Blu-ray DVD players: Choosing the best Blu-ray and DVD players The best Blu-ray or DVD player - which is right for you?

DVD players are getting cheaper and better

DVD and Blu-ray players have replaced video recorders in most homes.

DVD players can offer excellent picture and sound quality, and let you skip around a DVD at the touch of a remote control button. 

Blu-ray players take quality a step further by offering high-definition pictures when connected to a suitable HD-ready TV. Many can now play 3D movies which show three-dimensional images when connected to a 3D TV. 

Pros and cons of DVD and Blu-ray players

DVD and Blu-ray discs are light, take up little space and are relatively robust, though they can still be scratched or get dirty, which can lead to problems when you're trying to watch a film.

The obvious downside to both DVD and Blu-ray players is that they can’t record. If you want a device that’ll record TV programmes, you’ll need either a DVD recorder or PVR.

However, not all DVD and Blu-ray players perform well. Some produce disappointing picture and sound quality, and others are a pain to use, while certain models use excessive amounts of energy or some lack important features.

For the very best DVD players see our Which? Best Buy DVD players.

For a Blu-ray player you can trust to excel on all levels, see our Which Best Buy Blu-ray players.