The best DVD players are great for relaxing on the couch and watching your favorite movies. Despite the rise in popularity of streaming services, many titles are still unavailable on any platform, or they may be removed without notice, even if you're halfway through a season. The best DVD players remain a key component of many people's home entertainment systems.
Plus, many DVD players now have built-in app functionality, allowing users to access you may want streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus directly from the device. Some models also offer USB connectivity, allowing users to display their photos and videos on the big screen.
While the best Blu-Ray players offer superior picture and audio quality, you may opt for a cheaper DVD player if you don't have the best TV or speakers to take advantage of these features.
The 10 best DVD players we recommend in 2025
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Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best DVD player overall
Because of its impressive picture quality, HDR support, and high-resolution audio, the Panasonic DP-UB820-K 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player is an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts. Although there are concerns about the build quality and navigation, the player's overall performance and value make up for them. This is your best bet if you want a Blu-ray player with many features.
Along with its exceptional picture quality, the Panasonic DP-UB820-K supports 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision. Upscaling makes old DVDs and Blu-rays look better on modern TVs. The player also supports HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. You can adjust the picture settings if you don't have HDR content.
The DP-UB820-K supports high-resolution formats like FLAC and DSD, making it great for audiophiles. It also has an intuitive user interface and built-in Wi-Fi for streaming, making it easy to set up and navigate.
Despite its easy-to-use interface, some users say they have trouble adjusting some advanced settings in the settings. They say it feels weaker than Oppo's higher-end players, raising questions about its durability. Despite its user-friendly interface, some users have also had trouble adjusting some advanced options.
The best budget DVD player
If you've wanted to rip your favorite CDs but don't have a computer or streaming service, the LGDP132H is worth a look. It replaces the older DP132, a previous feature on this list. The LGDP132H now includes the option to plug a USB device into the front of the player and rip your CDs straight into it. It couldn't be easier.
There are swings and roundabouts with this player. The USB 2.0 is a great bonus feature. However, there's no upscaling or HDMI support here, so it may be a better option for older TVs. The LG DP132 is small and compact, just 9.8 inches long and 1.5 inches in height, making it ideal if you have a small TV cabinet or want to create a minimal setup. Like other designs, the slick black finish looks modern and will match most TVs. It's also easy to move around thanks to a 2 lbs weight.
Touch controls for play, pause, eject, and power on and off make it super intuitive, while the remote control has many options for ultimate lazy usage. If you want to avoid fingerprints on the shiny surface, you'll also want to stick to the remote control.
The best DVD player for 4K upscaling
If you're looking for 4K and HDR Blu-ray playback and efficient streaming, the Sony UBP-X700 is a great choice. This player works seamlessly with streaming apps, making it ideal for Netflix and other platforms. Sony's solid construction means it's built to last and is worth the price.
With its outstanding image reproduction and subtlety, the UBP-X700 delivers a well-balanced visual output. It's sharp, the colors are vibrant, and the skin tones look very natural, making films and shows more immersive. Besides having excellent contrast and definition, this player stands out from others, like the more dramatic X800.
Despite the impressive visuals, the sound quality doesn't quite match them. Clarity is good, especially for voice delivery, making dialogue clear and centered. However, I wish the overall sound experience was more substantial. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and high-resolution audio like WAV, FLAC, and DSD files up to 24 bits/192kHz. If you want more dynamic sound, you'll need a high-end system.
The compact UBP-X700 is finished in sleek black plastic. It supports 4K, HDR Blu-ray, CD, SACD, and 3D Blu-rays and dual-band Wi-Fi for easy app access. The unit also has two HDMI outputs, a coaxial digital output, and a USB port for media playback. The well-organized button layout makes it easy to use in low light. Discs load quietly, and apps launch quickly, making them an excellent home entertainment choice.
The best portable DVD player
The DBPOWER 11.5-inch Portable DVD Player is a lightweight entertainment player that's easy to carry in a backpack while traveling. The 9-inch swivel screen makes it easy to watch from different angles, meaning multiple family members can enjoy on-the-go.
