Greatest 4K Blu-ray gamers 2024: prime picks for Extremely HD discs
The most effective 4K Blu-ray gamers ship the final word image high quality for watching films and TV collection at house. Though streaming companies are in style, Blu-rays ship video at the next bitrate, bringing you extra element and realism. There are different advantages to Blu-rays, like the actual fact you really personal your film assortment, and get beautiful field artwork and behind-the-scenes extras that come on the disc.
It’s no shock house theater lovers say the most effective 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray gamers is important – nonetheless, with the rise of streaming companies, devoted disc gamers are much less widespread. It is a disgrace, contemplating that these are the final word solution to exhibit the most effective TVs, and their uncompressed sound helps take advantage of the very best soundbars or greatest house theater methods.
It will not be a really vibrant market now – you will discover all our prime picks are from Panasonic and Sony, aside from the extra area of interest choices – however there are fashions throughout totally different finances ranges. We have examined these fashions, utilizing them with elite TVs to point out off their potential. We have additionally included the most recent Xbox and PlayStation consoles on this round-up, as a result of they help 4K Blu-Ray discs too, however we tackle them individually after the devoted gamers.
We have additionally received a piece the place we have a look at among the greatest 4K Blu-ray discs which might be just lately launched, and the way they’ll present what the under gamers are able to, particularly when paired with an incredible TV and soundbar. You’ll be able to learn our newest listing of December 2024 Blu-rays so as to add to your assortment now.
23 December 2024
Up to date the most recent 4K releases for December/ January part.
James Davidson
James is TechRadar’s TV {Hardware} Employees Author, and has reviewed every thing from finances 32-inch TVs as much as the world’s most elite OLED TVs. Earlier than becoming a member of TechRadar, he labored for a number of years at one of many UK’s main AV retailers, coping with every thing from Bluetooth audio system to customized house theater installations. He just lately refreshed this information primarily based on his personal testing and evaluations of the merchandise inside our labs.
The fast listing
In search of a fast run-down of the very best 4K Blu-ray gamers? Take a look at the listing under which summarizes every entry on this listing. If you happen to’re searching for a extra detailed have a look at every entry, you’ll be able to soar right down to a extra detailed overview of every participant.
The most effective 4K Blu-ray participant for most individuals
Wonderful image and audio copy, loads of connectivity and options, and construct high quality that we all know lasts for years – for a severely good value.
Learn extra under
The most effective finances 4K Blu-ray participant
If you would like very good image high quality, an incredible vary of options together with Wi-Fi help and wish to get monetary savings when you’re at it, the Sony UBP-X700 is for you.
Learn extra under
The most effective premium 4K Blu-ray participant
It might be premium in value, but it surely’s additionally premium in efficiency and design. If you happen to’re searching for the very best image playback you will get, look no additional.
Learn extra under
The most effective 4K Blu-ray participant for audiophiles
If audio is simply as, if no more, essential in your 4K Blu-ray participant than video, the Magnetar UDP800 affords distinctive audio playback high quality and compatibility.
Learn extra under
The most effective video games console for 4K Blu-ray
If you happen to’re questioning which video games console to get on your 4K Blu-rays, it is the PS5. We discovered that its image high quality for discs was sharper than the Xbox Collection X.
Learn extra under
Nice for house leisure
Blu-rays might look higher on the PS5, however the Xbox Collection X continues to be an incredible 4K participant. It additionally has Dolby Imaginative and prescient help for streaming and video video games (not Blu-rays), which the PS5 does not.
Learn extra under
The most effective Blu-ray gamers 2024: the listing
Why you’ll be able to belief TechRadar We spend hours testing each services or products we overview, so that you could be certain you’re shopping for the very best. Discover out extra about how we take a look at.
The most effective 4K Blu-ray for most individuals
The Panasonic DMP-UB820 is definitely the very best 4K Blu-ray participant in the marketplace for most individuals. It affords full HDR help, loads of connectivity choices with as much as 7.1 channels of analogue audio output, Wi-Fi capabilities together with video streaming, and diverse playback performance. And as an added bonus, it comes at a really aggressive value.
