Verbatim dual usb power pack

If you’ve already made your mind up to buy one of the new Apple mac laptops or Mac mini announced recently, this handy little widget should also go in your checkout basket to ensure you get the most from your new Apple machine.

The EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 10-in-1 Gen 2 Hub (X40031) is a pocket-sized bar of aluminum packed with all the connections you need to extend your computer’s usefulness using just a single USB-C port. The new EZQuest hub even has its own braided Nylon cable, so you don’t need to carry an extra one in your kit bag.

On one side of the 10-in-1 Hub are two USB 3 Type-A ports with speeds up to 5Gbps for attaching legacy items like keyboards, dongles or memory sticks. Next to the two ports are SD and microSD cards slots for quickly transferring photos, audio files or video footage.

The other side of the 10-in-1 Hub has a power input port for passing through up to 100W from the laptop power supply or any multi-point charger. The point of this port is to supply power to the host computer as well as energy to any attached peripherals that might need it. Next to the power input, there’s an HDMI port with the capability to drive an external 4K monitor with a refresh rate of up to 60Hz on DP1.4 or 30Hz on DP 1.2.

Moving along from the HDMI port, there are two USB-C ports with a data transfer speed of up to 10Gbps. One of the ports can output 5V at up to 7.5W for more power-hungry devices. The second port can deliver 5V and up to 2.5W. This is the first hub with two USB-C data ports and a USB-C power input that I have seen. That makes it rather useful as more peripherals switch to USB-C.

There are two final ports on the 10-in-1 Hub. One is a handy 3.5mm headset jack combining audio out and mic when using a three-pole jack plug. It’s ideal for gaming headsets or using a pair of wired earphones for video meetings. The last port is an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet for connecting to a router or corporate network, no matter where you are.

Verdict: This superb little 10-in-1 Hub Hub from EZQuest is one of the best I’ve looked at recently. It has all the ports people need and can drive an external monitor at 4K and 60Hz. If you want to drive more than one screen, you may need to look at a more expensive model from the likes of Plugable. This little device has everything you need on the road or when working from home. It has an integrated nylon braided cable with strain relief, so it should provide good service for many years. Overall, this is a great little hub and highly recommended.

Pricing & Availability: The EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 10-in-1 Gen 2 Hub costs $89.99 and is available now.

More info: www.ezq.com

Tech Specs:

• Model: X40031
• Video: 1 x HDMI 4K (60Hz on DP1.4 or 30Hz on DP 1.2)
• PD: 1 x USB-C 100W Power Delivery port version 3.0 with pass-thru charging up to 88W output and FRS technology or 5Gbs data.
• USB data ports: 2 x USB-C Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports, 1 with BC1.2 (5V/1.5A -7.5W), 2nd one 5V/0.5A (2.5W) power output, 2 x USB-A 3.0 ports BC1.2 each output 5V/1.5A (7.5W). When using all the ports simultaneously, the total shared data is 10Gbps and the total shared power is 10W.
• Ethernet: 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet with LED indicator.
• Memory cards: 1 x SDHC and 1 X Micro SDHC card reader.
• Audio: 1 x 3.5mm audio jack with microphone 2-in-1.
• Cable length: 28 cm/11 Inches
• Dimension: 16 x 43 x 123mm / 0.6 x 1.7 x 4.83 inches.
• Weight: 3oz.
• Power: To support full-speed charging for iPad Pro or other USB-C mobile devices, the power adapter should be at least 15V (45W). Power adapters less than 45W will not supply enough power for pass-through charging.
• Warranty: 18 months.

Compatibility: All Apple computers with USB-C/USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, all PC computers with USB-C/USB4, Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, Smartphones and tablets with OTG support, Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, S8 & S9 Plus, Google Chromebook Pixel, Mac OS Version 10.13.6 and above, Windows 8.1 and above, Chrome OS 46.0.2490.82 and above, Android 7.0 and above.

Restrictions: USB-A ports will not support Apple SuperDrive (Use EZQuest X40100 USB-C to USB-A Female Mini Adapter to connect SuperDrive directly to a Mac).

