The 10 Best 4K Blu Ray Player Reviews In The UK (2021)
Last Updated on May 9, 2021
For all the cinephiles out there who can’t get used to streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, a Blu-ray player is merely essential. Nothing beats the wonderful feeling of watching old classics in the way we intended them to – crystal clear and close to heart. If you already own a 4K TV, it would be a shame not to match it with a compatible 4K DVD player that will undoubtedly turn your entertainment corner into a full-on home cinema.
With that in mind, please read below and find our top picks for the best 4K Blu-ray players on the market, and get yours right away!
Editors Choice
UBK90 Multi-region 4K Player By LG
Compatible Discs: 4K Ultra Blu-ray, Blu-ray, 3D, DVDs & CDs.
Multi-region: Yes.
Special Feature: Separate channels for dual HDMI ports.
UBK80 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player By LG
Compatible Discs: 4K Blu-ray discs, Blu-rays, 3Ds, DVDs and CDs.
Multi-region: No.
Special Feature: USB playback.
BDP-S6700 Region Free Blu-ray Player By Sony
Compatible Discs: SD & HD, 4K Blu-ray discs, Blu-rays, 3Ds, DVDs and CDs.
Multi-region: Yes.
Special Feature: Miracast and DLNA sharing.
Compatible Discs: SD & HD, 4K Blu-ray discs, Blu-rays, 3Ds, DVDs and CDs.
Multi-region: Yes.
Special Feature: Versatile connectivity.
DP-UB150EB-K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Compatible Discs: 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVDs & CDs.
Multi-region: No.
Special Feature: 4K Networking.
The Best 4K Blu-ray Players Reviewed In 2021
1. UBK90 Multi-region 4K Player By LG
The best 4K Blu-ray player is the smart UBK90 model by LG. The excellent 4K Blu-ray player increases the quality of the discs and colour-boosting HDR10, with help from various HDR formats and Dolby Vision. Besides being suitable with Ultra HD discs, the unit also plays regular Blu-rays, 3Ds, DVDs and CDs. And thanks to its 4K upscaling feature, your DVDs will always get the 4K treatment for enhanced quality and increased clarity.
The best 4k Blu-ray player also hosts an integrated Wi-Fi adapter that supports 4K video-playing from streaming services like Netflix or YouTube. This range of 4K Blu-ray players also offers dual HDMI ports that send audio and visual signals via separate channels so you can enjoy the striking 4K picture with your existing audio set-up.
Pros
- It supplies an ethernet port and an integrated Wi-Fi adapter.
- It comes with a two-year warranty by LG.
- It’s preloaded with Netflix and YouTube.
- It includes a 2.0 high-quality HDMI cable.
Cons
- Its multi-region interface is for standard DVDs only, not Blu-ray or 4K discs.
2. UBK80 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player By LG
Among the best 4k Blu-ray players is also LG’s UBK80, which is an older model of the previous series – but fantastic nevertheless. The advanced HDR10 technology within this player produces a scene by scene image upscaling that assists to deliver a precisely precise picture reproduction. And helping your media library live on, the Blu-ray player can play all Blu-ray standards (HD, 4K, 3D), DVDs and music CDs.
The Blu-ray UHD player uses an upscaling feature too, efficiently working on lifting the standard definition of regular DVDs to a near 4K quality. And by wiring into the mainframe, you can also use the device’s ethernet port to connect to the internet and enjoy those cute animal videos as if they were right there with you.
Pros
- It’s supplied with a two-year warranty by LG.
- It has a USB port and an ethernet port.
- It’s shipped with a 2.0 HDMI cable and AAA batteries.
- It’s Amazon’s choice for 4K Blu-ray players.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a Wi-Fi adapter.
- It doesn’t work with longer HDMI cables (+10 metres).
3. BDP-S6700 Region Free Blu-ray Player By Sony
Besides being on the top three for 4K Blu-ray players, this model by Sony is also the best budget choice on the market. Thanks to Dolby ATMOS, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, this range of Blu-ray players allows you to finally enjoy all the detail of the original recording in the best surround-sound system. And because of its DLNA sharing feature, you can also share the media content to all compatible devices in your home.
As with the best Blu-ray players, the BDP-S6700 model supports an upscaling chip that improves heavily compressed content from streaming services to potentially perfect quality. Besides giving greater realism to 3D media, the multi-region 4K Blu-player also changes 2D videos to an almost 3D upscaling for an added authenticity.
Pros
- It comes with a three-year warranty by Sony.
- It supports the renowned palette of vivid colours by TRILUMINOS.
- It uses a dual-band Wi-Fi & ethernet port.
Cons
- Some customers reported that its on-screen menu is rather bland.
- It emits a loud whirring noise when playing Blu-ray discs.
