The Best 4K Blu-ray Players for Movie Lovers

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For unparalleled picture quality when enjoying movies and TV series at home, the finest 4K Blu-ray players are indispensable. While streaming services dominate in popularity, Blu-ray discs offer a significantly higher bitrate, translating into superior detail and breathtaking realism. Beyond the visual fidelity, Blu-rays provide other compelling advantages, such as truly owning your entertainment library, along with collecting impressive box art and exclusive behind-the-scenes content found directly on the disc.

It's no surprise that home theater enthusiasts consider a top-tier 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player an essential component. However, with the widespread adoption of streaming, dedicated disc players have become less common. This trend is regrettable, given that these devices represent the ultimate way to showcase the capabilities of thebest TVs, and their uncompressed audio truly maximizes the potential of thebest soundbarsorbest home theater systems.

Although the market might not be as expansive as it once was – you'll observe that most of our premier selections come fromPanasonicandSony, with a few niche alternatives – there are excellent models available across various price points. Our experts have rigorously tested these players, pairing them with high-end TVs to fully evaluate their performance. We've also included the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles in this guide, as they support 4K Blu-ray discs, but we will discuss them separately after the dedicated players.

Additionally, this guide features a dedicated section highlighting some of our most anticipated upcoming and recently released 4K Blu-ray discs. Don't forget to check out our monthlyBlu-ray Bountyfeature, where we meticulously review the picture and sound quality of the newest 4K discs to help you decide which ones deserve a place in your collection.

Quick Picks: The Best 4K Blu-ray Players at a Glance

Looking for a rapid overview of our top 4K Blu-ray player recommendations? The summary list below outlines each entry in this guide. For a more comprehensive evaluation of each player, you can scroll down to their detailed reviews.

Best for most people

The Panasonic DP-UB820

Exceptional picture and audio reproduction, abundant connectivity and features, and proven long-term durability – all at a highly competitive price point.

Read more below

Best budget option

The Sony UBP-X700

If you're seeking superb picture quality, a solid range of features including Wi-Fi support, and want to save money, the Sony UBP-X700 is an excellent choice.

Read more below

Best premium choice

The Panasonic DP-UB9000

While its price tag is premium, so are its performance and design. For the absolute best picture playback currently available, look no further.

Read more below

Best for audiophiles

The Magnetar UDP800

If audio fidelity is as crucial, or even more so, than video in your 4K Blu-ray player, the Magnetar UDP800 offers unparalleled audio playback quality and disc compatibility.

Read more below

Best games console for 4K Blu-ray

The Sony PlayStation 5

If you're deciding which gaming console to get for your 4K Blu-rays, the PS5 is our pick. Our tests revealed its disc picture quality to be sharper than the Xbox Series X.

Read more below

Great for overall home entertainment

The Xbox Series X

Although Blu-rays might appear better on the PS5, the Xbox Series X remains a capable 4K player. It also uniquely offers Dolby Vision support for streaming and video games (though not for Blu-rays), which the PS5 lacks.

Read more below

James is TechRadar's TV Hardware Staff Writer, with extensive experience reviewing everything from affordable 32-inch TVs to the world’s most advanced OLED models. Prior to joining TechRadar, he spent several years at one of the UK's leading AV retailers, handling a vast array of products from Bluetooth speakers to bespoke home theater installations. He recently updated this guide, incorporating his own testing and reviews of the featured products conducted in our labs.

14 November 2025Updated the latest 4K releases section with titles from November and December.

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1. Panasonic DP-UB820: Best 4K Blu-ray player for most people

The Panasonic DMP-UB820 is arguably the best 4K Blu-ray player on the market for the majority of users. It features comprehensive HDR support, an array of connectivity options including up to 7.1 channels of analog audio output, Wi-Fi capabilities for video streaming, and versatile playback functionality. As an added bonus, it comes at a highly competitive price.

Picture quality on the Panasonic DP-UB820 is superb, with 4K HDR images appearing particularly vibrant. Colors are punchy, textures are sharp and meticulously defined, and black tones are remarkably accurate. Our testing revealed consistent excellence across all formats, including 4K Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, and even DVD. In our review, we noted, "Its 4K upscaling is effective, giving regular (non-4K) Blu-ray a whole new level of detail." So, for those looking to extract every ounce of visual detail from their Blu-ray collection, the DP-UB820 is an ideal companion.

Audio performance is another of the UB820's strong suits, with exceptional Dolby Atmos reproduction. During our tests, we found that even through a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar, the desired room-filling effect was clearly present. The UB820 also offers various external audio connections, including a dedicated HDMI audio output and up to 7.1 channels of direct analog audio output, catering to users with advanced home theater setups.