USB-C ports will not operate a monitor. A USB-C port must support display output.

Update, 01/31/2023: We’ve updated most categories of this buying guide with new Raspberry Pi recommendations. Take a look!

What to Look for in a Raspberry Pi Kit in 2023

The Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer that measures as small as a credit card. The first Raspberry Pi Model B came out in 2012. In the years since, several affordable iterations of the motherboard, some even including wireless connectivity, have come out on the market.

Raspberry Pis have come a long way from a standalone board meant for hobbyists to complete kits for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals. If you’re new to the Raspberry Pi, we have a detailed guide for the parts you’ll need to build a system.

The latest Raspberry Pi 4 boards, at the time of writing, pack a quad-core 64-bit Broadcom processor, Bluetooth 5.0 , dual-band Wi-Fi support, two USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a compatible USB-C power supply , and more. Also, you can choose a model packing 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM.

You can install the Debian-based Raspberry Pi OS , Ubuntu , or any other Linux distribution on a Raspberry Pi and use it as a desktop computer. Raspberry Pi also supports specific operating systems for turning it into a Plex server , proxy server , home media center , or retro gaming machine .

A typical Raspberry Pi kits bundle packs essential components ranging from the motherboard, case, microSD card, heatsinks, video cables, and power adapter. If you don’t get a kit, you’ll have to research compatible cases and the right components and then order them individually.

Whether you want an affordable computer for your kid, a retro gaming machine, or to learn to code, picking a specific kit is essential for a hassle-free experience. So if you love doing some DIY projects or want a portable computer, we have rounded up the best Raspberry Pi kit recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Raspberry Pi Overall: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Equipped with 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 parts, and 2 micro HDMI ports, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is suitable for many applications. If you can think of it, chances are you’d be able to bring it to life with the 4GB of SDRAM. This model supports dual-display up to 4K/60Hz for a visual treat when utilizing the micro-HDMI ports.

This monitor has peak processor speeds regardless of the multimedia performance application you’re using it for. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B supports either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.0 connections, ensuring you can get the Internet speed you need for whatever application you have in mind.

For Wi-Fi, you can use either dual-band 2.4 or 5.0/GHz LAN for a broader range of connectivity. There’s also a gigabit Ethernet port for a hardwired connection.

While the multi-use design technically makes it a good option for beginners, the lack of instructions may be intimidating to users, just looking to tinker with the device. It’s best to approach the Raspberry Pi 4 with a clear blueprint, so you don’t get lost in the bevy of available options.

Since no other components come with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, you’ll need to spend a bit on components and accessories if you want to build a retro console. With the price tag already on the higher side, that could be a hit to your pockets.

Best Raspberry Pi Overall

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

With the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, you can create all kinds of fun projects, and upgrade gadgets around your home.

Best Budget Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040

With the right Raspberry Pi, you can piece together almost anything. Unfortunately, sometimes the right device costs a pretty penny. The Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 is a fantastic budget option for simple applications, though its lower price also means there’s less you can do with it.

The RP2040 sports a dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor capable of performing at 32 bits. If you’re worried about running more taxing applications, the ARM Cortex M0+ should alleviate that concern a little.

The Pico RP2040 only has 264kB of SRAM with 2MB of flash memory, which isn’t much, but it’s enough for simple uses like modding a Nintendo GameCube to unlock its entire library or more accurately tune your 3D printer.

At only $10.99 per microcontroller, you can pick up multiples of this budget option for different projects without breaking the bank. The general-purpose board is ideal for creative beginners just getting their feet wet.

Some may find the lack of Wi-Fi or Ethernet port to be a problem, but there’s still plenty you can do with the 133 KHz CPU and 26 multi-function GPIO pins .

Best Budget Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040

If you’re looking for an entry-level Raspberry Pi, the Pico is both affordable and easy to manage.

Best Raspberry Pi Starter Kit: RasTech Raspberry Pi 4

The worst part about working with a Raspberry Pi is, at some point, you’re going to need to stock up on components, accessories , and, for some projects, cases. Shipped with a Raspberry Pi 4, RasTech’s Starter Kit was well-planned.

