Since modern laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or Apple MacBook Air M5 offer significantly better battery life and AI features, most experts recommend buying one of these and adding a slim external drive for $20–$30.

: Often available at Best Buy and very easy to carry in a laptop bag. Quick Comparison: Internal vs. External 5 Laptops You Can Still Get With A CD-DVD Drive In 2026

If you are committed to an integrated drive, your options primarily consist of or specialized rugged/business workstations . Top 3 "Still Standing" Laptops with Built-in DVD Drives

: Solid mid-range performance for everyday tasks like browsing and office work.

: Large 17.3-inch 4K display, i7 processor, and dedicated graphics.