8 Best Budget Laptops With Cd Drive 2025 in the United States

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop stands out in the budget laptop category due to its solid performance, sleek design, and reasonable price point. With an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, it offers capable performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming. The 15.6" Full HD IPS display is another highlight, providing vibrant colors and sharp details, which is great for watching videos or working on visual projects.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 hours, making it suitable for users who need to work on the go without constantly searching for power outlets. Additionally, its lightweight and thin design enhances its portability, ideal for students or professionals who travel frequently.

A significant drawback is the lack of an optical drive, which may disappoint users looking to play CDs or DVDs. While many software and media have moved online, some users still prefer physical media for installation or entertainment. The storage capacity of 128GB might also be a concern for those who require a lot of space for files and applications, though it is equipped with an SSD for faster performance. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including multiple USB ports and Wi-Fi 6, allowing for efficient connections to peripherals and networks. The build quality is decent, but it's not as rugged as higher-end models. The absence of a backlit keyboard might make it less appealing for users who often work in dim lighting. This laptop is suitable for budget-conscious users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks but may not meet the needs of those requiring a CD drive or extensive storage capabilities.

The HP 17.3" FHD Laptop stands out as a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop that still packs a punch in performance and functionality. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor with 6 cores, it ensures efficient multitasking and smooth operation, making it suitable for both everyday computing tasks and some light gaming. The 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage further enhance its capability, offering ample space and fast data access. The 17.3-inch Full HD display with 250 nits brightness and anti-glare coating provides sharp and vibrant visuals, making it a good option for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. Additionally, the inclusion of an external CD/DVD drive is a notable feature for users who still require optical media support.

Connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable connections. The built-in HD webcam with a privacy shutter is a thoughtful addition for secure and quality video calls. Running on Windows 11 Pro, it provides a modern and secure operating system with advanced productivity tools. On the downside, the laptop's large screen size and weight (4.58 pounds) may make it less portable for users who need a lightweight device for frequent travel. Also, the integrated graphics card may limit its performance for more demanding gaming or graphic-intensive tasks. Those in need of extensive battery life for long periods away from power sources might find the battery life not as robust as some other models. This HP laptop is well-suited for students, professionals, and general users looking for a versatile machine with good performance and functionality, including the rare but useful CD/DVD drive.

The HP 15.6-inch Business Laptop is a solid budget-friendly choice for those needing a mix of modern features and traditional functionality, like a CD/DVD drive. The Intel i3 12th Generation processor, with its 12 threads and up to 4.40GHz boost clock, provides decent performance for everyday tasks. The 32GB RAM is impressive in this price range, ensuring smooth multitasking, and the 1TB SSD offers ample storage with fast data access.

The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office adds significant value, particularly for business users and students who need productivity software pre-installed. The laptop's 15.6-inch touchscreen with HD resolution (1366 x 768) is a useful feature, though the display resolution isn't the sharpest available, which might be a drawback for those who prioritize a high-definition viewing experience. Connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and multiple USB-A ports, catering to various peripheral needs.

Weighing 3.52 pounds, it’s fairly portable and suitable for carrying between home and office. The CD/DVD drive is a rare find in modern laptops and can be useful for those with physical media collections or specific software requirements. However, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics may struggle with more demanding graphic-intensive tasks, making this laptop less suitable for gaming or advanced video editing. This HP laptop is well-suited for business professionals, students, and casual users who need a reliable and versatile machine but might not be ideal for high-performance or visual-centric tasks.