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Nov 27, 2023

5 Best Portable DVD Players, Tested And Reviewed (2023 Guide)

Aidan Pounder is a Motor1.com product tester who has written reviews spanning from car insurance to rooftop cargo boxes. He regularly traveled both cross-country and internationally for cycling

Aidan Pounder is a Motor1.com product tester who has written reviews spanning from car insurance to rooftop cargo boxes. He regularly traveled both cross-country and internationally for cycling throughout his youth, having been awarded multiple state titles and podiuming at national championships across several different disciplines of the sport. He spent his more formative years under the hood of a car making sure he could get to his next bike race and knows the best way to secure all of your gear out on the road. His reviews have appeared in major automotive digital publications such as HotCars and Motor1. Aidan brings road trip know-how and a touch of DIY spirit to our team. If he’s not burning through the clutch on his 2003 Ford Focus Zx3, you’ll find him keeping up with the latest happenings in the world of European football.

Speed Reads:

Multifunction by name and by nature, this DVD player is the best of the best.

A high-quality portable DVD player with numerous capabilities.

A quality DVD player that can be mounted to a headrest or set up on your lap.

A quality portable DVD player that can play uninterrupted for up to six hours.

A long-lasting portable DVD player that comes with two screens.

Going on a road trip or just looking to keep your kids occupied while you’re in the car? The best portable DVD player can transform the back seat into a movie theater or gaming room. Although many modern cars come with screens pre-installed into the back of the headrests, this isn’t always the case.

A quality car DVD player can enhance passenger entertainment and keep restless children occupied during long drives. There are a number of options, with different features and functionality. Our product testing team researched and tested the top brands to recommend our favorites in this review.

The portable DVD players in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices. In our analysis, we considered each DVD player’s ease of use, video qualities, and capabilities.

Each portable DVD player’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:

A team member tested each portable DVD player in a car, taking note of ease of install, display quality, and how many multimedia options are compatible with the portable DVD player. Each portable DVD player was given a rating out of 5 stars based on this criteria.

After our product testing team researched the best portable DVD players, we proceeded to test these products against the following criteria:

Ease Of Installation

Our team tested for ease of installation by simply seeing how easy each portable DVD player was to install. This included fully mounting, securing, and getting the portable DVD player to full functionality.

Video Quality

This is arguably the most important characteristic of a portable DVD player and it was treated as such. We rated video quality by factoring in the screen’s resolution as well as how optimal a viewing angle you could get the portable DVD player positioned in.

Capabilities

This was a simple category to test. Our team compared what capabilities each portable DVD player had and then tested each capability’s functionality.

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

Having tested a number of high-quality portable DVD players, our favorite overall option is the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV based on ease of use, video quality, and the range of playback capabilities. We also recommend portable DVD players from the brands Vanku, MyDash, Boifun, and Wonnie.

Choose a portable DVD player based on your budget, desired screen size, and type of media you are hoping to watch (streaming versus disc playback).

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

For those interested in learning more, below are detailed reviews for each of the top five portable DVD players:

The Ainavi Multifunction Car TV is as good as it gets in terms of portable DVD players. It can be used as a business tool by giving you access to LinkedIn and Gmail or for pleasure through one of the many social media or streaming platforms. If you’re a gamer, this portable DVD player has HDMI input and output ports so can be used with a gaming system.

This 13.3-inch portable DVD player has an in-plane switching (IPS) touchscreen with 1920 x 1080p resolution and supports 4K HD video playback. Featuring a built-in Google Play Store, you can download and install the apps you want freely. This product also supports screen mirroring as well as iOS Airplay and Miracast®.

There is a built-in speaker on this car DVD player, but you can also use an FM transmitter to send audio to the car stereo speakers. Furthermore, a headphone jack allows you to use wired headsets.

Customers who purchase the Ainvai Multifunction Car TV will receive the headrest video player itself, along with:

The Ainavi Multifunction TV is multifunction by name and by nature. What really sets this product apart from the competition is its extensive list of capabilities and 13.3-inch screen size.

Ease Of Installation

It took our team members no more than five minutes to unbox, attach the big screen to the car headrest mount, and get this portable DVD player fully operational.