The Panasonic DP-UB820 delivers stunning picture and audio reproduction at an outstanding price, offering phenomenal value thanks to its exceptionally robust design. We've witnessed a unit operate daily in a demanding demo environment for years without issue. Investing in this 4K Blu-ray player will undoubtedly provide you with a long and satisfying entertainment experience.

Read our full Panasonic DP-UB820 review

2. Sony UBP-X700: Best budget 4K Blu-ray player

The Sony UBP-X700 is an outstanding, feature-rich budget 4K Blu-ray player that truly impresses for its affordable price point. It boasts Dolby Vision HDR support, Wi-Fi for streaming, and compatibility with hi-res music files like DSD and ALAC.

During our testing of the Sony UBP-X700, we found its picture reproduction to be superb, delivering rich contrast and vibrant colors. This excellence wasn't confined to 4K discs; even lower-resolution formats such as DVD looked fantastic thanks to the UBP-X700's brilliant upscaling. For a budget player, the UBP-X700 truly excels in picture quality.

The UBP-X700 comes packed with features and offers solid, responsive performance. Its integrated Wi-Fi allows access to streaming applications like Netflix (which comes pre-installed), and it supports a wide array of media, including Super Audio CD (SACD) – a rare inclusion at this price – and 3D Blu-ray. While the player's physical design appears somewhat dated and uninspired, it is responsive and efficient, with disc loading times of approximately 30 seconds from insertion to the appearance of initial logos, which is faster than many other 4K Blu-ray players.

The Sony UBP-X700 is a fantastic player. While it presents some settings frustrations and doesn't quite match the versatile, high-performing Panasonic DP-UB820 (our top pick), it is a top-notch performer for its price. If you're in the market for a budget 4K Blu-ray player, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the UBP-X700.

Read our full Sony UBP-X700 review

3. Panasonic DP-UB9000: Best premium 4K Blu-ray player

The DP-UB9000 is Panasonic’s flagship 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, making it the ideal choice for those with an elite home theater setup who need a player capable of pushing it to its limits. It is exquisitely crafted, impressively specified, and unashamedly premium. Its heavy metal construction and luxurious design also give it a high-end tactile feel.

However, it’s more than just a visually appealing device. The DP-UB9000 was Panasonic's first UHD deck to support all key HDR formats: standard HDR10, its dynamic counterpart HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. (It’s worth noting that the Panasonic DP-UB820, our top recommendation, also supports all these formats.)

When we tested the DP-UB9000, we were equally impressed by its audio capabilities as we were by its image quality. It incorporates high-quality DACs, offers two-channel and 7.1-channel analog outputs, and supports Hi-Res Audio. Adding a host of smart features, the UB9000 checks nearly every box in our assessment.

Naturally, all these flagship features come at a significant cost. Nevertheless, for those seeking the ultimate Blu-ray playback experience and who aren't concerned about a few audio disc compatibility omissions, this player is unrivaled. In our review, we concluded: "Its picture performance and overall build quality actually make that lofty price tag look like a steal, while cinematic imagery, full HDR compatibility, and that powerful HDR optimizer make this player a must-have for videophiles."

Read our full Panasonic DP-UB9000 review

4. Magnetar UDP800: Best 4K Blu-ray player for audiophiles

Magnetar is a relatively new entrant to the 4K Blu-ray market, though it originates from the same company as Reavon, which has a longer history of player manufacturing. Like Reavon's offerings, the Magnetar is an exceptionally premium piece of hardware, boasting a substantial weight of 8kg that ensures absolute disc stability during playback. Regarding disc compatibility, it not only supports all Blu-ray formats but is also remarkably generous with its audio disc support, including DVD-Audio and SACD.

The UDP800 is a powerhouse not only for its picture quality, which our review described as "conveying all the luster and near three-dimensional texture you would hope for," but also for its audio performance. This is largely thanks to its integrated Burr-Brown PCM 1795 stereo DAC (32-bit, 192kHz) and balanced XLR stereo outputs.

When we auditioned a 96kHz, 24-bit 7.1 recording ofThe Earth Overtureby Kosuke Yamashita (listened to in linear PCM), we remarked that it "sounds superb, with crystal clarity and hugely dynamic fanfares. It's like sitting amidst the orchestra."

With SACD and DVD-Audio playback capabilities, this player truly stands out as an excellent choice if you prioritize getting as much from the audio side of your 4K Blu-ray player as you do from your movies.

