Sony has refreshed its popular UBP-X700 Blu-ray player with a new model, the UBP-X700/K. This update marks Sony’s first new 4K Blu-ray player release in over five years, showing the company’s continued commitment to physical media despite the streaming era’s dominance. The UBP-X700/K maintains the excellent qualities that earned its predecessor five stars in 2018, while removing some of the less popular streaming options from the original model.
The updated player continues to offer impressive 4K playback capabilities at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for home theater enthusiasts. While some may question Sony’s decision to release a new Blu-ray player when streaming services are widespread, this move suggests the company sees ongoing potential in the Blu-ray market and is responding to consumer demand for high-quality physical media playback options.
Sony UBP-X700 Review
The Sony UBP-X700 has long been one of the most popular budget-friendly 4K Blu-ray players, known for its excellent picture quality and wide format support. Originally launched in 2017, it received a 2025 refresh under the name UBP-X700/K, which sparked both excitement and criticism among home theater enthusiasts.
What’s New in 2025?
Sony’s update to the X700 is more of a minor refresh than a true redesign:
- Design & Build: Virtually identical to the original X700, with the same compact chassis.
- Performance: Still excellent for 4K UHD Blu-ray playback with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos support.
- Software/Firmware: Updated interface and slightly faster load times.
- Streaming Apps: Still includes Netflix, YouTube, and a handful of others, but the app selection is limited compared to modern streaming devices.
- Connectivity: Dual HDMI outputs (one for video/audio, one for audio-only), USB port, and Ethernet/Wi-Fi support remain.
Critics note that the refresh feels like a safe re-release rather than a bold step forward, especially since no new formats (like HDR10+ or DTS upgrades) were added (source: HiFiDaydreaming, AVSForum).
Performance Review
Picture Quality
The X700/K continues to deliver sharp, vibrant 4K playback with excellent color accuracy. Dolby Vision support is a big plus at this price point, though HDR10+ is missing.
Audio Performance
With Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio support, it’s more than capable for home theater setups. The dual HDMI outputs are especially useful for older receivers.
Usability
The interface is simple and responsive, though it feels dated compared to streaming sticks. Disc load times are slightly improved over the original model.
Streaming
While it has built-in apps, the selection is minimal and outdated. Most users will pair it with a dedicated streamer.
Value
At around $200 / £200 in 2025, it remains one of the best-value 4K Blu-ray players for those who want reliable disc playback without spending $400+.
Rating Table
| Category | Rating (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) | Excellent 4K HDR & Dolby Vision support |
| Audio Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) | Strong surround sound, dual HDMI outputs |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5) | Lightweight, feels budget but functional |
| Usability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0) | Simple UI, faster load times |
| Streaming Support | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2.0) | Limited apps, outdated vs. Roku/Apple TV |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) | Still one of the best sub-$250 players |
Overall Score: 4.0 / 5
Final Verdict
The Sony UBP-X700/K (2025) is a refined but conservative update. It’s still one of the best affordable ways to enjoy 4K Blu-ray discs with Dolby Vision and Atmos, but the lack of new features or expanded streaming support makes it feel a little dated.
👉 Best for: Disc enthusiasts who want great performance at a fair price.
👉 Not ideal for: Cord-cutters who rely heavily on streaming apps.
Key Takeaways
- Sony’s UBP-X700/K is the company’s first new 4K Blu-ray player in over five years, refreshing their affordable but high-performing line.
- The updated model maintains the excellent 4K playback capabilities while removing some streaming options present in the original X700.
- This release demonstrates Sony’s continued commitment to physical media despite the increasing popularity of streaming services.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Sony UBP-X700 is packed with impressive capabilities that make it a standout 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. It offers extensive format support, multiple connectivity options, and advanced video and audio processing features that deliver an exceptional home entertainment experience.
Supported Formats and Disc Compatibility
The UBP-X700 offers broad disc compatibility, supporting Ultra HD Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVDs, and SACDs. This versatility allows users to play their entire disc collection on a single device without worrying about format limitations.
For digital content, the player supports a wide range of music formats. It can handle everything from common AAC and PCM audio files to high-resolution DSD files up to 11.2MHz. This comprehensive format support makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles.
The player is also compatible with various video file formats through USB and network streaming. Its ability to work with both physical media and digital files ensures users can access content from multiple sources without switching devices.
Connectivity Options
The UBP-X700 features dual HDMI outputs that provide flexible setup options. One HDMI output can be dedicated to audio, which is particularly useful for connecting to older AV receivers while still enjoying 4K video quality.
On the networking front, the player offers both wired Ethernet and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This dual approach ensures stable connections whether users prefer hardwired reliability or wireless convenience.
A USB port on the front panel allows for easy connection of external storage devices. This enables playback of compatible media files without requiring network setup.
The player also supports screen mirroring functionality, allowing content from compatible mobile devices to be displayed directly on the connected TV.
Video and Audio Capabilities
The UBP-X700 excels in video performance with 4K output at 60p and upscaling capabilities that enhance standard Blu-ray and DVD content to near-4K quality. The player supports 24p True Cinema for film-like playback of movies at their original frame rate.
For HDR content, the UBP-X700 is compatible with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. This dual HDR support ensures optimal picture quality with enhanced contrast and expanded color range on compatible displays.
Audio performance is equally impressive with built-in decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD formats. The player also supports object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS, delivering immersive 3D soundscapes when connected to compatible audio systems.
