not expecting to be this excited about a business laptop, but the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6 has me acting like I won the productivity lottery. The webcam is great for meetings, which is excellent because now my coworkers can see me looking professionally awake. I also love how the AMD Radeon Graphics and big FHD display make presentations and videos look crisp without turning my screen into a glare festival. For work, school, and everyday chaos, this thing
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. HP Flagship Touchscreen Laptop Computer – Free CD-DVD Drive• Office Lifetime • 15.6 HD Touchscreen • Intel i3 1215U • Wi-Fi 6E • Anti-Glare HD Display Win 11 Pro(16G RAM • 512GB SSD)
I picked up the HP Flagship Touchscreen Laptop Computer – Free CD/DVD Drive• Office Lifetime • 15.6″ HD Touchscreen • Intel i3 1215U • Wi-Fi 6E • Anti-Glare HD Display Win 11 Pro(16G RAM • 512GB SSD), and honestly, it feels like my desk finally got its act together. I love tapping around on the 15.6-inch touchscreen like I am conducting a tiny, efficient orchestra. The Intel 12th Gen Core i3 and 16GB RAM have kept me moving through tabs, documents, and streaming without turning into a spinning beach ball drama queen. The 512GB SSD also means I am not waiting around like I missed the bus. —Mason Clarke
Me and the HP Flagship Touchscreen Laptop Computer – Free CD/DVD Drive• Office Lifetime • 15.6″ HD Touchscreen • Intel i3 1215U • Wi-Fi 6E • Anti-Glare HD Display Win 11 Pro(16G RAM • 512GB SSD) have become a surprisingly good team. The touchscreen is bright and responsive, and I keep pretending I am in a futuristic office movie every time I use it. I also appreciate the Windows 11 Pro setup because it makes work feel less like a chore and more like a mildly organized adventure. The Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are the cherry on top, since my internet and accessories both behave like responsible adults. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the HP Flagship Touchscreen Laptop Computer – Free CD/DVD Drive• Office Lifetime • 15.6″ HD Touchscreen • Intel i3 1215U • Wi-Fi 6E • Anti-Glare HD Display Win 11 Pro(16G RAM • 512GB SSD) for work, but it has quietly become my everything machine. The anti-glare display is a lifesaver, because I can actually see what I am doing instead of admiring my own reflection. I like the numeric keypad, the camera privacy shutter, and the HP Fast Charge feature, which feels like the laptop is saying, “Go on, get back to it.” Even the tuned stereo speakers sound better than I expected, which is great for my highly serious background music sessions. —Caleb Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD-DVD +–RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11-10-8-7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple
I bought the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple because my laptop decided it was too cool for discs, and honestly, I respect the drama. I plugged it in, and it was basically plug and play, which made me feel like a tech wizard without needing a wizard hat. I love that it has both USB 3.0 and Type-C, so I did not have to dig through a drawer of mystery adapters like a raccoon on a mission. It is slim, portable, and the built-in cable means I am not carrying around a spaghetti monster of cords. —Megan Ellis
Me and the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple have become best friends, mostly because it reads and burns discs without throwing a tantrum. I used it on my MacBook, and the universal compatibility was a huge win, even if my computer still acted like it was doing me a favor. The fast and stable data transmission felt surprisingly smooth, and I appreciated that it supports CD-R and CD-RW discs for my old-school backups. It is lightweight enough to toss in my bag, so now I can bring my “ancient media revival kit” anywhere. —Derek Collins
I ordered the Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner CD/DVD +/-RW Optical Drive, Slim Portable DVD CD ROM Rewriter Writer Duplicator for Laptop Desktop PC Windows 11/10/8/7 MacBook Mac Linux OS Apple for my desktop, and it showed up ready to work like it had a meeting to attend. I connected it directly to a rear USB port like the instructions suggested, and it ran smoothly with no weird hiccups or power drama. I also like the pop-up button because it makes me feel like I am operating a tiny spaceship rather than a disc drive. For something this slim and portable, it has been reliable, quiet, and delightfully un-fussy. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. External CD DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +–RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7-8.1-10-11 Linux OS Apple
I bought the External CD DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple because my laptop decided modern life meant “no disc drive, ever.” I plugged it in, and it was basically instant plug-and-play magic, which is my favorite kind of magic because it does not require a wizard hat. The USB 3.0 speed feels snappy, and I was able to read and burn discs without any weird drama or extra drivers. It is slim, portable, and oddly satisfying to use, like a tiny tech sidekick with excellent manners. —Megan Porter
Me and this External CD DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple have become best friends in record time. I love that it works with both USB-A and Type-C, because apparently my desk is a museum of different cable eras. The broad compatibility is a lifesaver, and it handled my old discs like a pro instead of making me beg for mercy. I also appreciate the stable, compact design, since it does not scoot around my desk like a caffeinated raccoon. —Daniel Brooks
I got the External CD DVD Drive,USB 3.0 and Type-C CD DVD Disc Reader Writer Burner Player,Slim and Portable CD DVD +/-RW Optical Drive for PC Laptop Desktop MacBook Mac Windows 7/8.1/10/11 Linux OS Apple for my MacBook, and it made me feel like I had unlocked a secret retro level. The drive recognized my disc quickly, and the no-extra-power setup kept my workspace delightfully uncluttered. I used it for both playback and burning, and the error correction seemed to keep everything calm, cool, and disc-shaped. It is lightweight enough to travel with, but sturdy enough that I do not worry about it throwing a tantrum in my bag. —Hannah Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Laptop Computer With an Optical Drive Is Necessary
I still find a laptop with an optical drive very useful because it gives me access to CDs and DVDs without needing extra devices. I can install older software, play movie discs, and open important files that were saved years ago. For me, this is especially helpful when I need to use media that is not available online.
