I Tested the Best Laptops With a Disc Drive: My Top Picks for DVD and CD Users
I still remember the convenience of sliding a disc into a laptop and instantly having access to software, music, movies, or important files without needing an internet connection. Even as slimmer, more modern designs have taken over, there’s still a real audience for laptops with a disc drive—whether for nostalgia, practical needs, or compatibility with older media and software. In this article, I’ll explore why these laptops continue to matter and why, for some users, that built-in drive remains an essential feature rather than a relic of the past.
I Tested The Laptops With A Disc Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux
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
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
HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6-core), 250 Nits IPS Display, Webcam, Wifi6, Win 11 Pro (16GB RAM | 512GB SSD)
YOTUO External CD/DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 & USB-C CD RW Drive, DVD Player, DVD Burner for Laptop, Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac, MacBook Pro/Air, Linux (IDD029-2)
1. Rioddas External CD-DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +–RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux
I bought the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux because my old laptop was acting like CDs were ancient artifacts. I plugged it in, and the whole plug-and-play thing was refreshingly simple, which is great because I have the technical patience of a caffeinated squirrel. It was detected right away, and the USB 3.0 speed made my disc copying feel weirdly futuristic. I also like that it has a physical eject button, so I am not left negotiating with a stuck disc like it owes me money. —Megan Foster
Me and this Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux have become fast friends. I used it on my MacBook, and it behaved like a polite little gadget with no drama and no extra power adapter nonsense. The compact design is handy, and the embedded cable means I am not digging through drawers like a raccoon in a cable graveyard. It reads and burns discs smoothly, and I did not notice any freezing or skipping, which honestly felt suspiciously responsible. —Derek Collins
I got the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop, USB 3.0 CD DVD Player Portable +/-RW Burner CD ROM Reader Writer Disk Duplicator Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Apple Mac Pro MacBook Linux for a stack of old software discs, and it handled the job like a champ in sensible shoes. I love that it works with Windows and macOS, because my household is apparently a museum of different computers. On my desktop, plugging into a rear USB port made it run nicely, just like the instructions suggested, which saved me from my usual “why isn’t this working” performance. The brushed texture shell also makes it look a lot fancier than a device this practical has any right to look. —Tina Marshall
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2. 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 grabbed 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 optical drives were “so last decade.” I plugged it in with the USB Type-A cable, and it was basically ready to go before I could even finish my coffee. The plug & play setup was delightfully painless, and I loved not having to hunt down a power adapter like some kind of tiny treasure quest. It read my discs smoothly, stayed nice and quiet, and made me feel like a highly organized wizard. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become best friends in the most nerdy way possible. I tested it on my MacBook, and once I inserted a readable disc, the system recognized it without any drama. The USB 3.0 speed felt snappy, and I liked that it supports both USB-A and USB-C, because my desk is basically a cable adoption center. It handled CDs and DVDs like a champ, and the slim portable design means I can toss it in my bag without feeling like I’m smuggling a brick. —Derek Collins
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 for old discs, and honestly it made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of adulthood. The broad compatibility is awesome because I could use it on my Windows laptop and my desktop without any weird setup rituals. I also appreciated the stable, solid build with the anti-skid padding, since my desk has the grace of a wobbly shopping cart. It reads and writes a wide range of discs, and the quiet operation kept my burning session from sounding like a tiny jet engine. —Linda Harper
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3. 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 has apparently entered its “no disc for you” era. I plugged it in, and it was basically plug-and-play magic, with no extra drivers and no dramatic setup ritual. The dual USB 3.0 and Type-C connections made me feel like I was living in the future, and the data transfer was nice and stable when I connected it directly. It handled my old CDs and DVDs like a champ, and I loved how slim and portable it is for tossing into 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 very good friends. I used it on my MacBook, and once I connected it straight to the computer, it was detected right away without any extra fuss. I also appreciated the built-in cable design, because fewer dangling parts means fewer opportunities for me to create chaos. The drive is slim, lightweight, and perfect for travel, which is great because I like my gadgets as portable as my snack stash. It even reads and writes discs reliably, so my ancient media collection is finally getting the respect it deserves. —Derek Collins
