As streaming has become increasingly popular, many people have cut the cord and stopped purchasing DVDs and Blu-ray discs. However, in many ways, streaming simply can't compete with the visual quality provided by physical media. Therefore, you should still invest in one of the best Blu-ray players to experience the benefits that physical media has to offer.
Why You Should Still Buy Physical Media
While streaming makes it easy to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on the go, it's now even easier than before. Copy Blu-ray and DVD discs using your computerMost importantly, there are many ways in which physical media still trumps streaming any day of the week.
First and foremost, physical media still offers the best quality. Streaming media platforms typically don't stream their content in the highest visual or audio resolution. Also, the quality of streaming media is subject to internet speeds and fluctuations in network traffic. Streaming media platforms will automatically adjust video quality based on network bandwidth and connection speed. However, physical media is not subject to any of this. 4K UHD Blu-rays will always be 4K, and standard Blu-rays will always be 1080 HD.
Regardless of quality issues, TV shows and movies disappear from streaming services all the time due to licensing agreements. However, physical media never disappears arbitrarily, which means you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows whenever you want.
Finally, physical media often includes a variety of additional content not available through streaming services. This includes deleted scenes, alternate endings, director's cuts, and cast commentary. Furthermore, Blu-ray may include a "director's cut" of the film. Therefore, owning a physical copy of your favorite movies is a no-brainer if you're a self-proclaimed movie buff.
The Best Blu-ray Players on the Market Today
There are hundreds of Blu-ray players on the market. However, you want to make sure you get the best quality player so you can enjoy all the benefits of your physical media while watching your favorite movies and TV shows. Here are our top recommendations for Blu-ray players.
1. Best 4K Player for the Market: Sony UBP-700X
If you have a 4K TV and a 4K UHD Blu-ray collection, you'll need a player that makes them pop. Sony UBP-700X An affordable option with some premium bells and whistles, such as compatibility. Dolby Vision It also supports HDR10. Additionally, the Sony UBP-700X boasts excellent upscaling capabilities. This ensures that standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs look stunning on a 4K display. Furthermore, it features built-in Wi-Fi, meaning you can stream content from your favorite streaming platform.
Positives
- Dolby Vision compatibility
- Efficient upscaling of standard Blu-ray and DVD discs
- Supports 4K UHD Blu-ray technology
- Built-in Wi-Fi and streaming support
Negatives
- No Bluetooth connection
- The user interface is a bit weak.
Tip: You will need: 4K TV To fully enjoy 4K Blu-rays.
2. Best Budget Blu-Ray Player: LG BP175
If you're looking for a Blu-ray player that won't break the bank, the LG BP175 A solid option for under $100, the BP175 supports DVDs, standard Blu-ray playback, and audio CDs. While it doesn't support 4K UHD Blu-rays, the LG BP175 is a streaming media box that supports some of the most popular streaming apps.
Positives
- Less than $100
- small footprint
- It can also work as a streaming device.
Negatives
- No 4K UHD Blu-ray support
- No built-in Wi-Fi
3. Best for Music: Sony UBP-X800M2
When it comes to Blu-Ray players, music probably isn't the first thing on your mind. However, when it comes to UBP-X800M2 Sony had audiophiles in mind. However, it doesn't skimp on visuals, with Dolby Vision and HDR10 to make the most of Blu-ray discs. However, the UBP-X800M2 doesn't stop with Blu-ray. It also features Sony's proprietary DSEE HX audio processing. This upscales FLAC, AAC, and MP3 files to Ultra HD sound quality. So, if you have an audio CD collection in addition to Blu-ray movies, this is the player for you.
Positives
- Supports 4K UHD Blu-ray technology
- Dolby Vision and HDR10
- Proprietary DSEE HX audio processing for upscaling music files
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound.
- Bluetooth connectivity to wireless speakers and headphones
Negatives
- Visual accuracy is on par with other models.
- Expensive for what you can get
4. Best for Gaming: Xbox Series X
If you are a gamer and audio and video enthusiast but want to reduce clutter and limit the number of devices connected to your TV, Xbox Series X It's right for you. Microsoft has been positioning its Xbox gaming console as an all-in-one home media solution for years. In addition to gaming, the Xbox Series X can play DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K UHD Blu-rays. Furthermore, it supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Make sure you get the Series X, as it has an optical drive, while the Series S is digital-only.
Positives
- Gaming friendly
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Dolby Atmos support
- Supports 4K UHD Blu-ray technology
Negatives
- The price
- There are no benefits if you don't also use it for gaming.
5. Best Overall: Panasonic DP-UB820
that Panasonic DP-UB820 It's a player for anyone who demands the best picture quality available. This player has a special feature called the HCX (Hollywood Cinema Experience) processor. In layman's terms, this is a high dynamic range enhancer that significantly improves overall picture quality. It does this by adjusting the HDR output to suit the brightness capabilities of your TV. The Panasonic DP-UB820 can customize the picture for individual TVs, regardless of manufacturer.
Positives
- Stunning HDR image processing
- Issue voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
- Pre-installed streaming apps (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime)
- Supports 4K UHD Blu-ray technology
Negatives
- No Dolby Vision
- expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD Blu-ray?
answer. It all comes down to image resolution. DVDs have a maximum resolution of 720 x 480. Blu-ray discs are designed to replace DVDs by offering greater storage capacity and faster data transfer capabilities. As such, Blu-ray discs have a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080. Finally, 4K UHD Blu-ray can store even more data. As a result, a 4K UHD disc has a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160. All you need to know is that the higher the number, the better the visual resolution.
Q2. Can I play DVDs in a Blu-ray player?
answer. Yes. All Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray players are backward compatible with standard DVDs. However, not all Blu-ray players handle DVDs the same way. Most, but not all, Blu-ray players will upscale a DVD image to 1080p or even 4K. However, it's important to note that upscaling does not make older DVDs look like Blu-ray. Upscaling cannot improve the appearance of the source disc, as it does not add detail that isn't already there. Instead, upscaling increases the source's pixel count to accommodate a higher-resolution display.
Q3. Can all Blu-Ray players play 4K UHD Blu-ray discs?
answer. No, most modern Blu-ray players on the market can play both standard Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray. Some players (mostly cheaper models) can play standard Blu-ray at 1080p. Therefore, if your Blu-ray collection consists only of standard Blu-ray, or if you don't have a 4K TV, you can opt for one of the cheaper models that don't offer 4K UHD disc support.