Many reviewers highlight the 5-hour rechargeable battery, saying it's sufficient for long trips without recharging. This is especially helpful for parents who need to keep their kids entertained.
The player supports CDs, DVDs, SD cards, and USB drives, and users say the video and audio quality is solid, especially considering the device's price.
However, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Some have expressed concern about the build quality, saying it feels flimsy. The player occasionally freezes or fails to read certain discs, and there may also be audio distortions at high volumes.
The best smart DVD player
Many users highly rate the Sony BDPBX370 Streaming Blu-ray Disc Player for its picture and sound quality. It plays Blu-ray discs in Full HD and upscales DVDs to near-HD, and while some reviews say the video quality may be "passable but not awesome," the consensus is that it meets casual viewing expectations.
One of the standout features of this player is its easy setup. Users appreciate the quick process of connecting to Wi-Fi, and the intuitive interface makes it accessible even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy. It's also bundled with an HDMI cable, so you can use it immediately.
Many describe it as a reliable option for essential Blu-ray and DVD playback. The remote control is noted as small and handy.
Thanks to the enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity provided by MIMO technology, users generally find the streaming experience smooth. The player supports over 300 entertainment services.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Some people aren't happy with the limited streaming apps compared to dedicated devices. Some have also complained about the build quality, saying it feels lightweight.
The best DVD player for beginners
The Sony DVP-SR210P doesn't have unnecessary features. It prioritizes ease of use and setup. It works reliably for those who just want to play DVDs, even though it lacks some advanced features and connectivity options. Its sleek, all-black design fits seamlessly into your home entertainment setup. The power, play, stop, and disc ejection buttons are clearly labeled on the front panel, so you don't have to worry.
It has a remote control and two AA batteries for connecting to your TV, so you don't need to worry about setting it up. However, unlike premium alternatives like the Panasonic DVD-S700, it doesn't support USB or HDMI outputs, making it incompatible with modern TVs and features like upscaling. Upscaling can make lower-resolution DVDs look almost like full HD.
It's versatile and compatible with MPEG-4, MOV, MKV, and 3GP. This is a solid media player for essential use with a refined finish, easy-to-reach power and eject buttons, a single HDMI port, and Wi-Fi for Netflix and YouTube.
The best DVD player for multi-region playback
The LG BP175 Blu-ray player is a multi-region, budget-friendly device that delivers amazing 1080p video quality from various sources, including discs, USB drives, and streaming apps. It has an attractive design, produces excellent images and sound, and can even upscale older DVDs. This feature is perfect for users who want to watch content from a flash drive on a bigger screen.
Besides offering excellent image quality, the LG BP175 can boost older DVDs to Full HD and play standard Blu-ray discs in full glory. Although upscaling improves dynamic range and definition, it's important to remember that a DVD won't be transformed into Blu-ray quality; the results are great, but the original disc format still limits them.
This Blu-ray player can play many video formats, including MPEG-4, MOV, MKV, 3GP, and more. While it supports DTS 2.0 and DTS-HD for decent audio performance, the sound system isn't meant to create a massive audio experience, which aligns with its intended use.
The player features a visually appealing finish with a cross-hatch pattern, easy access to the power and eject buttons and a handy USB port. However, it has only one HDMI port and no other audio outputs, so its functionality is limited. While it doesn't have dedicated app buttons, the player supports Wi-Fi and popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, all in 1080p.
The best DVD player for home theater systems
The Sony UBP-X800M2 stands out as a premium Blu-ray player, offering high-end features at a mid-range price.
The UBP-X800M2 offers vibrant images, a significant improvement over its predecessor. With Dolby Vision or HDR10, 4K and HDR Blu-rays look lifelike. While Dolby Vision adds extra dynamism, it can sometimes feel overly pronounced, diverging slightly from Sony's usually subtle approach. However, the detailed image boasts no processing noise and a rich color palette.
