Best 7 Blu-ray Players Reviews (Software & Hardware)

With the popularity of HD movies, Blu-rays are welcomed to many movie fans. And 2017 rolls out shiny new Blu-ray releases like Disney Moana, Doctor Strange, Despicable Me 2, Passenger, Sing, etc. For Blu-ray collectors, finding a powerful Blu-ray player seems to be their top priority as they can therefore watch the flicks as many times as they wish. With so many paid and free Blu-ray player software or hardware being in full flood, we put together the top 7 best Blu-ray player and a Blu-ray ripper that converts Blu-ray to digital formats for playback freely without Blu-ray drive.

Part I: What is a good Blu-ray Player?
Part II: Blu-ray player Software
Part III: Blu-ray player Hardware
Part IV: How to Play Blu-ray if Extra Media Player Is Undesirable

Part I: What is a good Blu-ray Player?

A Blu-ray player not only plays Blu-ray discs, but also play DVDs and CDs, and most can also stream content from the internet, as well as from local PCs and media servers. Also, the introduction of Ultra HD Blu-ray elevates the video and audio quality of 4K Blu-ray experience further.

1. Region-free Blu-ray/DVD player

Region-free Blu-ray player or DVD player software to play Blu-ray and DVD disc, regardless of disc protection (AACS, BD+, lastest MKB) and region restriction.

2. Free 4K Video Player

Free 4K video player to play up to 4K UHD/1080P Full HD video without quality loss on PC/Mac, including 4K MKV, 4K MP4, HD AVI, WMV, MKV, VOB, MP4, MPG, etc.

3. Select subtitles and audio tracks

Select desired subtitles and audio tracks from source video files. Enjoy a movie night in familiar language.

4. Perfect video/audio quality

Support digital video/audio playback with high quailty and full 7.1 Dolby Digital surround sound can be played.

5. Other key features

More useful options like video lopping, adding bookmark, gif making, video recording, taking snapshot, etc.

Part II: Blu-ray player Software

With wonderful Blu-ray Players software, you will get Blu-ray movies for playback freely.

1. 8K Player (Price: $35.95)

As an all-inclusive media player combo, 8K Player features region Blu-ray player, DVD player, free 4K video palyer, 4K Blu-ray player, free media player and ISO player. With the support of several different advanced audio decoding technologies like Dolby, DTS, AAC, TrueHD, DTS-HD, etc., this top Blu-ray player could play Blu-ray disc without any quality loss.

It is recommended as the best Blu-ray playing software since it is the top Blu-ray player to play back all Blu-ray discs (regardless of disc protection and region codes). Meanwhile, you could even use this Blu-ray player to make gif, add bookmark, record video, take snapshot, loop video, etc.. This Blu-ray player works on Windows 8/8.1/7/10/XP/Vista. Its Mac version – 8K Player for Mac works on OS X 10.6 and later.

Pros:

– It is not only a Blu-ray player, but also a DVD player and a free media player for all video audio files.
– It is integrated with stunning feature including converting video to gif animation for using in presentations to make you more attractive and appealing
– It is able to record screen videos – Record online videos, Skype calls, capture your splendid game moments for playing or creating tutorial videos.

Cons:

– It doesn’t support movie or music downloading.
– Additional video converter and media server are needed to convert and share media contents to mobile devices for playback

Free Download 8K Player for Win/Mac (Blu-ray Power):

2. CyberLink PowerDVD 17 Ultra (Price: $99.95)

PowerDVD could plays DVDs, Blu-rays, VCDs and CDs, casts media wirelessly to Apple TV, Roku and Chromecast, has a dedicated TV mode for optimizing videos for big screens, and supports lossless HD audio formats such as FLAC and APE. Unlike most media players, PowerDVD not only plays videos on your PC but can also stream them to your TV. With its dedicated TV and PC modes, PowerDVD lets you binge-watch your favorite Netflix shows up close on your laptop or enjoy them on your widescreen HDTV. With its free Android and iOS companion app doubling as a remote, all you need to control playback from across the room is your smartphone.

Pros:

– It can play UHD Blu-ray discs now
– It offers media steaming to TV functions.
– Enhances audio and video
– It supports directly uploading videos to YouTube, Vimeo, etc..
– It supports 360 degree video playback

Cons:

– It is too expensive (while not as sophisticated, most of its competitors are free)
– No media store.
– Casting doesn’t work with protected media.

