Best Blu-ray Players With The Image and Sound Quality You Deserve

Oppo has built its reputation on relatively affordable Blu-ray players with the BDP-103 building upon the technical base its predecessor established, offering a complete blu-ray package without requiring an investment of several thousand dollars worth. The BDP-103 includes built-in 4K upscaling and 2D-to-3D conversion, both of which work better than expected. The dual HDMI input/output endows the BDP-103 with much-appreciated flexibility and the 7.1 channel analog surround sound output ensures audiophiles can have the best experience possible.

Unlike many other high-end Blu-ray players, the BDP-103 offers modern conveniences such as integrated Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, and YouTube streaming. Though it seems pricey, the BDP-103 is an absolute bargain considering its elevated performance capabilities and full suite of modern technology features.

Considering Sony had a hand in co-developing the Blu-ray standard, it comes as no surprise this company has a bit of an advantage. The BDP-S6200 represents Sony's stand-alone Blu-ray player for 2014 which comes with a long list of features contributing to its overall excellence. The dual-core processor allows fast load times and responsive menu navigation while built-in 4K upscaling allows regular HD material to look amazing on 4K-capable HDTVs. For owners of Sony's Triluminos-enabled HDTVs, the BDP-S6200 takes full advantage of this technology's superior color representation. Considering its flagship positioning and advanced features, the sub-$200 price tag is a downright steal.

Sony has created a powerhouse with the Playstation brand and loyal followers have come to expect unrivaled versatility and performance from any device bearing the brand name. The Playstation 4 is heralded as one of the most advanced gaming consoles on the market today with elevated capabilities allowing it to serve double-duty as a high end Blu-ray player; load times are minimal and menu navigation is very responsive. Built-in WiFi eliminates the need for extra wires allowing the Playstation 4 to be set up in just about any location throughout the house. The only drawback is the unit’s high price but remember it's essentially several devices combined into a single convenient package. If this breadth of capability is worth the added cost for you, the Sony Playstation 4 is an excellent choice.

As one of the original founders of the Blu-ray format, Samsung is capable of manufacturing solid media players with sleek design and modern technology. Although Samsung products are noted for being fairly expensive, the BD5700 is extremely affordable. While the BD5700 is simpler in function than some of its pricier peers, it includes enough technology to effectively mirror the functionality of a SmartTV when used with a regular television. This includes WiFi, internet streaming, support for Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Pandora, and more. The BD5700 also features DLNA capability for syncing and streaming content. Wired connectivity is achieved though a single front HDMI output, front USB port, and coaxial digital output. While the BD5700 might not be loaded with features, its sleek design and snappy, reliable performance make it an excellent budget-friendly choice.

Oppo's pricey BDP-105 shares the same overall components and performance of the cheaper BDP-103 model. This model costs roughly double the price but it’s because of the extra attention placed on creating audiophile-grade performance to accompany the excellent video and audio quality. Beyond the changes made specifically for sound quality, the BDP-105 includes additional design touches giving it a higher-end appearance and feel. Built-in 4K upscaling is included along with 2D-to-3D conversion while a dual-core processor allows fast performance and access to Netflix, YouTube Pandora, and more. If quality video and sound are what you're after, the Oppo BDP-105 is an excellent choice.

Denon's DBT-3313UDCI is a universal audio and video player offering high-end performance and execution. Top-notch design isolates independent internal mechanisms preventing interference, ensuring the highest quality playback regardless of format while the absence of an internal cooling fan keeps the player nice and quiet during quiet entertainment scenes. While lacking WiFi, the DBT-3313UDCI has plenty of online connectivity options and streaming works well through either Ethernet, wireless adapters, a networked PC, or simply via the USB port. HDMI outputs keep audio and video separate, and there’s even an HDMI cable conveniently included.

All the expected features are present, such as DVD upconversion, and streaming Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. While the average user might not need to spend this much on a Blu-ray player, audio and video enthusiasts will appreciate the performance quality and design of the DBT-3313UDCI.

After an admittedly disappointing run with rebadged Sharp Blu-ray players, Pioneer has altered their game plan and are back to producing their own devices. Because of this, the 'Elite' Blu-ray players are once again a true alternative to Oppo's award-winning lineup. As with anything else bearing the 'Elite' badge, the BDP-52FD carries serious-looking styling and solid build quality. A quick peek at the internal components reveals that the BDP-52FD is built on a Mediatek chipset and the spec sheet is seeded with Pioneer's own performance-enhancing technologies.

