The best portable DVD and Blu-Ray players support both formats with good quality, and their screen size and resolution do not affect portability. Perhaps most importantly, they should have a battery that allows you to keep watching during long car journeys to keep the kids entertained.
If you’re looking for a less portable Blu-Ray player for your home theater, check out our list of the best Blu-Ray and Ultra HD Blu-Ray players. Otherwise, read below to see the best portable DVD and Blu-Ray players we’ve reviewed.
Best Budget: Sunpi .’s Portable DVD Player
For portable entertainment on a budget, a Blu-Ray supported player probably isn’t worth the significant extra expense. But a DVD player can still provide many features and high-quality viewing experience, which you get with this Sunpin device. The 9.5-inch TFT-LCD screen offers stable image quality and clarity. You get decent sound from the built-in speakers, but as a bonus, two headphone jacks can let two people listen through different headphones at the same time.
In addition to playing the most common CD/DVD formats, the Sunpin player also supports a variety of digital media files from a USB drive or SD card. The package includes an A/V cable to send the screen to the TV, a headrest cover to watch in the back seat of the car and a car charger to connect the car to the power. It weighs less than three kilograms and can last up to five hours before needing a recharge, making it a great travel companion. The player is available in the colors black, blue, red and purple.
Ideal for kids: the 9-inch portable UEME DVD player
Movies are a great way to keep kids entertained on long trips, and UME offers a DVD player designed just for that. It is available in two different styles: blue with a racing car design or pink with a princess and unicorn design. The models are otherwise identical, with a nine-inch 800 x 480 pixel LCD screen that can rotate 180 degrees. It plays virtually any DVD and CD format and most digital audio and video files through its USB port and SD card slot that supports up to 32GB.
You can charge it at home with the power cord or charge it on the TV with the included A/V cable. Some other kid-friendly DVD players come with accessories like gamepads and headphones, but the UIME unit has extras that make it perfect for travel – it comes with a canvas carrying case that makes it easy and simple to attach. Attach to the back of the device. a car headrest and a car adapter to hold the load and a remote control to control playback. When the battery is not connected, it can provide children with about four hours of entertainment.
Best Screen: Sylvania 15.6-inch Portable DVD Player
There’s no question that a 15.6-inch portable DVD player will give you double the picture, but Sylvania knocks it out of the park with this laptop-sized screen. A 15.6-inch screen that can be rotated 270 degrees offers plenty of screen space to enjoy the latest DVD releases in a package of just 5.1 pounds. Although the battery lasts only 2.5 hours, the built-in card reader allows you to add movies in MP4 and DIVX formats outside of DVD mode.
If you want to feel comfortable, fold the Sylvania flat and see which position feels best. There’s an additional remote that lets you control the player remotely, as well as an included power adapter that gives you all the power you need on the go. In addition, the built-in two full-range stereo speakers provide clear and crisp sound. With a large screen and shockproof display, this portable DVD player is hard to miss.
Best Design: Sylvania 7-inch Portable DVD Player
The Sylvania SDVD7046 immediately catches the eye with its round shape and integrated handle, as many portable players share a similar boxy design with a rotating screen. Vibrant color options (silver, black, blue, pink, red and purple) let you customize your choice beyond the standard black and silver.
Designed for on-the-go viewing, this simple, lightweight device does its job well. It doesn’t have many extra features like the ability to connect to a TV or automatically resume playback from where you left off.
Final judgement
If you want a cinematic experience, we recommend the 15.6-inch Sylvania (see Amazon) for its larger screen.
What to look for in a portable DVD player
Module
Most portable players only support standard DVDs, so if you want to play your HD Blu-ray discs, make sure the model you are considering supports the format. Keep in mind that Blu-ray players tend to be priced much higher than DVD players. You’ll also need a player that can handle playback from a USB drive or SD card to maximize your options.
Screen size
Looking for a little portable experience or something with a little more visual power? Depending on your preferences, you can choose between players with a smaller 9-inch screen or a laptop-style 15.6-inch screen for a more cinematic experience. Screen resolution and brightness are also important as they help define your viewing experience.
Battery life
The last thing you want is for your player to run out of battery before you get to the end of the movie. Make sure the device you buy has enough battery life for your next international trip or flight. Most players last around 3 hours, the best 5 hours and more.