Table of Contents
Summary
Expert Consensus
Picture quality
Audio quality
Connectivity
User interface
Disc compatibility
Additional features
Expert Reviews
Good Alternatives
Position in Ranking
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PlayStation 5

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29 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [29]

88
Total expert reviews: 29
  • with a score: 18
  • without a score: 11
Highest score by T3
100
Average score based on 29 reviews
88
Lowest score by Gadgets 360
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The PlayStation 5 is a next-generation gaming console that offers impressive picture and audio quality, fast and reliable connectivity options, a customizable and intuitive user interface, and a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience.

The PlayStation 5 is a next-generation gaming console that offers impressive picture and audio quality, fast and reliable connectivity options, a customizable and intuitive user interface, and a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience. It can run most games at 4K resolution with advanced effects such as ray tracing and HDR, and supports high-resolution audio formats and multi-channel audio.

The console boasts a gigabit Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6 support, and Bluetooth 5. 1 technology, making it an excellent choice for gamers who demand the best possible performance from their gaming console. The user interface is highly praised for being fast, easy to use, and dynamic, with features such as Activity Cards, robust haptics, and custom music for each game.

The PlayStation 5 also has a disc drive that can play 4K UHD Blu-rays, standard Blu-rays in 1080p, and regular DVDs, making it a good option for those who want to play high-quality Blu-ray and DVD discs on their gaming console. Overall, the PlayStation 5 is a versatile entertainment system that can cater to a variety of needs, from gaming to streaming movies and TV shows, playing music, and more.

Picture quality

The PlayStation 5 offers significant visual upgrades with 4K resolution, advanced effects, and high frame rates, but requires a compatible high-end 4K TV to fully take advantage of its capabilities.

The PlayStation 5 offers a significant upgrade in visual fidelity compared to its predecessor, the PlayStation 4, and the PlayStation 4 Pro. It can run most games at 4K resolution, with advanced effects such as ray tracing for depth and HDR for color vibrancy. The PS5 is also capable of running games at 4K@60fps and even 120fps, depending on the game.

The console can handle motion and fast-paced scenes with exceptional clarity and smoothness, thanks to its processing power and high frame rates. However, to take full advantage of the PS5's capabilities, users will need a compatible high-end 4K TV. The PS5's HDR support has been improved with a recent firmware update, but it still lacks support for specialized formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Overall, the PlayStation 5 is a great choice for gamers looking for a next-gen console with impressive picture quality and performance.

What do experts say about the upscaling performance of PlayStation 5 when playing non-4K content?

I apologize, but I don't have specific information about the upscaling performance of PlayStation 5 when playing non-4K content. However, according to a review on CNN Underscored, the PS5 offers a nice 4K upgrade for anyone still using an original PlayStation 4 that only plays games at 1080P screen resolution. Additionally, the PS4 Pro is capable of supporting 4K visuals, but it can't match the PlayStation 5's 120Hz refresh rate or the PS5's processing power when it comes to enhanced visual features like ray tracing, as mentioned in a review on Business Insider.
Based on 11 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do experts say about the HDR support of PlayStation 5 in terms of color accuracy and contrast?

According to the experts at Business Insider, the PlayStation 5's high dynamic range (HDR) color will only activate on supported TVs, and the PS5's highest refresh rate (120Hz) is only possible on HDMI 2.1 capable displays. The PlayStation 5 can display 4K UHD Blu-ray discs with HDR10 color and bitstream surround sound, but more specialized formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ aren't supported on PS5. It's worth noting that the lack of Dolby Vision HDR is a limitation, as it is fast becoming an alternative with superior image quality. However, according to the experts at What Hi-Fi, the HDR output issue has been solved to some degree thanks to the most recent (April 2021) firmware update for the console. It allows you to go into the PS5 HDR settings and select "HDR: On When Supported". Now, HDR/SDR is matched for games and apps, depending on how the content is flagged. But there's still a small problem. While it appears to work fine for games, it's doesn't seem to work with some of the big streaming apps, such as Netflix, Apple TV, YouTube, and Disney Plus.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do experts say about the picture quality when playing 4K content on the PlayStation 5?

According to experts, the PlayStation 5 is built to run most games at 4K resolution, offering a definite step up over the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 4 Pro in terms of visual fidelity. The console can push around 4K textures at high and steady frame rates, and it can offer advanced effects such as ray tracing for depth and HDR for color vibrancy. The PS5 is also capable of running games at 4K@60fps and even 120fps, depending on the game. However, it's worth noting that you will need a compatible high-end 4K TV to take full advantage of the PS5's capabilities, and the high-resolution crispness won't land quite the same on a 1080p set.
Based on 11 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the PlayStation 5 handle motion and fast-paced scenes in terms of clarity and smoothness?