Image high quality on the Panasonic DP-UB820 is improbable, with 4K HDR photographs wanting significantly good. Colours are punchy, textures are sharp and outlined, and black tones are correct. We discovered throughout our testing that this was the case throughout the board, whether or not it was 4K Blu-ray, commonplace Blu-ray and even DVD. In our overview, we stated “Its 4K upscaling is efficient, giving common (non-4K) Blu-ray a complete new stage of element”. So for these seeking to get that little bit additional out of their Blu-ray image, the DP-UB820 is right here to assist.
Audio is one other of the UB820’s strengths, with glorious Dolby Atmos copy specifically. Throughout testing, we discovered that even by a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar, the room-filling impact we have been searching for was nonetheless current. The UB820 additionally boasts totally different exterior audio connections together with a devoted HDMI audio output and as much as 7.1 channels of direct analogue audio output for these with a house theater setup.
The Panasonic DP-UB820 affords beautiful image and audio copy at an excellent value – and on prime of this, it gives phenomenal worth due to its rock-solid design. We have seen one run every day in a demo atmosphere for years with out breaking. If you happen to purchase this 4K Blu-ray participant, it should most positively offer you a protracted lifetime of leisure.
Learn our full Panasonic DP-UB820 overview
Greatest finances 4K Blu-ray participant
The Sony UBP-X700 is a improbable, feature-packed finances 4K Blu-ray participant that basically delivers for such an inexpensive participant, with Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR help, Wi-Fi for streaming and help for hi-res music recordsdata corresponding to DSD and ALAC.
When testing the Sony UBP-X700, we discovered that its image copy was very good, producing wealthy distinction and daring colours. And this wasn’t simply on 4K discs – even lower-resolution disc codecs corresponding to DVD seemed nice due to the UBP-X700’s good upscaling. For a finances participant, the UBP-X700 actually delivers on the image high quality entrance.
The UBP-X700 comes full of options and delivers stable, responsive efficiency as nicely. Its built-in Wi-Fi enables you to entry streaming apps corresponding to Netflix (which comes pre-installed) and there’s help for a variety of media, together with Tremendous Audio CD (SACD) – a rarity at this value – and 3D Blu-ray. The participant itself does look just a little dated and bland, but it surely’s responsive and environment friendly – loading time is 30 seconds from inserting a disc to first seeing logos on display, which is quicker than numerous different 4K Blu-ray gamers.
The Sony UBP-X700 is a improbable participant and whereas it has some settings frustrations and does not fairly match as much as the jack-of-all-trades and super-performing Panasonic DP-UB820 (which sits on the prime of this listing), it’s a top-notch performer for the value. If you happen to’re searching for a finances 4K Blu-ray participant, you’ll be able to’t do a lot better than the UBP-X700.
Learn our full Sony UBP-X700 overview
Greatest premium 4K Blu-ray participant
The DP-UB9000 is Panasonic’s flagship 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray participant, and it is the mannequin to purchase in case you have an elite house theater setup and wish one thing that may actually push it to the max. It is fantastically made, enviably specified and unashamedly premium. The heavy steel construct and luxe design imply it feels high-end too.
It is not only a fairly face. The DP-UB9000 was the primary UHD deck from Panasonic to help all the important thing HDR codecs: vanilla HDR10, its dynamic sibling HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. (The Panasonic DP-UB820 on the prime of our listing helps all these codecs too, although.)
After we examined the DP-UB9000 we have been as impressed by its audio as by its picture high quality. It boasts high-quality DACs, two-channel and seven.1-channel analogue outputs, and Hello-Res Audio help. Toss in a bunch of sensible options, and the UB9000 ticks practically each field in our e book.
Naturally all of those flagship options don’t come low cost. Nevertheless, for these in search of the very best Blu-ray playback round and do not thoughts about it missing some audio disc help, look no additional. In our overview we wrote: “Its image efficiency and general construct high quality truly make that lofty price ticket seem like a steal whereas cinematic imagery, full HDR compatibility and that highly effective HDR optimizer, make this participant a must have for videophiles.”
