10 Best Portable DVD Players of 2021 for Car and Kids

Trying to buy a portable DVD player? Then why don’t buy the best portable DVD player with our help? We will be your eyes and heart.

While I’m sure there are people who are exceptions to this case, for the most of us traveling can be quite a boring experience, with often nothing to do for the passenger than just stare out the window. And unless you’re in a particularly interesting area where something’s going on at every corner of the block, even staring out the window can get tiring very fast.

While all of the ten products listed above are great products, if we had to choose one, we’d have to go with the APEMAN Portable DVD player 10.5” as being the best all-rounder of the bunch, making it an optimal choice for anyone looking to get a decent viewing experience on the road, without sacrificing features like portability and durability.

For the best viewing experience, however, you wouldn’t go wrong with choosing the COOAU DVD Portable player, on account of the 15.6” HD screen the device boasts, though the fragility of this product doesn’t make it suitable for use by kids.

That honor goes to the Dr. J Portable DVD player, though the WONNIE Kids was a close second (not being able to play Blu-ray just isn’t going to cut it).

Here’s a comparison chart to help you make your decision.

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Now that you’re convinced you need to buy a portable DVD player, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the best portable DVD players on the market right now. Take a look:

Best Portable DVD Players 2021

1. APEMAN 10.5”

If you’re looking for the best product on the market, then the APEMAN Portable DVD Player is the one you should be looking forward to. Light, small, and compact, this is as good as portable DVD players get.

The model comes fully equipped with all of the necessary equipment required for a good experience.

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2. DBPOWER 9.5

The DBPOWER Portable DVD Player is one of the finest products currently available in 2021. The model combines aesthetics with functionality, and is a perfect tag-along for your next family vacation!

To start off with the basics, the DBPOWER Portable DVD Player caters to all types of video formats available, so you won’t have to worry about software transitioning.

The DBPOWER portable DVD player also has amazing swiveling features that make it adaptable to the environment. With 270 degrees rotation and 180 degrees flip, you won’t have to worry about any sort of visibility problems.

You can also choose to flatten the screen out and use it as a tablet on long road trips. The break-point memory feature is also quite useful that helps you resume from where you left off.

This makes it a handy tool for short-term entertainment, especially if you still want to keep track of what you’re watching.

However, to make sure that the model lasts as long as possible, there are a few things that you should strictly adhere to. To start off with, make sure that you never over-charge it since that will destroy its battery in the long run.

Additionally, make sure you never use scratched or damaged discs and avoid touching the laser lens.

Other than that, the DBPOWER portable DVD player is one model you should definitely consider if you’re looking for something reliable and worth the investment.

3. DBPOWER 12

The second product by DBPOWER on this list, the DBPOWER Portable DVD Player is a strong competitor against the former product mentioned in this list.

The rest is pretty much the same. As with the DBPOWER 9.5”, all sort of multimedia is supported. You’ll also be able to insert and work with memory cards to transfer data.

The sound quality ensures that the DBPOWER Portable DVD Player can also be used to listen to music. The DBPOWER Portable DVD Player also has a break-point memory which enables users to pick off just where they left.

This makes using the portable player an optimal choice since you can continue on your content whenever you want with ease. It can also be easily connected to a bigger TV if needed. This makes it ideal for long trips where you know your destination will have a Smart TV nearby.

However, while the DBPOWER 12” matches or trumps the 9.5” in every way (save price, of course), it’s frustrating to note that this model is also quite fragile in it’s build quality like the previous one, which stops us from giving it a very high recommendation.

Nevertheless, if you can take good care of it, the DBPOWER 12” is a very good portable DVD player to take along the road.

4. COOAU

The COOAU Portable DVD Player is a great model that you should consider if your priority is runtime and functionality. The model encompasses both the things needed to make a model desirable: aesthetics and simplicity.

 The model has a whopping 15.6” screen (with most other players averaging out at 10 to 12 inches in screen size) and even has a 270-degree swivel. This makes it optimal if you’re in the backseat with more than one viewer, due to the larger screen size and the additional swivel in both directions.  

The COOAU Portable DVD Player also has great runtime! Featuring at 6 hours, this model will give you one whole extra hour of runtime as compared to most other players on the market.

The player also functions well in conjunction with various video formats. It also accepts and runs SD cards that you can use to transfer content from your Android phone (sorry Apple users, come back when you realize how important expandable storage is) to the COOAU Portable DVD Player.

The COOAU Portable DVD Player comes in double-layered packing which highlights how fragile the model is. This is, arguably, its only downfall.

You’ll have to ensure that it’s kept out of children’s reach and isn’t susceptible to any sort of damage whatsoever. Furthermore, make sure that you keep up with its maintenance to get the best performance in the long run!

Overall, this player also compiles all that is best about the recent innovations in the DVD industry. Integrating features such as breakpoint, anti-shock, and pre-reading, users will have the best experience viewing their favorite content on the COOAU Portable DVD Player.