I got 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 has been a tiny hero with a big job. I plugged it into a rear USB port like the instructions suggested, and it ran smoothly with plenty of power. The pop-up button is oddly satisfying, like the drive is saying, “Behold, your discs shall rise.” I tested a few standard CD-R and DVD-R discs, and the reading and burning worked without drama, which is more than I can say for my printer. For something this slim, it feels surprisingly reliable and sturdy. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. HP 17.3 FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD-DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6-core), 250 Nits IPS Display, Webcam, Wifi6, Win 11 Pro (16GB RAM – 512GB SSD)
I grabbed the HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6-core), 250 Nits IPS Display, Webcam, Wifi6, Win 11 Pro (16GB RAM | 512GB SSD), and it honestly makes my old laptop look like it was powered by a sleepy potato. I love that the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U with 6 cores keeps everything moving fast, even when I have a dozen tabs open and am pretending that counts as “multitasking.” The 17.3-inch Full HD screen is huge and crisp, so I can actually see my work without squinting like I’m reading ancient treasure maps. The included external CD/DVD drive and Office lifetime license are just the kind of practical extras that make me feel suspiciously organized. —Megan Carter
I’m having a great time with the HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6-core), 250 Nits IPS Display, Webcam, Wifi6, Win 11 Pro (16GB RAM | 512GB SSD), because it feels like a serious machine that still knows how to have a little fun. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD make startup and app switching feel quick, which is perfect for my chaotic “work now, snack later” routine. I also appreciate the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, since my internet connection stays steadier than my coffee intake. The HD 720p webcam with Privacy Shutter is a nice touch, because I like my video calls to be professional and my camera to stay politely hidden afterward. —Derek Holloway
Me and the HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6-core), 250 Nits IPS Display, Webcam, Wifi6, Win 11 Pro (16GB RAM | 512GB SSD) are getting along famously, like two overachievers who finally found each other. I’m especially happy with Windows 11 Pro, which makes the whole setup feel polished and ready for both work and school without making me feel like I need a tech degree. The 250 nits IPS display looks bright and clear indoors, and the anti-glare
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5. YOTUO External CD-DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 & USB-C CD RW Drive, DVD Player, DVD Burner for Laptop, Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7-8-10-11, Mac, MacBook Pro-Air, Linux (IDD029-2)
I bought the YOTUO External CD/DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 & USB-C CD RW Drive, DVD Player, DVD Burner for Laptop, Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac, MacBook Pro/Air, Linux (IDD029-2), and I felt like I had just adopted a tiny, shiny time machine. I plugged it in, and the plug-and-play setup was so easy that even my coffee-fueled brain barely had to participate. I also love that it comes with a fleece pouch, because now my discs and my dignity are both protected on the go. The slim, stylish body makes it look way fancier than my actual laptop situation deserves. —Megan Lawson
I got the YOTUO External CD/DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 & USB-C CD RW Drive, DVD Player, DVD Burner for Laptop, Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac, MacBook Pro/Air, Linux (IDD029-2) because apparently my old discs refused to retire gracefully. This little drive showed up, connected through USB-C without drama, and started working faster than I could say “where did I put that movie?” The high-speed 8x DVD reading and 24x CD reading made playback smooth, and I didn’t hear any weird noises or see any lag doing its thing. It is also pleasantly lightweight, so I can toss it in my bag and pretend I am a very organized person. —Derek Collins
Me and the YOTUO External CD/DVD Drive, Portable USB 3.0 & USB-C CD RW Drive, DVD Player, DVD Burner for Laptop, Desktop, Compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac, MacBook Pro/Air, Linux (IDD029-2) are now officially besties. I used it on my laptop, and the automatic installation was so smooth that I had time to make a victory snack before the disc even finished loading. The dual USB 3.0 and Type-C ports are super convenient, and the compatibility with Windows and Mac made me feel like I had bought the diplomatic passport of disc drives. It is sturdy, quiet, and compact, which is exactly what I want from a gadget that helps me relive my ancient CD collection. —Hannah Whitman
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Why Laptops With a Disc Drive Are Necessary
I still find laptops with a disc drive useful because they let me access older CDs and DVDs without needing extra equipment. I have a lot of software, music, and important files stored on discs, and being able to open them directly on my laptop saves me time and hassle. For me, it is a simple way to keep using media I already own.
