Finding laptops with a CD drive is next to impossible. However, laptops with DVD drives are not extinct yet. Phew!
Nowadays, most people prefer laptops to write or to stream music, movies, etc. online rather than getting their hands on the latest CDs in the market. Moreover, removing the optical module from a device also makes your data relatively more secure in case of theft. This resulted in the creation of external DVD units for laptops.
Even though laptops with a CD/ DVD drives are passé, there are people, like offline gamers, who are aching to try out their favorite game CDs. Thus, we have compiled the top 7 laptops with a CD/ DVD drive that you can get your hands on in 2020!
Things To Know Before Buying
Before you plan to get your hands on the best laptop with a CD/ DVD unit in the market, you might want to consider the following points —
- In an age when laptops are getting smaller and thinner, an optical module adds unwanted weight to the device.
- People have shifted to online sources for listening to music, watching movies, downloading the latest software, etc. This makes an inbuilt optical component all the more unnecessary.
- Affordable USB hard drives and online backup/ storage services are more convenient for storing and sharing media files, so you don’t need to stock up on blank CDs.
- A product with a CD module can be a necessity if you are into PC gaming. Especially if tangled cables are your pet peeve, an internal optical module is your best bet.
- The majority of laptops with a CD/ DVD chunk do not provide the best computing experience. Thus, external optical drives are recommended.
Top 7 Laptops with CD/DVD Drive — At a Glance
Preview
Product name
Specs
Lenovo Premium Built High Performance 15.6 inch HD Laptop
- CPU:: Intel Celeron N3060 1.6GHz with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.58 GHz
- RAM:: 4GB DDR3L 1333 MHz
- Storage:: 500GB 5400 RPM HDD
Newest Lenovo 15.6” HD Flagship Laptop PC
- CPU:: AMD A9-9425 Dual-core Processor 3. 1GHz
- RAM:: 4GB DDR4
- Storage:: 128 GB SSD
DELL Inspiron 15.6” HD Business Laptop
- CPU: Intel Celeron Processor 4205U (2MB Cache, 1.8 GHz)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Storage: 128GB PCIe SSD
Acer Aspire E Laptop Computer
- CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8130U Processor @ 2.20Ghz
- RAM: 12GB Dual Channel Memory
- Storage: 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
MSI G Series GP60 Leopard-010 15.6-Inch Laptop
- CPU:Intel Core i5-4200M 2.5 GHz
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 8.18 GB
HP Envy 17
- CPU: 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7-7500U
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB flash memory solid state
Asus VivoBook Max
- CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Pentium N4200 Quad-Core
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 500 GB HDD
Best Budget Laptop with DVD drive
Lenovo Premium Built High Performance 15.6 inch HD Laptop
The slim and sturdy Lenovo Premium Built is the best value for money devices for students. However, since it comes with a dirt-cheap price tag, none of its specs stand out. Overall, we think it is an affordable option for those who are always on-the-go since even the charger is relatively smaller.
Amazon Rating: 3/5
Key Features
- Weight: 2.65 lbs
- CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 1.6GHz with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.58 GHz
- RAM: 4GB DDR3L 1333 MHz
- Resolution: 1366×768 pixels
- Battery: 3 hours average (24WHr)
- Storage: 500GB 5400 RPM HDD
- Display: 15.6 in HD LED Display
- Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 1 inches
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
- Ports : USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, Headphone output/ Microphone input combo, LAN (10/100)
- A lightweight device with a small charger
- Spacious keyboard
- Surprisingly sturdy for a budget product
- Best for schoolwork, day-to-day multimedia needs
- Affordable
- Slow performance
- Poor battery life
- Touchpad is not responsive
- ‘Silent’ speakers
- Runs hot
Our Verdict:
The Lenovo Premium Built High Performance 15.6 inch HD device is the best option if you need an economical device with CD/ DVD drive for daily use. However, if you are planning to subject the device to some serious workload, it may not stand up to your expectations. With mediocre specs, this device is not the fastest machine in the market but does the job it’s intended for.
Best Laptop with an Optical Drive and SSD
Newest Lenovo 15.6” HD Flagship Laptop PC
The user-friendly Lenovo 15.6” HD Flagship product comes with a CD drive along with an impressive selection of ports. If you are not tech-savvy and are looking for a device with an optical module that is easy to set up, this is the one for you. However, the ‘S-mode’ restricts you from using any product or service other than that from the Microsoft store. This may be a boon for beginners but a bane for many.
Amazon Rating: 4/5
Key Features
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
- CPU: AMD A9-9425 Dual-core Processor 3. 1GHz
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
- Battery: 3 hours average
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Display: 15.6” HD WLED Backlight Display
- Dimensions: 14.8 x 10 x 0.9 inches
- Graphics: AMD Radeon R5
- Ports: 2 x USB 3. 0, 1 X HDMI, Stereo Speakers, Headphone/microphone Combo Jack, SD Card Reader
- Easy to set up, great for beginners
- Great for watching movies
- Speakers are better than most laptops with CD drives
- Inexpensive
- Slow performance
- Lacks screen sharpness
- Windows’ S-mode’
Our Verdict:
The Newest Lenovo 15.6” HD Flagship is the best laptop with a DVD drive and SSD since it is easy to use and extremely affordable. Speakers are good enough for watching movies with friends. We recommend this device to students on a budget.
