The short answer: the vast majority of new laptops do not have a built-in DVD drive. If you buy a laptop in 2026, you will almost certainly need to use an external USB drive if you want to play discs. Only a few specialized business or rugged laptops still include an optical drive, and even those are becoming rare.
This change happened gradually over the past decade. To understand why, and to figure out the best option for your situation, read on.
Why Manufacturers Stopped Including DVD Drives
The decision to drop DVD drives was driven by three main factors: physical design, changing media habits, and cost.
Laptops got thinner. A standard slot-load DVD drive is about 9.5mm thick, which is already thicker than many modern ultrabooks. To fit one, the laptop chassis would have to be bulky, with a large bezel to accommodate the tray or slot. Almost every manufacturer now prioritizes thinness and portability, especially in the consumer market. The space that used to hold an optical drive is now used for larger batteries, additional cooling, or simply a slimmer profile.
People stopped using discs. Streaming services, digital downloads, and USB flash drives have replaced physical media for most users. Even software installation has moved online. Windows 11 and macOS can be installed from a USB drive, and most applications are downloaded. The demand for a built-in DVD drive simply isn't there for the average buyer.
Cost and weight trade-offs. Including a DVD drive adds a few dollars to the bill of materials, but more importantly, it adds roughly 100 to 150 grams of weight. For a laptop that weighs under 1.5 kilograms, that is a noticeable penalty. Manufacturers would rather spend that budget on a better screen or a faster SSD.
The only laptops that still commonly include DVD drives are a handful of “business” models (like some Lenovo ThinkPad T series or Dell Latitude models) that are designed for organizations that still rely on physical media for legacy software, and a few budget or “multimedia” laptops aimed at markets where discs are still common. Even those are shrinking in number.
What to Do If You Need an Optical Drive
If you have a collection of DVD movies, software discs, or need to burn CDs, you are not out of luck. The solution is simple: buy an external USB DVD drive.
How external drives work. These are small, self-powered devices that connect to a USB port on your laptop. Most are powered entirely over USB, so no separate power adapter is needed. They are roughly the size of a slim DVD case, and they typically support reading and writing DVDs, CDs, and sometimes Blu-ray discs. Prices for a basic DVD writer are modest, and they are widely available on Amazon and other retailers.
What to look for. When choosing an external drive, check the USB interface. Most use USB 3.0 or USB-C, but some older models use USB 2.0, which is slower for writing but fine for reading. If your laptop has USB-C ports, make sure the drive comes with a USB-C cable or adapter. Also consider whether you need Blu-ray support; Blu-ray drives are more expensive but let you watch high-definition movies.
The trade-offs. The main downsides are that you have to carry an extra device and that it occupies a USB port. If you use a laptop with only two USB-C ports, you may need a hub. Also, the drive will sit on your desk or lap, so it takes up space. But for occasional use, this is a minor inconvenience.
If you need to use discs frequently. For heavy use, a desktop external drive with a separate power supply might be more reliable, but for most laptop users, a slim USB-powered model is fine.
How to Check If a Laptop Has a DVD Drive
Before you buy a laptop, you can easily verify whether it includes a DVD drive.
Look at the side. If the laptop has a DVD drive, you will see a thin slot or a rectangular tray on the right or left edge, often with a small button to eject it. On ultrabooks, there is usually no such slot.
Check the specifications online. On the manufacturer’s website or on Amazon, look for “Optical Drive” or “DVD Drive” in the specs. If it is not listed, assume it does not have one. Some listings will explicitly say “No optical drive.”
Search for “laptop with DVD drive.” If you specifically want a built-in drive, you can still find a few models. Look for business laptops or “legacy” models. But be prepared for a thicker, heavier laptop with a lower-resolution screen and less battery life compared to a modern ultrabook.
A Few Exceptions
Gaming laptops. Some gaming laptops still include a DVD drive, but this is increasingly rare. Most gaming laptops are also moving toward slim designs, and the optical drive is one of the first things to go.
Refurbished or older models. If you buy a used laptop from 2015 or earlier, it is very likely to have a DVD drive. That can be a cheap way to get a laptop with a disc drive, but you will sacrifice performance, battery life, and portability.
All-in-one desktop PCs. Some all-in-one desktop computers still include a DVD drive, but this is a different category. For laptops, the trend is clear.
The shift away from physical media has also pushed manufacturers to improve other features, including what you give up when you go wireless for audio. Without a disc drive, you may rely more on streaming and digital libraries, which is a trade-off most people are willing to make.
FAQ
Can I add a DVD drive to a laptop that doesn't have one?
Yes, you can use an external USB DVD drive. You cannot install an internal drive into a laptop that was not designed for one, because the chassis and connectors are not present. External drives are the only practical option.
Do external DVD drives work with USB-C laptops?
Yes, as long as the drive has a USB-C cable or you use a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Most modern external drives are compatible with USB-C, but check the product description.
Can I use a DVD drive with a MacBook?
Modern MacBooks (from 2016 onward) do not have built-in DVD drives, but you can use a USB-C external DVD drive. Apple’s SuperDrive is USB-A, so you will need an adapter. Third-party USB-C drives work fine.
Are there any new laptops in 2026 that still have a built-in DVD drive?
A few, mostly from brands like Lenovo (ThinkPad T series), Dell (Latitude series), and a handful of budget models from HP or Acer. They are not common in retail stores; you may need to order them directly from the manufacturer or search for “laptop with DVD drive” on Amazon.
What about Blu-ray drives?
Very few laptops ever came with built-in Blu-ray drives. If you want to watch Blu-ray movies on a laptop, you will need an external USB Blu-ray drive. Note that Windows may require third-party software to play Blu-ray discs, as Microsoft no longer includes a Blu-ray player app.