Yes, DVD players are still readily available for purchase in the U.S., though the market is smaller than it once was.
For the full breakdown, see our best Affordable DVD Player guide.
It’s a fair question in an era of streaming. While the DVD player market has shrunk considerably from its peak, the category is far from dead. A quick search on major online retailers shows active inventory of standard players, portable models, and combo units. One major U.S. retailer even maintains a dedicated page for “new arrivals” in its DVD player category, confirming that manufacturers and sellers still see a market for the format. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or building a retro media setup, you can still buy a new DVD player today.
Where Can You Still Buy A DVD Player?
Your main options are the large online retailers, which is where you’ll find the widest selection and the most competitive pricing. Current listings show a healthy variety: standard standalone players, portable DVD players with built-in screens, “all-region” models designed to play discs from anywhere in the world, and combo units that also handle other formats. Prices vary, but current search results show new DVD players ranging from around $56 to $88,
It’s worth noting that the inventory you’ll find today is often the remaining stock of models introduced in the last few years, rather than a constantly refreshed pipeline of new releases. The market has slowed, but it hasn’t stopped.
What Specs Matter Most When Buying?
Don’t assume every player is the same. The key is to match the player’s capabilities to your TV and your disc collection, and the best way to do that is to check the manufacturer’s spec page for the exact model you’re considering. For example, Panasonic’s DVD-S48 spec page lists support for both PAL and NTSC video systems, HDMI output, and a 192kHz/24bit audio D/A converter for higher-quality sound.
Two critical areas to check are video upscaling and connectivity. Many modern players, like Sony’s DVP-NS76H, offer 720p, 1080i, or 1080p upscaling to improve the picture on a high-definition TV. On the connectivity side, most units include HDMI, but older or budget models may rely on composite or component outputs. If you have a soundbar or receiver, you’ll also want to confirm the player has an optical or coaxial audio output — Sony’s DVP-NS76H specs page shows these ports, but not every budget player includes them.
What Are The Common Buying Mistakes?
The biggest mistake is assuming a DVD player also plays Blu-ray discs. These are separate formats, and a standard DVD player cannot read Blu-ray discs. If you need Blu-ray, you must buy a dedicated Blu-ray player.
Another frequent error is assuming a player is region-free. Many players sold in the U.S. are locked to Region 1 for DVDs. While some models, like the Megatek mentioned above, are sold as “all-region,” this is not a universal feature. The only way to be sure is to check the model’s manual or spec sheet, as this information isn’t always listed on a retailer’s product page. If you have a collection of discs from other regions, this is a deal-breaker detail to verify before you buy.
FAQs
Is It Still Worth Buying A DVD Player?
Yes, if you have a physical media collection or want to play discs that aren’t available on streaming services. New players are affordable, and many models offer upscaling to improve picture quality on modern TVs. For casual use, it’s a low-cost way to keep your old movies and shows playable without needing a game console or a computer with a disc drive.
Do Modern DVD Players Work With New TVs?
Yes, as long as you check the connections. Most current TVs have HDMI inputs, and nearly every DVD player on the market today includes an HDMI output. For older TVs, you’ll need a player with composite or component outputs. A simple HDMI connection from player to TV is the most straightforward way to get a picture and sound.
Can I Play Other Disc Formats On A DVD Player?
Standard DVD players are designed for DVDs and audio CDs. Most will also handle CD-R and DVD±R/RW discs, but they cannot play Blu-ray discs. A few combo units exist that handle multiple formats, but they are rare. If you have specific format needs, check the player’s disc compatibility list on the manufacturer’s spec page before purchasing.
References & Sources
- Panasonic. “DVD-S48 Specifications.” Documents video system support, audio converters, and output connections.
- Sony. “DVP-NS76H Specifications.” Lists upscaling capabilities, output ports, and playback features.
- LG. “Blu-ray and DVD Players.” Shows current product lineup for disc players.