According to various product reviews, the PlayStation 5 is capable of handling motion and fast-paced scenes with exceptional clarity and smoothness. The PS5 is some 100 times faster than its predecessor, the PS4, so it can handle video at 120 frames per second, giving acuity never seen before. Games played on the PS5 at high resolutions and high frame rates will be immediately noticeable, with a significant upgrade in visual quality and animation "smoothness" (according to Expert Reviews). Additionally, the PS5 benefits from being a more powerful machine compared to its predecessor, providing solid 4K@60fps gameplay on AAA titles, without the truly next-gen DualSense controller thrown into the mix (according to techadvisor).
Based on 14 quotes from 12 sources [show quotes and sources]

Audio quality

The PlayStation 5 supports high-resolution audio formats and has a separate chip for sound processing called Tempest 3D AudioTech, which allows for hundreds of simultaneous audio sources to be registered at once.

The PlayStation 5 supports high-resolution audio formats like 24-bit/96kHz and 24-bit/192kHz, as well as 16-bit/44. 1kHz CD-quality audio. It has a separate chip responsible for sound processing which is able to accurately count hundreds of sound sources in games, down to raindrops. This technology is called Tempest 3D AudioTech and it works with any headphones.

The console can output multi-channel audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but Dolby Atmos is not supported at a system level and is only available when playing Blu-ray discs. The Tempest Engine also allows for hundreds of simultaneous audio sources to be registered at once, instead of being limited to 50 as in the PS4 and PS4 Pro.

Overall, the PlayStation 5 provides a high-quality audio experience for gaming and media consumption.

What high-resolution audio formats are supported by PlayStation 5?

According to available sources, the PlayStation 5 supports high-resolution audio formats like 24-bit/96kHz and 24-bit/192kHz, as well as 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality audio.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do experts say about the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) quality of PlayStation 5?

Unfortunately, I do not have any information on the DAC quality of PlayStation 5 from the sources available in the ReviewFinder database. However, it is mentioned that the console has a separate chip responsible for sound processing which is able to accurately count hundreds of sound sources in games, down to raindrops. This technology is called Tempest 3D AudioTech and it works with any headphones.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the PlayStation 5 have the ability to output multi-channel audio, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?

Yes, the PlayStation 5 can output multi-channel audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, according to some reviews, Dolby Atmos is not supported at a system level, and the console's menus only allow for 7.1-channel PCM output. To get Dolby Atmos audio, you need to play a Blu-ray with an Atmos audio track and set the Blu-ray player's audio output to bitstream. This will cause the console to send the audio signal without processing it internally, and it will be up to your TV or AV receiver to decode it. Additionally, Dolby Atmos is not supported in any of the games, but it is available when playing Blu-ray discs.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the PlayStation 5 handle audio processing and upscaling for non-high-resolution audio formats?

The PlayStation 5 uses a custom audio solution with dedicated hardware and new software to produce a 3D audio experience for headphones. Sony calls this Tempest 3D AudioTech. A separate chip is responsible for the sound processing in PlayStation 5, which is able to accurately count hundreds of sound sources in games, down to raindrops. The Tempest Engine also allows for hundreds of simultaneous audio sources to be registered at once, instead of being limited to 50 as in the PS4 and PS4 Pro. As for upscaling non-high-resolution audio formats, there is no specific information available on that.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The PlayStation 5 has strong connectivity options, including gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1, making it a great choice for gamers who require fast and reliable internet connectivity.

The PlayStation 5 has strong connectivity options, including a gigabit Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5. 1. The Ethernet capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with the ability to achieve speeds of up to 700 Mbit/s when used with a gaming router. The Wi-Fi capabilities are also fast and reliable, even in areas with limited bandwidth.

The Bluetooth technology allows for faster and more reliable wireless connections with compatible devices. Overall, the PlayStation 5's connectivity options make it a great choice for gamers who require fast and reliable internet connectivity for online gaming and streaming.

What wired connectivity options does PlayStation 5 have?

PlayStation 5 has a gigabit Ethernet port, which allows for a wired internet connection. Additionally, there are two SuperSpeed USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and an AC adapter on the back of the console.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the Wi-Fi capabilities of PlayStation 5?

According to product reviews on Trusted Reviews and GSMArena, the PlayStation 5 has Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 allows for outstanding download speeds, although it doesn’t offer support for the newer Wi-Fi 6E standard. Reviewers have noted that the Wi-Fi capabilities are fast and work well even in areas with limited bandwidth.
Based on 10 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do experts say about the Ethernet capabilities of PlayStation 5?

According to the product reviews on GSMArena, Trusted Reviews, and Lifewire, the PlayStation 5 comes with a gigabit Ethernet port that allows for wired internet connectivity. Additionally, according to the review on gagadget.com, when used with a gaming router such as the ASUS RT-AX86U, the PlayStation 5 can achieve speeds of around 650-700 Mbit/s when loading and over 300 Mbit/s on the output, which is a testament to its strong Ethernet capabilities.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the PlayStation 5 support Bluetooth connectivity, and if so, what do experts say about its Bluetooth capabilities?

