The Best DVD Players

While it's true that electronics are constantly advancing, DVD players are definitely still used today. For a tried-and-true movie night, there's nothing like popping in a DVD, filling up a big bowl of popcorn, and wrapping up in a cozy blanket. With that in mind, here are a few of the absolute best DVD players available today.

What to Look For

Although many people watch their media through streaming devices, DVD players can still come in clutch for delivering internet-free entertainment. And with numerous innovations in DVD technology, you can now acquire a sophisticated player with a range of modern features. That’s why we recommend considering the size, the media format compatibilities, the price, and the quality of the hardware when choosing your DVD player. With these criteria in mind, we scanned the market and found an awesome player from Sony. With multiple playback options and HDMI upscaling, this super-sleek package is perfect for home use. Alternatively, if you’re looking to watch movies on long road trips, we recommend the HDJUNTUNKOR portable player. Read on to learn more about these options and find one that will make your next movie night a success.

Sony DVPSR510H DVD Player With HDMI port

The premium pick

For a quality DVD player that's slim and aesthetically pleasing, you can't go wrong with this option.
Best Overall

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The slim design of this DVD player is a fantastic option for a streamlined, clean aesthetic. With multiple playback options, you’ll have the ideal player for scanning through news or sports. On the contrary, slower-speed playback is a fantastic benefit for those learning another language or watching a movie with subtitles.

Pros:

  • If you’ve been struggling to find a versatile DVD player, go with this one. It can play less common media formats, making it one of the more trusty DVD players available at this price range.
  • The HDMI input is convenient. Whether you plan on hooking this up to a TV or a computer monitor, it couldn’t be easier to do.

Cons:

  • Unfortunately, an HDMI cord is not provided, but they’re typically inexpensive.

Ceihoit DVD Player with HDMI for TV

A big bag of tricks

Although this player might be small in size, it's actually a powerful device that comes at a bargain price.
Runner Up

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A serious contender for the top spot is this mini DVD player from Ceihoit. It’s actually incredible how much tech is packed into such a little device. It features more than just DVD playback, including CD, VCD, CD-R, and much more. You can even pop in a USB flash drive to play digital media files. Most importantly, however, it comes with HDMI support and an included HDMI cable to help connect to those modern TVs.

Pros:

  • This DVD player offers nearly all the latest features and compatibilities, yet the price is amazingly affordable.
  • The small size is perfect for those who want a DVD player for occasional usage since you can just store it in a closet or drawer.

Cons:

  • The player’s housing is made out of lightweight plastic that doesn’t offer much durability.

Tojock HD DVD Player, HDMI and RCA Cable Included

The future is now

When it comes to up-converting to HD, this option proves dependable and consistent.
Best For HDMI

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Many modern DVD players boast an innovative feature that can convert DVD media into HD in real time. That’s why we love this option from Tojock since its up-scaling tech is consistent and reliable. And besides simply serving as an all-around versatile media player, it’s also one of the most affordable on the market.

Pros:

  • Although it hosts advanced technology, this player is surprisingly user-friendly and easy to operate.
  • It responds to inputs from the included remote control quickly.

Cons:

  • Some people may find the LED time indicator too bright, though you can always cover it up with some tape.

HDJUNTUNKOR Portable DVD Player

Mobile movie night

For some quality entertainment wherever you are, take this DVD player along with you.
Best For Travel

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With a swivel screen, sleek and ultra-lightweight player, and high-quality picture playback, this fully portable DVD player is a fantastic option for playing a movie wherever you’d like. And while many portable DVD players quit after one movie, this one stays charged for five hours. That’s seriously handy for longer trips, airport viewing, or cuddling up in bed to watch your favorite show. Our favorite part? There’s no need to remember where you last left off. With a built-in break-point memory function, the DVD will automatically play right where you last left off.

Pros:

  • If you often go on long road trips, both you and your kids will certainly appreciate having this in the car to keep them occupied.
  • It features a break-point memory function, which many DVD players lack. This means the DVD player will remember where you last left off and resume playing there.

Cons:

  • Despite being designed to be portable, this player still weighs quite a bit.

Craig CVD512a Compact DVD Player

No more bulk

Best for someone with limited space, this DVD player offers all the basics without a big footprint.
Most Compact

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If you have a small space, it’s easy to make room for this compact DVD player. And just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean it skimps out on quality. This DVD player also features a zoom function, progressive scan, and a multilingual feature. If you’re looking for a quality DVD player that’s tiny yet has all the essential functions, this is a great choice.

Pros:

  • The lightweight, compact design makes this ideal for anyone looking to minimize clutter.
  • This player can even play your favorite CDs, so there’s no need to take up space in your home with a separate CD player.

Cons:

  • If you lose your remote, there is no play button on the DVD player itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DVD players obsolete?

While they are less prevalent than streaming services, they’re still useful for enjoying media without relying on the internet. You can still purchase or rent DVDs to play. And for longer road trips, they’re excellent at keeping young passengers occupied.

How do you properly care for your DVDs?

There’s nothing more annoying than a skipping DVD. To keep your DVDs in top condition, it’s best to handle them with care. First, you should always hold your DVDs gently by the outer edge or the center hole. If the disc does become dirty, it’s possible to clean it with a 1:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol and water. Gently rub it with a soft microfiber cloth and let it dry.

Next, there’s the matter of storage. For proper storage, store your discs upright in their cases or in a case specially made for holding CDs or DVDs. Don’t stack more than one per case, and return the disc to its case immediately upon using it.

About the Author

Dave is a proud self-proclaimed computer geek and enjoys modding video game consoles. When he's not voiding warranties, he plays piano and video games on stream. In fact, he built his own home studio, so his expertise spans a wide range of areas. If you're looking for a tech-head for advice, Dave is your guy.

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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.