Chat
Contact us
Close contact box
Connect ID #
126 846 387 4
Connect ID #
126 846 387 4
Don't wait on hold. We'll call you back when it's your turn to talk with the next available .
Please enter your name  
Please enter your phone number  
Please enter a message  

Calls may be recorded for training and quality control purposes.

We are located in Virginia USA.

Thank you. We will be calling you .
We're sorry. We have encountered a problem.

Best Blu-ray players for 2024

See our expert's top picks for standard and 4K Blu-ray players

In this article: Our list of best Blu-ray players ...

  1. Best high-end 4K Blu-ray player — Panasonic DP-UB820
  2. Best budget 4K Blu-ray player — Sony UBP-X700/M
  3. Best 1080p Blu-ray player — Sony BDP-BX370
  4. Best 4K Blu-ray player for audiophiles — Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K

... with links to hundreds of customer reviews. We wrap things up with our Blu-ray player buying tips.

Blu-ray players are still in demand. The reason why? Well, after our customers purchase a 4K TV or projector, they tell us they want to see what their new TV can really do. And 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players offer the best possible picture available.

In the last year, we've seen a mini resurgence in Blu-ray discs and other physical media. With so many streaming services pulling content and hiking their prices — particularly on their 4K streaming tiers — owning actual copies of your favorite movies and shows is back in style.

Plus, standard Blu-ray players are more affordable than ever. If you want to play your old DVDs, CDs, or Blu-ray discs, or if you rent often from Redbox, they're well worth the price.

Our top picks

Panasonic DP-UB820

Best high-end 4K Blu-ray player — Panasonic DP-UB820

Let me address the elephant in the room: Oppo left a huge void in this category when they stopped making their stellar UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player years ago. For a while, we struggled to fill this top spot with a replacement.

Then we got our hands on the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. It has arguably the best video processor ever available. That's right, some prefer the picture quality over the legendary Oppo!

I've watched Jaws on standard (non-4K) Blu-ray with this player. You'll find some beautiful cinematography in Jaws — those iconic, sweeping ocean and beach shots. But I've never thought of this vintage film as the "gold standard' for picture quality. I have to say, watching on the DP-UB820, I saw a sharpness and richness that I hadn't seen before.

Back panel of Panasonic UB-820 4K Blu-ray player

Panasonic's DP-UB820 delivers first-rate audio, too. It features a premium built-in DAC and several analog and digital outputs for connecting to a receiver, preamp, or amplifier.

Here's our former TV writer and retired Crutchfield legend Steve to explain Panasonic’s special tone-mapping technology, and other advanced features. These help their players provide the best picture for Ultra-HD Blu-ray with high-dynamic range (HDR) — no matter what 4K TV or projector you use:

Video and audio details

  • full 4K resolution video for use with Ultra HD TVs
  • plays Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, 3D and standard Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs and rewriteable discs
  • HDR types: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG
  • built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio
  • supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough when output is set to "bitstream"
  • supports high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution (PCM)

Connections

  • two HDMI outputs for separating audio and video signals
  • Toslink optical digital audio output
  • 7.1-channel analog RCA audio output
  • two USB ports (front and rear-panel)
  • dual-band Wi-Fi and ethernet port for streaming video

Sony UBP-X700 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player with Wi-Fi®

Sony UBP-X700/M

The Sony UBP-X700/M isn’t quite as loaded as the Panasonic, but for the money there’s a lot of value here. In fact, this is the player I actually own. It was an impulse buy — I couldn't pass it up for the price!

And on movie nights, I'm more than happy with my purchase. The UBP-X700 player delivers an excellent 4K picture and serves up the vivid color array that make Sony 4K TVs pop. It even offers up the two most popular HDR formats, both HDR-10 and Dolby Vision.

This player also has dual-band Wi-Fi and can stream Netflix and Amazon Prime video in 4K.

Video and audio details

  • full 4K resolution video for use with Ultra HD TVs
  • plays Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, 3D and standard Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs and rewriteable discs
  • HDR types: HDR10 and Dolby Vision
  • built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio
  • 59" HDMI cable included
  • supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough when output is set to "bitstream"

Connections

  • two HDMI outputs for separating audio and video signals
  • coaxial digital audio output
  • front-panel USB port
  • built-in Wi-Fi and ethernet port for streaming video

Sony BDP-S3700

Best 1080p Blu-ray player — Sony BDP-BX370

It's not 4K, but the Sony BDP-BX370 provides a great 1080p picture. It will even play — and upconvert — your old DVD collection. It also offers access to Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

This player is much more compact than the others on this list — Sony didn’t even include a front-panel display. Also, the plastic disc tray is not nearly as sturdy as the higher-end players. But you do get a lot of bang for your buck.