Video Quality

No portable DVD player we tested matches the quality of the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV. The screen is bright, crisp, and clear. A 1920 x 1080p resolution is a tall order to match.

Capabilities

The Ainavi can access Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Gmail, Youtube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Tik Tok, Airplay and Miracast, the Google Play Store, and can even connect to a gaming system via HDMI cable. No other portable DVD player that we researched or tested had this breadth of capabilities.

Amazon Review Score: 4.1 out of 5 based on over 200 ratings

Many customers speak to the device’s high resolution while a few others praise the build quality. A couple of negative reviews complain that they were unable to access pre-installed apps.

This portable DVD player is good for gamers and audiophiles alike. With a built-in USB port, SD card slot, and SD card reader functionality, you can enjoy a variety of different file formats and a number of different media files without issue. The inclusion of built-in speakers and AV output ports makes the Vanku a great option for those who like music. Furthermore, gamers will love this portable DVD player as you can easily connect to your gaming system with no issues.

With 1024 x 600 resolution and built-in dual speakers to enhance your viewing experience, the Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player is one of the best portable DVD players in the industry. This region-free car DVD player has a last memory/auto-resume function so that wherever you left off, regardless of if you power off or remove a disc, you will be able to pick it right back up. It should also be noted that this product comes with an 18-month warranty.

A Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player comes with:

In our experience, the Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player was a joy to work with. Easy installation paired with an HD screen and a long list of capabilities make this a great choice for customers.

Ease Of Installation

Both the installation and removal process of this portable DVD player are easy, with the Ainavi being the only product in this portable DVD player review that can compare. We had no problem setting up this portable DVD player in no time at all.

Video Quality

High resolution isn’t the only thing that this car DVD player has going for it. A large screen means that you won’t find yourself yearning for a bigger screen, while the 1080p video that this product can produce separates it from the competition.

Capabilities

This portable DVD player has an extensive list of capabilities. This product can connect to a gaming system, Raspberry Pi, Kindle Fire, and mobile phone. Furthermore, this device can support various file and disc formats such as MP3, CD, DVD, JPEG, and VCD.

Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 580 ratings

Many customers praise this portable DVD player’s capabilities and appreciate the secure mounting system. One negative reviewer complains that you can hear the DVD spinning through the back of the headrest.

The MyDash Portable DVD Player is good for those who are constantly on the go. If you’re more concerned about portability than you are about screen size, then the MyDash Portable DVD player might be for you. Some negative reviewers aren’t happy that there aren’t any buttons to adjust the screen’s brightness.

Featuring a 12.5-inch LCD screen with 270.0-degree rotation, you can easily adjust the viewing angle for the most optimal experience. This portable DVD player supports three power systems: A large-capacity rechargeable battery, UL listed power adapter, or a car charger. It should be noted that the battery is a lithium battery.

Break-point memory functionality allows you to pick up watching from where you left off without any hassle. You can also sync movies with a larger screen or to a TV by way of AV input and output ports. A headrest mount holder allows you to quickly store your portable DVD player while the adjustable straps let you secure it in place. It should be noted that this device is region-free, although it won’t support Blu-ray™ Discs or Blu-ray DVDs.

Upon purchase of the MyDash Portable DVD player, customers can expect to receive the DVD player machine itself, along with:

The MyDash Portable DVD player may not be a portable Blu-ray player, but it makes up for it with its video quality and portability.

Ease Of Installation

While no installation is required, the viewing angle of watching a movie by looking down at your lap versus the back of a headrest can put strain on your neck and back.

Video Quality

This portable DVD player can produce 1280 by 800 HD video, making it crisp and clear. Furthermore, the swivel screen functionality of this gadget means you can truly have the best viewing experience possible.

Capabilities

This device can act as both a CD player and DVD player as it supports both disc formats. Additionally, it also supports MP3 and JPEG files while also being compatible via USB port and SD card.

Amazon Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 850 ratings

A large number of reviewers mention how user-friendly this product is and how their young children can use it easily without help.