Learn our full Panasonic DP-UB9000 overview
Greatest 4K Blu-ray participant for audiophiles
Magnetar is a relative newcomer to the 4K Blu-ray world, although it is from the identical firm as Reavon, which has made gamers for some time – and like Reavon gamers, the Magnetar is a severely premium piece of {hardware}, weighing in at hefty 8kg, holding these discs completely steady. Talking of discs, it not solely helps all Blu-ray codecs, however can be beneficiant with its audio disc help, together with DVD-Audio and SACD.
The UDP800 is a not only a powerhouse in terms of image, which we stated in our overview “conveys all of the luster and close to three-dimensional texture you’d hope for”, but in addition in terms of audio, due to the built-in Burr-Brown PCM 1795 stereo DAC (32-bit, 192kHz) and balanced XLR stereo outputs.
After we listened to a recording of The Earth Overture by Kosuke Yamashita, which was in 96kHz, 24-bit 7.1 (we listened to in linear PCM) we stated it “sounds very good, with crystal readability and massively dynamic fanfares. It is like sitting amidst the orchestra.”
With SACD and DVD-Audio playback as nicely, this actually is a wonderful possibility in the event you’re seeking to get simply as a lot from the audio aspect of issues as your films out of your 4K Blu-ray participant.
There aren’t any streaming choices right here, outdoors of primary file playback over UPnP from a neighborhood server – and even for that, you want a wired connection, as a result of there is not any Wi-Fi. There two two HDMI outputs – one commonplace, and one audio solely – plus stereo analog outputs.
If you’re searching for 7.1 analog audio outputs, sadly you will not discover them right here. Your greatest wager in order for you this whereas holding the SACD playback is the Reavon UBR-X200, nonetheless do observe that UBR-X200 does not have DVD-Audio playback or HDR10+ HDR format compatibility.
Learn our full Magnetar UDP800 overview
Greatest video games console for 4K Blu-ray
The Sony PS5 Slim helps to maintain 4K Blu-ray expertise alive with its devoted disc drive – within the mainline console, at the least. Whereas you should purchase a barely cheaper discless model, it is the standard-edition console we’re excited by right here. The PS5 Slim’s disc drive can play 4K Blu-rays – which is becoming, since Sony helped to popularize Blu-ray gamers with the PS3 two complete console generations in the past.
As an all-round media middle, the PS5 is not fairly as superior because the Xbox Collection X, largely as a result of it does not help Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR over streaming. Nevertheless, each consoles can go Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks by to your TV (with some minor tinkering within the Settings), and neither console helps Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR or HDR10+ from Blu-rays, so truly the PS5 is not at any drawback for discs in comparison with the Xbox.
The place it does have a bonus, although, is image high quality. In our assessments (finished on the unique PS5 mannequin fairly than the slim, however each have the identical tech inside) we discovered that the PS5’s picture is cleaner and shaper for native 4K than the Xbox, and it upscales HD Blu-rays with extra pure outcomes. So we consider the 2 consoles the Sony is the higher Blu-Ray participant – we clarify extra in our devoted information as to whether the PS5 is an efficient Blu-ray participant. Simply ensure you purchase the model that truly performs discs!
Under is a hyperlink to our overview of the unique PS5 console, which carries the identical capabilities because the PS5 Slim, simply in a bulkier physique.
Learn our full PS5 overview
A video games console that is nice for house leisure
If you happen to’re sussing out a gaming console to play your 4K Blu-rays and DVDs, it is value holding in thoughts the Xbox Collection X. It helps Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR, not like the PS5, however solely from streaming companies – this does not lengthen to the disc drive, therefore why the console is so low on this listing. (You may solely get common HDR10 over disc.)
It helps Dolby Atmos audio (together with out to headphones, for a payment), however most likely extra usefully it passes Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks by to your TV to deal with, when arrange correctly. We did discover that it may very well be choosy about passing DTS:X by a TV that does not help it to a sound system that does, although.
