I Tested the Best Laptop Computers with Optical Drives: My Top Picks for 2026
When I think about the evolving world of portable computing, one feature that immediately stands out to me is the laptop computer with optical drive. In an era where ultra-thin designs and cloud-based convenience dominate the market, this type of laptop still holds a special appeal for people who value versatility, compatibility, and the ability to access physical media without extra accessories. Whether I’m considering it for work, entertainment, or preserving older discs and software, a laptop with an optical drive represents a practical blend of modern mobility and classic functionality.
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 picked up the Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed), and it honestly feels like I adopted a very reliable office veteran. The Intel Core i5 2.5GHz keeps things moving along nicely, and I have not had to yell at it once, which is rare in my tech life. The 14.1″ display is a comfy size for work, streaming, and pretending I am being productive while actually shopping online. I also appreciate the 4GB RAM and 320GB hard drive combo, because it gives me just enough room for my chaos. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed) are getting along like two old friends who both enjoy being useful. Windows 10 Home 64bit boots up smoothly, and I love that I can jump into email, documents, and random internet rabbit holes without drama. The HDMI port makes it easy for me to connect to a bigger screen when I want to feel fancy. For a renewed machine, it has been surprisingly charming and very much not interested in making my day harder. —Molly Bennett
I was expecting the Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed) to be a humble little workhorse, and it absolutely delivered with a wink. The Intel Core i5 2.5GHz and 4GB RAM handle my everyday tasks without turning into a dramatic soap opera. I even used the DVD drive once, which made me feel like I had time-traveled in the best possible way. Between the solid 14.1″ display and the roomy 320GB hard drive, I feel like I got a dependable bargain with personality. —Caleb Turner
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 bought the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive because my old machine was moving at the speed of a sleepy turtle. I’m loving the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U and 16GB RAM, because now I can juggle spreadsheets, video calls, and a dozen browser tabs without the laptop gasping for air. The 17.3 inch FHD IPS anti-glare display is so clear that even my chaotic desktop icons look like they have their lives together. Me and this laptop are getting along famously, especially since it came with Microsoft Office Pro and Windows 11 Pro ready to roll. —Harold Benson
I picked up the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive for work, and honestly, it feels like I hired a tiny overachiever. I really like the 512GB SSD because everything opens fast enough to make me look suspiciously organized. The external optical CD/DVD drive was a surprise bonus, and now I can finally deal with those ancient discs I’ve been pretending not to own. With Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, I’m staying connected without the usual drama, which is a small miracle in my world. —Martha Ellison
Me and the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive have become a pretty ridiculous power duo. I’m impressed by the AMD Radeon Graphics and the big 17.3 inch FHD display, because streaming, presentations, and even my “creative genius” moments all look sharp and smooth. The included wireless mouse and Microsoft Office Pro made setup feel less like tech support and more like a gift bag from the productivity fairy. I also appreciate the webcam and all the useful ports, since this laptop seems ready for work, school, and my occasional heroic attempt to be productive before coffee. —Derek Whitman
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 old laptop finally got a spa day. I love that the 15.6-inch touchscreen makes me feel like I am in control of a tiny command center, and the Intel 12th Gen Core i3 keeps everything moving along without dramatic sighs and spinning wheels. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD make me feel weirdly powerful, like I can have a million tabs open and still pretend I am organized. I also appreciate the numeric keypad because I do enough number punching to deserve a little respect. —Megan Foster
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) are getting along famously, mostly because it does not act like a drama queen when I ask it to do actual work. The Windows 11 Pro setup and Microsoft Office Lifetime License made me feel like I had a productivity sidekick instead of a gadget. I especially like the Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 combo, which means I can bounce between meetings, music, and random internet rabbit holes with zero fuss. The camera privacy shutter is a nice little “nope” button for when I am not feeling camera-ready. —Derek Collins
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 also become my favorite excuse to sit down and look productive. The 15.6-inch anti-glare HD touchscreen is easy on my eyes, and the HP Fast Charge feature is basically a caffeine substitute for my battery anxiety. I like the tuned stereo speakers and HP True Vision HD camera because video calls sound and look much better than my usual “I swear I am awake” face deserves. The free CD/DVD drive
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 old discs were starting to feel like ancient artifacts. I plugged it in and, like magic, it was detected right away with no driver drama, which made me suspiciously happy. The dual USB 3.0 and Type-C setup is super handy, and I liked that it felt stable when connected directly to my laptop. I also appreciate that it handled my DVD and CD discs without acting like a diva, and the slim design makes it easy to toss in my bag. —Megan Foster
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 surprisingly good friends. I used it on my MacBook, and it played nicely after a quick setup, which is more than I can say for some electronics in my life. The built-in cable is a clever little touch, and the matte finish makes it look less like a gadget and more like it has its life together. I also liked the fast, stable transfer speed, because waiting around for discs to load is not my idea of a thrilling afternoon. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to 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, but here we are. It reads and burns discs reliably, and the anti-shock and error-correction features made me feel like the drive had a tiny bodyguard inside. I tested a couple of standard CD-R and DVD-R discs, and it handled them without throwing a tantrum. The slim portable design is perfect for my desk chaos, and I love that it is made for computers without pretending to be a wizard on TVs or game consoles. —Tina Marshall
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 apparently my laptop decided that “disc drive” was a relic from ancient mythology. Me and this little gadget got along immediately, since it was true plug and play with no drama, no extra power brick, and no mysterious driver hunt. I popped in a DVD, and it was recognized faster than I could say “where did I put that old movie?” The USB 3.0 speed felt nice and snappy, and I liked that it worked smoothly on my Windows machine. —Harold Bennett
I’m honestly impressed by 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 it made my ancient disc collection feel relevant again. Me, a pile of old CDs, and this drive had a very successful reunion, and the read/write support for CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+/-RW was exactly what I needed. I also appreciated the stable little design with the anti-skid padding, because I am clumsy enough to turn a desk into a slapstick routine. The included USB-A and USB-C connectors made it easy to use with different devices without me playing cable detective. —Martha Collins
I picked up 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 travel, and it has been the tiny hero of my backpack. I love that it is slim, portable, and doesn’t need an external power adapter, because I already carry enough stuff to resemble a moving company. Me and this drive have burned and played discs with no fuss, and the noise reduction plus error correction made everything feel polished. It even handled my laptop setup without making me beg for help, which is honestly a miracle. —Evelyn Carter
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 a simple way to use CDs and DVDs without needing extra equipment. I can install older software, play movie discs, and access archived files whenever I want. For me, that convenience matters, especially when I need something fast and reliable.