The Raspberry Pi 4 is a powerful device sporting a 1.5GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 CPU. On its own, it’s a little powerhouse that can get quite a bit done with its dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. Coupled with the starter kit, you have everything a single-use computer needs.

Along with the Raspberry Pi, the kit comes with a 32GB micro SD card , SD card reader, two HDMI cables, four copper heatsinks, a case, and a cooling fan. The Raspberry Pi’

The power of the Raspberry Pi 4 allows for dual-display at 4K/60Hz output for a crystal clear image. With everything included in the RasTech starter kit, you have many primary components needed for a 8GB PC running the Raspberry Pi OS. All that’s missing is the operating system.

Best Raspberry Pi Starter Kit

RasTech Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter Kit

This all-in-one kit comes with everything needed to build out a single-board computer thanks to the powerful Pi 4.

Best Raspberry Pi for Learning to Code: CrowPi2 Deluxe Programming Kit

Elecrow is known for creating affordable laptop shells that accept a Raspberry Pi board, turning it into an affordable computer for tinkering as well as actual daily use as a laptop. The CrowPi2 Deluxe Kit comes not only with a shell, but also an 8GB Raspberry Pi, so you’re ready to go the moment your delivery arrives.

There are numerous sensors included in the system, such as a temperature and humidity sensor, touch sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and light sensor. You also get an electronics breadboard, GPIO interface, and more. This is all tucked away under the removable keyboard, so they won’t get in the way if you’re trying to use the CrowPi2 as a laptop.

Elecrow has also included a wealth of content, spanning 76 lessons and 20 projects. While the total asking price is substantial, you can barely buy an entry-level laptop for the same money these days and we honestly can’t think of a single extra thing prospective coders or tinkerers would need to add to this Deluxe kit before digging into the wonderful world of coding.

Best Raspberry Pi for Learning to Code

CrowPi2 Raspberry Pi Laptop for Deluxe Kit

The CrowPie2 Deluxe Kit is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to code or wanting to tinker with electronics. It’s also a functional laptop!

Best Raspberry Pi for Retro Gaming: Raspberry Pi 3 A+

While you can still find secondhand retro gaming consoles, the actual games are elusive, especially if you’re looking for something rare. That’s one reason retro consoles are a go-to build idea for Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi 3 A+ is a fairly simple board with everything needed to create your choice’s retro console, complete with a robust selection of games.

The computer board features an extended 40-pin GPIO header, 512MB of SDRAM, and Micro SD card support. All of this is powered by the Cortex-A53 64-bit 1.4Ghz processor, which is strong enough to run a retro emulator.

Though the device supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, you won’t be able to run a wired connection. Outside of the sole USB port, micro SD slot, and full-size HDMI port, the Raspberry Pi 3 A+ is lacking in its connectivity. However, it won’t hinder your ability to turn it into a retro console.

When assembled, you’ll enjoy playing your favorite classics in 1080p/30Hz. Other Raspberry Pi’s may be able to achieve a better resolution, but for the pixelated adventures of consoles like the NES and Sega Genesis , 1080p is more than suitable.

If you decide to pivot away from a retro console build, the Raspberry Pi 3 A+ may be limited in ports, but it still works as a single-board computer. Light applications are more than possible, though you wouldn’t be taking full advantage of that 512MB SDRAM.

Best for Retro Gaming

Raspberry Pi 3 A+

It may just be the core of a Raspberry Pi device, but the 3 A+ has everything needed to build out a suitable retro console emulator without forcing you to spend more on unnecessary components.

The Best Retro Controllers for PC and Raspberry Pi of 2023

Best Retro Controller Overall

8Bitdo Pro 2

Best Budget Retro Controller

8Bitdo Sn30 2.4G Wireless Gamepad for Original SNES

Best Wired Retro Controller

Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad (Model 2)

Suily NES USB Controller

Best SNES-style Controller

8Bitdo Sn30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad

Best Megadrive/Genesis Controller

Retro-Bit Sega Genesis Controller

Update, 01/25/2023: We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best bookshelf speakrs you can buy.

What to Look For in Bookshelf Speakers in 2023

Whether you’re buying bookshelf speakers for music or as the core of your home theater system , there are quite a few variables to consider.

