Best Laptops with CD Drives in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	HP 17.3-inch Laptop	Built-in DVD writer, 256GB SSD and 17.3-inch touchscreen
Best Full HD display	Lenovo ThinkPad E570 (20H50045US)	15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, DVD writer and 256GB SSD

How we chose

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

The HP 17-by1953cl is available new with an internal optical drive. 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

Built-in DVD writer without an external accessory
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

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 an external USB DVD drive lets you use a modern laptop.

Lenovo ThinkPad E570 (20H50045US) - Best Full HD display

This ThinkPad E570 configuration (20H50045US) pairs a built-in DVD writer with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and 256GB SSD. It is available new, but its 7th-generation processor and Windows 10 Pro still need consideration before buying.

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Key highlights

Built-in DVD±RW drive
Intel Core i5-7200U processor
8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display
Fingerprint reader and Windows 10 Pro

Pros

Full HD IPS anti-glare screen
Built-in DVD writer
PCIe NVMe SSD storage
Fingerprint reader

Cons

7th-generation processor is dated
8GB RAM limits demanding multitasking
Windows 10 Pro standard support ended on October 14, 2025; continued security updates require ESU enrollment
Sold by a third-party seller, so check current seller feedback, warranty and return terms

Who it is for: Users who need a built-in DVD writer and prefer a Full HD IPS screen for basic work.

Skip if

You need demanding software or want to avoid managing support for an older operating system.

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: Compare the total cost of an older laptop with a built-in drive against a modern laptop plus an external USB DVD drive, and check seller condition and warranty terms.
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.

Published January 31, 2026 Last updated September 5, 2026