4. UBP-X800M2 Multi-region 4K Player By Sony
Another Sony product that’s more than a worthy mention is the UBP-X800M2 model that supplies one of the best real-time 4K upscaling features. Besides the video, this 4K Blu-ray player also supports high-resolution audio and DSEE HX enhancing that helps to maintain a pure sound with all media. We can also conclude that the UBP-X800M2 is the best Blu-ray player for versatile connectivity because you can connect it with dual HDMI, USB, digital coaxial out, Wi-Fi and LAN.
For video enhancing components, the 4K Blu-ray player supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision that work together on achieving an engaging experience in your home. Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X further enrich the sound quality, so you can fully immerse your soul into the cinematic wonders of the 21st century.
Pros
- It upscales music CDs with the DSEE HX feature.
- It applies a unique frame-and-beam chassis that prevents noise and whirring.
- Its heat sink and disc drive are coated with resistant materials that prevent overheating.
Cons
- It has a limited amount of apps.
- It can’t detect and switch between HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
5. DP-UB150EB-K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player By Panasonic
Endorsed by Amazon and loved by consumers worldwide, this 4K Blu-ray player should be seriously considered if you want to find a cheaper option packed with all the excellent features that a pricey one entails. The DP-UB150ED player fully supports HDR10 for standard Blu-ray discs and HDR10+. The unit supports Hybrid Log-Gamma too, so all your drives will be upscaled to absolute perfection.
The 4K Blu-ray player has a USB slot for you to play all your family media, in which you can quickly reproduce 4K videos in MP4 while being able to output JPEG data in an ultra-high 4K resolution. To offer more variability, Panasonic has showcased its product on three models, in which you can choose between a regular 4K Blu-ray player, one containing Dolby Vision and the other supplied with both Dolby Vision and HCX.
Pros
- Its 4K networking feature reproduces 4K videos and photos to MP4 and JPEG formats.
- It produces a high-resolution audio playback.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- It suffers quite some noise on disc loading.
- Its interface is outdated and not very user-friendly.
6. UBP-X500 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player By Sony
We can’t get enough of Sony, and that’s because it provides with some of the best Blu-ray players that are reliable as much as they’re relying on the long term. The UBP-X500 4K Blu-ray player is just as well because it offers an advanced surround sound system, 4K detail with every frame, and a vibrant HDR10 upscaling that will give you the best seat in the house for as long as you use it.
Because this series of Blu-ray players support the new BT.2020 colour spaces, you’ll be able to access a much more extensive range of colours than regular TV signals offer. When connected to a compatible home cinema system, the Blu-ray player will promote a high-quality streaming range while using Dolby ATMOS and DTS-X. And if that won’t suffice, you can use the ethernet port to access your favourite streaming services on ultra 4K quality.
Pros
- It has a USB slot for you to play your media.
- It comes with a three-year warranty by Sony.
- Its additional features include an ultra-fast start-up, auto standby and child lock.
Cons
- It only plays region 2 DVDs and region B Blu-rays.
- It doesn’t have an integrated Wi-Fi adapter.
7. Sony UBP-X800M2 4K Disc Player By Sony
Sony’s UBP-X800M2 multi-region model was showcased before, but its budget-friendly counterpart is too good not to grab a spot as well. This Blu-ray player lets you watch almost anything in full HD quality, while also offering a few popular streaming services.
The entirety of the upscalers guarantees the excellent quality it provides, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby ATMOS, DTS: X and DSEE HX. As for its construction, it’s noteworthy that the UBP-X800M2 has a convenient design to eliminate vibrations to a maximum while being coated with an electrical shielding that prevents overheating.
Pros
- It upscales the dynamic and frequency of compressed music to near high-resolution.
- It uses the LDAC technology that delivers three times the data of regular Bluetooth for exceptional audio.
- It’s pre-programmed with some streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and YouTube.
Cons
- It’s not supplied with an HDMI cable.
- The USB player doesn’t have enough usability as you can only fast forward or backwards.
8. UBP-X700 4K Ultra HD Player By Sony
It wouldn’t be a full list without Sony’s X700 model that, even though it is slightly older than its homologues, is and will remain one of the best Blu-ray players to date. To produce groundbreaking detail, fascinating colours and ideal brightness, the 4K player uses HDR10 and Dolby Vision that makes each frame as breathtaking as can be. The device supports a dual-band Wi-Fi adapter and an ethernet port so you can enjoy your favourite streaming platforms.
The Dolby Vision player allows you to connect to your TV or home cinema either by HDMI or coaxial SPDIF. This Blu-ray device supplies one of the best upscaling technology that goes by the BT.2020 colour spaces feature and provides with a much more saturated and realistic colour scheme that makes everything look exquisite.