In our assessments we additionally discovered that the 4K picture high quality and HD upscaling have been each just a little weaker from the Xbox Collection X than the PS5. So we would decide the PS5 in the event you’re critical about enjoying UHD discs, however you’ll be able to learn extra concerning the Xbox’s disc help in our devoted information as to whether the Xbox Collection X is an efficient Blu-ray participant.
The Xbox Collection X does nonetheless function an incredible selection in the event you’re after a ‘house leisure’ system, because it provides you Dolby Imaginative and prescient streaming and gaming together with primary 4K Blu-ray playback.
Learn our full Xbox Collection X overview
How to decide on the very best 4K Blu-ray participant for you
If you happen to’ve determined that you just wish to watch your films and TV reveals on a 4K Blu-ray participant (good selection), what are among the key issues it’s essential to look out for?
A prime consideration is value. You do are inclined to get what you pay for in terms of Blu-ray gamers—and we would not contemplate them an important piece of equipment—however there are low cost(ish) choices. For instance, the Sony UBP-X700 in our listing above brings you all the fundamentals for under $259.99/£229—and even much less through the gross sales.
You additionally want to contemplate compatibility and your present set-up. To take advantage of a brand new 4K Blu-ray participant you will want a 4K TV, though it should nonetheless work on an HD show the image high quality will likely be restricted to solely 1080p.
It might appear apparent, however you will additionally wish to take into consideration the design and dimension of the Blu-ray participant. Do you could have sufficient room in your TV cupboard to suit a Blu-ray participant? Will it sit beneath your soundbar or be tucked away on a separate shelf? We have included the scale of all the greatest 4K Blu-ray gamers above, so it is time to get out your tape measure.
From there, you will get extra granular with the specs you are searching for. Many Blu-ray gamers assure the very best HDR requirements, like Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+, and encompass sound audio codecs, like Dolby Atmos, however you will wish to make sure that the choices you are contemplating have every thing you want—particularly in the event you’re contemplating an older mannequin.
Are Blu-rays nonetheless value shopping for?
We’ve a complete article simply to reply the query of whether or not it is nonetheless value shopping for films on 4K Blu-ray. But it surely is dependent upon you, your preferences and the way essential your film library is to you.
Shopping for bodily films is much less in style than it was once, however films and TV reveals are sometimes faraway from streaming platforms, which can make film lovers assume twice about counting on streaming-only, since nobody can take a bodily film away from you.
Additionally contemplate that 4K appears set to be the usual for the foreseeable future. The pedestrian arrival (and adoption) of 8K TVs means we don’t anticipate 8K Blu-ray gamers will trip in to switch their 4K equivalents any time quickly.
What’s extra, among the greatest films ever made are solely simply getting 4K Blu-rays, and with the greatest 4K films persevering with to make the most of Extremely HD Blu-ray expertise, 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray gamers and discs are nonetheless value contemplating in the event you’re after the easiest house leisure expertise.
Do you want a particular Blu-ray participant for 4K?
Firstly, let’s minimize by some confusion. There may be the Blu-ray format after which there’s the newer 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray format – these are two various things.
What this implies is that in case you have a Blu-ray disc you’ll be able to play that on each a Blu-ray participant and an 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray participant. When you have an 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray disc, you’ll be able to solely play that on a 4K Blu-ray participant.
You would possibly discover that if you purchase a Blu-ray disc it additionally comes with an everyday DVD model to make use of with older gamers. Equally, in the event you purchase a 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray disc it might additionally include a Blu-ray model too. Nevertheless, this is not at all times commonplace so ensure you test you could have the suitable one before you purchase.
Do older films look good in 4K?
The brief reply is sure, however the barely longer reply is: it is dependent upon the movie, and on the standard of the digital copy.
If the disc you are enjoying is not 4K, your blu-ray participant will upscale it. That makes use of an algorithm to fill within the gaps between the standard of the supply materials and what a 4K model can be, and the very best 4K gamers do an excellent job of this. They cannot work miracles however we predict you will be pleasantly stunned by how a lot better your older discs can look after they’ve been upscaled.
