Alexandra Ramirez
1. Sylvania
Best Overall Portable DVD Player
5/5 Product Rating
When you need an external DVD player that is going to play just as well as any larger sized model then this is the device for you. You’re going to be amazed at the crystal clear picture and also how easy it is to use this DVD player.
– Darius Spieth
2. Ematic
Best Overall Portable DVD Player – Runner Up
4.8/5 Product Rating
With its multi-language on-screen display you can choose from the language that you prefer, and there are also included accessories such as AC/DC power adapter, carrying bag, headphones, user manual, and so much more. Also, with its rechargeable lithium ion battery built-in, you’ll find it easy to recharge whenever it runs out of steam. The DVD player also comes equipped with a built-in stereo speaker section that gives you tremendous sound quality, and the DVD player supports PAL or NTSC.
All in all, this is a top rated DVD player because it performs with the best of them while still being lightweight enough to carry on the go and watch your favorite movies no matter where you are. Perfect for traveling, this DVD player is also great for the kids on a long car ride.
– Darius Spieth
3. Philips
Best Budget Portable DVD Player
4.6/5 Product Rating
A top rated portable DVD player, this model is not only built from durable materials that are meant to last but it’s also lightweight enough to take on the go so that you can watch your favorite movies while you travel. These days it seems like everyone is watching movies on their iPads, but you can’t beat the quality that you get from a device like this from Philips.
Just because you’re watching a movie on a small screen doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice quality, and that’s why this device is perfect for giving you the stunning picture and sound that you crave in a small frame that is easy to transport and that you can comfortably place in a carry bag. Customers love this portable DVD players because it delivers superior quality at a price that most people can afford.
– Darius Spieth
Portable DVD Player Comparison
 Sylvania |
 Ematic |
 Philips |
 Sylvania SDVD1332 |
 Sylvania SDVD7060 |
 Sylvania SDVD7043 |
 DBPOWER |
 Sony FX980 |
 Sylvania SDVD7046 |
 Sony FX930 |
|
| Screen Size (Inches) |
9.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 13.30 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 10.50 | 9.00 | 7.00 | 9.00 |
| Resolution (Pixels) |
640 x 234 | 480 x 234 | 480 x 234 | 1280 x 800 | 1366 x 768 | 800 x 400 | 1024 x 600 | 800 x 480 | 640 x 234 | 800 x 480 |
| Warranty (Months) |
12 | 3 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Color | Multi Color |
Multi Color |
Black | Black | Black | Multi Color |
Black / Blue |
Black | Multi Color |
Black |
| Disc Playback Formats |
DVD / DVD‐R / DVD‐RW / VCD / S‐VCD / CD / MP3 / WMA / JPEG |
DVD,
DVD‐R/RW, CD‐R/RW, MP3, JPEG |
DVD Picture CD SVCD Video CD DVD-R/-RW MP3-CD CD-R/CD-RW DVD+R/+RW CD |
DVD, DVD‐R/RW, CD‐R/RW, VCD, MP3, JPEG |
DVD±R/RW, CDR/RW, JPEG AND MP3 |
DVD±R/RW, CDR/RW, JPEG AND MP3 |
CD, DVD, DVD+, R/RW, VCD, MP3, MP4, WMA, VOB, AVI, MPEG1, XVID, JPEG |
DVD
Picture CD SVCD Video CD DVD-R/-RW MP3-CD CD-R/CD-RW DVD+R/+RW CD |
DVD,
DVD‐R/RW, CD‐R/RW, MP3, JPEG |
DVD
Picture CD SVCD Video CD DVD-R/-RW MP3-CD CD-R/CD-RW DVD+R/+RW CD |
| Voltage | 9.50 | 9.00 – 12.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 – 12.00 | 9.50 | 9.50 | 9.00 – 12.00 | 9.50 | 9.50 | 9.50 |
| Wattage | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Portable DVD Player Buying Guide
What is a Portable DVD Player?
We can all admit that smartphones have become the portable movie players of choice, but that still means that you can’t watch a DVD. It’s fine to download movies onto your portable devices, but what happens when you have to stream a movie and you need to wait for all the buffering to take place? This can be frustrating. And say you have a large DVD collection that you like to whip out, then having a portable DVD player is what you need to watch your favorite movies while still enjoying ease and portability.
Whether you’re a jet-setter or just a frequent flier with an impressive DVD collection, you’re going to see that owning a portable DVD player is the way to go. It helps to eliminate the more mundane moments of life when you have a DVD player that is both portable and high in performance.
