The 10 Best 4K Blu Ray Player Reviews In The UK (2022)
Last Updated on April 26, 2022
For all the cinephiles out there who can’t get enough of Netflix or Hulu, a Blu-ray player is essential. Nothing beats the wonderful feeling of watching old classics in the way we intended them to – crystal clear and close to the 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!
Our Top 3 4K Blu-Ray Player Picks
1. The Best 4K Blu-Ray Player By Panasonic
2. The Best 4K Blu-Ray Player For Rich Picture Quality By LG
3. The Best Multi-Region 4K Blu-Ry Player By Sony
Product Testing & Comparing
With so many models available, the chances of buying something unfulfilling is very real. To provide our readers with a better chance of getting only the best options, our review team went out of its way to review, test and compare the features of all the top players on the market. At the end of the day, we selected the 10 products that we definitely recommend to those who want to upgrade their home cinema systems.
We also highlighted the following features of each product.
- Features
- Ease of Use & Setup
- Quality
Now that’s enough of what we want – let’s see what’s best for you, shall we?
Compare our top 3 picks below, or scroll past to see the detailed analysis of all 10 products.
Scroll left to view more products:
 Panasonic |  LG 4K Ultra HD |  Sony | |
| AWARDS |  |  |  |
| PRICE | £179.00 on Amazon View Product | £149.00 on Amazon View Product | £199.00 on Amazon View Product |
| OVERALL SCORE |  |  |  |
| RATING |  |  | |
| PROS | Plays camcorder footage in HD. | Two-year warranty by LG. | Three-year warranty by Sony. |
| CONS | Requires a slight learning curve. | No Wi-Fi adapter. | Some customers reported that its on-screen menu is rather bland. |
| BOTTOM LINE | Versatile, modern, and feature-rich, what more could you need? | Easy to use and easier to get set up, this Blu-Ray player is truly great. | Besides being on the top three for 4K Blu-ray players, this model by Sony is also the best budget choice on the market. |
| RATING CATEGORIES | Panasonic | LG 4K Ultra HD | Gardena Axe |
| QUALITY (30%) |  | |  |
| FEATURES (30%) | | | |
| EASE OF USE & SETUP (40%) | | | |
| PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS | Panasonic | LG 4K Ultra HD | Gardena Axe |
| SIZE | 19.3 x 32 x 4.6 cm. | 46 x 43 x 20.5 cm. | 29.1 x 27.5 x 7 cm. |
| WEIGHT | 1.2 kg. | 1.92 kg. | 1.4 kg. |
| CONNECTOR TYPE | Optical, HDMI. | HDMI. | HDMI. |
| VIEW PRODUCTS | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
The Best 4K Blu-ray Players Reviewed In 2022
1. Panasonic
The Best 4K Blu-Ray Player
£179.00
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 19.3 x 32 x 4.6 cm.
- Weight: 1.2 kg.
- Connector type: Optical, HDMI.
Versatile, modern, and feature-rich, what more could you need?
We selected this sleek box as the top choice on our list. This versatile player supports multiple HDR formats, including some that are compatible with Dolby Vision and UHD Blu-ray discs. You can seriously look forward to vibrant colours and natural textures in fantastic 4K resolution.
We also love the fact that this player gives HD viewing when you play family memories recorded on a camera or camcorder. As a bonus, this unit is also designed to treat your ears with high-resolution sound, giving you a well-rounded cinematic experience.
Read Next: Grab the best multi-region DVD player reviews.
Pros
- Plays camcorder footage in HD.
- Great sound.
- Twin HDMI eliminates unwanted noise.
Cons
- Requires a slight learning curve.
2. LG 4K Ultra HD
Best Player For Rich Picture Quality
£149.00
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 46 x 43 x 20.5 cm.
- Weight: 1.92 kg.
- Connector type: HDMI.
Easy to use and easier to get set up, this Blu-Ray player is truly great.
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.
READ NEXT: Discover the best car DVD players.
Pros
- Two-year warranty by LG.
- It has a USB port and an ethernet port.
- Shipped with a 2.0 HDMI cable and AAA batteries.
Cons
- No Wi-Fi adapter.
3. Sony
The Best Multi-Region 4K Blu-Ry Player
£199.00
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 29.1 x 27.5 x 7 cm.