5. DR. J

Also referred to as the private theatre, the DR. J Portable DVD Player is the go-to product if you’re looking for something to keep your children entertained on the road.

The DR. J Portable DVD Player main feature is its swivel function which extends to a rotation of about 270 degrees and a complete flip function of 180 degrees.

The other best part about the DR. J Portable DVD Player is that it is suitable for operation on many video platforms. Like other players on this list, this model is also compatible with the bulk of different formats available.

 Additionally, it can also be easily and successfully be connected to the Television if you want to play your movies on your hotel TV or your phone if you’re planning to transfer data.  

The DR. J Portable DVD Player also employs a break-point memory function which will allow you to carry on where you left off.

There are, however, a few things that you should keep in mind when considering this model. To start off with, always ensure that you’re wearing headphones for an enhanced experience.

Due to background noise and other disturbances, your experience might not be optimal if you choose to use the speaker. It’s also important to ensure that the DR. J Portable DVD Player is kept away from water and moisture.

Due to the wiring and additional slots, this model is at greater risk of water seeping in and damaging the model.

6. HD JUNTUNKOR

With a resolution of 1024*600, the HD JUNTUNKOR Portable DVD Player is a pioneer in the industry for introducing ultra-realistic LCD for a portable DVD player, making it arguably one of the finest models in this list.

The model has the standard 270-degree rotation and 180 degrees flip. This will help you get the best view and angle at any time and any place.

This also makes it optimal for back-seat users who can’t often decide which angle to work with to get the best view with minimal shading on the screen.

While the screen is its most prominent feature, the HD JUNTUNKOR has a variety of other useful features too. For example, it caters to the standard list of formats that movies are generally available in. It also has a point-break memory which allows users to pick off where they left.

Doing so lets the player offer better experiences for daily viewing and on-board viewing separately.

To make the journey even easier, you can choose to place the model in a customized car bag. This is the optimal mode of application because it will be out of reach of the children but still function at its very best, which would have made it the best portable DVD player for your car in 2021.

However, make sure that you plug in headphones if you want a good listening experience; the speakers on this model aren’t too great for use in a noisy environment. That, and the fact that you can’t play Blu-ray on this model, really puts a damper on this product.

7. BOIFUN

If you’re looking for a classy model to take along with you on the road, then look on further than the Portable DVD Player by BOIFUN.

The model features the standard swivel option and gives about 6 hours of battery run-time, enough to watch two movies even while using the device on its maximum (graphics, audio, resolution etc.) settings, and this run-time is further extended by having the ability to charge your player on the go. 

With support for multiple formats, you’ll be able to work with almost any type of movie that you have, regardless of its source.

This makes it optimal especially if you’re fond of downloading videos off of the internet for entertainment purposes (though we must inform you to be wary of piracy in this case).

The Portable DVD Player by BOIFUN is engineered to ensure that it gives users the best performance on the road.

The anti-shock features make sure that there is no type of lag or disc processing due to the movement of the car. Hence, you can look forward to a comfortable viewing experience ahead.

Last but not least, the Portable DVD Player by BOIFUN is a children-friendly model and can be easily operated without any hassle or issues.

The sound quality is crisp and loud, meaning you won’t need to carry around a spare set of headphones, and it’s even optimal for individuals who are hard of hearing, making it the best portable DVD player for elderly individuals.

8. ieGeek

The ieGeek Portable DVD Player is a small model that you should consider if you want something to travel with that can easily be stored and assembled for use in a short amount of time.

For a model of its size, the ieGeek Portable DVD Player is also reputed for having a very loud and sonorous sound.

However, it can often be inaudible if you’re driving with the window down which is why we recommend that you use a headset if you really need the wind blowing in your face as you sit in the car.

This makes it a great option to consider if you’re looking for something to use for long hours on end, or if you’re looking for something to give to your children on the road.

The ieGeek Portable DVD Player does advertise a run-time of five hours, but the battery is only a measly 2500 mAh, so we’re understandably skeptical of this claim. The product isn’t of a very poor build quality, but it would have been nice if the company had noticed how weak the buttons feel on use.

9. WONNIE Kids

The WONNIE Kids Portable DVD Player is the best player to consider if you’re looking for something to keep the children entertained on the road.

 With a high capacity of 5000 mAH, the model caters to a battery runtime of 5 to 6 hours. This means you’ll have enough time to easily watch about 2-3 movies.  

Furthermore, the quality of the video and sound are good enough to keep your children entertained for the entire journey, without having to rely on separate headphones.

While the player may not bring anything new to the table, it does a fair job having (almost) all the necessary features every other player on this list has. It supports the bulk of the main video formats available in this day and age.

Furthermore, you can also choose to transfer data or view the screen on television for a combined viewing by the family.

However, to ensure that this model gives the longevity you’re looking for, you might have to keep up with frequent maintenance checks.

When starting out, make sure that you remove the paper card before inserting the disk, or you run the risk of it getting your DVD stuck on insertion like so many other people.

10. APEMAN 7.5

Arguably the smallest model on this list with a screen of 7.5 inches, the APEMAN Portable DVD Player is a great model to consider if you want something that you can travel with at ease and store wherever feasible.