Video and audio details

  • video resolution up to 1080p HD
  • plays Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs and rewriteable CDs
  • not 4K or HDR compatible
  • will work with a 4K TV, but will not display full 4K resolution picture
  • 58" HDMI cable included
  • built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio
  • supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough when output is set to "bitstream"

Connections

  • one HDMI output
  • coaxial digital audio output
  • front-panel USB port
  • built-in Wi-Fi and ethernet port for streaming video

Panasonic UB-9000

Best 4K Blu-ray player for audiophiles — Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K

Panasonic's top-of-the-line DP-UB90001K player includes the same video processor as their DP-UB820. But it takes the sonic features up another level.

Want the best of the best for audio? Look inside:

Panasonic UB-9000 inside build

This update to the popular DP-UB9000 is one of the very few is one of the very few Blu-ray players you'll find with a vibration-reducing metal chassis, and the disc drive is rock solid. Panasonic's engineers separated the power for the audio DAC and analog output circuit, greatly reducing noise generated by the optical drive and video signal processing.

When it comes to music, the player delivers rich, detailed sound for your CDs, and its high-performance DAC can handle high-res PCM and DSD audio files.

As a Blu-ray player, it is currently without peer.

Video and audio details

  • full 4K resolution video for use with Ultra HD TVs
  • plays Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, 3D and standard Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs and rewriteable discs
  • HDR types: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG
  • aluminum front and side panels reduce vibration for superior sound quality
  • built-in audio decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio
  • supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X passthrough when output is set to "bitstream"
  • high-grade digital-to-analog converter for precise playback of digital music files
  • supports high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution (PCM)

Connections

  • two HDMI outputs for separating audio and video signals
  • coaxial and Toslink optical digital audio output
  • 7.1-channel analog RCA audio output
  • unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR stereo analog audio outputs
  • two USB ports (front and rear-panel)
  • dual-band Wi-Fi and ethernet port for streaming video

Blu-ray player buying tips

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for Blu-ray players:

Form factor

Larger players work well in serious home theater setups, but there are also extremely compact Blu-ray players. They can fit neatly into tight places, like a bedroom or smaller TV setup.

Comparison of compact versus full-sized Bluray Players

The compact Sony BDP-X370 player shown on top of a full-size player.

Streaming movie options:

You can play Netflix, Prime video, and more on most new TVs. But if you need a way to stream to your projector (or older TV), some Blu-ray players will do the trick.

Some players require a wired Ethernet connection, while others work over Wi-Fi®. The streaming services vary. Check the product descriptions for details.

Connections

All Blu-ray players have an HDMI output to connect the player to your TV or receiver. But if you’re going to connect it to an audio system without HDMI connections, look for a player with dedicated audio outputs.

Panasonic UB-9000 inputs and outputs

The Panasonic UB-9000P1K offers both digital and analog audio outputs for connecting to high-performance or professional audio gear.

We can help you choose

Have Blu-ray questions? Contact us today.

Our expert Advisors know the gear inside and out. Your Advisor can send specific Crutchfield pages to your screen, saving you a lot of browsing time. You'll get a shopping cart loaded up with everything you need for your new home theater.

Free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase.

Popular questions customers ask

Blu-ray discs support advanced surround sound formats and video resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD, while DVDs support up to 720p HD resolution and more basic surround sound formats. You can play DVDs in a Blu-ray player, but you can’t play Blu-rays in a DVD player. If you want to play 4K Blu-rays, you’ll need a 4K capable Blu-ray player.

4K Blu-ray player is worth it if you value picture quality. They give you the highest resolution available on disc and often have video processing features to enhance the picture quality. Plus, 4K Blu-ray discs don't rely on your internet speed for their video quality and provide a clearer picture when compared to streamed 4K content.

Blu-ray players with Wi-Fi have the most popular video streaming apps built in. You can access them right from the Blu-ray player’s main menu most of the time.

Don’t be afraid to bust out the CD collection! Most Blu-ray players can play CDs, CD-RWs, and CD-Rs. A couple of models can even play SACDs.

We carry a few high-end models that are geared towards audiophiles. Those models have exceptional digital-to-analog converters and very low noise floors. One model we carry offers a pair of stereo balanced XLR outputs. A couple models even have 7.1-channel analog RCA outputs for sending signal to a dedicated surround sound amplifier. 

