If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. We live in a golden era of streaming , making it easy to watch your favorite movie or television series in mere seconds. But with changes in ownership constantly happening with these services, beloved franchises and titles are disappearing.
The swing back to a physical medium is on the rise. Blu-ray players are having a moment again, and possessing the best one for your Criterion Collection is ideal. What’s more, finding a quality unit that fits all your needs is easier than ever.
The best Blu-ray player is out there for your viewing pleasure. Quality and convenience are often what we take into consideration when looking to purchase something for your home theater setup. Thankfully, almost all are now 4K—a spectacular upgrade from prehistoric versions.
As televisions improve, the tech around them has as well. Which means most players on the market are easy to connect with a simple HDMI cable. There’s also no need to worry about the region you’re in; you now have the ability to watch, say, the 007 franchise or Kurosawa’s oeuvre anywhere in the world without a lockout warning.
But first, the basics: Is there a difference between Blu-ray and DVD players? Yes. It all comes down to your needs. If you’re someone with a vast collection of both types of discs, seeking out a Blu-ray player that is both region-free and has excellent playback is preferred.
If you have a decent library but also stream a fair amount, you’ll want to look for 4K or 5K options with Wi-Fi as a feature. If you’re someone who loves an all-in-one gaming system, there are great systems that double as Blu-ray players, too. What you need is definitely out there.
Playback: Playback is especially important if you have older DVDs or first-gen Blu-rays. These discs need special attention to keep up with how advanced our televisions and systems have become. The Blu-ray players on this list, however, all have exceptional playback, which means no series or franchise will be left behind in your collection.
Size: While most Blu-ray players are built quite compact these days, if you opt for a gaming system, size does matter. It really depends on the layout of your entertainment center and how much space you have available. But don’t think that bigger is better; there are thin options that are incredibly powerful.
Setup: Gone are the days of needing multiple chords connecting to multiple outputs and requiring color coding to get it right. Now, all you need is a simple HDMI cord that most packages include. Seeking out a bundle makes setup very convenient.
Streaming: With many of us subscribing to multiple streaming services, Blu-ray manufacturers have made sure to add this feature. Most—if not all—new players have built-in Wi-Fi, so setting up Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or whatever you use is easy and compatible. If you’re looking for the pinnacle of performance and quality, Panasonic is it.
The Reference-Class Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray player is what every movie buff needs to perfectly view their valued collection. Not only do you get theater-quality visuals, but the sound output is also on point. With streaming capabilities as well, this is, in fact, the total package for having the perfect cinema experience right in the comfort of your home.
Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: USB Type C, HDMI. Dimensions: 11.
8 x 16. 9 x 3. 2 inches.
Special Features: Built-in voice assistant (Alexa and Google Assistant). Here’s a true top-of-the-line Blu-ray player ready to create the ideal setup for a cozy movie marathon. This bundle is the total package.
Backwards compatibility is always a concern with older DVDs, and this one from Sony handles those quality adjustments with ease. You also have an option for screen-mirroring, in case you need to watch something from your smartphone or tablet, which is a sweet feature option to have. The built-in Wi-Fi also means streaming Netflix and Hulu can be done headache-free.
Let Sony be the companion for a binge worthy weekend. Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: USB Type C, HDMI.
Dimensions: 8. 5 x 12. 5 x 2 inches.
Special Features: Disc cleaner and manufacturer warranty card. If your Blu-ray and DVD collection is international, this LG 4K player is absolutely what you need. It’s one of the best region-free units around.
With no restrictions, you’re able to view any and all of your favorite flicks from all over the globe. The HDR playback also means each of those titles will be vibrant each time. Last but not least, it comes internet-ready, so streaming is on the table as well.
Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: HDMI. Dimensions: 8.
10 x 16. 90 x 1. 80 inches.
Special Features: No restriction playback. Having multi-faceted products is the dream. If you’re a gamer, look no further than the Xbox Series as your next Blu-ray player.
Let this system pull double-duty for hours of triple-A games and hours of movie magic. Outside of beautiful Blu-ray and DVD playback, you get 4K video for all streaming services, including Microsoft Movies. Because this is built for gamers, load time is lightning fast and connectivity is smooth.
Adding an Xbox Game Pass is not a bad idea for more variety outside of all the flicks to watch. Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: HDMI.
Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 5 inches. Special Features: Wireless controller, 1TB SSD. One of Samsung’s best-rated products, this Blu-ray player is the perfect addition to your home theater set up.
Complete with Wi-Fi, streaming literally never got easier. Seriously, connecting takes seconds. The upscaling brings all older media up to the beautiful standards we expect from our devices these days.
Samsung produces amazing technology, which is probably why this is an Amazon top-seller. Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: HDMI.
Dimensions: 11. 4 x 8. 7 x 1.
6 inches. Special Features: Unique curved design. A year later, the PS5 is still going strong as an elite gaming system.
But it is also a superior way to watch DVDs and Blu Rays. This device was made specifically to showcase beautiful images at the perfect frame rate. Full robust audio for every adventure you go on, the ultra-high speed SSD makes every session as smooth as possible.
And if that isn’t enough, all the streaming services are there with plenty of room to download them all. Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: HDMI.
Dimensions: 18. 6 x 16. 8 x 6.
9 inches. Special Features: Unique curved design. Built a little thicker than the other LG option on this list (see above), this Blu-ray player is made to withstand moves and bumps.
Basically, if you have kids and not-so delicate dwellers in your home, this device was made for you. With a near-perfect consumer rating, the 4K picture and playback is top of the line. Factor in the backwards compatibility and crisp audio and you’re able to watch every single piece of media without interruption.
Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: HDMI. Dimensions: 16.
9 x 8. 1 x 1. 8 inches.
Special Features: Sturdy build. Panasonic knows how to make an entertainment tech and this Blu-ray player, noted as being one of the most reliable around, is no exception. The video and audio quality are indeed excellent.
The 4K capabilities and Dolby Vision, which offers immersive viewing, are probably the best in the market—something that Panasonic specializes in. And the sound is so great that it’s worth listening to Spotify playlists on this device. Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc.
Outputs: HDMI. Dimensions: 8. 06 x 16.
9 x 2. 5 inches. Special Features: Built-in voice assistant (Alexa and Google Assistant).
Here’s another region-free option, which really opens the doors up to a whole new world of video viewing. This capability is especially great if you aren’t pinned down to one location—it allows you to view films from all corners of the globe. Of course, as one of the newer models on this list, it features built-in Wi-Fi.
So feel free to stream your apps anywhere. And you don’t have to worry too much about setting it up, because a six-foot Dynastar Trademark HDMI cable is included with this purchase. Disc Support: DVD and Blu-Ray Disc.
Outputs: HDMI. Dimensions: 17 x 2. 3 x 10.
8 inches. Special Features: Region free playback. This option is essentially an external drive, but don’t let that deter you.
Pioneer produces some of the best equipment for computers and other audio and visual devices—and this small but mighty device is no exception. If you have an elaborate setup in your office but watch a lot of movies while working, this would be a nice accessory for your PC or laptop. Obviously an extra monitor would be warranted, but if you have a couple around, all you need to do is plug this in and you’re good to go.
Disc Support: Blu-Ray Disc. Outputs: USB. Dimensions: 6.
3 x 8. 66 x 1. 97 inches.
Special Features: Burner/Writer. .
From: robbreport
URL: https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/product-recommendations/best-blu-ray-player-1235386971/
