Best Laptops with CD Drives in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Dell Inspiron 15 5000	offers the best balance of specs and availability
Best value	Lenovo ThinkPad E570	most affordable option with a built-in drive
Best for professionals	HP ZBook 17 G6	includes a Blu-ray drive for high-end needs

How we chose and tested

We reviewed multiple sources from 2022 to 2025 to identify laptops that still include built-in optical drives. Since these models are no longer in production, we focused on finding options that are still available through retailers or refurbished markets. We considered price, performance, and availability across all sources.

The best laptops with CD drives right now

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 - Best overall

This laptop strikes the best balance between performance and availability for those who need a built-in optical drive. You'll find decent specs for basic computing tasks, though you're definitely getting older technology.

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Key highlights

Built-in CD/DVD drive comes standard
Available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors
Typically includes 8GB RAM and 1TB storage
15.6-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution
Weighs around 4.9-5.1 pounds

Pros

Most readily available option with a built-in drive
Reasonable pricing for what you get
Decent port selection for connectivity
Can handle everyday computing tasks

Cons

Older technology with limited performance
Display resolution is below modern standards
Heavier than current laptops
Storage options may be limited to HDDs

Who it is for: Anyone who regularly needs to read or write CDs/DVDs and wants the most straightforward solution available today.

Skip if

You need modern performance for gaming, video editing, or intensive applications.

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 240GB 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
Can be found for around $300-500
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.

HP ZBook 17 G6 - Best for professionals

For those who need more than just a standard DVD drive, this workstation laptop includes a Blu-ray drive and professional-grade components. It's the premium choice for serious optical media work.

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Key highlights

Built-in Blu-ray CD/DVD drive
Professional workstation components
Military-grade durability testing
17-inch display options
Typically includes 16GB RAM or more

Pros

Blu-ray capability for high-capacity media
Professional-grade performance
Durable construction for heavy use
Better display options than consumer models

Cons

Expensive, typically $1000-1200
Very heavy and not portable
Older workstation components
Limited availability

Who it is for: Professionals who work with Blu-ray media or need maximum durability along with optical drive capability.

Skip if

You need portability or have a limited budget.

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 DVDs work with any optical drive, but Blu-ray requires specific drives like the one in the HP ZBook.
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 range from $300 for basic models to over $1000 for professional workstations. External drives are much 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?

No, manufacturers stopped including built-in optical drives in consumer laptops several years ago to make devices thinner and lighter. All options available today are older models.

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?

Very few laptops ever included Blu-ray drives. The HP ZBook 17 G5 is one of the rare options if you need Blu-ray capability.

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.