The top 4K Blu-ray players are designed to provide the ultimate picture and sound quality for watching movies and TV shows. Although streaming services are widely used, Blu-ray discs offer video at a significantly higher bit rate, giving more depth and realism.
You can actually own your movie collection using Blu-ray. They cannot be taken down from streaming providers the same way they can from your shelves. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes the lovely cover art and all of the included extras, including cast Q&As and behind-the-scenes material. All of this is to imply that we recommend one of the top 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players for movie fans.
There aren’t many new Blu-ray players made each year now that streaming is commonplace, but if you own one of the finest 4K Blu-ray players and one of the best TVs, you won’t want to go back. Watch movies once more. However, Blu-ray players don’t only produce images that are up to par with your stunning 4K TV. Additionally, they offer strong audio to maximize the performance of the top home theatre systems or soundbars.
We’ve evaluated several of the top 4K Blu-ray players available, so we are aware of the qualities we require in a model in terms of cost, functionality, and compatibility to assist you in choosing the finest one for your house. The most recent Xbox and PlayStation gear is also included because it appears that they will continue to support 4K Blu-ray technology in the years to come.
8 Best 4K Blu-ray Players for 2023
The models on our list of the best 4K Blu-ray players were all put through correct testing by our reviewers in separate testing facilities. Each model has undergone thorough testing, so you can be certain that they all provide excellent visuals and sound at their respective pricing points.
1. Panasonic DP-UB9000
If you have a high-end TV and want a device that can make the most of it, you should acquire the DP-UB9000, Panasonic’s flagship 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. It is flawlessly constructed, admirably planned, and blatantly expensive. It also has a high-end appearance thanks to its beautiful design and strong metal body.
Not just a pretty face, either. Additionally, the Panasonic DP-UB9000 first UHD deck to support all of the major HDR formats, including vanilla HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision.
We were satisfied with the Panasonic DP-UB9000 picture and sound quality during our testing. It features Hi-Res Audio compatibility, 2-channel, and 7.1-channel analog outputs, and high-quality DACs. The Panasonic DP-UB9000 meets almost all of the requirements in this book when a bevy of smart features are added on top of it.
All of these premium features are, of course, not free. But if you want the best Blu-ray playback and don’t mind that audio discs aren’t supported, look no further. A Hollywood cinema experience, stunning 4K pictures, and stunning color and detail makes this player a must-have for videophiles, as we noted in our review: Its picture performance and overall build quality actually make this high price tag look like a value.
Pros
- Outstanding image quality
- Support for four types of HDR
- Effective HDR display optimizer
Cons
- No support for SACD or DVD-audio
- Expensive
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: Yes
- Dimensions: 430 x 81 x 300 mm
- Weight: 7.8 kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: Yes
- 3D support?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
2. Panasonic DP-UB820
The Panasonic DMP-UB820 is the ideal mid-range 4K Blu-ray player since it offers nearly all the video features you might want, including Ultra HD Blu-ray Playback (4K/HDR), but is less expensive than the UB9000 at the top of our list.
Our studies revealed that this player might be more reasonably priced without sacrificing quality. Processing of images Before it reaches your TV, the Panasonic HCX’s dedicated color processor intelligently transforms 4:2:0 Blu-ray into 4:4:4 color. The end result is the greatest color reproduction you can find for movies, despite the fact that this is plainly incredibly monotonous work.
If you wish to utilize it as your primary platform for watching movies, you also have a number of built-in streaming options.
The tank-like design and capability for some sophisticated music playback kinds are what you’re lacking in comparison to the UB9000 above, although many users won’t care at all. We don’t need more than what is required to combine with reasonably priced, high-quality TVs.
Pros
- Ultimate picture quality with the New HCX processor
- High-level sound quality for various audio devices
- Designed for comfortable and smart image viewing
Cons
- No support for sophisticated audio discs
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: Yes
- Dimensions: 430 x 62 x 204 mm
- Weight: 2.2 kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: Yes
- 3D support?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
3. Sony UBP-X700
With the help of this 4K Ultra HD Blu-rayTM Player, enjoy the greatest seat in the house. For the fullest immersion, advanced surround sound, 4K resolution, and bright High Dynamic Range visuals give a visual experience never before imaginable.
The Sony UBP-X800 Blu-ray player was introduced in 2017, and we complimented it for providing a “great, stunning 4K UHD player at a reasonable price.” Support for the Dolby Vision HDR standard was one significant feature that was absent, though.
A year later, the Sony UBP-X700, an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, was introduced. It now supports 12-bit Dolby, frame-by-frame HDR. HDR10+ is not supported here, though.
Other than that, this Blu-ray player is excellent and produces clear, realistic images with fantastic detail, ensuring that your favorite films and TV shows will appear fantastic. But the greatest part is that it has a (relatively) reasonable price tag of Rs. 31,990.