3. iDeer Blu-ray Player (Price: $49.95)

iDeer Blu-ray Player lets you enjoy your entire media library, whether it’s digital or tangible. It lets you optimize video and audio settings for a better viewing experience and is compatible with multiple operating systems, including touchscreen-based Windows PC. It plays videos well and has a shorter load time than some other software does, though it does require hefty CPU capacity in order to run.

It is a powerful HD video player that plays Blu-ray and videos without any loss of quality. With the core technology – AirX, iDeer Blu-ray Player supports Blu-ray playback on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, etc. Users can easily connect with the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch under the same Wi-Fi. With built in Share button, users can share movies or videos with friends on Twitter and FaceBook by one click.

Pros:

– It supports all audio tracks such as DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby True HD Audio, and streams, chapter markers and videos.
– NVIDIA’s CUDA acceleration technology is supported to ensure smooth playback and DTS 5.1 guarantees super high quality of output.

Cons:

– It isn’t the most intuitive software to use.
– Additionally, it takes quite a bit of CPU usage in order to run, averaging about 44 percent with no other programs running

Part III: Blu-ray player Hardware

Also, there are Blu-ray player hardware options for you to play and watch Blu-ray disc at home, though they would cost you a lot more. Blu-ray players hardware are now an integral part of the home theater experience, and deservedly so. A Blu-ray Disc player is your gateway to the best that home theater can offer. If you want 4K Blu-ray player with 4K upscaling, most 4K Blu-ray player hardware would satisfy you. Check out some of the best.

1. Panasonic DMP-UB900 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player (PRICE $600)

The DMP-UB900 is the first THX-certified Ultra HD Blu-ray player. While this doesn’t necessarily signify an advantage over non-certified players, it does guarantee a typically high baseline performance level. The DMP-UB900 also features the company’s High Precision Chroma Processor, which interpolates native 4:2:0 content on both Ultra HD and regular Blu-ray to a 4:4:4 format.

In addition, Panasonic’s player provides linear remapping of HDR content on discs for display on standard dynamic range TVs. For those interested in 3D, the DMP-UB900 can also play Blu-ray 3D discs. Netflix 4K streaming is supported on the DMP-UB900.

THE VERDICT: Panasonic’s first Ultra HD Blu-ray player’s excellent performance and solid build quality make it an easy choice for enthusiasts.

Pros:

High-quality upconversion of Blu-rays and DVDs
Effective detail enhancement and noise reduction
Full-featured remote control

Cons:

Doesn’t support YouTube 4K video streaming
No Vudu app
No Dolby Vision disc support
Pricey next to competition

2. Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player (PRICE $549)

Not only playing Ultra HD Blu-rays, the Oppo will also handle most any disc you’re likely to encounter, includ- ing standard Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, and CD. While the UDP-203 has no internal video-streaming apps, it can connect to your home network either wired (via Ethernet) or wirelessly, so you can run your own audio, video, or photo files through the player.

You can also access the internet via either route for player firmware updates and BD-Live material. The remote is virtually identical to the one that comes with Oppo’s 1080p Blu-ray players. You also get a Pure Audio mode that shuts off all of the video circuitry.

THE VERDICT: Oppo’s first Ultra HD Blu-ray player has been eagerly anticipated by UHD enthusiasts everywhere. The wait was worth it.

Pros:

Outstanding overall performance
Detailed info screen
Plays virtually everything

Cons:

No headphone output
No support for HDCD

3. Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player (PRICE $400)

Not only Ultra HD, the UBD-K8500 will also play standard Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs. The player’s splash screen that you see upon turn-on offers access to the Settings and Samsung’s Smart Hub options, the latter including apps for Netflix, Vudu, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video, as well as Screen Mirroring (from your compatible device).

The Settings menu includes 3D options for 1080p Blu-ray 3D discs (though 3D isn’t part of the UHD specs) and a resolution option that can be set to upconvert all non-UHD material to 3840 x 2160. Furthermore, it could display UHD Blu-rays downconverted by the player to 1080p.

THE VERDICT: As the first Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the Samsung UBD-K8500 provides exceptional performance with the right display and disc. But as with any new format, there are growing pains to be sorted out before we can toast to its complete success.