The holy grail for followers of older films is the digital restoration. That is when a traditional or cult film is digitised with loads of care and consideration, with the aim of delivering it because the filmmakers supposed. With movies shot on 35, 65 or 70mm movie inventory, which most big-budget productions have been, that movie inventory was equal to a a lot increased decision than Blu-Ray (even 4K) – so scanning every body with fashionable tech for a 4K Blu-Ray launch can ship completely spectacular outcomes.
We are saying “can ship” fairly than “does ship” as a result of there are many variables in play right here, starting from how fastidiously the unique movie inventory has been saved to the abilities of the restorers and the assets they have been given. That is significantly obvious with remastered movies launched within the early days of Blu-Ray, not all of which have been nearly as good as they might have been. Nevertheless, extra cautious restorations, such because the 11-month, 2,700-hour restoration of Apocalypse Now for its fortieth anniversary version, or the 4K Blu-ray of On line casino, are completely beautiful and make you’re feeling such as you’re watching the movie for the very first time.
What TV do I want to make use of a 4K UHD Blu-ray participant?
It might appear apparent, but it surely’s value clarifying that you just’ll have to personal the most effective 4K TVs to warrant shopping for a 4K Extremely HD Blu-ray participant. A 4K participant will nonetheless work in the event you’re utilizing a HD TV, thoughts, however image high quality will likely be restricted to 1080p.
That stated, HD Blu-ray discs will likely be upscaled to 3840 × 2160 (4K) decision by the use of filling within the additional pixels, however the high quality will seem noticeably lower-grade than Extremely HD Blu-ray discs (which gives a local 4K picture).
How do 4K Blu-Rays examine to streaming high quality?
They are much higher. Relying on the streaming service, 4K video is transmitted at information charges between 20Mbps and 40Mbps. 4K Blu-Ray delivers rather more: as much as 128Mbps. And it delivers that information reliably: there is not any community congestion to decelerate your stream or make it buffer simply as you get to the very best bits.
That is vital, as a result of the decrease bandwidth of streaming means compromises must be made. For instance, Dolby Atmos on streaming video often comes within the compressed Dolby Digital+ format. On Blu-Ray its full high quality Dolby TrueHD. If you would like DTS:X, which has extra management and element than Atmos, that must be on a disc.
The massive exception right here is Sony’s BRAVIA core, which is unique to its BRAVIA TVs and affords Blu-Ray equal information speeds. There’s additionally the extremely costly Kaleidescape streaming system, which affords unimaginable high quality, however will not be priced for the mainstream.
The promoting level of streaming is comfort and low value (though some companies cost extra for increased high quality streaming), and it positively delivers on the spot gratification. However in terms of the final word AV expertise, Blu-Ray cannot be crushed.
What is an efficient model of Blu-ray participant?
For most individuals, the slam dunk model is Panasonic, who supply extraordinarily well-made models throughout a variety of costs, all of which ship nice video high quality.
One other in style model is Sony, which can usually not as function packed as Panasonic’s principal gamers do supply a top quality various with nice image and a very good variety of options.
We would not counsel shopping for a 4K Blu-ray participant any cheaper than the lowest-priced choices from Sony or Panasonic, such because the Sony UBP-X700 or Panasonic DP-UB150/154.
On the high-end, Magnetar and Reavon are two massive names – and each are basically from the identical firm, so you’ll be able to select choices from both model primarily based totally on no matter elite connection choices you need.
How we take a look at the very best 4K Blu-ray gamers
With regards to testing the very best 4K Blu-ray gamers, we attempt to check each supported disc format, corresponding to 4K Blu-ray, commonplace Blu-ray, DVD and so forth for video playback in addition to CD, SACD and DVD-Audio for audio to see how the 4K Blu-ray participant reproduces the discs.
We’ll not solely have a look at image high quality, corresponding to distinction, textures and so forth on each disc, but in addition how successfully the participant’s 4K upscaling of lower-res discs, corresponding to commonplace Blu-ray and DVD, is as nicely. We’ll additionally take a look at audio high quality by CD and so forth in addition to the way it passes by Dolby and DTS audio codecs by to both a TV’s audio system or soundbar.