With its 5000.0-mAh battery capacity, the Boifun Portable DVD Player is good for those who don’t have easy access to charging ports. Having the ability to watch up to six hours of video uninterrupted gives you the freedom to be wherever you want in the world, at least until you need to recharge your device.

The high-resolution 15.6-inch 1280 x 800 HD screen can swivel, relieving viewers from fatigue while watching videos. Further enhancing the viewing experience is the fact that this portable DVD player has 270.0-degree rotation and the ability to flip 180.0 degrees. It should also be noted that this device is region-free.

Featuring an anti-shock function, this portable DVD player protects the disc reading process and effectively reduces the video interruption caused by shaking. This device features dual speakers as well as an earphone jack, so you can choose how you want to listen. The Boifun also has a last memory function to allow you to pick up from where you left off.

Customers who purchase the Boifun Portable DVD Player can expect the video player itself along with:

In our experience, the Boifun Portable DVD Player is a great portable DVD player. Its reliability to play video without access to charging methods is what truly sets this product apart from its competitors.

Ease Of Installation

Similar to the MyDash, this portable DVD player does not require any installation. Simply pull the product out of the box and it’s ready to go. However, regardless of how much the screen swivels, rotates, or flips, the device will still be sitting on your lap leaving you to crane your neck to see it. This product loses points here for its inability to be mounted to a car headrest.

Video Quality

This portable DVD player has mediocre video quality. It won’t wow you, but it won’t leave you feeling like you missed half the movie as you couldn’t see what was happening. However, we were fans of the large 17.5-inch screen.

Capabilities

In addition to DVDs, the Boifun can also play CDs, MP3 files, and even access JPEG files. Furthermore, it has a USB port and an SD card slot.

Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 6,200 ratings

A lot of people like the Boifun’s large screen size as well as the useful last memory function. Some negative reviewers complain about their portable DVD player freezing and becoming unresponsive.

The Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players are good for families with two or more kids and for those who like road trips with friends. The inclusion of two screens that can play the same movie at the same time or two different movies simultaneously allows you to turn your backseat into a movie theater on a long drive.

This portable DVD player can operate for up to 5 hours without charge thanks to a built-in rechargeable lithium battery. Built-in dual speakers provide loud and clear audio, though you also have the option to connect to your car audio system via an aux cable. This region-free portable DVD player has 1024 x 800 resolution and can play HD video.

For customers who purchase the Wonnie 10.5-inch dual DVD Players, you will receive:

While we appreciated the inclusion of two screens, our team members weren’t impressed that the Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players shipped with only one properly packaged screen while the other was left to rattle around the box.

Ease Of Installation

The installation process of this portable DVD player was time-consuming, to say the least. Our product testing team spent more time mounting one of these screens than it took us to mount the rest of the portable DVD players featured in the article combined. Additionally, it was a strenuous task to remove the portable DVD player from the headrest.

Video Quality

With HD video capabilities and 1024 x 800 resolution, this portable DVD player’s selling point is undoubtedly its video quality. While the top-end products in this market may have higher resolution, it’s difficult to beat the video quality of this car DVD player for the price.

Capabilities

Outside of being a DVD player, the Wonnie doesn’t have many other capabilities. It can support CDs as well as MP3 files and JPEG files, but that’s it.

Amazon Review Score: 4.3 out of 5 based on over 2,300 ratings

The majority of positive reviews focus on the fact two screens are included while a few mention being impressed with the image quality. A couple negative reviews claim their device stopped working shortly after the return period ended.

Portable DVD players can vary, but they all have the same basic functionality – to play DVDs. After using this type of product and thoroughly researching the various options available on the market today, our team members came up with a list of a few things to consider.

Although none of the products featured in this review support Blu-ray discs, that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked entirely. Blu-ray discs were released in 2006 as a superseding of the DVD format, capable of storing many hours of HD video. On the other hand, DVDs were first released in 1997 – making them a product of yesteryear. We saw this as a major place of improvement for this type of product.

HDMI input and output ports is ultimately what separated the top two products featured in this review from the rest of the pack. HDMI ports allow you to connect your portable DVD player to other devices, such as a gaming system or TV for example. Ultimately, an HDMI input port opens the door to a world of possibilities that can only be accessed via HDMI cable. This is what makes the inclusion of an HDMI port on your portable DVD player so important.