It's important to note there are no streaming options here, apart from basic file playback over UPnP from a local server – and even for that, a wired connection is required as there is no Wi-Fi. Connectivity includes two HDMI outputs – one standard and one audio-only – plus stereo analog outputs.

If you specifically require 7.1 analog audio outputs, you won't find them here. Your best alternative for SACD playback combined with 7.1 analog outputs would be theReavon UBR-X200; however, be aware that the UBR-X200 does not offer DVD-Audio playback or HDR10+ HDR format compatibility.

Read our full Magnetar UDP800 review

5. Sony PS5 Slim: Best games console for 4K Blu-ray

The Sony PS5 Slim, with its integrated disc drive (in the standard console model), is helping to keep 4K Blu-ray technology relevant. While a slightly more affordable disc-less version is available, our focus here is on the standard edition console. The PS5 Slim's disc drive is fully capable of playing 4K Blu-rays – a fitting continuation, given that Sony played a significant role in popularizing Blu-ray players with the PS3 two console generations ago.

As an all-around media hub, the PS5 isn't quite as advanced as the Xbox Series X, mainly due to its lack of Dolby Vision HDR support for streaming. However, both consoles can pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks to your TV (with some minor adjustments in the Settings), and neither console supports Dolby Vision HDR or HDR10+ from Blu-ray discs. Consequently, the PS5 is not at any disadvantage for disc playback compared to the Xbox.

Where it does hold an advantage, though, is in picture quality. In our tests (conducted on the original PS5 model, which shares identical internal technology with the Slim), we observed that the PS5's image is cleaner and sharper for native 4K content than the Xbox, and it upscales HD Blu-rays with more natural results. Therefore, of the two consoles, we consider the Sony to be the superior Blu-ray player – you can find more details in ourdedicated guide on whether the PS5 is a good Blu-ray player. Just ensure you purchase the version that actually plays discs!

Below is a link to our review of the original PS5 console, which possesses the same capabilities as the PS5 Slim, albeit in a more substantial form factor.

Read our full PS5 review

6. Xbox Series X: Great for home entertainment

If you're considering a gaming console for playing your 4K Blu-rays and DVDs, the Xbox Series X is certainly worth keeping in mind. It supports Dolby Vision HDR, unlike the PS5, but this is limited to streaming services and does not extend to the disc drive, which is why the console ranks lower in this list. (You'll only get standard HDR10 from disc playback.)

The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Atmos audio (including to headphones, for an additional fee), but more practically, it can pass Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks directly to your TV to be handled, provided it's set up correctly. We did, however, observe that it could be particular about passing DTS:X through a TV that doesn't natively support it to a sound system that does.

In our tests, we also determined that both the 4K image quality and HD upscaling from the Xbox Series X were slightly less refined than those from the PS5. Consequently, we would recommend the PS5 if your primary interest is serious UHD disc playback. Nevertheless, you can learn more about the Xbox's disc support in ourdedicated guide on whether the Xbox Series X is a good Blu-ray player.

The Xbox Series X still serves as an excellent choice if you're seeking a comprehensive 'home entertainment' system, offering Dolby Vision streaming and gaming alongside fundamental 4K Blu-ray playback capabilities.

Read our full Xbox Series X review

How to choose the best 4K Blu-ray player

If you’ve decided to embrace the superior quality of watching your movies and TV shows on a 4K Blu-ray player (a commendable choice), what are the key factors you should consider?

Price Considerations

A primary consideration is the price. Generally, you get what you pay for with Blu-ray players – and while we wouldn't classify them as an absolutely essential piece of equipment, there are still relatively affordable options. For instance, the Sony UBP-X700, featured in our list, provides all the essential functionalities for around $259.99/£229, and potentially even less during sales events.

Compatibility and Your Current Setup

You'll also need to factor in compatibility with your existing entertainment system. To fully appreciate a new 4K Blu-ray player, a 4K TV is a prerequisite. While it will still function with an HD display, the picture quality will be capped at 1080p.

Design and Size

It might seem obvious, but considering the design and physical dimensions of the Blu-ray player is crucial. Do you have adequate space on your TV cabinet for a Blu-ray player? Will it fit neatly beneath your soundbar, or does it need to be accommodated on a separate shelf? We’ve included the dimensions for all our top 4K Blu-ray players above, so it’s time to get out your tape measure.

Advanced Specifications

From there, you can delve into more granular specifications. Many Blu-ray players guarantee support for the leading HDR standards, such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+, as well as immersive surround sound audio formats like Dolby Atmos. However, it’s wise to confirm that the models you’re considering offer all the features you require, particularly if you’re looking at older models.

