Even in today’s digital world, many people still need a reliable laptop with a CD drive. Whether it’s for playing old music collections, watching DVDs, or accessing software only available on discs, having a built-in CD/DVD drive can be incredibly useful.
While most laptops have phased out CD drives, some great options are still available. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best laptops with CD drives and what makes them stand out.
Why Choose a Laptop with a CD Drive?
Before diving into the list, let’s quickly explore why you might want a laptop with a CD drive:
- Backward compatibility – Many people still have a collection of CDs or DVDs that they want to use.
- Software installation – Some older software is still distributed on discs, and a CD drive makes installation easy.
- Multimedia enjoyment – Enjoy music CDs, watch movies, or burn discs for sharing content.
- Data storage – Burn data onto DVDs or CDs for easy backup or distribution.
Best Laptop with CD Drive: A Detailed Guide
Now that you know the benefits, let’s look at the top laptops that come with built-in CD drives.
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Dell Inspiron 15 5000
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 series is one of the best options if you’re looking for a laptop with a CD drive. It offers solid performance, decent battery life, and an affordable price, making it a great choice for everyday users.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 256GB to 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Drive: DVD-RW
- Price Range: $500–$800
This model gives you everything you need for both work and play. The CD drive is built in, so you won’t need an external attachment.
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HP Pavilion 17-inch Laptop
If you’re looking for a larger display, the HP Pavilion 17 offers a 17.3-inch screen along with a built-in DVD drive. This laptop is perfect for users who enjoy streaming content or multitasking on a bigger screen.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD or 1TB HDD
- Display: 17.3-inch Full HD
- Drive: DVD-RW
- Price Range: $600–$900
The HP Pavilion 17 is well-suited for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a versatile laptop with multimedia capabilities.
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Lenovo ThinkPad E570
The Lenovo ThinkPad E570 is a great choice for business users who need a durable laptop with a CD drive. Known for its excellent keyboard and robust build quality, the ThinkPad series has long been a favorite in the business world.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 500GB HDD or 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch HD
- Drive: DVD-RW
- Price Range: $700–$900
Lenovo has focused on creating a reliable, no-nonsense laptop that can handle day-to-day tasks with ease, all while offering the convenience of a CD drive.
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Acer Aspire E 15
The Acer Aspire E 15 is a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t skimp on features. It offers a full HD display, a solid processor, and a DVD-RW drive, all at an affordable price. This makes it ideal for students or casual users who want a bit of everything.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Drive: DVD-RW
- Price Range: $400–$600
This laptop is great for general tasks like browsing, watching videos, or light gaming, and having the CD drive means you can easily access older media formats.
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ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is another solid option that offers a built-in CD/DVD drive without compromising on modern features. The VivoBook series is known for being lightweight and portable, making it an excellent choice for users who are always on the go.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 256GB to 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Drive: DVD-RW
- Price Range: $500–$800
Its slim design doesn’t make you miss out on the CD drive, and it balances performance, portability, and affordability quite well.
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Dell Latitude 5580
For those who need a more business-centric laptop with a CD drive, the Dell Latitude 5580 is worth considering. With robust security features, a sleek design, and a built-in DVD drive, it’s great for professionals on the move.
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB to 32GB
- Storage: 500GB HDD or 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Drive: DVD-RW
- Price Range: $700–$1,100
This laptop offers strong performance and durability, making it ideal for users who need a reliable machine with extra security features and a CD drive.
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Microsoft Surface Book 2
Why You’ll Love It: The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a premium laptop that also supports a CD drive with an external accessory. Its sleek design and high-resolution display make it a favorite among creatives who want to enjoy their CDs on the go.
Key Features:
- 5-inch PixelSense display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
Action Words: Create, design, play, watch, enjoy, connect, explore, store, multitask, share.
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HP Envy 17
Why You’ll Love It: The HP Envy 17 is a powerhouse that comes with a generous 17-inch display. It’s perfect for those who love watching movies on a big screen. With a built-in CD drive, you can easily access your media library.
Key Features:
- 3-inch Full HD display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB RAM and 1TB HDD
Action Words: Watch, play, enjoy, create, multitask, explore, listen, connect, share, store.
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Dell G5 Gaming Laptop
Why You’ll Love It: The Dell G5 is designed for gamers, but it’s also perfect for anyone who wants a high-performance laptop with a CD drive. Enjoy seamless gaming and media playback with this powerful machine.
Key Features:
- 6-inch Full HD display
- Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA graphics
- Great battery life for extended play
Action Words: Game, play, enjoy, connect, listen, create, explore, watch, store, multitask.
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Lenovo ThinkPad E15
Why You’ll Love It: The Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is perfect for business professionals who need a reliable machine. It features a durable design, an excellent keyboard, and an integrated CD drive for easy access to media.
Key Features:
- 6-inch Full HD display
- AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- Robust security features
Action Words: Work, connect, enjoy, listen, create, explore, share, store, browse, multitask.
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop with a CD Drive
Now that you’ve seen some of the best options, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right laptop for your needs:
- Performance: Consider the processor and RAM. If you’ll be using the laptop for demanding tasks, opt for an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and at least 8GB of RAM.
- Storage: Depending on your needs, you might want a laptop with an SSD (for speed) or an HDD (for more storage space).
- Screen Size: Larger screens (like 17 inches) are great for watching movies or multitasking, but they tend to make laptops heavier.
- Price: Laptops with CD drives are generally more affordable than high-end ultrabooks. However, you can still find a range of prices, so choose one that fits your budget.
- Portability: Some laptops with CD drives tend to be bulkier. If portability is important to you, look for thinner and lighter models like the ASUS VivoBook.
Conclusion
While laptops with CD drives are becoming harder to find, there are still plenty of options if you know where to look. From budget-friendly models like the Acer Aspire E 15 to more premium business options like the Dell Latitude 5580, there’s something out there for everyone.
Whether you need it for multimedia, business tasks, or simply accessing older software and files, these laptops deliver reliable performance without sacrificing the convenience of a built-in CD drive.
When choosing your laptop, just remember to consider your needs—whether it’s performance, portability, or display size. Each of the laptops mentioned above is an excellent choice for anyone still needing a CD drive in a modern device.
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