It was during this time that there was a boom in sales of super huge UHD and 4K enabled televisions. Consumers were purchasing 55-inch, 60-inch and even 80-inch monster televisions for their homes. Because of this, they also demanded that the quality of movies they took home to watch, matched the television they had. However, at that time Blu-ray players only delivered visuals up to HD in quality. In that time, Blu-ray discs started including resolutions of 4K into their stable of offerings. But, with these 4K movies, you needed a 4K Blu-ray player to read the disc and convert that additional quality to your 4K television.
What is a 4K Blu-ray Player?
Please bear with me, but this will get a little bit technical. 4K Blu-ray players are essentially Ultra HD Blu-ray players that support 4K UHD videos. This equates to resolutions of up to 3840 × 2160 pixels with a video frame rate of up to 60 frames per second. 4K discs support a high dynamic range by increasing the color depth to 10-bit per color, and a greater color gamut than conventional Blu-ray discs. I know this will not mean much to the casual viewer but the quality of 4K videos is much higher than the traditional Blu-ray. 4K Blu-ray players are able to read these high-quality discs and convert them into images on your television. Basically, you get to watch Avengers: End Game in the highest possible quality from the comfort of your own home!
What to Look Out for When Buying a 4K Blu-ray Player?
Again, I implore you to be patient, this will be a little technical. If you feel you don’t need to know the exact science in looking for a 4K Blu-ray player, skip directly to the 15 Best 4K Blu-ray Players list below. Here is a list of 5 things to consider when choosing a 4k Blu-ray player:
- Analog Audio Out Not everyone has the latest audio/visual receiver (television). Older models might not support HDMI cables, so having the traditional Analog Audio Out is a plus. Check your cable connections before purchasing your 4K Blu-ray player.
- HDMI Audio Out Having an additional HDMI Audio port offers flexibility in connecting to a separate soundbar or home theatre system.
- Support for Image Files Many players can be used to show photos and images. The most common file that is supported is JPEG, but if you use other files like GIF, TIFF, and PNG, it will be helpful to know which files your 4K Blu-ray player can read.
- SD Card Slot/USB Ports If you want to watch a homemade movie that you filmed on your digital camera, having an SD Card slot is useful. Plugging in a USB thumb drive or your computer to your player is also convenient with USB ports.
- Wi-Fi With Wi-Fi, you can connect your player to movie streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disnet+, and HBO Max to watch movies and tv shows. More and more of these streaming sites are now streaming 4K content for your viewing pleasure. These things are not critical to owning a good 4K Blu-ray player, but you can consider them if your budget permits.
Why you should get one?
If nothing else about the technical aspects of the 4K Blu-ray player speaks to you, just understand that the only reason to get one is the superior quality it offers. If you enjoy watching your movies on a large screen, with bright vivid colors and exceptional clarity, then the 4K Blu-ray player is for you.
Have you decided if you should invest in a 4K Blu-ray player?
So, that’s the list of the 15 best 4K Blu-ray players that are available in the market. It is understandable that these players will not be the first thing that comes to people’s minds when contemplating watching tv shows or movies at home. That is because not many people buy movies anymore. Movie streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and others have monopolized the home movie industry. The ability to watch almost any movie is readily available at a click of your mouse or remote control button. Outputs: HDMI x2, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, two-channels 7.1-channel analog outputs and Hi-Res Audio support Dimensions (H/W/D): 8.1 x 43 x 30cm Weight: 7.8kg The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is the flagship premium 4K Blu-ray player from the brand. This is the first player to support HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It is expensive, but you not only get exceptional quality but luxe design with a premium metal build. It offers vivid colors with professional-quality images and surround-sound audio for your viewing pleasure.
Impeccable image quality, with plenty of customizable settings Premium build quality Supports multiple HDR formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma Full-featured backlit remote control
No SACD and DVD-Audio support Some listeners might find audio playback to be overly clinical Expensive
Outputs: HDMI x2, Optical digital, 7.1 multi-channel analogue Dimensions (H/W/D): 6.3 x 43 x 20.4cm Featuring high-quality video features plus excellent audio capabilities, the Panasonic DP-UB820EB is the best all-round player you can purchase. Boasting superior picture color and clarity, this little player is the perfect companion to your 4K television.