First, it’s useful to know what a bookshelf speaker is. These are smaller than floor-standing speakers and typically sit on either a speaker stand or a shelf, hence the name.

Bookshelf speakers typically have a single woofer and tweeter combination, sometimes with a port on the back or bottom for improved bass. Compared to larger speakers, bookshelf speakers can be lacking in low-end sound, so they’re commonly paired with either a subwoofer or other speakers.

When it comes to purchasing a bookshelf speaker, the most important aspect to consider is size. Not only does this affect how much space your speakers will take up, but also how they sound. For example, larger speakers often feature deeper bass and a fuller sound.

While size is important, the most critical factor is whether to choose active or passive speakers. Active speakers are powered, meaning you can plug in a turntable or CD player without additional amplification. On the other hand, passive speakers require an A/V receiver or turntable to work at all.

You’ll also need to consider what you plan to hook up to your speakers and how you plan to do so. For example, if you’re using a record player , things could get tricky, as you’ll need an A/V receiver or powered speakers with phono-ready inputs.

You may also want to consider digital physical connections. CD and Blu-ray players have optical or coaxial digital outputs that can offer better sound quality. If you want to use these, make sure they’re available on your speakers or A/V receiver.

If you’d rather not deal with wires, there’s wireless connectivity to consider. In most cases, this is Bluetooth, but you may also find speakers with other wireless connectivity methods like Wi-Fi built-in.

Finally, think about any extra features you may want. For example, most powered bookshelf speakers don’t feature built-in EQ, but some do.

Best Bookshelf Speakers Overall: KEF LS50 Meta

If you’re spending a fair bit of money on speakers, you don’t want to hear the speakers. Instead, you want to hear the music coming out of them. That is precisely what you get with the KEF LS50 Meta pair , as there’s absolutely nothing standing between you and the music.

While the Meta speakers are an evolution of KEF’s well-loved LS50 set, you may not notice much difference initially. This is intentional, as KEF couldn’t find many ways to improve the design of the previous generation of speakers. Instead, the company upgraded the materials, building the LS50 Meta with metamaterials .

The LS50 Meta speakers are designed around KEF’s Uni-Q 12th Generation driver array, which uses Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). This aims to absorb sound from the driver’s rear, reducing overall distortion and achieving a more natural sound.

What does this mean? While the KEF LS50 Meta speakers are similar to the original LS50, they’re smoother in the high end. Overall, the LS50 Meta pair is even more detailed and transparent than the original.

Of course, all these new materials and engineering expertise don’t come cheap. This is an expensive set of speakers, and unless you already own a high-quality amplifier or A/V receiver, you’re only halfway there. You don’t spend this much on speakers without wanting an amp to match, so this can be an expensive road to start down.

Best Bookshelf Speakers Overall

KEF LS50 Meta

They’re not cheap, but pair the KEF LS50 Meta speakers with a suitable amplifier or A/V receiver, and you’ve just taken a shortcut to audio heaven.

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers: ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2

The term “budget speaker” may conjure mental images of harsh, overly colored sound, but you can throw them out the window. While the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers may be affordable, they’re anything but cheap.

The Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers have plenty of upgrades compared to the original. The cabinet has been overhauled, and the speakers have both been replaced. The pair now boasts new 6.5-inch woven aramid fiber woofers and 1-inch soft dome tweeters.

The cabinets here are slightly larger than the originals, and this helps the low end. A new front-firing bass port also helps with the low end, as these speakers will reach down to 44 Hz without the help of a subwoofer.

These are passive speakers, so you’ll need an amplifier or A/V receiver. You’ve got quite a bit of power to play with, as the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers handle up to 120 watts per channel. These aren’t the loudest speakers in the world, but they’re more than enough to fill a medium-sized room.

Looking at the opposite side of the volume, these will be a great fit if you listen to music at lower volumes. Some speakers can start to lose certain elements as you drop the volume, but the Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers still keep the depth and power of the music.

If you’re looking to use these for your home theater, you can find them bundled with the ELAC C5.2 and C6.2 center channel speakers.