Straining your eyes to look at a tiny screen is no fun. Passengers won’t be far from the car DVD player, so it doesn’t need to be enormous, but should be suitably wide. In addition to screen size, consider resolution, which determines the crispness of the picture quality.

Most portable DVD players don’t have good built-in speakers. To get the best audio from your car DVD player, look for something that allows you to output sound to headphones (wired or Bluetooth) or your car’s stereo.

Some portable DVD players run on batteries whereas others can be connected to your car’s power source. If you have a battery-powered player, make sure it can last long enough for your trip.

A car DVD player can be a portable DVD player you sit on your lap, a headrest DVD player, or mounted to the ceiling. Determine the best spot for your screen based on your vehicle.

Hands down, the Best Overall portable DVD player on the market is the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV. However, we believe the Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player is the best option for those who are looking to play video games on their next road trip. If you’re always on the move and not always in your car, the MyDash Portable DVD Player was the Most Portable portable DVD player that we tested.

If you’re concerned about your portable DVD player dying in the middle of a movie, the Boifun Portable DVD Player has exceptional battery capacity. Some families might need more than one screen to keep two bickering children happy, in that case, we highly recommend the Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players.

After getting our hands on the five portable DVD players recommended above, we can undoubtedly say that these are the best of the best. However, if you need more options we also recommend the following:

The DBPower 11.5-inch Portable DVD Player swivels 270.0 degrees and flips 180.0 degrees for your ease of viewing. Two integrated speakers offer powerful and crisp audio, but there’s also a headphone jack featured on the side of the portable DVD player to give the driver peace and quiet when needed. It should be noted that this portable DVD player is protected under a 12-month warranty.

Protected under a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, the Desobry Car DVD Player is built to last. Featuring a 5,000.0-mAh battery, this portable DVD player can power one monitor for up to 5 hours or both monitors for 2.5 to 3 hours. What makes this portable DVD player stand out from competitors is the fact that both monitors can connect via one singular cable, rather than a whole host of cables.

The Sony DVP-FX1021 Portable DVD Player packs a crystal-clear 10.2-inch screen under a durable aluminum hood. Charging is easy and accessible, as you have the ability to charge this portable DVD player in the car or via a wall outlet. This device’s lithium-ion battery can power this portable DVD player for up to seven hours, as long as you use headphones and turn the brightness down.

Featuring a 15.6-inch screen with a 1280 x 800 resolution, the ieGeek 17.5-inch Portable DVD Player truly has a high-quality display. The built-in dual speakers featured on this portable DVD player have been upgraded from previous versions of this product. Additionally, the physical buttons on this car DVD player have been enlarged and simplified to make life easier for children and elderly people.

The Fangor 10.5-inch Dual Car DVD Player features upgraded speakers, as it now produces louder and clearer audio than previous versions. Last memory support means users don’t have to fast forward to where they were in the movie, as this portable DVD player will consistently resume where you last left off. It should be noted that Fangor will replace your device or refund you if there are any issues within the first 365 days after purchase.

The best portable DVD player to buy is the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV. Our product testing team came to this conclusion following countless hours of research, review, and rigorous testing.

The lifespan of portable DVD players is by no means a standardized amount of time and different brands’ products can vary in how long they last. Depending on the frequency of use and how you use your portable DVD player will ultimately determine how long it will last.

In no particular order, the top five portable DVD players are the MyDash 14.9-inch Portable DVD Player, the Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players, the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV, the Boifun Portable DVD Player, and the Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player.

The best portable DVD players are useful in places where the internet is weak or just unavailable. They’re useful on road trips entertaining passengers and allowing users to curate their own entertainment.

The best portable DVD players have screen resolutions above 720p, can support multiple formats, and have great battery life. Having a variety of installation options can also be helpful.

While many devices, and even some cars, offer passengers ways to stream content, a portable DVD player can offer a relatively inexpensive way to keep your old movie collection relevant.

*Data accurate at time of publication.