Vibrant, immersive HDR picture Punchy, believable colour balance Powerful and weighty sound
Could be dynamically subtler No SACD or DVD-A support
Outputs: HDMI x2, SD Card slot, USB port Dimensions (H/W/D): 6.1 x 43 x 19.9cm Weight: 2.3kg The Panasonic DP-UB700 offers a lot for its very attractive price. Featuring 4K quality video in all its glory, the player can also stream 4K enabled Netflix programs to your television. With the additional SD card and USB port, you can play images, audio and videos from multiple sources. This is one device that is definitely bang-on for affordability and quality.
Excellent picture quality Hi-Res Audio file playback 4K Netflix streaming capabilities
No analogue audio output Not as premium as the DMP-UB900 No Super-Audio CD and DVD-Audio compatibility
Outputs: HDMI x1, USB 3.0 port x1, Ethernet port Dimensions (H/W/D): 4.5 x 32 x 19.3cm Weight: 1.3kg Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Tempore aliquid recusandae, ducimus non nihil doloribus et temporibus ratione asperiores dolore cum unde minima dignissimos magnam aliquam voluptatibus ea libero eum?
Exceptional 4K UHD Blu-ray picture quality 4K Netflix streaming capabilities Multiple display options Hi-Res Audio file playback
No Wi-Fi Single HDMI output Basic build quality
Outputs: HDMI x2, Coaxial & Optical digital outputs, USB, IR remote, Ethernet port Dimensions (H/W/D): 5.4 x 43 x 26.5cm Weight: 3.9kg Sony’s premium offering, the Sony UBP-X1000ES is the latest and greatest 4K Blu-ray player from the Japanese tech giant. This player delivers both excellent 4K picture clarity and outstanding audio quality. The Sony UBP-X1000ES also supports all disc formats and is compatible with 4K streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and others.
Excellent 4K UHD picture performance Accomplished audio player, with universal disc support Premium build quality 4K compatibility with streaming services
No Dolby Vision support No MQA file playback A little on the pricy side
Outputs: HDMI x2, Coaxial digital Dimensions (H/W/D): 5.4 x 43 x 26.5cm Weight: 3.8kg The Sony UBP-X800 is definitely not your budget entry 4K Blu-ray player, but it more than makes it up with its quality. This mid-range model is versatile, offering crisp clear visuals and outstanding audio quality. It even comes with Bluetooth connection to sync your wireless headphone to the player, for a private, personalized experience.
Excellent 4K UHD Blu-ray picture quality 4K Netflix streaming capabilities SACD and DVD-A compatible Hi-Res Audio file playback
No analogue stereo output Not Dolby Vision compatible
Outputs: HDMI x2, Coaxial digital Dimensions (H/W/D): 4.5 x 32 x 21.7cm Weight: 1.4kg Another mid-range 4K Blu-ray player, the Sony UBP-X700 delivers high-quality images that lets you see details and colors clearly. The player is also compatible with multiple audio formats such as WAV, FLAC and DSD. An affordable player that will deliver cinema-quality performance, right in your own home.
Crisp, natural-looking picture quality Excellent detail and colors Dolby Vision support
The sound could be better No HDR10+ support
Outputs: HDMI x1, Optical Audio Output, USB port x1, Ethernet (firmware update only) Dimensions (H/W/D): 4.6 x 43 x 20.5cm Weight: 1.6kg The LG UP870 is a pure 4K Blu-ray player. A no-frills player, it does not offer Wi-Fi or streaming capabilities or even an Internet connection through the Ethernet port. But it lacks in features, it more than makes up in performance. Excellent image and audio quality, the LG UP870 is worth its weight in gold!
