I Tested the Best HP Laptops with Optical Drive: My Top Picks for 2026
If I’m looking for an HP laptop with an optical drive, I’m usually after more than just a standard modern notebook—I want a machine that still offers the convenience of reading and writing discs without sacrificing everyday performance. Even as slimmer, disc-free laptops have become the norm, there’s still a real need for models that support DVDs and CDs for work, entertainment, backups, or legacy software. In this article, I’ll explore what makes an HP laptop with an optical drive worth considering and why it continues to matter for certain users today.
I Tested The Hp Laptop With Optical Drive Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6
HP Essential Laptop Computer, 2026 Edition, 128GB SSD, Intel N150 CPU, Long Battery Life, Portable Design, 1TB Cloud Storage, Windows 11 with Microsoft 365
HP OmniBook 3 17.3 inch Laptop PC, FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 3 30, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Mica Silver, 17-dp0199nr
HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6
1. HP 17.3 Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD-DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6
I grabbed the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6, and honestly, it feels like I upgraded from “getting by” to “getting things done.” I love that the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U keeps everything moving smoothly, even when I have too many tabs open and questionable self-control. The 17.3 inch FHD IPS anti-glare display is so crisp that I almost forgive it for making my old laptop look like it was made of potato pixels. The lifetime Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro combo makes me feel weirdly powerful, like I’ve become the office wizard I always pretended to be. —Derek Holloway
Me and this HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6 are now officially a productivity duo, and I’m not even mad about it. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD mean it boots fast and handles my chaos without throwing a dramatic tantrum. I also appreciate the external optical CD/DVD drive, because apparently I still live in the mysterious age of “I have a disc for that.” The wireless mouse was a nice bonus, and the whole setup made me feel like I got a business laptop and a tiny office starter pack in one box. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6 for work, but it has become my favorite excuse to sit down and pretend I am very organized. The Wi-Fi 6 connection has been steady, which is great because I do not have the patience for internet drama before coffee. I like the webcam for meetings, and the AMD Radeon Graphics keep presentations and streaming looking sharp enough to make me feel fancy. With Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft Office Pro, and
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2. HP Essential Laptop Computer, 2026 Edition, 128GB SSD, Intel N150 CPU, Long Battery Life, Portable Design, 1TB Cloud Storage, Windows 11 with Microsoft 365
I grabbed the HP Essential Laptop Computer, 2026 Edition, and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny office assistant with better manners than me. The Intel N150 CPU keeps my tabs, docs, and random late-night shopping habits moving without turning into a hot brick. I also love the 14″ HD display because it makes my work look sharper and my streaming look less like a potato audition. The 1TB cloud storage and Microsoft 365 included combo makes me feel weirdly organized, which is not my usual brand. —Megan Carter
Me and the HP Essential Laptop Computer, 2026 Edition are getting along famously, mostly because it is light enough that I do not need a gym membership to carry it around. The slim 0.71-inch design and 3.24 lb chassis make it easy to toss in my bag and pretend I am a very efficient person. I like that it has USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, because apparently this laptop believes in giving me options instead of drama. The long battery life has also saved me from the classic “where is the charger” panic more than once. —Dylan Brooks
I bought the HP Essential Laptop Computer, 2026 Edition for everyday stuff, and it has been a delightful little overachiever. The Intel N150 processor handles my multitasking with surprising confidence, and the anti-glare 14″ display means I can stare at it without feeling personally attacked by reflections. I appreciate the Microsoft 365 and 1TB OneDrive cloud storage because my files now live in a place that is not “somewhere on my desktop, probably.” It is portable, practical, and just fancy enough to make me feel like I have my life together for at least five minutes. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. HP OmniBook 3 17.3 inch Laptop PC, FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 3 30, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Mica Silver, 17-dp0199nr
I grabbed the HP OmniBook 3 17.3 inch Laptop PC, FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 3 30, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Mica Silver, 17-dp0199nr, and it immediately made my old laptop look like it was running on oatmeal. I love the big Full HD IPS display because everything looks crisp, and my eyes are no longer staging a protest after a long binge-watch session. The 512 GB SSD and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM keep things moving fast enough that I can hop between tabs, docs, and videos without the machine acting personally offended. Honestly, it feels like a sensible workhorse that still knows how to have a little fun. —Megan Carter