Pros:

World’s first UHD Blu-ray player
Outstanding overall performance
Reasonable price (for a “first”)

Cons:

No auto picture adjustments for HDR, non-HDR, and 1080p discs with current UHDTVs
Small, frustrating remote

4. Philips BDP7501/F7 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player (PRICE $350)

The BDP7501/F7 does what you might expect from a good disc player. In addition to Ultra HD Blu-rays, it plays regular Blu-rays, DVDs, CDs, and CD-Rs, but not SACDs or DVD-Audio discs. It also plays 1080p 3D, which the Samsung player doesn’t. It won’t do 3D in UHD because that’s not part of the UHD specs—there are no 3D UHD sources—nor are there ever likely to be.

But the player’s streaming capability is limited to YouTube and (with membership) Netflix—either wired or wireless. There’s no Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, or Vudu, and no plans to add any of them. That remote is reasonably sized and configured, but most of the buttons are small, closely packed, and not backlit.

THE VERDICT: It’s not without minor flaws, but the second UHD Blu-ray player on the U.S. market delivers a stellar picture from UHD discs at an attractive price.

Pros:

Excellent UHD performance
Solid build quality
Good value

Cons:

Limited streaming apps
Less-than-perfect 4K upconversion

Have you made up your mind yet as of which Blu-ray player is your favorite? Now choose your suitable Blu-ray player and favourite Blu-ray movie for a wonderful movie night! People who have hardware Blu-ray player could easily watch on Blu-ray disc with home theater. For those who would prefer watching these top Blu-ray movies on computer, 8K Blu-ray is the best Blu-ray media player software to choose. If you prefer this easy & lightweight multimedia player, directly click to download it below!

Free Download or Purchase 8K Player (Blu-ray Power):

Kindly Note:
The price of Dimo Video Converter Ultimate for Windows is divided into 1 Year Subscription, Lifetime/Family/Business License: $43.95/Year; $45.95/lifetime license; $95.95/family license(2-4 PCs); $189.95/business pack(5-8 PCs). Get your needed one at purchase page.

Part IV: How to Play Blu-ray if Extra Media Player Is Undesirable

It is easy to watch movies in the way of using a Blu-ray player. But from time to time, your Blu-ray player not working will perplex you. What if you end up with compatibility issues or you are reluctant to install an extra media player or take along Blu-ray discs with your during travel? You can find the corresponding way to fix Blu-ray player not playing problems, such as repairing or purchasing a new Blu-ray drive, removing Blu-ray region code, cleaning the dirty Blu-ray discs, fixing the scratched Blu-rays etc. But in most cases, your Blu-ray player is not working because your Blu-ray discs are in unsupported Blu-ray formats.Why not convert Blu-ray to MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, H.264 etc. accepted by all Blu-ray players or commen meida player?

To that end, Dimo Video Converter Ultimate (Dimo Video Converter Ultimate for Mac) is a versatile Blu-ray ripper here to settle down the problems. Especially, due to the absence of Blu-ray hard drive on devices, directly playing Blu-ray on PC, Laptop, TV, etc. becomes a tall order. Luckily, this best Blu-ray ripper is built in 180+ preset profiles, empowering you not only to convert Blu-ray to general formats for unhindered Blu-ray playing, but also rip Blu-ray to Apple iPhone, iPad or Android Samsung, HTC for Blu-ray playback on the go. The Blu-ray ripping process is as simple as that when using the Blu-ray player for Windows PC (Windows 10 included).

Free Download or Purchase Dimo Video Converter Ultimate:

Need the lifetime version to work on 2-4 PCs so that your friends and family can instantly broaden their entertainment options? Please refer to the family license here.

Kindly Note:

The price of Dimo Video Converter Ultimate for Windows is divided into 1 Year Subscription, Lifetime/Family/Business License: $43.95/Year; $45.95/lifetime license; $95.95/family license(2-4 PCs); $189.95/business pack(5-8 PCs). Get your needed one at purchase page.

Related Software:

BDmate (Win/Mac)

Lossless backup Blu-ray to MKV with all audio and subtitle tracks; Rip Blu-ray to multi-track MP4; ConvertBlu-ray to almost all popular video/audio formats and devices; Copy Blu-ray to ISO/M2TS; Share digitized Blu-ray wirelessly.

DVDmate (Win/Mac)

A professional DVD ripping and editing tool with strong ability to remove DVD protection, transcode DVD to any video and audio format, and edit DVD to create personal movie.

Videomate (Win/Mac)

An all-around video converter software program that enables you to convert various video and audio files to formats that are supported by most multimedia devices.

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