What are you Looking For?
First assess whether your portable DVD player is going to be a carry-along device or just for use in the car. This is going to make a big difference in which DVD player you choose. If you’re hoping to take it on the go then you’re going to want to choose a laptop type portable DVD player that can sit comfortably on your lap. If you want it to merely serve as a car player then it’s a good choice to get one that is specifically designed for use in a vehicle. These will often come with two screens that you can install behind the headrest of the front seats so that anyone in the back seat can watch a movie in comfort. You want both screens to ideally have earphone jacks so that you have the ultimate in flexibility.
Mounting Straps
Speaking of car-use, if this is how you intend to use the DVD player then make sure that it comes with mounting straps so that you can attach it behind the front seats. Keep in mind that you can also buy these straps separately if the DVD player does not come with them initially. Be sure to read the instructions and strap the DVD player properly so that it won’t crash onto the floor and become damaged. Proper strapping also means that you don’t run the risk of the screen falling off and hitting someone.
Where is the DVD Player Going?
Consider whether you’re planning to use your portable DVD player in various rooms in your home, or if you want to keep it in the same spot. Perhaps you’re just looking for something to make long car rides more endurable. Basically, if you’re not planning on carrying it around too much then you can go ahead and get something that is a little bulkier and gives a better viewing experience. Anything with a larger face and bigger screen is always going to give you a better picture quality.
Considerations for Frequent Flyers
If you want something to carry on the plane then you need to consider getting a smaller player. The weight of various different devices can add up over time, and that’s why when you add a portable DVD player you want it to be as light as possible. You probably have limited carry-on space, and keep in mind that it’s another device that you’re going to have to take out before going through security. There are some super lightweight portable DVD players on the market, so if you intend to fly with it frequently then you definitely want to consider one of these.
What Kind of Media Are you Going to Watch?
Some portable DVD players can play a number of different kinds of media formats. For instance, ask yourself if you would like to play CDs on your DVD player, as some models do have this capability. There are also portable DVD players that will play downloaded material from the Web, as well as DIVX and AVI files. Some of the newer models are going to be able to play Blu-ray discs, as well as non-video content including MP3s or JPEG photos, making them an all-around media player type device.
Battery Life
Battery life should be one of the prime considerations before purchasing any portable device. There’s really nothing worse than running out of juice as you’re watching your favorite scene from your favorite movie of all time. That’s why you want a battery life that is at least 3.5 to 4 hours in length, so that you can watch two full-length movies or even an extended cut of Lord of the Rings. When you have plenty of battery life, you’re also going to be able to rewind and rewatch some of your favorite scenes without worrying that the device is going to die on you.
Other Forms of Output
Perhaps you want your portable DVD player to serve more functions, such as connecting to your television at home. If you are interested in having this capability then you want to find a portable DVD player that has audio-video connectors that plug into any standard television. There are numerous portable DVD players that have HDMI ports which allow you to connect to any Hi-def television in a snap. If you’re someone that is an audiophile then you can also get a portable DVD player that has surround sound capability.
Price Considerations
You’re going to find that buying extra attachments and accessories for your DVD player is going to really improve and enhance the overall experience. For example, some players will have screens which swivel to allow for easier viewing, and some can even fold into a tablet-style shape. There are others that are designed to stand up like a picture frame on any table or desk. The newest models will allow for YouTube access and wireless connectivity. In terms of cost, portable DVD players are available at budget prices, but devices that have bigger screens and more features are naturally going to come with a bigger price tag. That being said, you can still get a pretty sweet device that comes in at under $200 when you look hard enough.
Some people may think that portable DVD players are expensive, but in reality they’re much cheaper than a laptop or tablet, and the picture quality is better as well. Portable DVD players are also designed to last longer, so that there’s no interruption in your viewing experience. If you’re someone who frequently travels by road or air, then owning a portable DVD player is definitely going to help you to pass the time and make the hours of traveling seem shorter. This is especially important when you’re traveling with kids.
Conclusion
Owning a portable DVD player is the ideal solution for those who want to watch their favorite DVDs on the go, or for those who don’t have a TV at home. It’s fine to be able to download and stream movies on your tablet, but a portable DVD player gives you a more enhanced experience with a better battery life.
They also make a perfect addition to any car ride that involves kids. These days, travelers are looking for better ways of distracting themselves for long journeys, and a portable DVD player is the perfect mix of convenience and quality that allows you to view your favorite DVDs with crystal clear picture and audio.