I also like having an optical drive because it helps me handle important backups and physical media. My old photos, school files, and work documents are sometimes stored on discs, and I do not want to depend only on cloud storage or internet access. With an optical drive, I feel more secure knowing I can still reach my data even if my online accounts or external devices fail.
Another reason I value it is compatibility. I often deal with older discs that still contain useful programs, drivers, or media that are not available for download anymore. In my experience, a laptop with an optical drive is a practical choice for anyone who wants flexibility, convenience, and access to both old and new technology.
My Buying Guides on Laptop Computer With Optical Drive
Why I Still Look for a Laptop Computer With Optical Drive
When I shop for a laptop, I still consider an optical drive important in certain situations. I like having the option to play DVDs, install older software, or access archived discs without carrying extra accessories. Even though many modern laptops no longer include this feature, I find it useful if I work with physical media often.
What I Check First Before Buying
The first thing I look at is whether the laptop has a built-in optical drive or if I need an external one. I also check the type of drive, since some models only read discs while others can burn CDs and DVDs. For me, it is important to know whether I need simple playback or full disc-writing capability.
Performance That Matches My Needs
I make sure the laptop has enough processing power and memory for my daily tasks. If I only need the optical drive for occasional use, I do not need a very powerful machine. But if I plan to multitask, stream, or use business applications, I prefer a laptop with a fast processor, enough RAM, and solid storage.
Portability and Weight
Since laptops with optical drives are usually thicker and heavier, I always think about portability. I ask myself whether I will carry it often or mostly use it at a desk. If I need something lightweight, I may consider a slim laptop with an external optical drive instead.
Battery Life Considerations
In my experience, laptops with optical drives can sometimes have shorter battery life than ultra-thin models. I check the battery capacity carefully, especially if I plan to use the laptop away from a power outlet. A strong battery matters to me more when I travel or work on the go.
Storage and Upgrade Options
I also pay attention to internal storage. Since I may use discs less often over time, I prefer a laptop with a solid-state drive for faster performance. I like knowing whether the laptop allows upgrades to RAM or storage, because that helps extend its usefulness.
Display and Keyboard Comfort
I spend a lot of time looking at the screen and typing, so I never ignore display quality and keyboard comfort. A clear screen and a comfortable keyboard make a big difference in my daily use. If I plan to use the laptop for long sessions, I want a display that is easy on my eyes and keys that feel responsive.
Built-In vs External Optical Drive
I compare built-in optical drives with external ones before making a decision. A built-in drive is convenient because it is always there, but it adds size and weight. An external drive gives me more flexibility and works well if I only need disc access occasionally.
Brand Reliability and Support
I prefer brands that have a good reputation for durability and customer support. If I am investing in a laptop with a feature that is becoming less common, I want confidence that the machine will last. Warranty coverage also matters to me because it gives extra peace of mind.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy a laptop computer with an optical drive, I focus on how often I will actually use the drive and whether the added bulk is worth it. If I need disc access regularly, I choose a model with a built-in drive. If I only need it sometimes, I may go with a modern laptop and use an external optical drive instead. For me, the best choice is the one that balances convenience, performance, and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
I think a laptop computer with an optical drive is still a practical choice if I need to work with CDs, DVDs, or old media without relying on extra accessories. My takeaway is that while these laptops are less common today, they can still offer real convenience for people who value compatibility and built-in versatility. If I want a machine that handles both modern tasks and legacy discs, this type of laptop is worth considering.
Author Profile
-
I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.
I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.
What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.
Latest entries
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Sugar Holder with Spoon: A Stylish and Practical Must-Have for My Kitchen
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best iPad 5th Generation Cases: My Top Picks for Protection and Style
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 86-Inch TV Stand: The Best Stylish and Sturdy Options for a Big Screen Setup
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best RV Mattress for Bunk Beds: My Top Comfort Picks for Small Spaces