Excellent value for money Best disc-loading speeds Excellent image quality
No Dolby Vision No Wi-Fi or streaming apps The remote control isn’t very good
Outputs: HDMI x2, Digital Audio Optical Output, USB, Ethernet Dimensions (H/W/D): 4.6 x 43 x 20.5cm Weight: 2.6kg The LG UBK90 is a sleek 4K Blu-ray player that offers excellent image quality thanks to Dolby Vision support. With integrated Wi-Fi together with Netflix and YouTube apps, stream all the latest movies in its full 4K glory. Although the audio options are limited, the LG UBK90 is still a player you will not be disappointed with.
Excellent performance with quality discs Good value for money Good support for older AV receivers
Limited audio settings available
Outputs: HDMI x2, Digital Audio Optical Output, Coaxial, USB x2, Ethernet Dimensions (H/W/D): 7.9 x 43 x 31cm Weight: 4.3kg If 4K Blu-ray players were superheroes, the Oppo UDP-203 would be Superman. This player can do everything. It supports every possible format and is compatible with all discs presently available. That is not to say that this model is all sizzle and no meat. Built as a premium player, this monster features professional-quality images and excellent audio capabilities. Pictures are stunning and with sounds that will blow your mind. The only downside and this is a small downside, is that it does not come packaged with streaming apps. But if your priority is cinema-grade movie experiences, this is the player for you.
Stunning 4K picture Superb levels of detail and clarity Rich colours Big, dynamic sound Fast and easy to operate
No streaming apps included
Outputs: HDMI x2, Digital Optical Output, Ethernet Dimensions (H/W/D): 4.5 x 40.5 x 23cm Weight: 1.9kg Samsung has been designing and building curved televisions and monitors for a while now. So, why not a curved 4k Blu-ray player to match your curved 60-inch television. Aesthetics aside, the Samsung UBD-K8500 delivers sharp and detailed images every time. With speedy disc loading times, you will get to spend more time watching your favorite movies instead of waiting for it to load. It may be one of the most affordable players on the market but if Samsung could improve on both the audio and visual performance, this player could be a game-changer.
Speedy loading Sharp pictures Most affordable UHD Blu-ray player on the market
Sound and picture need refinement No display Fiddly remote
Outputs: HDMI x2, stereo RCA Dimensions (H/W/D): 11.8 x 43.5 x 33.9cm Weight: 10.3kg The Pioneer UDP-LX500 is the real heavyweight in the 4K Blu-ray player scene. I mean that literally, as the player weighs a whopping 10kg! It is expected though as this is the premium player from Pioneer and they did no cheap out on the materials. Boasting breathtaking images and powerful audio, this flagship model is not for the fainthearted. Be prepared to pay a premium for this behemoth of a player.
Crisp, insightful picture Natural colours Dynamic, expressive sound
Few smart features Still waiting for HDR10+ update
Outputs: HDMI x1, USB x 3, Ethernet port Dimensions (H/W/D): 6 x 30 x 24cm Weight: 3.81kg The Xbox is not your conventional 4K Blu-ray player, but you’ll be surprised at what it can do. This gaming console is primarily used for gaming, obviously, but it also delivers high-quality images and excellent audio when playing movies. If you are looking to combine the world’s most powerful gaming console (at the moment) with a 4K Blu-ray player, the Xbox One X is the preferred choice.
Ultra HD Blu-ray player Dolby Atmos compatible Compact size and slim profile Most powerful gaming console at the moment
Expensive
Outputs: HDMI x1, USB x 3, Optical Audio Output, Ethernet port Dimensions (H/W/D): 6.4 x 29.5 x 23cm Weight: 2.9kg
No 4K gaming Slightly slower in operation than Xbox One X
Streaming sites might offer 4K options but that can slow your streams down and many people will opt-out of it. With 4K Blu-ray players, you can watch all your favorite movies with cinema-quality in your own home. Especially for movie fans and collectors, they can enjoy the best classic movies at home. With so many classic titles like Citizen Kane and Casablanca being digitized into Blu-ray discs, owning a quality 4K Blu-ray player is important to them. If you enjoy great visuals, excellent surround-sound audio, and sitting in comfort at home, in front of your 80-inch UHD television, the time to pair it with a 4K Blu-ray player is now.