When paired with a quality audio system, this player excels in sound. It supports high-res sources, DVD-Audio, and SACD. DSEE HX enhances compressed audio files, improving the listening experience. The dialogue stays clear, making the movie fun to watch.
A sturdy, compact chassis made mostly of metal keeps the UBP-X800M2 from warping and vibrations. It has just two buttons on the front and has HDMI, optical, and wired LAN ports at the rear. Colored buttons and a Netflix key make it easy to use.
The best DVD player for durability
If you're looking for a versatile DVD player, the Panasonic DVD0-S700 is a good choice. Its all-black design, reflective front, and matte upper look sleek and right at home on your TV setup. The device is also minimal, weighing 2.4 lbs and measuring 1.5 x 12.2 inches—ideal for smaller cabinet spaces. The play, pause, stop, and eject buttons are all on the slimline device, making the controls easily accessible and intuitive.
The DVD-S700 plays DVDs from all over the world, as it's region-free. It can even upscale those discs to 1080p quality for use via HDMI. It has many great features, including support for Dolby Digital Audio and a USB port for video, music, and image file playback.
When testing this DVD player, it was the fastest we tried, from inserting a disc to having it loaded up and ready to watch. If you turn it off for the night and decide to continue a movie the next day, it will pick back up where you left off, which makes life that little bit easier. It remembers up to 6 discs, too, which is great if you're a household that can't agree on what to watch. It's not the cheapest on the market, but it's worth the extra cost if you're looking for a player with all the needed features.
The best DVD player console
Despite the PlayStation 5 being most commonly used for gaming, this device also doubles up nicely as a great DVD player. It has a sleek design that will upgrade any gaming setup and can be laid vertically or horizontally, depending on which format best works for your space. It's kept pretty minimal with the buttons. However, the handheld console can be remote, so you can easily control the player from your couch.
With Tempest 3D AudioTech, you can enjoy an immersive viewing experience as it will feel like the sound is coming from every angle. It also has up to 120 fps and will support 120Hz output on 4K displays. This device certainly delivers when it comes to viewing quality, but it comes with a higher price, which is something to consider.
If you're looking for a simple DVD player, opting for a simpler and cheaper model like the others above is probably best. However, if you're already in the market for a games console, picking one with DVD compatibility is an excellent idea as it will reduce the need to purchase multiple bits of gear. It's also worth noting that the Digital Edition doesn't come with a disc drive, so if you want to use it as a DVD player, make sure you opt for the Standard Edition.
How to choose the best DVD player for your home
The right DVD player can enhance your home entertainment experience. Various options are available, so you should choose a model that meets your needs. Here are some things to consider.
Playback Needs: Choosing a DVD player starts with assessing your playback needs. Do you mostly watch DVDs, or do you also like Blu-rays and CDs? Many players can handle multiple formats, but ensure they are compatible, especially if your collection is vast. If you're a movie buff, investing in a Blu-ray player with DVD playback capabilities might be a good idea.
Video and Audio Quality: You want a DVD player that delivers high-quality video and audio. If you have a high-definition TV, look for players that upscale DVDs to 1080p or 4K. Also, check if it supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Digital or DTS, which will improve your sound experience.
Connectivity Options: It's also essential to consider connectivity when choosing a DVD player. Most modern players have HDMI outputs, so you get great audio and video quality. Ensure the player has the ports to connect to your TV and other devices, like sound systems or streaming devices. You can also play content from flash drives or external drives if it has USB ports.
Smart Features: DVD players nowadays come with smart features that let you stream videos. Streaming apps and built-in Wi-Fi are great if you like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. You won't have to worry about multiple gadgets cluttering up your house by combining your DVD and streaming needs into one device.
User-Friendly Interface: A DVD player's interface is much more pleasant if it is straightforward. Look for models with intuitive menus and remote controls. Then, you and your family can easily access your favorite movies and settings.
Budget: Finally, pick a budget that works for you. DVD players come in many different price ranges, from budget-friendly to high-end. See what you're willing to spend and find a player with the best value within that range. Sometimes, spending a bit more means better quality and longevity.
