Sony UBP-X700 4K Blu-ray Player vs Panasonic DP-UB420-K 4K Blu-ray Player

Both are solid 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players, but they aim at different rooms. The Sony UBP-X700U is the better fit for most people: it supports Dolby Vision as well as HDR10, plays SACD and CD, and is widely praised for picture quality at its level. The Panasonic DP-UB420-K counters with HDR10+ and HLG, an HDR Optimizer that tone-maps bright HDR discs for projectors and older TVs, and two HDMI outputs so you can send audio to a receiver that lacks 4K passthrough. Owners of both report reliable disc playback; the Panasonic's HCX processing is often called the sharper of the two on HDR10 content, while the Sony wins on disc format range.

• Choose the Sony UBP-X700U if you watch Dolby Vision discs and streamers, own SACDs or CDs, and want one player that covers the widest range of disc formats.
• Choose the Panasonic DP-UB420-K if you have a projector or a TV with modest HDR brightness, or an older AV receiver that needs a second HDMI output for audio.