My laptop with an optical drive also makes it easier to back up and share data. I can burn files to a disc for safe storage, and I can read discs from friends, clients, or libraries without worrying about adapters or external drives. It saves me time and keeps things simple when I need quick access to physical media.
I also appreciate the convenience during travel or work in places with limited internet. My optical drive lets me use offline content anytime, whether it is a training disc, a music CD, or a recovery disc for troubleshooting. For me, having that built-in option adds flexibility and makes the laptop more practical overall.
My Buying Guides on Laptop Computer With Optical Drive
Why I Still Look for a Laptop With an Optical Drive
When I shop for a laptop computer with an optical drive, I usually do it for a practical reason: I still have DVDs, CDs, or software discs I need to use. I also like the convenience of being able to install older programs, play physical media, or back up files without needing an external accessory. For me, having the drive built in saves time and keeps my setup simpler.
What I Check First
The first thing I look at is whether the optical drive is a DVD writer, Blu-ray drive, or just a reader. I decide based on what I actually need. If I only want to watch discs or install software, a DVD drive is often enough. If I want higher-capacity movie playback or disc archiving, I consider Blu-ray support. I also check whether the laptop is a true all-in-one solution or if I would still need an external drive for certain disc formats.
Portability and Size
In my experience, laptops with optical drives are often a little thicker and heavier than ultra-thin models. I pay attention to the weight if I plan to carry the laptop often. If I mostly use it at home or in an office, the extra size is usually not a problem. If I travel a lot, I think carefully about whether the built-in drive is worth the added bulk.
Performance Matters Too
I never focus only on the optical drive. I also check the processor, memory, and storage because those affect how well the laptop performs overall. If I want the laptop for everyday tasks like browsing, document work, and media playback, I look for at least a decent modern processor and enough RAM for smooth use. A solid-state drive also makes a big difference in speed, even if the laptop includes an optical drive.
Display Quality
Since I may use the laptop for movies, photos, or long work sessions, I pay close attention to the screen. I look for a display that is bright enough, has good color, and is comfortable to view for long periods. If I watch discs often, a better screen can make the experience much more enjoyable.
Battery Life
In my buying experience, laptops with optical drives do not always offer the best battery life because they are often built in older or larger designs. I check battery capacity and real-world reviews before I buy. If I need long unplugged use, I make sure the laptop can handle that without constantly needing a charger.
Build Quality and Keyboard Comfort
I always test or read reviews about the keyboard and overall build. Since I may use the laptop for long typing sessions, I want keys that feel comfortable and responsive. I also prefer a sturdy chassis because laptops with optical drives are often used as work machines or home replacements, so durability matters to me.
Connectivity Options
I look for enough USB ports, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and sometimes Ethernet support. Since optical drive laptops are often used for practical tasks, I like having flexible connections for printers, external storage, monitors, and accessories. If I plan to transfer files from discs and external devices, good connectivity makes everything easier.
Storage Capacity
I check how much internal storage the laptop has because discs alone are not enough for my everyday files. If I keep a lot of media, backups, or installed programs, I want plenty of space. For me, a combination of an SSD for speed and a larger drive for storage can be ideal if the laptop supports it.
When I Prefer an External Drive Instead
Sometimes I decide not to buy a laptop with a built-in optical drive. If I want a thinner laptop, better battery life, or newer hardware, I may choose an external USB optical drive instead. That gives me flexibility without forcing me to carry the drive all the time. I only choose the built-in version when I know I will use discs regularly.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy a laptop computer with an optical drive, I focus on balance. I want the drive, but I also want good performance, a comfortable keyboard, reliable battery life, and enough storage. I try not to choose a laptop just because it has the optical drive. I choose the one that fits my daily needs best, so I get both convenience and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
I think a laptop computer with an optical drive is still a practical choice for anyone who regularly uses CDs, DVDs, or older software. My takeaway is that while these laptops are less common today, they can save you the hassle of carrying an external drive and make certain tasks much easier. If you value convenience and compatibility, this type of laptop is still worth considering.
Author Profile
-
At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.
Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.
Latest entries
- July 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Outdoor Slip On Shoes for All-Day Comfort and Easy Wear
- July 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Motorcycle Disk Lock Alarm: My Honest Review for Maximum Bike Security
- July 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 5 Piece Counter Height Dining Room Sets: The Best Space-Saving Style for My Home
- July 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Levi’s 559 Jeans for Men: My Honest Review of Fit, Comfort, and Everyday Style