Best Blu-Ray Players in the UK

The Sony Ubp-X800M2 is a thoroughly-designed product. This premium device delivers across the board, leaving no stone unturned where the construction and performance aspects are concerned. More often than not, these players start with the specs because they sell the product more than everything else. Here, this is not necessarily the case. Yeah, the specs are great but so is the frame-and-beam chassis that keeps the entire construction rigid, eliminating micro-vibrations and providing effective electrical shielding to keep the visuals and the audio rich and dynamic.

Blu-ray players can skimp on audio sometimes but this isn't something that happens here. Quite the opposite, the device supports most 24-bit audio formats, from AAC, HEAAC, and ALAC to DSD 11.2 MHz and more, matching the stunning visuals with equally impressive sound. This is only where this device's capabilities start, though. The device also supports Dolby Atmos®, treating sounds as separate objects to release them using standard channels yet allowing these sounds to move freely, around and above you, surrounding you with audio. Meanwhile, the DTS:X tech creates unlimited audio objects, adapting them to the speakers without delay to make every sound deep and impactful. You'll be listening to lightning cracking, sirens wailing, and cars honking, blare all around you, with startling clarity to boot.

This model is compatible with most discs, from DVD and compact discs to Blu-rays and everything in-between them, that goes without saying. What also goes without saying is the screen mirroring functionality and 3D support because premium models are not complete without these solutions.

The HDR to SDR conversion that's present here is not as prevalent though, bully for these "premium" models because the conversion tech here manages to increase the picture's peak brightness while retaining deep and highly-detailed blacks, making non-HDR content vibrant and nuanced. On the subject of upscaling, we'd be remiss not to mention the DSEE HX software, upscaling MP3's frequency and dynamic range to almost match high-res audio quality. Besides that, supporting the BT.2020 colour spaces, this device will be able to reproduce much more saturated and realistic colours, from deep aquatic blues to accurate greens and rich reds.

In short, the Sony UBP-X800 will be able to appease audiophiles' needs first and foremost, turning even the most pedestrian soundtracks into audio spectacles.

The LG UBK80 is not expensive. Sitting comfortably at the mid-range segment, the device has its moments but also its flaws. Starting with the latter, the HDMI cable that the model's shipped with is pretty short, not the biggest issue but unpleasant nonetheless. Besides that, the device is fitted with limited tech, lacking audio upscaling software and maybe a Wi-Fi module to enable video streaming, something that most Blu-ray players within this price bracket are seldom manufactured without. On the upside, the company's SIMPLINK™ feature has not gone anywhere, connecting the TV to outside apps and different services. Using this system, you'll be navigating through these apps and services with intuitive ease, organizing them as you please.

The model's more basic than we've come to expect from mid-range players, though not from the audio standpoint. The DTS-HD Master Audio support is basically obligatory as far as these players are concerned, we get that. But the Dolby Atmos® technology is something that's usually reserved for premium models, so the surprise was nice, to say the least. This surround sound tech treats sounds as separate objects, releasing them to move without restrictions, flowing around and even above you to make the experience immersive, enveloping, and beyond engaging.

From the video playback angle, the device is not trailing behind too. First things first, you're offered HDR support, making the contrast bold and the colours vibrant. Second, the model's also compatible with 4K Ultra HD content, transporting you from dull, lifeless imagery into the world brimming with crisp, detailed, nuanced, and sharp visuals. You can watch legacy content too as the device is backwards compatible. That being said, we would recommend upscaling that content since LG's upscaling tech is pretty good, reproducing outdated pictures with stunning clarity. Adding more, the model's adopting noise reduction tech, minimizing interferences and offering precise image expression.

The device's footprint and outline are uninspired, no two ways about it. Blu-ray players' appearance is not something that matters the most but we'd like to see some improvements next time, maybe make the profile more streamlined, maybe the buttons less clunky.

Even taking that into account though, the LG UBK80 is impressive in its own right. People whose TV is already fitted with Smart functionality will find this product more than good enough.

You may wonder what differs one Blu-ray player from another one considering that most of them offer pretty much the same playback capabilities, brilliant sound, and great picture quality. Well, speaking about the Sony BDP-S6700, the most prominent feature that sets this player apart from the competition is the Bluetooth connectivity completed with the LDAC codec. Thus, you can use the Blu-ray player as a part of a home entertainment system. What's more, the player has a built-in Wi-Fi module with a multi-antenna design resulting in a stronger signal and faster data transfer. However, to pair all the devices with a multi-room sound system and have an ability to control them from a smartphone, you should download and install the SongPal Link app for iOS or Android devices. 

Once connected to the Internet, you get access to the number of applications such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. and can control the player through a smartphone or tablet via the Video & TV SideView app. The player is also fitted with a simple remote if you prefer traditional control methods or you don't want to bother with Bluetooth synchronization. All in all, if you want to purchase a high-performing player at a competitive price, the Sony BDP-S6700 will perfectly meet your requirements.

It is quite hard to imagine that a budget choice player like the LG BP250 can surprise a consumer with some groundbreaking features. Though, the device will definitely throw a curve with its supported resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) resulting in lifelike imaging. Such vividness has been achieved in large part owing to the Deep Colour technology that increases the brightness and colour information while the xvYCC ensures significantly higher saturation and a wider colour gamut. We should also make a note of the Noise Reduction feature that removes noise from the audio signal and thus, adds to the overall picture quality. What is also important, it is quite easy to manage the player, pre-set a parental control or update the operating system with USB flash or CD disc. 

To make the device's use even more convenient, the manufacturer has equipped it with Screen Saver and Last Scene Memory features which will blank the screen when the Blu-ray player is not in use and resume the playback from where you stopped it. Top it off, the Blu-ray player has a super compact and design, offering more free space for placing an additional audio system or some other equipment without spoiling your room's style. Summing up, we may say that this model is the stuff but not the fluff!

The BDP-S3700l Blu-ray player from Sony is one of the best models of Blu-ray players at this price. Why? First of all, the Blu-ray player has a wide variety of built-in audio and video codecs and as the manufacturer claims the player reads 26% more file formats than the previous models from Sony. The Blu-ray player reads even High-Resolution Audio and .mkv files! Secondly, the Blu-ray player features the TRILUMINOS technology that guarantees a wider range of colours with realistic shades and true-to-life tones. 

Concerning the interface, it is quite simple and intuitive and you'll have no problem handling it. On top of that, the Sony BDP-S3700l Blu-ray player is able to launch PlayStation 3 games right from the player without a game console. However, you should download the PlayStation Now app and purchase a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller. This player is truly fantastic and offers infinite entertainment at the price affordable for the majority of users. Additionally, the built-in multiple Wi-Fi antennas guarantee smooth streaming of movies, shows, and sportscasts. 

As you can see, this Sony Blu-ray player is wallet-friendly but can easily compete with pricier models in terms of performance and functionality.