What to Look for in a Blu-ray Player
While Blu-ray players may not be as popular as they once were, they are still investment-worthy gadgets if they fit your lifestyle.
Many of these entertainment devices have kept up with the times and can play your favorite TV shows or movies through streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu. Plus, there are many options (including those on our list) that support HDMI and AV plugins, making them quite a versatile item for your entertainment setup.
In addition, some Blu-ray players support 4K image processing. Depending on how much you value hi-def resolution, you’ll probably want to buy one that supports crisp visuals, whether you’re popping a Blu-ray disc in or opting for your comfy sitcom on Netflix.
Some of the options on our list have more high-tech visuals than others (some have full 4K resolution, for example, while others stick to standard 1080p output), although all of our picks are pretty solid in the image processing department.
You’ll also want to think about how many exits you want. The general standard is at least one HDMI port, so you can connect your Blu-ray player to external devices such as a laptop or streaming stick. However, some options have multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, or plug-ins for audiovisual (AV) gadgets for a better sound experience.
Finally, it is very important to think about what you want this Blu-ray player to do. It will be able to play Blu-ray discs and DVDs, but many devices, such as game consoles or PCs, can do that these days.
For example, if you want to entertain kids on the go, opt for something compact and easy to pack. Meanwhile, if you want an all-in-one gadget that can do more than just play movies, you might opt for a more comprehensive entertainment option, such as the Xbox Series X.
Wherever you end up, our list of the best Blu-ray players is guaranteed to have something for everyone, whether you’re a true cinephile or a shopper on a budget.
Best Blu-ray Player Overall: Sony UBP-X700
Pros
- built-in Wi-Fi
- Access to streaming apps and services
- Dual HDMI Plugins
- 4K resolution
cons
- A bit pricey
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- On the Older Side (released in 2018)
Our top pick for Blu-ray players is the Sony UBP-X700, an all-around great model that stays pretty up to date with streaming services and physical discs.
While it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum at just under $200, it has some great features that you may not find on other players. For example, it features built-in Wi-Fi and access to streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.
In terms of specs, the UBP-X700 is solid. It has 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision and high-resolution audio playback. Essentially, with this purchase, you’ll receive decent audio and graphics ranging from streamed entertainment to Blu-ray discs and DVDs.
Although it was released in 2018, we’d say the Sony UBP-X700 is a great choice for your entertainment setup if you’re on a budget.
Best Blu-Ray Player Overall
Sony UBP-X700
A reasonably priced Sony Blu-ray player with impressive bells and whistles.
Best Multi-Entertainment System: Xbox Series X
Pros
- Great reviews
- Accepts DVDs, Blu-rays, 4K Blu-rays and Xbox discs
- Can be used as a game console
- Access to thousands of digital games
We don’t have to be the ones to tell you that the Xbox Series X is an incredible device (we’ve already done that and touted it for its solid value, great subscription service, Game Pass, and 1080p output).
However, if you’re looking for something more comprehensive, like a device that does a lot more than just play movies via DVD or Blu-ray, we can’t pass up the chance to include what the company calls its “fastest, most powerful Xbox ever.”
The Series X is quite pricey (the MSRP is $499.99, although there are options to fund it), but if we’re honest, it’s an understandable price.
From a gaming perspective, loading times are impressively fast. There’s up to 120 FPS gameplay and 12 teraflops of graphics processing power. The visuals, enhanced by 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR, amplify almost every game available on Game Pass.
In general entertainment, the Series X also accepts DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K Blu-rays, making it a fairly well-rounded system.
We can’t say we recommend this purchase just for playing your favorite movies and TV shows, but if you’ve been looking for a console that can do it all, this is a great option.
Pros
- 7.1 surround sound
- 4K images
- HDR image processing
cons
- Only one HDMI port
- No streaming services
If you’re looking for a basic Blu-ray player that gets the job done, the Panasonic DP-UB150-K is a good choice. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles that other options on our list have. For example, there’s only one HDMI port, no built-in Wi-Fi, and no on-demand streaming services. However, for its average price, it is still worth the money.
While not the best choice, this player still features high-resolution audio, Ultra HD playback, and 4K visuals. This Blu-ray player is also designed for high-resolution audio, which makes it especially great if you decide to connect it to your home audio system.
Best Blu-ray Player
Panasonic DP-UB150-K
This Blu-ray player from Panasonic is great value for money thanks to its up-to-snuff audio and picture features.
Amazon
$147.99 $199.99 Save 26%
Best Budget Blu-ray Player: LG BP175
Pros
- Blu-ray and DVD playback
- Streaming services are supported
- Comes with a 1.8m HDMI cable
- Low price
If you want to keep your purchase on a budget, the LG BP175 Blu-ray Player is the way to go. At under $100, this pick doesn’t skimp on top-notch features ranging from streaming capabilities to Wi-Fi connectivity.
When it comes to the core, this player is quite impressive. Smart or smart devices can connect to it wirelessly, and there is an Ethernet port so you can connect to wired network hardware. It features 1080p resolution (a small step down from 4K, but still solid) and surround sound, making for an excellent entertainment experience.
Although there’s only one HDMI port, you’ll receive a 6-foot HDMI cable and a one-year warranty. Bottom line: At this price, it doesn’t get much better than the LG BP175.
Pros
- Compact size
- Comes with HDMI and AV cables
- Full HD 1080p output
- Dolby Sound support
cons
- Pricey for the size
- Not as many reviews as other options on our list
- Remote control comes without batteries
Maybe you’re looking for a Blu-ray player that’s compact enough to use on the go. In that case, we’ve got you covered. Priced at just under $100, the Super Mini Blu-ray Disc player is a force for its small size of 7 by 7 inches.
Complete with multiple ports for USB, AV and HDMI, 1080p visuals and Dolby Atmos sound, this player is perfect for vacations or even hooking up a projector for an outdoor movie night.
Although it has fewer than 500 reviews, it currently has a solid 4.4-star rating, with buyers labeling the purchase as “excellent” and “easy to install and use.”
As a bonus, with your purchase you get a one and a half meter HDMI cable and a 1.5 meter AV cable.
Best for travel
Super Mini Blu-ray Disc Player
This compact Blu-ray device impresses with its small size. Complete with multiple ports and solid resolution and sound, it’s an impressive purchase.
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