4K UHD Blu-ray Player Round-Up

If you are planning to upgrade to a shiny new 4K television, then your next step will likely by purchasing a 4K Blu-ray player. After all, how else will you be able to watch The Last Jedi or Bladerunner 2049 in all of their 4K glory? Read on for our list of the best 4K Blu-ray players currently on the market.

Xbox One X – Around $500

Watching movies in 4K is a phenomenal experience – but so is gaming! If you are interested at all in the modern era of video games, then you should consider Microsoft’s Xbox One X to pull double duty as your 4K player and gaming machine.

The interface is slightly awkward and you’ll need to purchase a universal remote if you don’t want to power own a controller every time you want to start a movie, but we think that the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to versatility and power.

If the Xbox One X is out of your price range, consider the Xbox One S. You’ll get similar 4K UHD capability at a much cheaper price. The visuals on some games will be less impressive than the Xbox One X, but that’s why the X costs twice as much.

Sony UBP-X800 – Around $250

The Sony UBP-X800 should be your top choice for a more media-focused experience. It supports almost everything you could throw at it. Of course, it supports 4K UHD Blu-rays, but you can also upscale standard Blu-rays, 3D Blu-rays and DVDs at superior quality. HDR and Bluetooth audio support round out the features.

The machine comes ready to stream and supports most of the major services and has a customizable menu. It’s a sturdy feeling machine with a metal chassis that gives off a premium vibe. If you’re not interested in gaming, this should be your go-to player.

Samsung UBD-M8500 – Less than $200

The Samsung UBD-M8500 is a solid entry-level and budget-friendly 4K player that will handle your UHD content with crisp and beautiful clarity. Compared to the Sony, however, the upscaling of DVDs and 1080p Blu-rays are a bit lackluster. HDR is supported but note that 3D Blu-ray discs are not.

You can also use this unit to stream your content from the major providers. The menu system on this model takes advantage of 4K screens and looks better than Sony’s menus. The Samsung SmartHub UI gives users quick access to key menu features and apps without having to go back to a home screen.