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers

ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2

If you’re looking for a great sounding, affordable speakers that will stay with you for years, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 pair will be perfect for you.

Best Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers: Fluance Ai61

There’s a significant difference between a good pair of Bluetooth bookshelf speakers and “just” a Bluetooth speaker. The Fluance Ai61 pair is a perfect example, with great sound and an impressive list of features.

The Fluance Ai61 speakers pair a 6.5-inch woven glass fiber driver with 1-inch neodymium soft dome tweeters. To power these, the pair uses an internal 120-watt class D amplifier . Fluance combines these elements with robust internal bracing for precision sound.

While these speakers feature Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, that’s just where it begins. They also have a TOSLINK optical digital input and a USB-C audio input. That’s not something you often see, even on more expensive speakers.

The Fluance Ai61 speakers also feature an analog RCA input and a 3.5mm output that you can use to attach an external subwoofer. To switch inputs, you even get a remote, another feature you won’t always get with powered bookshelf speakers.

The speaker pair features an internal digital signal processing (DSP) chip that allows you to EQ the speakers. Being able to do this without any additional software or settings on your playback device is helpful if you listen to different genres that may benefit from different EQ curves.

The Fluance Ai61 speakers are available in Black Ash as well as Lucky Bamboo , Natural Walnut , and White Walnut .

Best Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

Fluance Ai61

The Fluance Ai61 speakers combine the convenience of Bluetooth with the company’s fantastic sound and a host of other options to connect your audio gear.

Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers: Edifier S1000MKII

Whether you’re hooking up a second audio system or are just a fan of simplicity, there are plenty of reasons you might not want an A/V receiver or amplifier. If you’re looking for powered speakers that can handle anything you throw at them, the Edifier S1000MKII speakers are a fantastic option.

These are slightly smaller than the majority of speakers on this list, with a 5.5-inch midrange driver and a 1-inch tweeter in each speaker. They are powered by a pair of internal amplifiers which pump 120 watts into 60 watts per channel.

The class D amplifiers in these speakers are ready for hi-res audio, with support for 24-bit/192hKz playback. In the case of these amplifiers, they use a high PWM frequency, which results in low overall noise.

These speakers feature ample connectivity options, with Bluetooth 5.0 at the center. The Edifier S1000MKII pair supports the aptX HD codec, so if you’re playing audio from a compatible device like an Android phone, you’re getting a higher-quality Bluetooth signal.

If you’d prefer to connect the old-fashioned way, you’ve got plenty of options. The speakers feature both coaxial and optical digital audio inputs, as well as a pair of RCA line inputs. You also get onboard EQ via bass and treble knobs, plus a wireless remote.

Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Edifier S1000MKII

If you’re looking for powered speakers that will play everything you throw them from digital to analog without complaining, look no further than the Edifier S1000MKII speakers.

Best Small Bookshelf Speakers: Audioengine A2+

While bookshelf speakers are a space-saving alternative to massive floor-standing speakers, they still take up a fair amount of space. If you’re looking for something with less of a footprint, but don’t want to sacrifice sound quality, take a look at the small-sized but big-sounding Audioengine A2+ speakers.

These speakers stand six inches tall and feature comparatively small 2.75-inch aramid fiber woofers and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters. They’re still fairly powerful, however, with the 60-watt amplifier pushing 30 watts per channel into the drivers.

Looking at connectivity, the Audioengine A2+ features Bluetooth with aptX and a range of up to 100 feet. New in the “plus” version is a USB-C audio input, which is handy if you’re using these as computer speakers, where we picked them as our favorite .

Don’t worry if you’re looking to hook up your analog gear. You get a pair of analog RCA inputs plus a subwoofer output. If you’re looking to get serious bass with speakers this small, you need at least a small subwoofer, which is a key feature.

Don’t worry about leaving the Audioengine A2+ speakers on for long periods. They feature a built-in idle mode that activates whenever you’re not playing music. This means that even though they’re turned on, they’re not drawing power.

The Audioengine A2+ speakers are available in Black, Red , and White .