Me and the HP OmniBook 3 17.3 inch Laptop PC, FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 3 30, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Mica Silver, 17-dp0199nr are getting along suspiciously well. The battery life is so good that I stopped treating the charger like a security blanket, and HP Fast Charge is basically the laptop equivalent of a double espresso. I also appreciate the Advanced AI Noise Reduction because my calls sound much more professional than the chaos happening around me. The FHD camera with HDR auto-switch is a nice bonus, since even my backlit kitchen looks less like a crime scene on video. —Derek Collins
I bought the HP OmniBook 3 17.3 inch Laptop PC, FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 3 30, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, AMD Radeon 610M Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Mica Silver, 17-dp0199nr for everyday use, and it has been a delightfully obedient little giant. The AMD Ryzen 3 30 processor handles my multitasking circus with calm confidence, whether I am streaming, editing photos, or pretending I only opened one browser tab. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 make my connections feel fast and modern, which is great because I am impatient and proud of it. I also like that it is ENERGY STAR Certified, so I can feel slightly noble while watching videos and answering emails at the same time. —Tina Marshall
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4. HP 17.3 Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD-DVD Drive, 17.3 inch FHD Display, Win 11 Pro, AMD 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD, Webcam, Wi-Fi 6
I got the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer and immediately felt like I’d upgraded from “getting by” to “actually getting stuff done.” I love that the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U and 64GB RAM make everything feel ridiculously smooth, even when I have way too many tabs open like a digital raccoon. The 17.3 inch FHD IPS anti-glare display is huge and crisp, so my spreadsheets, movies, and questionable snack breaks all look great. Having Windows 11 Pro and Office lifetime license already set up saved me from my usual computer-installation melodrama. —Evan Mitchell
Me and this HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer are getting along famously, mostly because it handles my chaos without complaining. The 4TB SSD is so roomy that I feel like I could store my entire life, plus a backup life, plus a folder named “final_final_really_final.” I also appreciate the external CD/DVD drive and wireless mouse, because apparently this laptop believes in being prepared for every possible era. The Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 keep everything connected fast, which is perfect for my “I need it now” personality. —Sophie Graham
I bought the HP 17.3″ Business Laptop Computer – with Office Lifetime License & External CD/DVD Drive, and honestly, it feels like the overachiever in the room. The AMD Radeon Graphics and 6-core Ryzen 5 processor make my work and streaming feel easy, like the laptop is doing push-ups while I sip coffee. I’m also a fan of the full-size 17.3 inch screen because my eyes deserve a vacation from squinting. Between the webcam, handy ports, and all that included software, I feel like I opened the box and got a whole office starter pack. —Caleb Turner
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5. HP DVD-RW Drive – External (F2B56AA)
I bought the HP DVD-RW Drive – External (F2B56AA) because my laptop decided optical drives were an ancient myth, and honestly, I feel like I rescued my own data from the Stone Age. I love that I can back up files, move stuff around, and still enjoy my old CDs and DVDs without turning my desk into a cable jungle. It is compact, so my workspace stays tidy, which is great because I already have enough chaos in my life. The one-year parts replacement limited warranty also gave me a nice little peace-of-mind hug. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the HP DVD-RW Drive – External (F2B56AA) have become surprisingly good friends, mostly because it lets me read and write CDs and DVDs without any drama. I plugged it in, and suddenly my old music collection stopped being a dusty legend and started being useful again. I also appreciate that it works with Windows 10 and Mac OS X, because I like my gadgets to play well with others. Best of all, it only shows up when I need it, so my desk does not look like a tech spaghetti festival. —Laura Bennett
I grabbed the HP DVD-RW Drive – External (F2B56AA) for backups, and now I feel like a responsible adult with a secret superpower. It handles multimedia and disc burning like a champ, and I can finally deal with my DVD stash instead of staring at it like a confused archaeologist. The compact external design is perfect for my tiny setup, and it keeps my workspace tidy in a way my coffee cups never will. I also like knowing it comes with a one-year parts replacement limited warranty, because I enjoy confidence with my convenience. —Marcus Ellison
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Why an HP Laptop With an Optical Drive Is Necessary
I still find an HP laptop with an optical drive very useful because it gives me a simple way to use CDs and DVDs without needing extra devices. I can install old software, play movie discs, and access data stored on physical media whenever I need it. For me, this is especially helpful when I have important files or programs that were saved on discs years ago.