Pros
- It comes with a three-year warranty by Sony.
- It has a USB port for streaming family media.
- Its standby mode of power consumption is just 0.4 W, so it’s very energy efficient.
Cons
- It only plays DVDs from region 2 and Blu-rays from region B.
- It is loud when running.
9. DP-UB9000 4K Ultra HD Player By Panasonic
This range of Blu-ray players by Panasonic is your best choice if durability is of the highest importance. With an upgraded three-dimensional steel plate and two-layered chassis, the device has reduced vibration and noise to a minimum. The Bly-ray player is also coated with aluminium, so longevity is granted with each fibre.
As for the features, you’ll be pleased to know that the DP-UB9000 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid-Log Gamma while using its HCX processor for ultra 4K image quality. Dolby ATMOS and THX also enhance the sound, so whether it’s DVDs, CDs or Blu-rays you’re streaming – you will undoubtedly get the best experience with each frame.
Pros
- It supplies a lot of user-adjustments to fine-tune the picture and audio.
- It uses a multi-region interface.
- It has a dual-band Wi-Fi adapter.
Cons
- Some customers reported that they experienced some issues with its delivery.
- It takes quite some time to load.
10. DMP-BDT280EB Multi-region 4K Player By Panasonic
Last but not least, we have yet another device by Panasonic, and this time it’s the multi-region DMP-BDT280EB model. The Blu-ray player is suitable with all discs and video/audio formats, including 3D. Its supported processing features include Dolby Vision and HDR for video, and Dolby (Digital+, TrueHD), DTS-HD and DLNA for audio.
This Blu-Ray player is among the best because it features a built-in Wi-Fi with a fully functional web-browser for access on the internet. The Panasonic app store also provides with a lot of apps for you to enjoy, including catch up TV and on-demand services. The player has a USB port as well, making it easier to share personal pictures, songs and videos with the entire family.
Pros
- Its DLNA feature allows you to access other DLNA devices around your home.
- It supports Miracast streaming from your smartphone.
- It comes with a one-year warranty by Panasonic.
Cons
- Some customers have experienced problems with its update framework.
- Its navigation is not very straightforward.
4K Blu-ray Player Buying Guide
Nothing beats the thrilling experience of seeing your favourite characters, teams or performers as if they were right there in the room with you. Thanks to the heightened picture quality, improved colours and enhanced audio, 4K quality has become our favourite technological advancement. We have already settled that a Blu-ray player is a must-have, but what exactly does it need to be among the best?
- DLNA Friendliness – The ability to stream media from a compatible device is among the most asked-for features among users. These devices use a wireless network to share media such as video, audio or sometimes, pictures too.
- Dolby – If you want your DVDs to be mastered to their full potential, you need to be on the lookout for Dolby compatible products. Dolby Vision will transform the picture by modifying each frame, thus creating an ultra-vivid quality. In contrast, the Dolby ATMOS (HD, +, Digital) will create an audio-enhancing material that flows through your speakers – further improving the overall quality of the media.
- Upscaling – Most Blu-ray players contain the capability to intensify the quality of a disc, which is done by converting a lower resolution to a higher one. HDR10 and HDR10+ are commonly used to add dynamic data on a scene-by-scene basis, thus creating a cinematic masterpiece with each frame.
- Internet – Whether it’s by an integrated Wi-Fi adapter or ethernet port, access to the internet is essential. By having access to the internet, you can browse through different streaming platforms that can watch more 4K movies, series or other media that would otherwise be unreachable by discs.
- USB Port – Considering how society has settled on downloading films rather than buying them in DVD form, your player must have a USB slot for that media. Whether it’s family photos, friend gathering videos or unofficial downloads (we won’t judge!), you need a 2.0 port to host the material and serve it with the maximum audio and video quality it can contain.
FAQs Title
Is it worth buying a 4K Blu-ray player?
A: If you have a 4K TV, purchasing a compatible Blu-ray player is more than worth it. 4K players enhance the audio and video quality, enriching the watching experience to a maximum. However, if your TV doesn’t support 4K quality, you won’t get to enjoy the full scope of said players, so it might not be your best choice.
Why are 4K Blu-ray players so expensive?
A: Blu-ray players are expensive because they have extensive hardware supplied with various features that are both labour intensive and material-wise costly.
Is 4K Blu-ray better than streaming?
A: Yes, it is better than streaming. Even though Netflix and other streaming platforms credit 4K quality on most of their videos, they are usually three times ‘worse’ than actual 4K. Some note that streaming uses about 30 megabits per second, whereas Blu-ray supports about 100.
Can Blu-ray players play DVDs?
A: Yes, most Blu-ray players go down on their compatibility ratios, meaning that they play 4K, Blu-ray, 3Ds and DVDs.
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