Pros
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
- Dolby Vision support
Cons
- HDR10+ is missing
- The sound is not as good as Panasonic’s
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: Yes
- Dimensions: 320 x 45 x 217 mm
- Weight: 1.4kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: Yes
- 3D support?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
4. Reavon UBR-X100 4K Blu-ray Player
The Reavon UBR-X100 is a novelty among 4K Blu-ray players, delivering a chic style and reliable construction for people who desire their UHD decks to seem professional. The UBR-X100 4K can play a wide variety of discs, but it can’t play SACD and DVD-Audio discs. Playback is also slick, quick, and trouble-free.
Reavon UBR-X100 is a high-performance digital transport that works with CD, DVD, and Blu-ray (with options for Full HD, 3D, and 4K). In our tests, we discovered that original UHD content displayed without flaws while lower-resolution content scaled flawlessly to match contemporary 4K TVs. HDR10 and Dolby Vision are supported, although the HDR10+ format is also widely used.
Overall, the X100 offers very strong performance and is a welcome addition to the disc player market. The X100 “passes all the major requirements” according to our assessment, which also praised its tank-like construction, perfect playback, a wealth of capabilities, and silent operation. Undoubtedly, it falls short of the Panasonic DP-UB9000, which is similarly priced but has greater specifications.
Pros
- fantastic disc playback
- Stunning 4K upscaling
Cons
- No support for SACD or DVD-Audio
- Wireless connectivity is absent
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: N/A
- Dimensions: 430 x 85 x 300 mm
- Weight: 6.3 kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: No
- 3D support?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: HDR10, Dolby Vision
5. Reavon UBR-X200 4K Blu-ray Player
A desirable high-end 4K Blu-ray player with military-grade durability and fashionable aesthetics for the luxury market is the Reavon UBR-X200. Although this player can handle CD, SACD, DVD, or Blu-ray (Full HD, 3D, and 4K varieties), it cannot play the lossless layer on DVD-Audio discs. Disc support is robust but not totally ubiquitous.
However, in all other regards, this is a high-performance deck that flawlessly upscales lower-resolution content to 4K with no artifacts and pixel-perfect accuracy, as well as flawlessly delivers UHD content. In addition to the excellent video performance, there is compatibility for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, even though it is the equally popular HDR10+ format.
Impressive sound quality is provided by the X200’s audiophile Burr-Brown DACs, balanced XLR, and 7.1-channel analog audio outputs. The end result is a player that fans of both music and movies are certain to adore. Even though you must utilize a wired connection because Wi-Fi is not available, there is significant media support, however, there are no built-in streaming apps.
Undoubtedly, the X200 is amazing. We stated in our evaluation that “This opulent soundboard is up to any challenge. The zoom is remarkable, the performance is faultless, and there are analog outputs and Dolby Vision support for audiophiles. There are, however, more affordable and superior alternatives if you don’t like the style.
Pros
- Excellent 4K upscaling
- Large file support
- Dolby Vision decoding
- Audiophile outputs
Cons
- No DVD-Audio support
- No wireless connectivity
- No HDR10+ decoding
- No built-in apps
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: N/A
- Dimensions: 430 x 85 x 300 mm
- Weight: 6.3 kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: No
- 3D support?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: HDR10, Dolby Vision
6. LG UBK90
It costs Rs. 40,000/£219.98. Many of the extra features offered in more expensive models, such as universal disc support and analog audio outputs, are absent from the LG Blu-ray player. It does provide reliable fundamental disc playback for Ultra HD and standard Blu-ray, DVD, and audio CD discs.
In essence, the UBK90 performs all the fundamental functions you would anticipate from a 4K Blu-ray player and is reasonably priced.
Netflix and YouTube built-in streaming (through Ethernet or Wi-Fi) is an added benefit of the UBK90. You can therefore utilize the UBK90 instead of a separate Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV streaming box or stick if your streaming library is restricted to these key players.
Reviewers have noted that LG’s budget player lacks some niceties, such as built-in HDR tone mapping and HDR-to-SDR conversion (helpful when viewed on a standard HDTV), but at its low price, it’s difficult to complain about that.
Pros
- Dual HDMI outputs (one audio-only)
- Dolby Vision support
Cons
- No HDR10+
- No analog audio outputs
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: Yes
- Dimensions: 16.9 x 1.8 x 8.1 inches
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: Yes
- 3D support?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: Dolby Vision, HDR10
7. Sony PS5
With a dedicated drive, the Sony PS5 supports 4K Blu-ray technology, at least in the main console. We’re interested in the console’s conventional version, even if a little less expensive diskless variant is also available. Given that Sony’s PS3 two generations ago contributed to the widespread adoption of Blu-ray players, the PS5’s drive can play 4K Blu-rays.
The PS5 isn’t as ultra-modern as the Xbox Series X as an all-in-one media center because it doesn’t natively support Dolby Atmos audio or Dolby Vision HDR streaming. The PS5 doesn’t really have any advantages over Xbox when it comes to discs because both systems can stream Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks to your TV (with a few minor settings adjustments) and neither platform supports Dolby Vision HDR or HDR10+ via Blu-ray.
