Going on a road trip or just looking for something to keep your kids occupied while you’re in the car? A portable DVD player can transform the cabin of your car from just a place to sit to a plush movie theater or gaming room. Although many modern cars come with screens pre-installed into the back of your car’s headrests or onto your dashboard, this isn’t always the case.
For those who want to enhance the level of entertainment they can provide for their passengers, getting one of the best portable DVD players is the way to go. As is standard across all of our review articles, our product testing team takes the utmost pride in providing customers with well-researched recommendations from an unbiased perspective to better inform their purchasing decision.
In this article:
- 5 Best Portable DVD Players
- #1 Best Overall: Ainavi Multifunction Car TV
- #2 Best For Gaming: Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player
- #3 Most Portable: MyDash Portable DVD Player
- #4 Best Battery Capacity: Boifun Portable DVD Player
- #5 Best For Multiple People: Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players
- Portable DVD Players Buyers Guide
- Our Review Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best Portable DVD Players
#1 Best Overall: Ainavi Multifunction Car TV
The Ainavi Multifunction Car TV is as good as it gets in terms of portable DVD players. This 13.3-inch portable DVD player has an in-plane switching (IPS) touch screen 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®.
In terms of memory function, this car DVD player has 2.0 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM) and 16.0 G of read-only memory. There is a built-in speaker on this car DVD player, but you can also use an FM transmitter to transmit audio through the car stereo speakers. Furthermore, a headphone jack allows you to also use wired headsets. This portable DVD player has both HDMI input and output ports along with a USB and TF port.
Key Features
- HDMI input and output ports
- Built-in Google Play Store
- Supports Airplay and Miracast
What’s In The Box?
Customers who purchase the Ainvai Multifunction Car TV will receive the headrest video player itself, a mounting bracket, an HDMI cable, and a number of different connection methods. Included connection methods are a 12.0-volt car cigarette lighter, ACC power connection, and a 12.0-V DC adapter.
Our Experience
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.
| Overall Rating | 5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 5 out of 5 |
| Video Quality | 5 out of 5 |
| Capabilities | 5 out of 5 |
Ease of Installation: This portable DVD player had a really easy installation process. 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: In terms of video quality, no portable DVD player could match the quality of the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV. The screen is bright, clear, and the portable DVD player has a welcoming home screen when you first turn it on. Even if you look at the numbers, 1920 x 1080p resolution is a tall order to match.
Capabilities: This portable DVD player has a wealth of capabilities. This device 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 length of capabilities.
What Customers Are Saying
Just over 100 customers have left reviews on Amazon for the Ainavi Multifunction Car TV to give this portable DVD player an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. 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.
What Is It Good For?
The better question is: what isn’t it good for? This car DVD player 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 is also good for getting a couple of games in on a long road trip.
#2 Best For Gaming: Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player
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.
With a flip clamshell design, this portable DVD player makes it easy and safe for kids to change discs without having to uninstall the mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are stable and easy to move to another seat or another vehicle. 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. AV input and output ports allow you to share a movie.
Key Features
- Flip clamshell design
- Built-in dual speakers
- 18-month warranty
What’s In The Box?
A Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player, car charger, infrared wireless remote control, AV link cable, mounting bracket, and a user manual are all included in the box when you purchase this product.
Our Experience
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.
| Overall Rating | 4.7 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 5 out of 5 |
| Video Quality | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Capabilities | 4.5 out of 5 |
Ease of Installation: Both the installation and removal process of this portable DVD player was incredibly easy, with the Ainavi being the only product in this portable DVD player review that could compare. We had no problem setting up this portable DVD player and did so 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.
What Customers Are Saying
The Vanku 10.1-inch Car DVD Player has received just shy of 500 customer reviews on Amazon. With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, it’s easy to see why so many customers praise this portable DVD player’s capabilities. Quite a few customers also remarked at how secure the mounting system is. One negative reviewer complains that you can hear the DVD spinning through the back of the headrest.
What Is It Good For?
This portable DVD player is good for gamers and audiophiles alike. With the audio files that this device can support and inclusion of built-in speakers, this is a great option for those who like their music. Furthermore, gamers will love this portable DVD player as you can easily connect to your gaming system with no issues.
#3 Most Portable: MyDash Portable DVD Player
The MyDash Portable DVD Player is thin and lightweight, making it a clear choice for the Most Portable car DVD player on the market. 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.
Featuring break-point memory functionality, you can 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.
Key Features
- 270.0-degree screen rotation
- Rechargeable lithium battery
- Break-point memory functionality
What’s In The Box?