Best Business Laptop with CD Drive
DELL Inspiron 15.6” HD Business Laptop
The DELL Inspiron 15.6” HD Business provides high performance at a reasonable price. Office workers are going to love how buttery smooth the device is. Good battery life, plenty of storage, and a responsive touchpad make it an ideal productivity machine.
Amazon Rating: 5/5
Key Features
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
- CPU: Intel Celeron Processor 4205U (2MB Cache, 1.8 GHz)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
- Battery: 5-6 hours average (42 Wh)
- Storage: 128GB PCIe SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch HD Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Non-touch Display
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 10.16 x 0.89 inches
- Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 610
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x SD Card Reader (more than enough flexibility for everyday multimedia and productivity use)
- Smooth and fast performance
- Impressive battery life
- Comfy soft-touch deck
- Spill-Proof keyboard
- Responsive and spacious touchpad
- Doesn’t come with a ton of preloaded, unnecessary software
- Affordable
- Low-resolution display, poor brightness (239 nits)
- Shallow keyboard
- Sound quality muddles when kept on your lap
- 720p webcam delivers grainy image quality
Our Verdict:
The DELL Inspiron 15.6” HD Business is best for office work and school work with its flexible performance and long battery life. The comfy soft-touch deck ensures comfort during long hours of productivity. However, the screen and sound quality are not the best in the lot.
Best Portable Laptop under $700
Acer Aspire E Laptop Computer
The Acer Aspire E is an affordable gaming laptop for gamers on a budget. It is visually aesthetic, slim, and lightweight with a jaw-dropping display. Although it has a plastic casing, it manages to look premium with its matte finish. However, the same feature also makes it a fingerprint magnet.
Amazon Rating: 4/5
Key Features
- Weight: 5.29 lbs
- CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8130U Processor @ 2.20Ghz
- RAM: 12GB Dual Channel Memory
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Battery: 2-3 hours average
- Storage: 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Disk
- Display: 15.6” Full HD widescreen LED-backlit Display
- Dimensions: 15.34 x 10.14 x 0.94 inches
- Ports: Two USB 3.0 ports (one with power-off charging), USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), USB 2.0 port, HDMI Port with HDCP support
- >
- A total workhorse that makes excellent use of its components
- Can handle casual gaming at high settings
- Visually appealing
- Slim and lightweight
- No major heating issues
- Silent and powerful
- Bright and accurate display
- Moderate fan noise
- Rich surround sound (4 speakers)
- Backlit keyboard
- Bad touchpad
- Heats up while playing games continuously
- Poor battery life
- Matte finish shows grease and fingerprints
- Ton of bloatware
- Upgrading is difficult
- 720p webcam produces grainy images
Our Verdict:
A dream come true for casual gamers on a budget, the Acer Aspire E is our favorite among portable laptops under $700. Other than the subpar webcam quality, there is no other feature that leaves one disappointed. From stunning looks to vibrant display and great speaker quality— this beast has got it all!
Best Budget Gaming Laptop with DVD Drive
MSI G Series GP60 Leopard-010 15.6-Inch Laptop
The powerful MSI G Series GP60 Leopard-010 is the best budget gaming laptop that can be used vigorously without freezing. Vivid display, great sound quality, and a comfy keyboard add on to making this an efficient mid-range product. Plus, the beefy processor can handle engineering software like Fluent, Aspen, etc. as well.
Amazon Rating: 3/5
Key Features
- Weight: 5.29 lbs
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4200M 2.5 GHz
- RAM: 8 GB
- Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Battery: 2-3 hours average
- Storage: 8.18 GB
- Display: 15.6” Full HD Anti-Reflective Display
- Dimensions: 15.07 x 9.82 x 1.48 inches
- Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce GT840M
- Ports: 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, Card Reader, Ethernet
- Fast performance
- Can handle casual gaming
- Does not lag/ freeze
- Suitable for engineering students
- Good sound quality
- Steele Series keyboard- comfy and responsive
- Super sensitive trackpad, not very responsive (USB mouse recommended)
- Not the best cooling system (cooling pads recommended)
- Subpar viewing angles
- 720p webcam does not produce sharp images
- Loud fans
Our Verdict:
The MSI G Series GP60 Leopard-010 will let you play games, work, watch movies, etc without selling a kidney in the black market! However, we do recommend getting some extra accessories like cooling pads and a detachable mouse for a better computing experience. Moreover, the HDD prevents the product from performing in its full potential, so upgrading to an SSD will be a smart move.