The model is geared best toward children. Though its small size prevents it from packing a larger battery, it’s still able to pack a runtime of four hours, letting you play at least a movie or two without needing to charge your device. However, it has other features that make up for its lack of runtime.

For starters, the model is awfully lightweight and compact.  This makes it easy to travel with and carry around by virtually everyone. Its small size also means its easier for kids to handle, so they’re less likely to break it as compared to the larger models on the market.  

The APEMAN Portable DVD Player 7.5” also lets you connect your console to it, allowing you to play your games on a larger screen, a feature your kids will absolutely love.

And you don’t even have to constantly adjust the player for them; the controls are so simple and intuitive they’ll get the gist of it within the first few hours of use!

However, while all of these features make this a great device to buy for your kids, you’re going to be sorely disappointed if you’re thinking of buying it for yourself.

What to look for in a good portable DVD player

Like any other device or gadget, there are many things you need to consider before buying a portable DVD player.

Here are the eight things to keep in mind when shopping for a good portable DVD player:

Portability

Right off the bat, the first thing you need to look for is portability. Though every device on this list (and the many others you can find with a quick Google search) is inherently portable, you’ll find the design of some make them easier to carry around compared to others.

If you’re someone who travels a lot and has to constantly lug their DVD player around with them, portability should be your number one concern when looking for the best portable DVD player for airplane travel.

Screen size

Though there are a few people who might contest this point, the larger the screen is, the better the viewing experience.

After all, being able to watch your favorite movies on a big screen is why people love going to the theatres, and why watching the same movie on your smartphone is such a dull experience.

However, getting a portable DVD player with a large screen is especially important if multiple people are going to be watching a movie on it at the same time.

This is especially critical if you’re planning to buy a portable DVD player for your kids to enjoy, or you’ll never be able to keep the peace between them as they constantly fight one another for watching the movie on the same screen.

Controls

No matter how great the hardware of a device is, it’s all pointless if the manufacturers fail to incorporate a good user interface (UI) into their systems.

Bad UI means you’ll constantly be referring to the manual to make your device work, and for something like a portable DVD player that you bought to watch movies to relax, the extra stress is extremely counter-productive.

Media support

Although the main reason to buy a portable DVD player is for the purpose of being able to play your DVDs on the go, there’s no reason the device you buy should be restricted to playing only one form of media.

Instead, you should opt for a device that supports input from a number of sources like USBs, VGA inputs from laptops, and even SD cards.

Even if you don’t have the budget to buy a device that is super versatile in terms of the media it can play, you should at least make a point to buy the best portable Blu-ray DVD player you can.

Or you won’t be able to play the newer movies since almost everyone releases their movies out only on Blu-Ray DVDs these days.

Durability

If something is built to be carried around on a regular basis, then it is absolutely imperative that it is built to last.

Even if you’re the most careful person in the world, chances are your portable DVD player is going to get knocked around quite a bit while being transported.

And if you’re looking to get a DVD player for your kids to enjoy in the backseat of the car, a player with a shabby build quality is going to last for an even shorter amount of time, since kids aren’t exactly the most careful when it comes to things like this.

Suffice to say, buying a portable DVD player built of a tough, durable material is the only way to ensure it survives the years of use you want it to.

Price

For what they offer, most portable DVD players are quite fairly priced. Some models do occasionally cross the $100 mark, but for the most part, these devices are relatively cheap as compared to other portable devices like Tablet PCs or smartphones.

So, while it is important to stick to a budget, we believe you shouldn’t opt for a cheaper player just to save a couple of extra dollars

Battery

Goes without saying the longer your player is able to go without needing to be charged, the better. Five hours of movie time may seem like a lot on paper, but on long road trips that take 8 to 10 hours to complete, the average battery time does appear to be lacking.

Reliability

Sadly, this is one thing you can’t be sure of before buying the product itself. After all, you could just get unlucky and pick up the one piece out of tens of thousands that had a fault right out of the factory.

However, luck can often be trumped by statistics (which is ironically the best lesson you can learn in gambling, but we’re getting off-topic here), and if you select a product that other people have bought and have had a great experience with, chances are you will too.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the reviews left by people on sites like Amazon for every product; even more than all the specs the device offers, you need to pay attention to the reviews and rating the product and seller was given by previous customers.

Needless to say, the higher the rating, the better chance you’ll have of receiving a product that is reliable in use.

Obviously, it may be very hard to find a DVD player that scores well on all of the above-mentioned points; it’s far more likely you’ll find some products standing out for nailing only one feature instead.

For example, you might find that one device may have the best screen out of the bunch, but is below average in all other aspects.

In these cases, we recommend you choose your device based on whatever feature is the most important to you. So, if you really want to be able to see your movies on a great screen, for example, we’d recommend going for the one that offers the best screen.

Frequently Asked Question

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Conclusion

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Looking for advice on other great products to buy? Check out our other guides we’ve prepared just for you!