Upon purchase of the MyDash Portable DVD player, customers can expect to receive the DVD player machine itself with a number of accessories. Accessories that are included in the box are an AC adaptor, remote control, AV cable, car chargers, car headrest bag, instruction manual, and a warranty card.
Our Experience
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.
| Overall Rating | 3.8 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Video Quality | 4 out of 5 |
| Capabilities | 4 out of 5 |
Ease of Installation: In terms of ease of installation, we awarded this portable DVD player a 3.5 out of 5 stars. While no installation was 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, hence the low score.
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.
What Customers Are Saying
Upwards of 200 customer reviews have been left on Amazon for the MyDash Portable DVD Player. The overall star rating of this portable DVD player is 4.3 out of 5 stars. A large number of reviewers mention how user-friendly this product is and how their young children can use it easily without help.
What Is It Good For?
This 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 weren’t happy that there aren’t any buttons to adjust the screen’s brightness.
#4 Best Battery Capacity: Boifun Portable DVD Player
Featuring 5000.0-milliamperes per hour (mAh) battery capacity, the Boifun Portable DVD Player is reliable and ensures uninterrupted playing for up to six hours. The high resolution 15.6-inch 1280 by 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. This portable DVD player also has a last memory function to allow you to pick up from where you left off. This gadget comes with three power systems: a battery, car charger, and UL certified AC adapter.
Key Features
- Anti-shock function
- 5000.0-mAh battery capacity
- Ability to flip and rotate
What’s In The Box?
Customers who purchase the Boifun Portable DVD Player can expect the video player itself along with a number of other accessories included in the box. Other accessories that are included are a remote controller, AC adapter, car charger, and a 3-in-1 AV cable.
Our Experience
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.
| Overall Rating | 3.7 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Video Quality | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Capabilities | 4 out of 5 |
Ease of Installation: Similar to the MyDash, this portable DVD player did 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: In terms of video quality, this portable DVD player is quite mediocre. It won’t wow you, but it won’t leave you feeling like you missed half the movie as you couldn’t see what’s happening. However, we were fans of the large 17.5-inch screen.
Capabilities: This portable DVD player undoubtedly can play DVDs, but what else is it capable of? You can also play CDs, MP3 files, and even access JPEG files. Furthermore, this portable DVD player is compatible via USB and SD card.
What Customers Are Saying
The Boifun Portable DVD Player boasts a count of nearly 4,000 reviews with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Huge numbers of reviewers speak to the large screen size and how enjoyable it makes watching a movie while a few praise the usefulness of the last memory function. Some negative reviewers complain about their portable DVD player freezing and becoming unresponsive.
What Is It Good For?
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.
#5 Best For Multiple People: Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players
The Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players comes with dual screens as indicated by the product name. This allows you to play two different movies simultaneously or the same movie across two different screens by connecting AV cables. This portable DVD player can operate for up to 5 hours without charge thanks to a built-in rechargeable lithium battery. It should be noted that you can be refunded within 365 days and you receive lifetime customer and technical support.
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. This product also features a built-in last memory function where you can start watching again right where you left off. The clamshell design makes changing discs convenient and easy, even when the two screens are mounted.
Key Features
- Last memory function
- Clamshell design
- Lifetime customer and technical support
What’s In The Box?
For customers who purchase the Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players, you will receive two DVD players, two remote controls, two AC adapters, two headrest straps, and two car mounting brackets. A car charger, AV cable, RCA cable, and a user manual are also included in the box.
Our Experience
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.
| Overall Rating | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 3 out of 5 |
| Video Quality | 4 out of 5 |
| Capabilities | 3.5 out of 5 |
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, this product doesn’t have many other capabilities. This portable DVD player can support CDs as well as MP3 files and JPEG files, but that’s it. If you’re looking for a portable DVD player with limited functionality, then this might be the product for you.
What Customers Are Saying
More than 1,800 customers have left reviews on Amazon for the Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players, giving this product an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. 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.
What Is It Good For?
The Wonnie 10.5-inch Two DVD Players are good for families with two or more kids and for those who look to road trip 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.
Portable DVD Players Buyers Guide
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.
Blu-Ray
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
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.
Our Review Standards
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.
The five portable DVD players that best met these standards were ordered by our team for testing. A team member tested each product on a car, taking note of how easy the portable DVD player was to install and setup, how high of quality the display is, 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.
Portable DVD Players Testing Process
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best portable DVD player to buy?
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.
How long do portable DVD players last?
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.
What are the top five DVD players?
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.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