Best Premium Laptop with CD Drive
HP Envy 17
The lightweight and attractive HP Envy 17 lives up to its name with its stunning 4K display, long battery life, Bang & Olufsen speakers, and top-notch cooling system. The Windows Hello feature ensures safe and fast login, and the responsive touchpad and keyboard promote smooth workflow. Although the drop hinge design allows heat to dissipate and assures an ergonomic position, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- Weight: 1 lb
- CPU: 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7-7500U
- RAM: 16 GB
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
- Battery: 5 hours average (52.5 Wh)
- Storage: 512 GB flash memory solid state
- Display: 17.3” 4K IPS WLED-backlit Display
- Dimensions: 22.9 x 14 x 2.7 inches
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX150
- Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1/ 3 x USB 3.1 Gen.1/ 1 x HDMI
- Eye-catching design
- Slim and relatively lightweight for a 17” device
- Windows Hello
- Bang and Olufsen speakers
- Spacious touchpad
- Lots of ports (including USB 3.0) and a tray-loading DVD optical module
- Drop hinge design lets heat dissipate more efficiently
- Not for hardcore gamers
- Only one GPU option
- Keyboard has too much light leak
- Drop hinge design may seem awkward to some
Our Verdict:
The HP Envy 17 is the most premium quality product in the list. We recommend it to those who would love a 4K laptop with a CD/ DVD drive. With an overall powerful performance and brilliant display, this machine can adapt to any workload you throw at it.
Best Laptop with DVD Drive for Everyday Use
Asus VivoBook Max
The Asus VivoBook Max is an ultra-budget product that offers the best battery life among the laptops on our list. Travel junkies can benefit from this efficient and lightweight device. However, running many apps at once may take a toll on it.
Amazon Rating: 2.5/5
Key Features:
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Pentium N4200 Quad-Core
- RAM: 4 GB
- Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
- Battery: 6 hours average
- Storage: 500 GB HDD
- Display: 15.6” HD LED Display
- Dimensions: 15 x 9.9 x 1.1 inches
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500
- Ports: USB Type-C port, USB 3.0 port, HDMI output, SD card reader, Headphone/microphone combo jack and VGA port
- Economical
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Best for casual use, schoolwork, etc.
- Ram can be increased up to 8 GB
- Low-res screen
- Not powerful enough for extreme multitasking
- Poor sound quality
Our Verdict:
The lightweight Asus VivoBook Max is ideal for gifting to students, office workers, and/ or those who are looking for a product with a CD/ DVD drive just for entertainment purposes. The battery life is surprisingly good, so you can simply carry it around for productivity on-the-go without worrying about the charger.
What to look for in a good laptop with CD/DVD Drive?
Since laptops with CD/ DVD drives are not the latest technology, they may not come with the best specs. According to your needs, make sure your device has the following minimum requirements—
Display
No matter the screen size, we believe everyone needs a screen that produces sharp and clear images. A screen resolution of at least 1080p is highly recommended, whether it is for work or Netflix.
Storage
Since laptops with an optical unit are getting old-fashioned, it is understandable that the specs may not be as outstanding as the ones in the latest laptops. Thus, storage can also be a major issue. A device with an SSD is always the best option, although it can get expensive. However, an HDD with at least 1 TB storage is a cheaper alternative.
CPU and GPU
A dual-core processor and an integrated GPU is the bare necessity in a device with a DVD module. This way, one can rest assured that the device can efficiently perform tasks without a glitch.
RAM
Any device with or without a CD unit should have at least 8 GB of RAM for a smooth computing experience. However, if you plan to throw some heavy workload at your device, you might want to consider a 16 GB RAM.
FAQs
Can you still buy laptops with a CD drive?
Yes. Even though most companies have stopped manufacturing laptops with CD drives, older models are still available.
Are CDs obsolete?
It is uncertain, but there is a possibility of CDs becoming obsolete in the coming years. Even today, you won’t see many people owning music CDs or movie DVDs. However, as trends come and go, ten years down the line, CDs may become specialty items like vinyl records!
Why do laptops not have CD drives anymore?
Since newer laptops are getting smaller and thinner, CD drives only add on unnecessary weight. Moreover, most of our multimedia and storage needs are taken care of online, so CDs are not used anymore. Thus, manufactures are doing away with optical drives.
Does Dell make a laptop with a CD drive?
Yes. The Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch and the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 are some of the best laptops with a CD drives.
Do you need a CD drive anymore?
Essentially, you don’t. However, if you happen to have a collection of old CDs/ DVDs and wish to check them out occasionally, an external portable optical unit is the way to go.
Conclusion
Although one does not practically require a product with an inbuilt optical module, the market does have a handful of options to choose from. Whether you need an inexpensive option or a high-end 4K device— our list contains a varied range of laptops considering everyone’s needs.
Let us know in the COMMENT BOX whether you prefer to get a laptop with a CD drive or just invest in the latest model and buy a USB drive separately.