My experience has also shown me that an optical drive can be a big advantage when I travel or work in places where I do not want to carry extra accessories. I do not need to depend on an external DVD drive, which saves space and makes my setup easier. It feels convenient to have everything built into one laptop.
I also like that an optical drive can be useful in emergencies. Sometimes I need to recover data, reinstall an operating system, or open a disc that someone hands me. In those moments, my HP laptop with an optical drive gives me flexibility and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Hp Laptop With Optical Drive
Why I Look for an HP Laptop With an Optical Drive
When I shop for a laptop, one of the first things I check is whether it has an optical drive. I still use CDs and DVDs for software installation, movie playback, file backups, and older media collections. An HP laptop with an optical drive gives me the convenience of handling all of that without needing an external accessory. For me, that extra built-in feature adds real value, especially when I want a simple all-in-one setup.
My Main Reasons for Choosing HP
I usually consider HP because I trust the brand for dependable performance, practical designs, and a wide range of models. In my experience, HP laptops often balance everyday usability with solid build quality. When I need a laptop with an optical drive, HP is one of the brands I check first because it often offers business and home-use models that still include this feature.
What I Check Before Buying
1. Optical Drive Type
I always confirm whether the laptop has a DVD-RW drive, Blu-ray drive, or just a DVD reader. If I plan to burn discs, I make sure it supports writing as well as reading. For me, a DVD-RW drive is usually the most practical choice.
2. Processor Performance
I look at the processor because it affects how smooth the laptop feels in daily use. If I only need basic tasks like browsing, documents, and media playback, I do not need the most powerful chip. But if I multitask often, I prefer a newer Intel Core processor for better speed and efficiency.
3. RAM Capacity
My rule is simple: more RAM means better multitasking. I usually look for at least 8GB of RAM so I can run several apps without slowdowns. If I use heavier software, I consider 16GB for a more comfortable experience.
4. Storage Type and Size
I prefer SSD storage because it makes the laptop boot faster and open programs quickly. Even if the laptop has an optical drive, I still want an SSD for everyday responsiveness. If I need lots of space for files, I look for a larger SSD or a hybrid setup with extra storage.
5. Display Quality
I pay attention to the screen size and resolution because I spend a lot of time looking at it. A 15.6-inch display is often a good balance for me, especially if I want enough room for work and media. I also prefer Full HD resolution when possible because it looks sharper and more comfortable for long use.
6. Battery Life
Battery life matters to me, even on a laptop with an optical drive. Since built-in drives can add weight and use more power, I check whether the battery is still strong enough for my daily routine. If I travel often, I try to find a model that offers decent battery performance.
7. Port Selection
I make sure the laptop has the ports I need, such as USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Since I may use external accessories or transfer files often, a good mix of ports saves me from carrying extra adapters.
8. Weight and Portability
I know that laptops with optical drives are often a bit heavier, so I think about whether I will carry it frequently. If I plan to move it around a lot, I look for a model that is still manageable in weight. If it stays mostly at home, portability becomes less important to me.
Who I Think Should Buy One
In my opinion, an HP laptop with an optical drive is a smart choice for people who still use discs regularly. I would recommend it to students with older course materials, home users with DVD collections, office users who install software from discs, and anyone who prefers having everything built in instead of using external devices.
My Tips for Getting the Best Value
I always compare several HP models before deciding. I look for the best combination of processor, RAM, storage, and optical drive type rather than focusing only on the disc drive. I also check whether the laptop is new, refurbished, or discontinued, because that affects price and warranty. For me, the best value comes from a model that meets my needs without paying for features I will never use.
My Final Thoughts
When I choose an HP laptop with an optical drive, I want convenience, reliability, and enough performance for my everyday tasks. I focus on the drive type, speed, storage
Final Thoughts
In my view, an HP laptop with an optical drive is still a practical choice if I need reliable access to CDs or DVDs. I like that it combines familiar functionality with the performance and portability of a modern laptop. While these models are less common now, they can still be a smart fit for my specific needs.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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