The Best Portable DVD Players
If you didn't think you would ever need to invest in a portable DVD player again, you probably never imagined yourself on a long car ride with young kids. Small enough to fit in your lap but powerful enough to play all your favorite movies and shows for hours on end, they're the perfect distraction on road trips, flights, or during any other outing where WiFi is limited. Most plug right into your vehicle's AC adapter, support various disc formats, and boast vibrant screens and immersive audio. Plus, they will also give you a way to put all those old DVDs you've been hoarding to good use. Read on to browse a few of our favorite portable DVD players.
HDJuntunkor Portable DVD Player
The people's pick
If you’re looking for a well-rounded portable DVD player that won’t break the bank, this is your pick. Coming in at a little over three pounds, and with a screen just over ten inches, it’s large enough to offer a comfortable viewing experience, but light enough to carry in a backpack or keep in your lap for extended periods of time without trouble. It also comes chock full of other premium features, such as an HD swivel display screen, USB and SD card slots, and an included remote control.
Pros:
- Swivel screen enhances this unit’s versatility
- Long battery life
- Good cost value
Cons:
- Buttons on remote are very small
Apeman 7.5” Portable DVD Player
Cool and compact
While all of our favorite compact DVD players are “portable” — that is, they can fit in a bag or lap without problem, much like a laptop — this one from Apeman gives “compact” a whole new meaning. At 7.5 inches, it fits nicely in smaller handbags and luggage, allowing you to take it where larger models may pose a problem, such as on camping trips or hikes. Its conservative size also means it’s very easy for smaller children to handle.
Pros:
- Very affordably priced
- Durably made
- Won’t take up much room in your luggage
Cons:
- Sound quality could be improved
DBPower Portable DVD Player
Give it a rest
If you’re looking for something that’s ultra-portable but still large enough to offer a comfortable viewing experience, this portable DVD player from DBPower is a good alternative. It’s compact enough to mount to the back of your car’s headrest, allowing it to serve as an in-vehicle entertainment option on long car rides, but spacious enough to generously display content. What’s more, it also features AV output, so you can connect it to a TV and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen when you’re back home.
Pros:
- Break-point memory function starts where you left off
- 270-degree swivel screen
- Screen can also flip 180 degrees
Cons:
- Audio volume is lacking
Jekero Portable DVD Player
Large and in charge
While most models have screens that are limited in size to ten or so inches, Jekero’s portable DVD player features a whopping 14.1-inch display. This makes it a good choice for families who plan on watching movies together or sharing the screen on long trips. Importantly, it also doesn’t compromise on visual quality to achieve that size, since the display also boasts HD video that looks clear and crisp across various disc formats and content.
Pros:
- Supports USB and SD cards
- Up to 5 hours of battery life
- Screen can also swivel and flip
Cons:
- Though it’s lightweight, its large size makes it less portable than more compact models
Wonnie Dual Screen DVD Player
Dynamic duo
Wonnie knows how to make both parents and kids happy, and that is evidenced by this dual-screen DVD player. This set comes with two different screens that sync together so that your kids don’t have to argue over who gets to hold the solitary screen. This player has the same features as its more traditional counterparts, and its video quality is equally good.
Pros:
- Playback automatically syncs between the two screens
- Car charger, AC adapter, and AV/DC cables are included
- You can also sync playback to a TV with the included AV cable
Cons:
- A bit costly, but worth it if the dual screens would be useful for your family
Frequently Asked Question
What should I look for in a portable DVD player?
Portable DVD players come in various sizes and styles. Some are super compact, making them ideal for outings where space is an issue, such as camping trips. Smaller players will also be easier to manage for young kids, so if your primary purpose in investing in one is to keep your child occupied, you might consider that. Large players, while more difficult to carry, often offer better video quality and a more comfortable viewing experience over long periods of time, making them ideal for road trips and flights. Many players also incorporate other features that make them more enjoyable and functional to use, such as support for various disc formats, USB and SD card slots, and AV output for connecting to TVs.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.