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Ellis Sharadin from Yorktown, VA

    Posted on 11/24/2023

    You advertise and discuss the Sony UBP X800M2, but in the pictures and text, you indicate it has both Audio and Video HDMI outputs on the back panel. That is totally incorrect. For one thing, on your advertisement, the back-panel picture shows it is model number UBP X800, not the X800M2. The difference is that the "M2 version" has only a single HDMI output on the back panel, so you can't separately run audio and video HDMI outputs. I know this because I own the X800M2 and the back panel is a different animal than you're showing in your adverts.

  • Bill from Dayton, OH

    Posted on 5/17/2023

    Do you think we will ever see a blu-ray player with sound playback at fast and slow speed. Would be nice to have this feature for foreign language films that have english text translations at the bottom of the screen, or highly technical DVDs. Feature is present in some of the non blu-ray players from Sony (at the very low end of Sony price range, such as dvpsr510h and dvpsr210p). As an alternative, have been toying with using VLC (or similar) software on a mac mini. Have wondered what collage language labs or police forensic labs may use to achieve similar results. Also was heart-broken when combo VHS and DVD TV tuner/recorders stopped being manufactured maybe 7 years ago. May have to pick one up from one of the refurbishing companies for classical/"obsolete" equipment.

  • Monty Rainwater from Portage

    Posted on 2/22/2023

    Can this unit be connected to an AV Receiver with both HDMI audio connections and analog audio at the same time. I wish to use HDMI connections for movie soundtracks and 2 channel analog for CD playback. I believe you can do this by just changing the audio settings, but want to make sure.

  • Doug from Houston

    Posted on 12/16/2022

    I am interested in a multi-disc blu ray player. Articles imply that they are listing and reviewing these players. But when I look at the specs and features of the individual units, none state that are a multi disc play. Can you provide a list of multi-disc BLU RAY player with 5-6 disc capacity and any that you stock. Many thanks, Doug

    Commenter image

    Jeff Miller from Crutchfield

    on 1/3/2023

    I'm sorry, Doug. We don't have any multi-disc players right now. And there are few still out there that I'm aware of.
  • Steve Lepley from San Ramon

    Posted on 9/9/2022

    I still use my OPPO 203 works like a champ. Yes it does not have any apps or anything. Straight 4k player with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision. For streaming I use either Apple Tv, or Roku 4K Ultra. I just wished I had bought a dozen OPPO's. Their prices are skyrocketing.

  • Tommy B from Amherst

    Posted on 3/30/2022

    I need some advice on model selection. I'm trying to decide between the Panasonic DP-UB820 and the DP-UB9000P1k. My system has a McIntosh MX-122 preamp and a Sony A80J 65" TV. I have 2 Atmos height speakers, 4 rear surrounds and L/C/R channels plus a subwoofer. Sound clarity and separation with Atmos effects are important for 4K movies. What's my best choice for a 4K blu ray between the two Panasonics previously mentioned? Thanks!

  • John from Norwalk, Conn.

    Posted on 2/20/2022

    Is it so difficult to add SACD playback? If Panasonic wants to boast of "audiophile" capabilities, why don't they add this one? Contrary to widespread misinformation, classical labels are releasing new SACDs every month. Just check any issue of "Fanfare."

  • marc from lebanon

    Posted on 8/20/2021

    Jeff, I just bought a sony 65" a80j oled and I want to upgrade my blu-ray player to a 4k player. I'm torn between the panasonics and sonys. To get dolby vision on the panasonics you need to upgrade to the 820 which is double the price. The panasonics do have the HCX processor but I'm not sure if this really comes into play unless upscaling as they don't really explain what this processor is for. I plan on letting the tv do any upscaling as from what I've been reading, Sony has spent a lot of time on this new processor and it's the best one out there right now for upscaling. I also can't tell what is the real difference between the sony 700 and 800m2

    Commenter image

    Jeff Miller from Crutchfield

    on 8/24/2021

    Hi Marc,

    I think the Sony 700 will do exactly what you want to do, since your main focus is the 4K picture.
  • Les from LA

    Posted on 8/11/2021

    Does the Panasonic DP-UB9000 have the new upgraded DACs?

    Commenter image

    Jeff Miller from Crutchfield

    on 8/24/2021

    Hi Les, this is the original version.
  • Donn from Waco

    Posted on 9/30/2020

    Will all these players auto select the type of video and audio on the disc?

    Commenter image

    Jeff Miller from Crutchfield

    on 10/6/2020

    Hi Donn, it varies by the product and function. You may have to select the correct setting in the menu.
Max. 1500 characters. *Comment is required  
*Name is required  
*Email is required  
Please complete this input.  

Your email address will not be published. Comments will display after being approved by our moderators. Comments may be edited for clarity.

Compare the sound