The advantage is the superior image quality, though. In our tests, we discovered that the PS5’s upscaled HD Blu-ray produced more realistic results and had an image that was cleaner and sharper for native 4K than the Xbox. So, in our opinion, Sony is the better Blu-ray player of the two consoles; for more information, see our guide on whether the PS5 is a good Blu-ray player. Just be sure to purchase the model that can really play discs!
Pros
- Good image quality
- Atmos and DTS:X passthrough
- Doubles as a games console
Cons
- No HDR10+
- No Dolby Vision
- No regular CD support
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: Yes
- Dimensions: 390 x 104 x 260 mm
- Weight: 4.5kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: HDR10
8. Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is a system to think about if you want to play 4K Blu-rays and DVDs. You won’t find either Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision HDR audio, although the Xbox Series X does support both. the PS5 is ranked so low on our list because Dolby Vision support is only available for streaming services and does not include disc drives. (On disc, you will only receive normal HDR10)
It supports Dolby Atmos audio and even offers a headphone output for a price, although when configured properly, it’s probably more practical to stream Atmos or DTS:X audio recordings to your TV for processing. We have discovered that it can be tricky to transfer DTS:X through a TV that doesn’t support it to a sound system that does.
In our tests, we also found that 4K image quality and HD upscaling were slightly weaker on the Xbox Series X than on the PS5. Microsoft added Dolby Vision since we tested the console, but it doesn’t support Blu-Ray: it’s purely for streaming and gaming. So we’d go for PS5 if you’re serious about playing UHD discs, but you can learn more about Xbox disc support in our dedicated guide on whether Xbox Series X is a good Blu-ray player.
Pros
- Atmos and DTS:X passthrough
- Doubles as a game console
Cons
- No Dolby Vision from Blu-rays, weirdly
- Less sharp images than PS5
Specs
- Supported resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Smart TV: Yes
- Dimensions: 301 x 151 x 151 mm
- Weight: 4.45kg
- UHD Upscaling?: Yes
- Wi-Fi?: Yes
- 3D support?: No
- Dolby Atmos: Yes
- HDR Formats Supported: HDR10 for Blu-ray
How to pick a Blu-ray player that’s right for you
What should you watch out for if you choose to view your movies and TV episodes on a 4K Blu-ray player?
The cost is the key factor. Although there are affordable solutions, Blu-ray players typically deliver what you pay for. We do not consider them to be a necessary component of the package. The Sony UBP-X700 on our list above, for instance, offers all the necessities for only Rs. 31,990, or even less during promotions.
You should also think about compatibility and the settings in use. The new 4K Blu-ray player will still function on an HD display, but the visual quality will only be 1080p, so you’ll need a 4K TV to get the most out of it.
Even though it may seem obvious, you should consider the Blu-ray player’s size and design. Do you have enough room on your TV cabinet for a Blu-ray player to be installed? Will it be tucked away on a different shelf or will it be located underneath your soundbar? Get your tape measure ready because we’ve listed the sizes of all the top 4K Blu-ray players above.
From there, you can obtain the specifications you need that are more specific. The finest HDR standards, such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and surround sound audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, are guaranteed by many Blu-ray players, but you should check to see if the models you’re considering have everything you need, especially if they’re older models.
Are Blu-rays still worth buying?
To address the subject of whether you should continue to purchase movies on 4K Blu-ray, we have a whole post. However, that depends on you, your preferences, and how significant you think your movie collection to be.
The popularity of purchasing physical movies has decreased, but since physical mobility cannot be taken away from you, movie fans should reconsider relying solely on streaming services when movies and TV shows are frequently taken off these platforms.
Additionally, keep in mind that 4K is destined to overtake HD in the near future. We don’t anticipate 8K Blu-ray players will replace their 4K equivalents any time soon due to the prevalence (and acceptance) of 8K TVs.
The best 4K movies continue to benefit from Ultra HD Blu-ray technology, thus 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players and discs are still worth considering if you want the very best in home entertainment. In addition, some of the greatest movies ever filmed have recently been released on 4K Blu-ray.
Does 4K require a separate Blu-ray player?
Let’s first dispel certain misunderstandings. There are two different Blu-ray formats: the original Blu-ray format and the more recent 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray format.
A Blu-ray disc can therefore be played on both a Blu-ray player and a 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray player if you have one of each. You can only use a 4k Blu-ray player to play a 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray disc.
When you purchase a Blu-ray disc, it can also include a standard DVD copy for use with older machines. Similarly to this, if you purchase a 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, it might also have a Blu-ray counterpart. However, this isn’t always the case, so check yours before making a purchase.
What type of TV is required for use with a 4K UHD Blu-ray player?
Even though it may seem obvious, purchasing a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player won’t be worthwhile without a 4K TV. Though the picture quality will only be 1080p if you’re using an HD television, the 4K player will still function.
In contrast to Ultra HD Blu-ray discs (which offer native 4K resolution), HD Blu-ray discs will be upscaled to 3840×2160 (4K) resolution by filling in the extra pixels, but the quality will be substantially worse. picture).