Best Small Bookshelf Speakers

Audioengine A2+

They may have a small footprint, but you’re not sacrificing sound quality with the Audioengine A2+ speakers. Plus, you’ve got options to connect any device you wish.

Best Bookshelf Speakers for Turntables: Klipsch R-51PM

If you’re looking to get into listening to vinyl records, it can be tough. Not only do you need a turntable, but an amplifier and maybe a preamplifier, depending on your turntable. Or you could take the easy route and just go with the Klipsch R-51PM speakers.

While all the options we’re looking at have RCA line inputs that will connect to a turntable, there’s a key difference with the Klipsch R-51PM. On the back of these speakers, there’s a switch to toggle that input between line level and phono level, which means that regardless of what model turntable you have, it will work with these speakers.

For the R-51PM, Klipsch opted for dual 5.25-inch spun copper woofers, paired with 1-inch aluminum Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeters. This suspension system means less distortion and improved detail.

Of course, you can use the Klipsch R-51PM for more than just your turntable. You also get optical digital, USB, and RCA inputs, so you can plug in any audio device. Don’t want to plug in? These speakers also feature Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Klipsch packed another cool feature into these speakers: dynamic bass EQ. Simply put, these speakers use built-in DSP to change the bass EQ as you raise and lower the volume. Because we hear frequencies differently at different volumes, this gives you a more consistent low end across the entire volume range.

Want even more bass? Pair the Klipsch R-51PM with the matching R-100SW subwoofer .

Best Bookshelf Speakers for Turntables

Klipsch R-51PM

Thanks to the built-in phono preamp, connecting your turntable to the Klipsch R-51PM speakers for great sound is easy. Connecting your other audio gear is just as easy too.

The Best Speakers of 2023

Best Speaker Overall

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Best Budget Speaker

Tribit StormBox Micro

Best Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Charge 5

Best Outdoor Speaker

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2

Best Smart Speaker

Sonos One

Best Bookshelf Speaker

ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2

Best Speaker for Music

Kali Audio LP-6 V2

Update, 01/26/2023: We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best Blu-ray players you can buy.

What to Look For in a Blu-ray Player

Although Blu-ray players may not be as popular as they once were, they’re still investment-worthy gadgets should they fit your lifestyle.

Many of these entertainment devices have kept up with the times and are able to play your favorite TV shows or movies via streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Plus, there are many options (including those on our list) that support HDMI and AV plug-ins, making them a rather versatile item for your entertainment setup.

In addition, some Blu-ray players support 4K image processing. Depending on how much you value hi-def resolution, you’ll most likely want to purchase one that sustains clear imagery, regardless of whether you pop in a Blu-ray disc or opt for your comfort sitcom on Netflix.

Some options on our list have more high-tech picture than others (for instance, some have complete 4K resolution, while others stick to standard 1080p output), though all of our picks are pretty solid in the imaging department.

You’ll also want to think about how many outputs you want. The general standard is at least one HDMI port, allowing you to hook up your Blu-ray player to external devices like a laptop or streaming stick. However, some options have multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, or plug-ins for audio-visual (AV) gadgets for a better sound experience.

Lastly, it’s most important to think about what you’d like this Blu-ray player to do. It will be able to play Blu-ray discs and DVDs, but many devices—like gaming consoles or PCs—can do that nowadays.

For instance, if you want it to entertain kiddos on the road, you’ll want to opt for something compact and easy to pack. Meanwhile, if you want an all-in-one gadget that can do more than just play movies, perhaps you’ll opt for a more comprehensive entertainment option, like the Xbox Series X.

Wherever you land, our list of the best Blu-ray players is guaranteed to have something for everybody, whether you’re a true cinephile or a shopper on a budget.

Best Blu-ray Player Overall: Sony UBP-X700

Our top pick for Blu-ray players is the Sony UBP-X700 , an all-around great model that stays pretty up-to-date with streaming services and physical discs.

While on the more expensive end of the spectrum at just under $200, it has some good features that you may not be able to find with other players. For example, it features built-in Wi-Fi and access to streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.

