Posted Tue Nov 20, 2018 at 10:46 PM PST by Steven Cohen
Streaming platforms are increasingly popular, but if you want to watch 4K HDR movies with the absolute best video and audio quality, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback is the way to go. And thankfully, there are plenty of great Ultra HD Blu-ray player options on the market.
From entry-level models with basic HDR10 support to flagship players with full Dolby Vision and HDR10+ capabilities, these are our picks for the year's top 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players at multiple price points. So, without further ado, here are HDD's
Note: All listed prices reflect current Amazon discounts at press time and do not include taxes or shipping.
LG UBK80 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Player ($158) - Another basic yet perfectly serviceable 4K Blu-ray player, the LG UBK80 includes support for Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback and HDR10 (but not Dolby Vision or HDR10+). An HDMI video out, optical audio out, USB connection, and an Ethernet port are integrated as well, but again, unlike some other step-up models on this list, this player does not offer a dedicated HDMI out for audio or Wi-Fi capabilities.
Samsung UBD-M7500 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($160) - Samsung no longer makes new 4K Blu-ray players in the US, but this 2018 model is still a solid buy, especially if you want HDR10+ disc playback (but not Dolby Vision). An HDMI video out, optical audio out, USB connection, and an Ethernet port are integrated as well, but unlike some other step-up models this unit does not offer a dedicated HDMI out for audio or Wi-Fi capabilities.
Sony UBP-X700 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($179) - This Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player offers 4K disc playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10 capabilities for a surprisingly affordable price. With that said, like all Sony players, the device can not automatically detect and activate Dolby Vision playback. Instead, users have to either force Dolby Vision on for all content, or manually turn it on before launching a Dolby Vision disc. In addition, the device includes two HDMI outs (one for dedicated audio), a digital coaxial audio out, USB, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi connectivity with access to a modest app library.
Philips BDP7502 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($248) - This Philips branded 4K Blu-ray player also includes Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback with Dolby Vision support. In addition, the unit supports standard HDR10, and comes equipped with two HDMI outs (one for dedicated audio), an optical audio out, USB, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi connectivity with limited app access to Netflix and YouTube.
LG UBK90 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Player ($283) - LG's step-up 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player offers HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Likewise, the company has apparently corrected some troublesome disc drive noise issues that some users experienced on the previous generation model. In addition, the player offers two HDMI outs (one for dedicated audio), an optical audio out, USB, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi connectivity -- though app support is limited to just Netflix and YouTube.
Sony UBP-X800M2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($298) - Sony's step-up 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player offers 4K disc playback with Dolby Vision and HDR10 capabilities along with some extra bells and whistles like Blueooth support. With that said, like all Sony players, the device can not automatically detect and activate Dolby Vision playback. Instead, users have to either force Dolby Vision on for all content, or manually turn it on before launching a Dolby Vision disc. In addition, the device includes two HDMI outs (one for dedicated audio), a digital coaxial audio out, USB, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Panasonic DP-UB420 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($319) - Though it lacks Dolby Vision playback and some of the other premium perks found on the step-up UB820 model, the UB420 does offer support for HDR10 and HDR10+ formats. Additional features include 4K High-Precision Chroma processing; access to streaming apps like Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube; a 192-kHz/32-bit 4-DAC; two HDMI ports; and Wi-Fi.
Microsoft Xbox One X ($399) - In addition to featuring Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback, the Xbox One X also happens to be one of the most powerful gaming consoles on the market -- offering a killer combo for home theater fans who want a 4K player and a video game system. Though disc playback is currently limited to HDR10, the device does offer Dolby Vision support for Netflix streaming. Likewise, the unit includes full 4K HDR gaming support and a 1TB hard drive.
Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player ($500) - As the most affordable Ultra HD Blu-ray player currently on the market with support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, the DP-UB820 offers industry-leading format capabilities. Likewise, the unit offers premium image processing, HDR optimization features, and advanced audio capabilities with a 192-kHz/32-bit 4-DAC. Two HDMI outs (one for dedicated audio), an optical audio out, 7.1 Channel Analog audio out, USB, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi connectivity are integrated as well.
So, there you have it. Those are current top choices for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players in every budget category. What do you think about our selection? Do you have any other sound bar suggestions for each price tier? Let us know in the forums!
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