Best Laptops with CD Drives in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	HP 17.3-inch Laptop	The only laptop still sold new with a built-in DVD writer
Best value	Lenovo ThinkPad E570	Most affordable option with a built-in drive

How we chose and tested

We evaluated laptops with built-in CD drives based on optical drive reliability, overall system performance, and current market availability in new and refurbished channels. Our assessment considered disc read and write capability, legacy port selection, battery condition, upgrade potential, and long-term parts support for older models.

We prioritized options that keep optical media workflows practical while still handling everyday computing smoothly.

The best laptops with CD drives right now

HP 17.3-inch Laptop - Best overall

HP 17.3-inch laptop with a built-in DVD drive

This is the one laptop here you can still buy brand new with an internal optical drive built in. It is a large 17.3-inch machine with a tray-loading DVD writer, a full-size keyboard with number pad, and an SSD that keeps everyday tasks responsive. It is sold through third-party sellers rather than HP directly, so confirm the condition and warranty before buying.

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Key highlights

Built-in DVD writer (DVD±RW SuperMulti) that reads and writes CDs and DVDs
Intel Core i5-8265U quad-core processor
8GB RAM with a 256GB solid-state drive
17.3-inch HD+ (1600 x 900) touchscreen
Full-size keyboard with number pad

Pros

The only model still sold new with an internal optical drive
SSD storage keeps everyday tasks responsive
Large 17.3-inch touchscreen with a number pad
Reads and writes both CDs and DVDs out of the box

Cons

8th-generation processor and 8GB RAM are dated
1600 x 900 resolution is below Full HD
Sold by third-party sellers, so stock and condition vary
Around $1,000, a premium you pay for the built-in drive

Who it is for: Anyone who wants a brand-new laptop, not a used one, that can read and write discs out of the box.

Skip if

You only need a disc drive once in a while, since a $25 external USB drive with any modern laptop is faster and cheaper.

Lenovo ThinkPad E570 - Best value

If you're on a tight budget but absolutely need a built-in optical drive, this ThinkPad offers the most affordable entry point. Just be prepared to make significant compromises on performance.

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Key highlights

Built-in CD/DVD drive
Intel Core i3 or i5 processors available
Typically 8GB RAM with 256GB SSD
15.6-inch 1366 x 768 display
Classic ThinkPad keyboard and durability

Pros

Most affordable option with a built-in drive
ThinkPad reliability and keyboard quality
Sold refurbished, typically around $400-500
Good port selection including USB and HDMI

Cons

Very limited processing power
Only suitable for basic applications
Low-resolution display
Heavy and bulky design

Who it is for: Budget-conscious users who need occasional disc access and don't require much computing power.

Skip if

You need to run modern software or multitask with multiple applications.

How to Choose

1.Frequency of use: If you only need occasional disc access, consider a modern laptop plus an external USB DVD drive (around $20-40). This gives you better performance and longevity.
2.Media type: Standard CDs and DVDs work in any of these drives. Built-in Blu-ray is effectively extinct on laptops, so if you need it, pair a modern laptop with an external USB Blu-ray drive.
3.Performance needs: Built-in drive laptops use older technology. Be honest about whether you can live with slower processors and limited RAM.
4.Budget: Prices run from around $400 for a refurbished model to about $1,000 for the newest laptop still sold with a built-in drive. External USB drives are far cheaper.
5.Future-proofing: Consider how long you'll need optical media access. Cloud storage and USB drives are more future-proof solutions.

FAQ

Are there any new laptops with built-in CD/DVD drives?

Almost none. Manufacturers stopped building optical drives into consumer laptops years ago. A few older-design models, like the HP 17.3-inch above, are still sold new through third-party sellers, but most options today are refurbished or used.

Should I buy a laptop with a built-in drive or use an external one?

For most people, buying a modern laptop plus an external USB DVD drive makes more sense. You get better performance, longer battery life, and a device that will last longer.

Can I still find these laptops for sale?

Yes, but you'll need to search refurbished markets, clearance sections, or older stock at retailers. They're not in active production anymore.

What about Blu-ray support?

Built-in Blu-ray drives are essentially gone from laptops you can buy in the US. The few workstations that once offered them (such as older HP ZBook 17 models) only did so as an optional configure-to-order extra, and current listings no longer include the drive. To read or burn Blu-ray discs, pair any modern laptop with an external USB Blu-ray drive.

Will these laptops run modern software?

They can run basic applications and older software, but don't expect them to handle demanding modern programs or games well. The technology is several generations old.