5 Best Blu-ray Players for 4K and Ultra HD Viewing
Latifah Muhammad
Finding the right Blu-ray player can feel like an exhausting task, mostly because there are so many options out there. And it’s easy to get confused when you don’t know exactly what it is that you want. To make the search a little easier for you, we rounded up a handful of the best Blu-ray/DVD players for just about any budget. The collection of devices listed below fall between $180–$1,000, and they’re made by brands that you’re already familiar with: Sony, LG, and Panasonic.
There are plenty of ways to enhance your home entertainment experience, so if you’re looking to make a few sound upgrades this holiday season, be sure to check our selections of the best soundbars, best stereo speakers, and everything you need to know about Black Friday. Below, find our picks for the five best 4K and Ultra-HD Blu-ray players.
Sony UBP-X700 Wifi Blu-ray/DVD Player
Best Buy
There’s a good reason why Sony’s UBP-X700 stands out as one of the top-rated Blu-ray/DVD players around. For starters, it’s not too expensive compared to the higher range of devices in its class and it works on any TV with an HDMI connection (and a digital coaxial output). This device is equipped with an HDR 10 signal that’s 100 times brighter that of the standard signal to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience. The UBP-X700 features MIMO technology, UHD multimedia playback, and supports high resolution audio formats, such as Dolby TrueHD. Additional features include Dolby Vision HDR, easy wireless setup to connect from your home WiFi network, and two HDMI outputs to ensure 4K (or 1080) picture and digital surround sound.
LG 4K Region Free Smart WiFi UHD Blu-ray/DVD Player
Amazon
The LG 4K Region Free Blu-ray/DVD player has HRD (High Dynamic Range), HDR10, and 3D Dolby Vision. It’s designed to support high-quality surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. Like most Blu-Ray/DVD hybrids it has two HDMI outputs — one that sends audio to your home theater receiver and another that goes directly to your TV. And the optical digital connection option delivers surround sound from player to receiver.
Panasonic DP-UB820 Blu-ray Player
Amazon
Panasonic’s “most advanced” Ultra HD Blu-ray player delivers stunning color and detail, with natural textures and exceptional depth. The Panasonic DP-UB820 supports 4K/HDR formats including HDR10 and HDR10+, in addition to UDH, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log Gamma. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and provides advanced, high-resolution audio. The Blu-ray player includes a 7.1ch analogue audio output and twin HDMI terminals.
Sony X800M2 Region Free Blu-Ray Player with OREI Travel Plug Adapter
Another highly recommended option for less than $400, Sony’s X800M2 Region Free Blu-ray Player serves up 4K resolution (on your 4K compatible device, of course) and supports Dolby TrueHD, as well as other high-resolution audio formats. The Blu-ray player has built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB ports. For an even more personal experience you can connect the device to your Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Panasonic DMP-UB900 Ultra HD Blu-Ray Player
Best Buy
Moving up a few price points, the Panasonic DMP-UB900 will cost you $1000, but it’s an awesome Ultra HD Blu-ray player. For those of you who haven’t been to the movies in a while, this Blu-ray player will help you reproduce cinematic-level picture from the comforts of home. It raises the bar in video and audio Blu-ray capabilities to give you an exceptional 4K experience.