Is it still worth buying movies on 4K Blu-ray?

We’ve dedicated an entire article to answer the question ofwhether it's still worth buying movies on 4K Blu-ray. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual preferences and how important your movie library is to you.

Purchasing physical movies has become less common, but the frequent removal of movies and TV shows from streaming platforms often makes movie enthusiasts reconsider relying solely on streaming. A physical movie, after all, cannot be taken away from you.

Furthermore, consider that 4K is expected to remain the standard for the foreseeable future. The gradual adoption of8K TVssuggests that we don’t anticipate8K Blu-ray playerswill arrive to supersede their 4K counterparts anytime soon.

What's more,some of the best movies ever made are only just receiving 4K Blu-ray releases, and with thebest 4K moviesconsistently leveraging Ultra HD Blu-ray technology, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players and discs remain highly worthwhile investments if you're seeking the absolute best home entertainment experience.

Can you play Blu-rays on a 4K Blu-ray player?

Firstly, let’s clarify some common confusion. There is the standard Blu-ray format, and then there is the newer 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format – these are distinct technologies.

This distinction means that a standard Blu-ray disc can be played on both a regular Blu-ray player and a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. However, a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc canonlybe played on a 4K Blu-ray player.

You might occasionally find that when you buy a Blu-ray disc, it also includes a regular DVD version for use with older players. Similarly, if you purchase a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, it may come bundled with a standard Blu-ray version as well. However, this is not always a standard practice, so always double-check the included formats before buying.

Do 4K Blu-rays make older movies look better?

The short answer is yes, but the slightly more nuanced answer is: it depends on the specific film and the quality of the digital transfer.

If the disc you’re playing isn't native 4K, your Blu-ray player will upscale it. This process uses an algorithm to intelligently fill in the visual gaps between the source material’s quality and what a 4K version would entail, and the best 4K players perform this task superbly. While they can't work miracles, we believe you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much better your older discs can appear once they've been upscaled.

The ultimate goal for aficionados of older movies is the digital restoration. This involves digitizing a classic or cult film with meticulous care and consideration, aiming to present it as the original filmmakers intended. For films shot on 35mm, 65mm, or 70mm film stock – which was common for most large-budget productions – that film stock inherently held a much higher resolution than even 4K Blu-ray. Therefore, scanning each frame with modern technology for a 4K Blu-ray release can yield absolutely spectacular results.

We say "can deliver" rather than "does deliver" because numerous variables are at play here, ranging from how diligently the original film stock was preserved to the expertise of the restorers and the resources allocated to them. This variability was particularly evident with remastered films released during the early days of Blu-ray, not all of which met their full potential. However, more meticulous restorations, such as the 11-month, 2,700-hour restoration ofApocalypse Nowfor its 40th-anniversary edition, or the 4K Blu-ray ofCasino, are truly stunning and can make you feel like you're experiencing the film for the very first time.

Do I need a 4K TV to use a 4K Blu-ray player?

It may seem self-evident, but it’s crucial to clarify that you’ll need to own one of thebest 4K TVsto truly justify purchasing a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. A 4K player will still function if you’re using an HD TV, but the picture quality will be restricted to 1080p.

That being said, HD Blu-ray discs will be upscaled to 3840 × 2160 (4K) resolution by digitally filling in the extra pixels. However, the resulting quality will appear noticeably inferior compared to native Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, which provide a true 4K image.

Is 4K Blu-ray better than streaming?

Yes, significantly better. Depending on the streaming service, 4K video is transmitted at data rates typically between 20Mbps and 40Mbps. In contrast, 4K Blu-ray delivers much more: up to 128Mbps. Crucially, it delivers this data reliably, without network congestion that can slow down your stream or cause buffering precisely when you reach the most critical moments.

This difference is significant because the lower bandwidth of streaming necessitates compromises. For example, Dolby Atmos on streaming video usually comes in the compressed Dolby Digital+ format. On Blu-ray, you get the full-quality Dolby TrueHD. If you desire DTS:X, which offers greater control and detail than Atmos, it’s exclusively available on disc.

Notable exceptions include Sony's BRAVIA Core, a service exclusive to its BRAVIA TVs that offers Blu-ray-equivalent data speeds. There's also the exceptionally expensive Kaleidescape streaming system, which provides incredible quality but is not priced for the mainstream consumer.

The primary selling points of streaming are convenience and low cost (though some services charge more for higher-quality streaming), and it undeniably provides instant gratification. However, when it comes to the ultimate audio-visual experience, Blu-ray remains unparalleled.

Which brand of 4K Blu-ray player is best?

