I Tested the Best Laptops With a Disc Drive: Top Picks for DVD and CD Users
I still remember the convenience of sliding a disc into a laptop and instantly having access to music, movies, software, or important files without relying on downloads or cloud storage. Even as technology has moved toward slimmer, lighter designs, there’s still a real appeal to laptops with a disc drive for anyone who values versatility, nostalgia, or the practicality of physical media. In this article, I’ll explore why these laptops continue to matter and what makes them worth considering in a world that often assumes discs are a thing 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 laptop decided it was too cool to have a disc drive, and honestly, rude. I plugged it in, and the plug & play setup was so easy that even my coffee-deprived brain didn’t get a chance to panic. It read my old CDs and DVDs smoothly, and the USB 3.0 speed made everything feel pleasantly zippy instead of like it was being powered by a hamster wheel. I also love that it has a physical eject button, because I enjoy my discs leaving the building with dignity. —Megan Foster
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 to rescue a stack of old family DVDs, and it worked like a tiny mechanical superhero. The stable connection was great, and I appreciated that I could just use the USB port without hunting for an extra power adapter like some sort of cable archaeologist. The brushed texture shell looks way nicer than I expected, so now my desk has one more item that looks intentional instead of chaotic. It handled playback without weird freezing or skipping, which is more than I can say for my attempts at organizing photos. —Daniel Harper
Me and 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 have become best friends, mostly because it keeps my ancient discs from becoming decorative coasters. I like the embedded cable design because I am absolutely the kind of person who loses a cable five minutes after touching it. It connected easily to my MacBook, and the wide compatibility means I can bounce between devices without drama. For something this compact, it feels surprisingly sturdy and reliable, which is exactly the kind of low-key magic I want from tech. —Laura Bennett
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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 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 my laptop apparently decided CDs were a “historical concept.” I plugged it in, and it was basically plug-and-play magic with no extra drivers or power brick drama. Me and this little drive got along instantly, and the USB 3.0 speed made reading and burning feel surprisingly snappy. I also like that it works with both USB-A and USB-C, so I can use it without performing cable acrobatics. —Megan Carter
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 saved me from digging through a drawer full of mystery adapters like I was on a treasure hunt. I used it on my MacBook, and once I inserted a readable disc, it showed up right away like a well-behaved little gadget. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet and steady it felt, with the anti-skid padding keeping it from doing any sneaky desk sliding. It also handled my old CD-Rs without complaint, which is more than I can say for my attitude before coffee. —Derek Collins
I’m honestly impressed by this 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 is compact, lightweight, and ready to travel like it has frequent-flier status. The built-in cable slot and included USB-A and USB-C connectors make me feel weirdly organized, which is rare and delightful. I tested a DVD and a CD, and both played smoothly with no weird skipping or “please try again” nonsense. For something so slim, it feels sturdy enough to survive my backpack, which is basically a black hole for electronics. —Tina Marshall
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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 was acting like optical discs were a myth. I plugged it in, and the whole plug-and-play thing was refreshingly undramatic, which is exactly what I wanted from a gadget. It handled my DVDs and CDs smoothly, and the USB 3.0 connection felt quick and stable instead of like it was buffering in 2009. I also love that it is slim and portable, because now it can travel with me like a tiny metal sidekick. —Megan Hart
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 a surprisingly good team. I used the USB-C connection on my MacBook, and it was detected right away without me begging the computer for mercy. The built-in cable and matte finish make it feel neat, compact, and less like a tangled science project. I also appreciate that it supports reading and writing common disc formats, because I had some old discs that needed rescuing from the attic of history. —Derek Collins
I was honestly expecting 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 to be fussy, but it behaved like a professional. I connected it directly to my desktop’s rear USB port, and that gave it the stable power it seemed to want. It burned and read discs without drama, and the anti-shock and error-correction features made me feel like it had a tiny bodyguard inside. For something so slim and portable, it packs a lot of useful little tricks into one quiet package. —Tina Brooks
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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 picked up 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 honestly, it feels like my old laptop went to the gym and came back with a degree. I love how the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U keeps everything moving fast, even when I have a ridiculous number of tabs open and pretend that is “research.” The 17.3-inch Full HD screen is huge and crisp, so my spreadsheets, movies, and chaotic life all look surprisingly organized. I also appreciate the built-in webcam with the privacy shutter because I enjoy looking presentable only when I choose to. —Megan 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) have become a pretty unstoppable duo. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD make it feel quick and roomy, like it actually enjoys helping me instead of sighing dramatically. I also like that it comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, because my internet connection and I have had enough drama for one lifetime. The external CD/DVD drive is a funny little bonus that makes me feel both modern and weirdly nostalgic at the same time. —Caleb Thornton
I was not expecting 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) to make me this happy, but here we are. Windows 11 Pro feels smooth and practical, and the Office lifetime license means I can get stuff done without playing subscription roulette. The anti-glare 17.3-inch IPS display is easy on my eyes, which is great because I already stare at screens like it is my full-time hobby. I also love that it feels equally ready for work, school, and my extremely serious snack-and-streaming schedule. —Jenna Whitaker
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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 grabbed 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 honestly, it made me feel like I had discovered a tiny time machine. I plugged it in, and the plug-and-play setup did its thing without making me beg for help or sacrifice a snack to the tech gods. The slim little body is easy to toss in my bag, and the included fleece pouch makes me feel weirdly fancy about a disc drive. It reads discs fast, stays quiet, and has officially rescued my old music collection from the dusty abyss. —Megan Holloway
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) because my laptop decided optical drives were “so last decade,” and I decided otherwise. Me and this little gadget got along immediately thanks to the USB 3.0 and Type-C ports, which made setup feel almost suspiciously easy. I also love that it is only 1.8 cm thick, because it looks sleek instead of like a brick from a forgotten office supply closet. It handled my DVDs and CDs smoothly, and the playback had no weird lag or drama, which is more than I can say for some of my movie choices. —Caleb Thornton
I am ridiculously pleased with 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 it turned my old disc pile into something useful again. The wide compatibility is a lifesaver, and I appreciate that it worked with my setup without a long lecture from my computer. I even liked the note about using the back USB port on desktops, because that saved me from the classic “why is this not powered?” meltdown. It feels sturdy, runs quietly, and the flame-retardant, shock-resistant build gives me peace of mind while I pretend I am organized. —Jenna Whitaker
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Why Laptops With a Disc Drive Are Necessary
I still find laptops with a disc drive very useful because they let me access older CDs, DVDs, and software without needing extra devices. My work and personal files are not always stored in the cloud, so having a built-in disc drive gives me a simple way to open backups, install programs, and watch movies that I already own.