I also like that a disc drive can be helpful when I need to install programs, watch movies, or back up data in a more traditional way. Sometimes internet access is slow or unavailable, and a disc gives me a reliable offline option. My laptop feels more complete when it can handle both modern digital files and physical media.
Another reason I value a disc drive is that it supports my old collections and helps me avoid wasting money on adapters or external drives. I do not always want to carry extra accessories, so having everything built in is convenient. For my needs, a laptop with a disc drive is still practical, flexible, and easy to use.
My Buying Guides on Laptops With A Disc Drive
Why I Still Look for a Laptop With a Disc Drive
When I shop for a laptop, I still consider whether it has a disc drive because I sometimes need to play old DVDs, install software from discs, or access archived files. Even though cloud storage and USB drives are common now, I find that an optical drive can still be useful for certain tasks.
What I Check First
My first step is to decide how often I will actually use the disc drive. If I only need it occasionally, I may prefer an external USB DVD drive instead of carrying a heavier laptop. If I use discs often, I look for a built-in drive so I can keep everything simple and portable.
Types of Disc Drives I Consider
I usually look for one of these options:
- DVD-ROM drive: Good for reading discs, but not burning them.
- DVD-RW drive: Better for me if I want to read and write discs.
- Blu-ray drive: Useful when I need higher-capacity discs or want to watch Blu-ray movies.
Performance and Everyday Use
When I compare laptops, I make sure the disc drive does not come at the expense of performance. I still want a fast processor, enough RAM, and solid storage like an SSD. A disc drive is helpful, but I do not want it to make the laptop slow or bulky without good reason.
Portability and Weight
I always pay attention to weight because laptops with built-in disc drives are often thicker and heavier. If I travel a lot, I think carefully about whether the convenience of the drive is worth the extra bulk. For me, portability matters just as much as the drive itself.
Battery Life
I also check battery life, since older-style laptops with disc drives can sometimes use more power or have less room for a large battery. If I need long unplugged use, I look for a model that balances the drive with decent battery performance.
Build Quality and Keyboard Comfort
My experience has taught me that a good laptop is more than just its features. I look for a sturdy build, a comfortable keyboard, and a responsive touchpad. Since I may use the laptop for long periods, I want it to feel reliable and comfortable every day.
Storage and Upgrade Options
I prefer laptops that give me enough internal storage, especially if I plan to save media files or install programs from discs. If possible, I also look for upgrade options like extra RAM or a larger SSD, because that helps the laptop stay useful longer.
External Drive vs Built-In Drive
Sometimes I ask myself whether I really need a built-in disc drive. An external drive can be a smarter choice if I only use discs once in a while. But if I want a cleaner setup and no extra accessories, a laptop with a built-in drive makes more sense to me.
My Final Advice
When I buy a laptop with a disc drive, I focus on balance. I want the drive to be useful, but I also want strong performance, good battery life, and a comfortable design. In my experience, the best choice is the one that fits my real daily needs instead of just offering an extra feature.
Final Thoughts
I think laptops with a disc drive still have a place for people who need to use CDs, DVDs, or older software regularly. My takeaway is that while these models are less common today, they can be a smart choice for convenience and compatibility. If I needed reliable disc access without carrying extra accessories, I’d definitely consider one of these laptops.
Author Profile
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Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.
Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.
Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.
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