- Weight: 1.4 kg.
- Connector type: HDMI.
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 added authenticity.
Read Next: UK’s best portable DVD reviews.
Pros
- Three-year warranty by Sony.
- Supports the renowned palette of vivid colours by TRILUMINOS.
- 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. Sony
Multi-Region 4K Player
£329.00
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 43 x 27 x 9 cm.
- Weight: 4.54 kg.
- Connector type: HDMI, USB, coaxial, LAN, Wi-Fi.
Another Sony product that’s more than worthy mention is the UBP-X800M2 model that supplies one of the best real-time 4K upscaling features.
Besides great video quality, 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
- Upscales music CDs with the DSEE HX feature.
- 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
- Limited amount of apps.
- It can’t detect and switch between HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
5. Panasonic
Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
£149.00
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 19.3 x 32 x 4.6 cm.
- Weight: 1.2 kg.
- Connector type: HDMI.
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.
- Produces a high-resolution audio playback.
Cons
- Noisy during disc loading.
6. Sony 4K
Vibrant Upscaling
£186.95
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 21.2 x 32 x 4.5 cm.
- Weight: 1.4 kg.
- Connector type: HDMI.
We can’t get enough of Sony, and that’s because it provides us with some of the best Blu-ray players around.
The UBP-X500 4K Blu-ray player 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.
Because it supports the new BT.2020 colour spaces, you’ll be able to access a much more extensive range of colours than what 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
- USB slot for you to play your media.
- Comes with a three-year warranty by Sony.
- Additional features include an ultra-fast start-up, auto standby and child lock.
Cons
- Only plays region 2 DVDs and region B Blu-rays.
- It doesn’t have an integrated Wi-Fi adapter.
7. Sony 4K
Best Streaming DVD Player
£268.99
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 43 x 5 x 26.5 cm.
- Weight: 3.8 kg.
- Connector type: HDMI.
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 upscale 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.
- Uses the LDAC technology that delivers three times the data of regular Bluetooth for exceptional audio.
- Pre-programmed with some streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and YouTube.
Cons
- Not supplied with an HDMI cable.
- The USB player doesn’t have enough usability as you can only fast forward or backwards.
8. Archgon
Best Blu-Ray External Drive
£139.99
at Amazon
Product Description
- Size: 20 x 18.8 x 4.8 cm.
- Weight: 500 g.
- Connector type: USB.
Our reviewers raved about this external 4K-UHD Ultra-HD player.
How convenient can you get? You simply connect it via USB to a regular DVD player and enjoy all your favourite Blu-ray movies.
This drive fits any Mac or PC as well, allowing you to burn backup discs. You can store your memories and films on Blu-ray, M-Disk, CD or DVD. Since it is powered by a USB port, you also don’t have to worry about adding a power adapter, making this a truly versatile piece of kit.
Pros
- Plug and play.
- Compatible with PCs, Mac, DVD players.
- Doubles as a burner.
Cons
- Not suitable for direct connection with a Smart TV.
9. Panasonic 4K
4K Ultra HD Player
£894.95
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 43 x 30 x 8 cm.
- Weight: 8.76 g.
- Connector type: HDMI.
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 almost guaranteed!
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
- Supplies a lot of user-adjustments to fine-tune the picture and audio.
- Multi-region interface.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi adapter.
Cons
- It takes quite some time to load.
10. Panasonic 4K
Best Versatile Player
£179.00
at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Size: 31.2 x 18 x 4.3 cm.
- Weight: 1.6 g.
- Connector type: HDMI.
Last but not least, we have yet another device by Panasonic, and this time it’s the multi-region 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 also features a built-in Wi-Fi with a fully functional web browser for access to the internet. The Panasonic app store also provides 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
- DLNA feature allows you to access other DLNA devices around your home.
- Supports Miracast streaming from your smartphone.
- One-year warranty by Panasonic.
Cons
- Some customers have experienced problems with its update framework.
- Navigation is not very straightforward.
Your 4K Blu-ray Player Buying Guide
Nothing beats the thrilling experience of seeing your favourite characters or sports teams as if they were right there in the room with you. Thanks to the heightened picture quality, improved colours and enhanced audio, 4K 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
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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