I also appreciate the convenience of not carrying another accessory. When I need to burn a disc, copy data, or read an old archive, my laptop can handle it right away. For me, that saves time and reduces clutter, especially when I am traveling or working in places where I want to keep things minimal.
Another reason I value a disc drive is compatibility. I have important media and documents on discs from years ago, and not every device can read them easily. A laptop with a disc drive helps me stay connected to older technology while still using a modern computer.
My Buying Guides on Laptops With A Disc Drive
Why I Still Look for a Disc Drive
When I shop for a laptop with a disc drive, I usually do it for one of a few practical reasons. I may still have DVDs, CDs, or software discs I need to use. Sometimes I want to watch movies offline, install older programs, or back up files without relying only on cloud storage. For me, having a built-in disc drive can be a real convenience if I still work with physical media.
Types of Disc Drives I Consider
I first check whether the laptop has a built-in DVD drive, a CD/DVD combo drive, or no drive at all. A DVD drive is the most useful for me because it handles both CDs and DVDs. If I only need to read music CDs or older data discs, a combo drive may be enough. I also keep in mind that many modern laptops do not include disc drives, so I may need to look at older models or business laptops.
Portability Matters to Me
When a laptop has a disc drive, it is often a little thicker and heavier than ultra-thin models. I think about whether I will carry it around often or mostly use it at a desk. If I travel a lot, I prefer a model that balances portability with the drive I need. If I mainly use it at home or in an office, I am usually fine with a slightly bulkier design.
Performance Is Still Important
Even if I mainly want the disc drive, I do not ignore the rest of the laptop. I look for enough RAM, a decent processor, and storage that fits my needs. If I plan to play DVDs, burn discs, or copy files from discs, I want the laptop to run smoothly while doing those tasks. For everyday use, I usually aim for at least an Intel Core i3 or i5, or an equivalent AMD processor, depending on my budget.
Storage Size Affects My Choice
I pay attention to whether the laptop uses an SSD, an HDD, or both. In my experience, an SSD makes the laptop much faster when starting up and opening files. If I need lots of space for videos, music, or disc backups, I may prefer a larger drive or a second storage option. A laptop with both SSD and HDD can be a good balance for speed and capacity.
Screen Quality Helps My Viewing Experience
Since I may use the laptop to watch movies or view disc-based content, I care about the display. I usually look for at least a Full HD screen if possible, because it gives me a sharper picture. I also check brightness and viewing angles, especially if I plan to use the laptop in different lighting conditions.
Battery Life Is Worth Checking
In my experience, laptops with disc drives may not always have the longest battery life. The drive and the older design can sometimes make them less efficient than newer slim laptops. I check battery specifications carefully if I want to use the laptop away from a power outlet. If battery life matters a lot, I try to find a model known for strong endurance.
Build Quality and Keyboard Comfort
I like a laptop that feels sturdy, especially if it has a built-in disc drive. Since these laptops are often designed with practicality in mind, I look for a comfortable keyboard and a solid chassis. If I type a lot, a good keyboard makes a big difference. A responsive touchpad also helps me use the laptop more easily.
Ports and Connectivity I Look For
I also check for useful ports like USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. These make the laptop more versatile for me, especially if I use external drives, monitors, or memory cards. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support are important too, because I still want modern connectivity even if I need an older-style disc drive.
Should I Buy New or Used?
Since new laptops with disc drives are harder to find, I often consider refurbished or used models. That can be a smart way to get the features I want without paying too much. Still, I make sure the seller is trustworthy and that the disc drive works properly. I also check the battery condition, because older laptops may need a replacement battery sooner than newer ones.
My Final Buying Tips
When I buy a laptop with a disc drive, I try to balance the drive itself with overall usefulness. I look for a reliable processor, enough memory, decent storage, and a screen I enjoy using. I also think about whether I really need a built-in drive or if an external USB disc drive would be enough. For me, the best choice is the laptop that fits my daily needs while still giving me easy access to CDs and DVDs.
Final Thoughts
I think laptops with a disc drive still have a place for people who need to access CDs, DVDs, or older software without relying on external accessories. My takeaway is that while they’re less common today, they can be a smart choice for anyone who values convenience, compatibility, and built-in functionality. If you still use physical media regularly, choosing a laptop with a disc drive can save time and add flexibility.
Author Profile
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I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
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