For most consumers, the clear winner is Panasonic, which offers exceptionally well-built units across a range of prices, all delivering superb video quality.

Another popular brand is Sony, whose players, while often not as feature-packed as Panasonic's primary models, provide a high-quality alternative with excellent picture performance and a good selection of features.

We do not recommend purchasing a 4K Blu-ray player that is cheaper than the most affordable options from Sony or Panasonic, such as the Sony UBP-X700 or Panasonic DP-UB150/154.

At the high-end, Magnetar and Reavon are two prominent names – both essentially originating from the same company. Your choice between these brands can largely depend on the specific elite connection options you prioritize.

How we test 4K Blu-ray players

When it comes to evaluating the best 4K Blu-ray players, our rigorous testing aims to cover every supported disc format. We test 4K Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, DVD, and so on for video playback, as well as CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio for audio, to assess how accurately each 4K Blu-ray player reproduces the content.

We meticulously examine not only picture quality – including contrast, textures, and other visual attributes – across all disc types but also the effectiveness of the player's 4K upscaling for lower-resolution discs like standard Blu-ray and DVD. Audio quality is also thoroughly tested through CDs and other formats, alongside how efficiently the player passes Dolby and DTS audio formats to either a TV's integrated speakers or an external soundbar.

Operating system responsiveness and load times are crucial factors we assess. The last thing you want after investing in a 4K Blu-ray player is to find it sluggish and slow to respond. Watching Blu-ray discs should be a seamless and enjoyable experience, not a chore.

It's equally important to scrutinize the overall design. A more solid and stable 4K Blu-ray player is less prone to vibrations, which translates into less operational noise while you're immersed in your movies.

And, of course, the factor of value is paramount. Are you receiving a sufficient array of features, connectivity options, and, most importantly, excellent picture quality for the price you are paying?

Latest 4K Blu-ray releases I recommend

Below are some of the most recent 4K Blu-ray releases that I personally recommend. Some titles are forthcoming, so I've included their respective release dates.

The Mask (1994)

Starring Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz, this is one of the most iconic comedies of the 1990s and marked the beginning of Carrey's ascent to superstardom. I anticipateThe Mask'svibrant yellow suit will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your display's color reproduction.Released November 11 (US).

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Starring Jack Nicholson, this is Miloš Forman's Academy Award-winning masterpiece chronicling a group of patients in a mental hospital. A legendary film well worth revisiting in stunning 4K.Released November 11 (US).

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, this erotic drama is director Stanley Kubrick's final cinematic work. Infamous upon its original release, it's already shaping up to be a highly sought-after 4K restoration from The Criterion Collection.Release date: November 25 (US).

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, this is a fantastic early 2000s thriller based on the true story of a conman who skillfully evades the FBI by impersonating a pilot. The film's sleek 1960s aesthetic should look magnificent on 4K Blu-ray.Release date: December 9 (US).

Minority Report (2002)

Starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell, this is one of the most recognizable early 2000s sci-fi movies, seamlessly blending elements of crime, noir, and thriller genres. This title is sure to be an excellent audio and video showcase for any home theater system.Release date: December 9 (US).

For titles without a specified release date for your region, it’s worth noting that 4K Blu-ray discs are typically region-free, so an imported disc should function correctly with your 4K Blu-ray player.

Other 4K Blu-ray players we've tested

Below is a list of other 4K Blu-ray players we've evaluated that, while good, didn't quite make it into our definitive 'best-of' selection.

Panasonic DP-UB150/DP-UB154

One of Panasonic's entry-level 4K Blu-ray players, the DP-UB150/154 (its name varies by region) is a dependable player that delivers excellent picture reproduction and supports HDR10+ high dynamic range. In ourPanasonic DP-UB150/154 review, we commended it for the quality it offers at its budget price. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and Dolby Vision support, which is why the Sony UBP-X700 earned its spot on our list as the 'Best budget' option instead.

Sony UBP-X800M2

Sony's flagship 4K Blu-ray player boasts brilliant picture reproduction, Dolby Vision HDR, and broad disc support (including SACD). It achieved a high score in ourSony UBP-X800M2 reviewbut doesn't quite deliver the same exceptional value for money as its rival, the Panasonic DP-UB820.

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James is the TV Hardware Staff Writer at TechRadar. Before joining the team, he worked at a major UK-based AV retailer selling TV and audio equipment, where he was either explaining the differences between OLED and QLED to customers or being captivated by a PS5 running on the LG 65G2. When not writing about the latest TV technology, James can be found gaming, reading, watching rugby, or developing another novel idea.