Working system and cargo instances are an essential issue to check as nicely. The very last thing you need when you could have forked out your cash for a 4K Blu-ray participant is to search out it is sluggish and sluggish to reply. Watching Blu-ray discs shouldn’t be a chore.
It is also essential to take a look at general design because the extra stable and steady your 4K Blu-ray participant is, the much less doubtless you might be to get vibrations which ends up in much less noise when you’re watching your films.
And naturally, there’s the issue of worth. Are you getting sufficient options, connections and, in fact, a very good high quality image for the value you are paying?
New 4K Blu-ray releases to look at
Under are the most recent 4K Blu-ray releases I like to recommend. Some titles have not been launched but however are coming quickly, so I’ve added a launch date for every entry.
Godzilla (1954) is the primary launch within the Godzilla franchise which now spans 70 years. We reviewed this film for our Blu-ray Bounty in December 2024 and have been significantly impressed with simply how good its 4K restoration, from Criterion Assortment, seemed, with improbable distinction and distinctive element. Whereas it might look dated in locations, the 4K disc provides the film a complete now look. Obtainable now.
The Substance (2024) starring Demi Moore and Margaret Quallye, is one in every of 2024’s shock hits. Whereas it is seen its justifiable share of controversy, The Substance is likely one of the most mentioned movies of the 12 months and this body-horror film about absurd magnificence requirements is certain to be much more impactful in 4K. Obtainable January 21, 2025.
Inglorious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz, is one in every of Quentin Tarantino’s most talked about, and most quoted, films and delivered a star making flip for Waltz as a terrifying Nazi officer. The film is equal components humor and excessive violence, and is delivered to 4K due to Arrow Video and may look spectacular, showcasing the very best components of Tarantino’s filmmaking prowess. Obtainable January 14, 2025.
Se7en (1995) starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt is likely one of the ’90s most iconic crime-thrillers, with one in every of cinema’s greatest twist endings. Directed By David Fincher, Se7en is a gritty, dirty and darkish film that options some distinctive cinematography that’s certain to look astounding on 4K. Obtainable January 7, 2025.
For titles with no specified launch date on your area, it is value noting that 4K Blu-ray is region-free, so an imported disc ought to work along with your 4K Blu-ray participant.
Newest updates to this information
23 December 2024
Up to date the most recent 4K releases for December/ January part.
26 November 2024
Added a Black Friday part to the information, and up to date our listing of the brand new releases for November.
28 October 2024
Changed the Panasonic DP-UB154 with the Sony UBP-X700 for ‘greatest finances 4K Blu-ray participant’.
27 September 2024
Up to date ‘New 4K releases’ listing with new 4K Blu-ray releases due in October.
30 August 2024
Up to date ‘New 4K releases’ part with new 4K Blu-ray releases from September.
31 July 2024
Up to date ‘New 4K releases’ part with new 4K Blu-ray releases from August & September.
2 July 2024
Up to date ‘New 4K releases’ part with new 4K Blu-ray releases from July.
6 June 2024
Up to date ‘New 4K releases’ part with new 4K Blu-ray releases from June.
7 Could 2024
Up to date the ‘New 4K releases’ part with upcoming 4K Blu-ray releases to be releases in Could.
2 April 2024
Up to date the ‘New 4K releases’ part with among the 4K present and upcoming 4K releases from march and April.
1 March 2024
Added a ‘New 4K releases’ part, the place we spotlight among the most enjoyable latest and upcoming 4K Blu-ray releases that may pair properly with the 4K Blu-ray gamers on this listing.
25 January 2024
Added a ‘Fast listing’ grid, summarizing every entry within the information. Eliminated Reavon UBR-X200 resulting from inventory points. Eliminated LG UBK90 and changed with Panasonic UB-154 as ‘greatest finances’. Magnetar UDP800 turned ‘greatest for audiophiles’.
2 January 2024
Changed Panasonic DP-UB9000 as ‘greatest 4K Blu-ray participant for most individuals’ with Panasonic DP-UB820. Panasonic DP-UB9000 turned ;greatest premium 4K Blu-ray participant’.