In terms of specs, the UBP-X700 is solid. It has 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision , and high-resolution audio playback. Essentially, with this purchase, you receive decent audio and imagery ranging from streamed entertainment to Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

Though it was released in 2018, we’d say that the Sony UBP-X700 is an excellent pick for your entertainment set-up if you’re not on a budget.

Best Blu-Ray Player Overall

Sony UBP-X700

A moderately-priced Sony Blu-ray player with impressive bells and whistles.

Best Multi-Entertainment System: Xbox Series X

We don’t need to be the ones to tell you that the Xbox Series X is an incredible piece of machinery (we’ve already done that and touted it for its solid value, awesome subscription service, Game Pass, and 1080p output).

However, if you’re in the market for something more comprehensive—as in, a device that does way more than just play movies via DVD or Blu-ray—then we can’t pass up the opportunity to include what the company dubs as its “fastest, most powerful Xbox ever.”

The Series X is pretty pricey (the MSRP is $499.99, though there are options to finance it ), but if we’re being honest, it’s an understandable price point.

From a gaming perspective, the load times are impressively quick. There’s up to 120 FPS gameplay and 12 teraflops of graphic processing power. The imagery, boosted by 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR, amplifies nearly every game available on Game Pass.

In general entertainment, the Series X also accepts DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K Blu-rays, making it a pretty well-rounded system.

We can’t say we recommend making this purchase just for playing your favorite movies and TV shows, but if you’ve been in the market for a console that can do it all, this is a great option.

Best gaming console

Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X is a top-notch piece of tech that will surely amplify your home entertainment setup.

Best Value Blu-ray Player: Panasonic DP-UB150-K

If you’re looking for a base-level Blu-ray player that gets the job done, the Panasonic DP-UB150-K is a good pick. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles that other options on our list have. For example, there’s only one HDMI port, no built-in Wi-Fi, and no on-demand streaming services. However, for its midpoint price, it’s still worth the cash.

While it’s not the fanciest pick, this player still boasts high-resolution audio, Ultra HD playback, and 4K imagery. This Blu-ray player is also designed for high-resolution audio, making it especially great if you decide to hook it up to your home audio system.

Best Value Blu-ray Player

Panasonic DP-UB150-K

This Blu-ray player from Panasonic is a good bang for your buck, thanks to the up-to-snuff audio and imagery features.

Best Budget Blu-ray Player: LG BP175

If you want to keep your buy on a budget, the LG BP175 Blu-ray player is the way to go. At less than $100, this pick doesn’t skimp on top-notch features, ranging from streaming capabilities to Wi-Fi connectivity.

When it comes down to the nitty gritty, this player is pretty impressive. Smart or smart-capable devices are able to wirelessly connect to it, and there’s an ethernet port, allowing you to connect to wired network hardware. It features 1080p resolution (a slight step down from 4K, but still solid) and surround sound, providing a superb entertainment experience.

Although there’s only one HDMI port, you’ll receive a six-foot HDMI cable and a one-year warranty. Bottom line: For this price, it doesn’t get much better than the LG BP175.

Best Budget Blu-ray Player

LG BP175

Touted by buyers for its nice-to-have features, like 1080p resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity, this LG Blu-ray player is a steal for its low price point.

Best Blu-ray Player for Travel: Super Mini Blu-ray Disc Player

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for a Blu-ray player that’s compact enough to use on the go. In that case, we have you covered. The Super Mini Blu-ray Disc Player , priced at just under $100, is a force for its small size of 7 by 7 inches.

Complete with multiple ports for USB, AV, and HDMI, 1080p imagery, and Dolby Atmos sound, this player is perfect for vacations or even hooking up to a projector for an outdoor movie night.

While it has less than 500 reviews, it currently has a solid 4.4-star rating, with buyers dubbing the buy as “excellent” and “easy to install and use.”

As a bonus, you’ll snag a five-foot HDMI cable and a five-foot AV cable with your purchase.

Best for Travel

Super Mini Blu-ray Disc Player

This compact Blu-ray device packs a punch for its small size. Complete with multiple ports and solid resolution and sound, it’s an all-around impressive buy.

The Best HDMI Cables of 2022

Best Overall

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Best Budget HDMI Cable

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