Deep Color (12-bit) support allows for smoother color gradations and more natural-looking images. The player also works with BT.2020 color spaces for wider color reproduction on compatible displays.
Performance and User Experience
The Sony UBP-X700 delivers impressive performance across multiple dimensions. Users report consistently positive experiences with both picture and audio quality, making it a strong contender in the budget 4K Blu-ray player market.
Picture and Sound Quality
The UBP-X700 excels in visual performance with accurate 4K output. The player handles HDR content exceptionally well, with proper Dolby Vision HDR support through firmware updates that Sony has provided since launch. Colors appear rich and natural, while contrast levels maintain impressive depth.
For audio enthusiasts, the player offers balanced and accurate sound reproduction. It effectively processes Dolby Atmos soundtracks, creating an immersive listening experience when paired with compatible systems. The player also performs well with standard CD playback, making it versatile for various media types.
4K upscaling technology enhances standard Blu-ray and DVD content, bringing older media closer to modern display capabilities without introducing artifacts or unnatural processing effects. This feature alone makes the player valuable for those with extensive physical media collections.
Enhanced Viewing Features
Dolby Vision compatibility stands as one of the UBP-X700’s strongest selling points. This advanced HDR format provides more dynamic range than standard HDR10, creating more lifelike images with appropriate displays.
The player supports 3D Blu-ray playback, a feature becoming increasingly rare in newer players. This backward compatibility helps preserve investments in 3D movie collections.
Auto power-off functionality helps reduce energy consumption when the device isn’t in use. The player boots quickly from standby mode, minimizing wait times when starting a movie session.
Hi-Res Audio support ensures audiophiles can enjoy premium sound quality beyond standard formats. The player handles various audio codecs competently, making it suitable for home theater enthusiasts who value sound quality as much as video performance.
Connectivity with Other Devices
The UBP-X700 offers standard connectivity options including HDMI output for connecting to modern TVs and receivers. The player integrates seamlessly with most home theater setups through these connections.
According to recent information, the newer models have dropped built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. This means no streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, and no Spotify Connect functionality. Screen mirroring capabilities have also been removed in the latest iterations.
For surround sound enthusiasts, the player works well with external receivers and surround sound decoders. It passes through audio signals properly, allowing the external equipment to handle sound processing when preferred.
Connection stability remains reliable, with few reports of HDMI handshake issues that plague some competing models. The player recognizes most modern Smart TVs without compatibility problems, maintaining proper resolution and color space settings automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sony UBP-X700 remains a popular 4K Blu-ray player with distinctive features and capabilities. Users often have specific questions about its functionality, specifications, and how it compares to other models.
What are the main differences between the Sony UBP-X700 and UBP-X800M2 models?
The Sony UBP-X700 offers Dolby Vision support but lacks some premium features found in the UBP-X800M2. The X800M2 has a more robust build quality with a frame-and-beam chassis design.
The X800M2 supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10, while the X700 requires manual switching for Dolby Vision content. The X800M2 also provides superior audio performance with dedicated audio components.
Connectivity differs slightly, with the X800M2 offering additional options for audiophiles. Price points reflect these differences, with the X800M2 positioned as the premium option.
Is the Sony UBP-X700 a region-free Blu-ray player?
The Sony UBP-X700 is not region-free out of the box. It follows standard region coding restrictions for DVDs (regions 1-6) and Blu-ray discs (regions A, B, C).
Some third-party vendors offer modified region-free versions, but these modifications void the official Sony warranty. Users interested in playing discs from multiple regions may need to consider these aftermarket options.
What enhancements does the Sony UBP-X700 offer compared to the UBP-X500?
The UBP-X700 significantly improves upon the X500 by adding Dolby Vision HDR support. This enhancement provides more dynamic range and improved color accuracy for compatible content.
Network connectivity is another major upgrade, as the X700 includes both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections that the X500 lacks. This enables streaming services and firmware updates directly from the internet.
The X700 also features a more advanced processor for better upscaling of non-4K content. User interface improvements make navigation more intuitive compared to the X500 model.
Can you detail the specifications of the Sony UBP-X700?
The Sony UBP-X700 supports 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback with HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. It offers 4K upscaling for standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs.
Audio formats supported include Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and high-resolution audio files. Connectivity options feature dual HDMI outputs, coaxial digital audio, and USB ports.
Physical dimensions are approximately 12.6 x 8.5 x 1.8 inches with a weight of 4.4 pounds. The player includes both Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and Ethernet network options for streaming services.
What are the latest price trends for the Sony UBP-X700?
As of March 2025, the Sony UBP-X700 typically retails between $199-$249, reflecting its mid-range positioning in the 4K Blu-ray player market. Occasional sales may drop the price to around $179.
The player has maintained stable pricing due to its continued popularity and Dolby Vision support. Refurbished units from authorized dealers can be found for approximately $159-$179 with limited warranties.
Compared to newer models, the UBP-X700 represents good value for consumers primarily interested in Dolby Vision support without premium audio features.
Has there been a firmware update addressing common problems with the Sony UBP-X700?
Sony has released several firmware updates for the UBP-X700 addressing disc compatibility issues and performance problems. The most significant update improved Dolby Vision switching, which previously required manual toggling.
Some users reported issues with the player freezing or not recognizing certain 4K discs. Recent firmware has largely resolved these problems for most users, though isolated cases still occur.
The latest firmware can be installed via internet connection or USB drive from Sony’s support website. Users experiencing problems should ensure their player is running the most current version.