DVD player FAQs
How do DVD players compare to Blu-ray players in terms of performance?
We can’t pretend that a Blu-ray player is anything less than a superior device compared to DVD players, with significantly better playback quality and more advanced features. Most Blu-ray players can play older DVDs as well as Blu-rays. So, aside from nostalgia, what do DVD players offer that Blu-ray players don’t?
Well, it’s worth bearing in mind that Blu-ray players aren’t built with DVDs in mind, so they won’t play your copied DVD-R discs, which are writable and therefore may store precious movies, music, and other files you’ve saved over the years. Blu-ray players also offer a host of features that many users might find unnecessary and over-complicated, preferring the relative simplicity of DVD players.
Above all, DVD players' main advantage is cost. Many models are significantly more affordable than the flashier Blu-rays and other media streamers and services. Although the quality won’t be as good, DVD players can still provide an enjoyable viewing experience at a fraction of the price.
Lastly, many people still value having a physical media collection and the ability to play it. The DVD player continues to be a reliable way to watch old movies and home videos and listen to the music you’ve saved over the years.
Are there DVD players that also support streaming services?
Many streaming DVD players come preloaded with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. By eliminating the need for a separate streaming device and simplifying the setup, you can watch movies and TV shows directly on the DVD player. Several manufacturers even regularly update their DVD players to stay compatible with the latest streaming apps and services.
You'll need a Wi-Fi connection that allows you to browse and stream content at your convenience. Of course, if you prefer a wired setup, some DVD players include Ethernet ports, making your connection more stable and reliable.
Many streaming DVD players also come with user-friendly menus that make it easy to switch between DVD playback and online streaming.
What is the difference between standard DVD players and upscaling DVD players?
Standard DVD players play discs at their native resolution of 480p (720x480 pixels). by decoding the disc and sending it to your TV without any further processing. The picture quality is okay, especially on older TVs, but they don't really use high-definition displays. As a result, images look less sharp and can show artifacts, especially on larger screens.
In contrast, upscaling DVD Players use advanced technology to enhance video resolution before outputting it to your TV. Depending on the player and your TV, these players can convert standard DVDs to high-definition resolutions like 720p, 1080p, or even 4K. Using sophisticated algorithms, upscaling players analyze the video signal and add extra details, resulting in better images.
Upscaling players greatly improve picture quality when watching old DVDs on high-definition TVs. They're particularly great for people with high-resolution TVs because they improve the resolution of standard content, reducing blurriness and pixelation that can occur when watching standard DVDs on larger screens.
Also, upscaling DVD players typically have HDMI outputs for optimal digital video transmission, advanced processing chips for efficient upscaling, and user-selectable upscaling settings, so you can pick the resolution that works for you.
Can I play CDs and other formats on a DVD player?
Many DVD players can play CDs and other media in addition to DVDs, but compatibility varies between different models, so make sure to check the specs of the DVD player you're considering. Almost every DVD player supports CD-R and CD-RW formats, which are often used for burning music compilations.
In addition to standard CDs, many DVD players support a variety of other formats. For example, some players can read MP3 CDs, which let you store multiple albums on a single disc. If you're looking for a way to cut down on the amount of physical CDs you need, this is ideal.
Certain DVD players can also display JPEG images, making it easy to make photo slideshows you can watch on your TV. The advanced DVD players also support video formats like DivX and AVI.
How important is HDMI output for a DVD player?
With its ability to support high-definition video formats, HDMI can transmit signals up to 4K resolution, which makes it more powerful than traditional connections like composite or component cables. With this, you'll get a much clearer picture and more immersive sound when playing DVDs on your HD television.
HDMI also offers a single cable solution, so you don't have to manage lots of wires. You can also upscale DVDs to 1080p or 4K with HDMI output, which is something many DVD players can do.
Finally, HDMI is the standard connection for most contemporary audio and video devices, like televisions, soundbars, and receivers. Having HDMI output on your DVD player allows you to easily integrate it into your existing home entertainment system, allowing you to switch between devices effortlessly.