Video performance is excellent with quick load times and responsive operation. The BDP-52FD supports 1080/24p output and can play back DVD and SA-CD content as well. Unfortunately, there’s no sign of component video or multi-channel analog audio outputs, leaving only a single HDMI-out, composite video, and optical audio to connect to your TV or A/V receiver. However, the BDP-52FD comes in at a full $100 less than Oppo's competing BDP-103, making it a more attractive choice for budget-minded buyers. BDP-52FD signals Pioneer's return to the high-end home theater market with a product worthy of carrying the 'Elite' name.

Although the Onkyo BD-SP809 certainly costs less than it could, it remains nonetheless more of an enthusiast-focused niche product than an ideal general purpose product. Performance is excellent with isolated audio, THX-Certification, Qdeo video processing for upscaling of standard video, and a Dolby digital-to-analog converter. Upscaling works well, and movie sound is very good along with excellent video quality in all formats including 3D Blu-ray playback.

Although there’s no multichannel analog output, a quality AV will handle high-quality sound just as well. Streaming such as Netflix is supported but built-in Wifi is not included necessitating hardwiring, a wireless adapter, a networked PC or the rear USB port. The BD-SP809 is simple to operate with no complex menus or settings. Some users describe this unit as being reminiscent of an old school high-end unit, with its focus on quality, simplicity, and a tank-like build quality. While likely not the first choice for a casual user, the Onkyo BD-SP809 is a solid high-end choice for a Blu-ray player.

Sony's BDP-S3200 is a basic and affordable option for those either looking to save money, or just to try out Blu-ray before investing more money. If 3D isn’t important for you, the BDP-S3200 sacrifices little in terms of features. This Blu-ray player offers numerous streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Pandora and while there were some issues with Amazon Instant Video, a recent software update has been issued to rectify the problem. On-board WiFi is included as is DVD upscaling, DLNA compatibility, and Miracast screen mirroring.

The sacrifices made to ensure a low price point show up in the lack of a dual-core processor and the outdated XMB interface. This means although the BDP-S3200 is fast to startup in "quick start" mode, it’s a bit slow overall and the interface is less streamlined than the competition. However, it plays Blu-ray discs well for the price, has a decent amount of features, and is a good entry point to these media players.

As one of the original founders of the Blu-ray format, Samsung is capable of manufacturing solid media players with sleek design and modern technology. Although Samsung products are noted for being fairly expensive, the BD5700 is extremely affordable. While the BD5700 is simpler in function than some of its pricier peers, it includes enough technology to effectively mirror the functionality of a SmartTV when used with a regular television. This includes WiFi, internet streaming, support for Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Pandora, and more. The BD5700 also features DLNA capability for syncing and streaming content. Wired connectivity is achieved though a single front HDMI output, front USB port, and coaxial digital output. While the BD5700 might not be loaded with features, its sleek design and snappy, reliable performance make it an excellent budget-friendly choice.

While the Samsung BD-H5100 is quite basic, its simplicity allows for easy setup and a user-friendly interface. This model features a quick start mode, which draws more power but significantly cuts down on load times along with DVD upscaling, DLNA compatibility, and streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. To accommodate older receivers, a coaxial digital output has been included as well as an HDMI output. The BD-H5100 is compact and lightweight, so it won't take up much space. If a basic and ultra-affordable Blu-ray player is what you're looking for, this is a good choice as long as 3D and built-in WiFi aren't must-haves for you.

Sony's BDP-S3200 is a basic and affordable option for those either looking to save money, or just to try out Blu-ray before investing more money. If 3D isn’t important for you, the BDP-S3200 sacrifices little in terms of features. This Blu-ray player offers numerous streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Pandora and while there were some issues with Amazon Instant Video, a recent software update has been issued to rectify the problem. On-board WiFi is included as is DVD upscaling, DLNA compatibility, and Miracast screen mirroring.

The sacrifices made to ensure a low price point show up in the lack of a dual-core processor and the outdated XMB interface. This means although the BDP-S3200 is fast to startup in "quick start" mode, it’s a bit slow overall and the interface is less streamlined than the competition. However, it plays Blu-ray discs well for the price, has a decent amount of features, and is a good entry point to these media players.

The LG BP340 offers simplicity and affordability for those seeking a basic Blu-ray player used primarily for playing discs although streaming features such as YouTube and Pandora are also included. BP340 offers decent overall performance, with DVD upscaling, a USB port for sharing multiple media types, and DLNA compatibility. While the BP340 does include built-in WiFi , some users have reported connectivity issues with Netflix which haven’t  been fully resolved by LG. With a price tag of under $100, the LG BP340 is an affordable option for those who just want a basic Blu-ray player used mostly for disc playback.