The 5 Best Blu-Ray Players
Streaming services like Netflix are great and all, but they're also subject to the whims of your WiFi and internet connection. To avoid buffering times, and to truly get the most out of your home entertainment system, an old-fashioned disc player is still the most reliable way to watch all your favorite movies and shows. In particular, Blu-ray discs, which are capable of storing more hours of video at a higher-definition than traditional DVDs, will ensure you get to view this content as its producers intended. With that in mind, we put together this list of the top Blu-ray players on the market, ranked in terms of quality, affordability, and functionality.
1. Sony UBP-X700 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Player
Sony UBP-X700 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Player
When it comes to Blu-ray players, the ideal model should not only display video in crisp, high-definition detail, but also vividly reproduce audio and colors. The Sony UBP-X700, thankfully, does that and more, achieving the performance of a premium player at a price that won’t break the bank. Worth mentioning in particular is its compatibility with Dolby Vision, an HDR format used by some of the biggest movie studios in the business, which ensures every scene looks the way the director intended.
Pros:
- 4K Ultra HD quality
- Advanced upscaling
- Intuitive menu and interface
Cons:
- Construction feels a little flimsy
- Not great for streaming
2. LG BP175 Region Free Blu-ray Player
LG BP175 Region Free Blu-ray Player
Different countries have different standards for videos and movies, but many disc players do not differentiate. If you try to watch a foreign film on a U.S.-made Blue-ray player for example, you may find that the image quality is degraded or wonky. The LG BP175, in contrast, was specifically designed to work with video formats from various regions around the world, letting you get the most out of your foreign film collection. It also plays DVDs, making it one of the most versatile options on this list.
Pros:
- Full HD 1080p quality
- Very easy to switch between regions
- Dual-voltage design
Cons:
- Not 4K quality
- Remote feels small
3. Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Serious home entertainment enthusiasts know there’s no price too high for quality video. So if you’re looking to round out your personal movie theater with a truly advanced Blu-ray player, get the Panasonic DP-UB820. It’ll cost you a mint, but few other models offer as many premium features, whether it’s the 4K Ultra quality, precise Chroma and HDR processing, or hi-resolution audio that works with your professional sound system. It also works with Alexa, plus streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.
Pros:
- Supports HDR10+ formats
- Easy to set up
- Lots of customization options
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Remote could be better
4. Sony BDPS3700 Streaming Blu-Ray Disc Player
Sony BDPS3700 Streaming Blu-Ray Disc Player
If you’re like us, you probably stream most of your shows and movies through services like Netflix and Amazon. Still, there are those occasional moments when you just want to throw on one of your favorite flicks from your collection of DVDs and Blue-ray discs. If that sounds like you, try the Sony BDPS3700. A DVD and Blue-ray player that also allows for streaming from all of the top video apps — and even incorporates Miracast technology that lets you mirror your smartphone to your TV — it’s a do-it-all solution to your binge-watching needs. Best of all, it’s a fraction of the price of most models out there.
Pros:
- Built-in WiFi
- Customizable menu and interface
- Great value for price
Cons:
- Doesn’t support advanced video formats
- Doesn’t come with HDMI cord
5. Samsung Bd-5100 Upgraded Multi Region Zone Free Blu Ray DVD Player
Samsung Bd-5100 Upgraded Multi Region Zone Free Blu Ray DVD Player
While the Samsung Bd-5100 is a fine player on its own, allowing you to watch movies and shows from various regions around the world, it really shines when you use it with other tech made by the South Korean manufacturer. It’s designed to seamlessly pair with Samsung smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it a great value for users who own those devices. Of course, it’s also a capable Blu-ray player on its own, thanks to HDMI 1080p upscaling and other great features.
Pros:
- Built-in video converter
- Automatically detects region for DVDs
Cons:
- No WiFi
- Manual is confusing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blu-ray?
Blu-ray is an optical disc format capable of storing several hours of video in high-definition quality. Developed by Sony and released in 2006, it was designed to supersede DVD as the standard format for discs, since it’s able to store more content at a higher-definition. The name Blu-ray comes from the color of the laser used to read the disc, which allows information to be stored at a greater density than the longer-wavelength red laser used for DVDs.
What should I look for in a Blu-ray player?
Blu-ray players come in various designs and boast various features, and which is right for you will depend on your own particular needs. The most basic Blu-ray players are just that — disc players capable of playing Blu-ray discs in HD quality. But many Blu-ray players combine other advanced features, including DVD compatibility, built-in WiFi and support for streaming apps. The most expensive players will also offer support for premium video and audio formats, such as Dolby Visual and Dolby Audio.
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