Yes, the PlayStation 5 does support Bluetooth connectivity, and according to a product review on Trusted Reviews, it uses Bluetooth 5.1 technology. This allows for faster and more reliable wireless connections with compatible devices.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

User interface

Experts highly praise the PlayStation 5 user interface for being fast, easy to use, dynamic, streamlined, cohesive, and intuitive, with customizable features and tricks like Activity Cards and custom music for each game.

The PlayStation 5 user interface is highly praised by experts for being fast, easy to use, dynamic, streamlined, cohesive, and intuitive. The interface is highly customizable, and the Control Center can be accessed with a press of the PlayStation button on the DualSense wireless controller.

Navigating through menus and settings is easy and intuitive, and the redesigned 4K 60 frames per second interface is highly customizable. The PS5 home menu has a few tricks up its sleeve, including Activity Cards, robust haptics, and custom music for each game. While there were some minor issues at launch, these are likely to disappear with future updates.

Overall, the PlayStation 5 user interface is highly recommended for gamers who want a fast, intuitive, and customizable interface for their gaming and media needs.

How intuitive is the user interface of the PlayStation 5?

According to multiple product reviews in ReviewFinder's database, the user interface of the PlayStation 5 is highly intuitive and easy to use. The PS5 UI takes the strands of the PS4 UI and ties them together in a far more attractive, cohesive, and intuitive package. The new UI is more than just an iterative update, it's more dynamic than the PS4, shifting the familiar, centered row of horizontal game and media icons to the top of the screen to make more room for graphics and infoboxes. The layout is natural and easy to navigate, and the Control center can be accessed with a press of the PlayStation button on the DualSense wireless controller, which shows several key functions on the bottom for accessing your friends’ list, notifications, trophies, download status, system settings, etc. Overall, the updated PlayStation 5 interface is highly praised for being fast, easy to use, and intuitive.
Based on 17 quotes from 14 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to navigate through the menus and settings on the PlayStation 5 Blu-ray player?

According to various product reviews, navigating through menus and settings on the PlayStation 5 is easy and intuitive. The interface is streamlined, and the Control Center can be accessed with a press of the PlayStation button on the DualSense wireless controller, allowing for easy access to key functions such as friends' lists, notifications, trophies, download status, system settings, etc. Additionally, the PlayStation button on the controller brings up a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, making it easy to get around. The PS5 interface is also more dynamic than the PS4, with a redesigned 4K 60 frames per second interface that is highly customizable.
Based on 16 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do experts say about the user interface layout or design of PlayStation 5?

Experts generally have positive impressions of the PlayStation 5 user interface. They describe it as fast, easy to use, dynamic, streamlined, cohesive, and intuitive. Reviewers note that the interface is highly customizable, and the Control Center can be accessed with a press of the PlayStation button on the DualSense wireless controller. The PS5 home menu has a few tricks up its sleeve, including Activity Cards, robust haptics, and custom music for each game. While some experts note that there were some minor issues at launch, these are likely to disappear with future updates.
Based on 18 quotes from 15 sources [show quotes and sources]

Disc compatibility

The PlayStation 5 has a disc drive that can play 4K UHD Blu-rays, standard Blu-rays in 1080p, and regular DVDs, but does not support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, and CDs and 3D Blu-ray movies are not compatible with the disc drive.

The PlayStation 5 has a disc drive that can play 4K UHD Blu-rays, standard Blu-rays in 1080p, and regular DVDs. It can also accept standard Blu-ray discs for PlayStation 4 games. However, it does not support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, and CDs and 3D Blu-ray movies are not compatible with the disc drive.

The console is region-free for games and can play Blu-ray discs from any region. There is no official information available on how well the PlayStation 5 handles scratched or damaged discs, but it is recommended to handle the discs with care to ensure proper functioning. Overall, the PlayStation 5 is a good option for those who want to play high-quality Blu-ray and DVD discs on their gaming console.

What disc formats does the PlayStation 5 support?

According to product reviews in ReviewFinder database, the PlayStation 5 can play 4K UHD Blu-rays as well as standard Blu-rays in 1080p and regular DVDs. However, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats are not supported on PS5. The disc drive can also accept standard Blu-ray discs for PlayStation 4 games. It's worth noting that CDs and 3D Blu-ray movies won't work with the PS5's disc drive.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How well does the PlayStation 5 handle scratched or damaged discs?

There is no official information available regarding how well the PlayStation 5 handles scratched or damaged discs. However, it is recommended to handle the discs with care and avoid scratches as much as possible to ensure proper functioning.

Can the PlayStation 5 play region-specific discs?

Yes, the PlayStation 5 can play region-specific discs. According to PlayStation's website, the console is region-free for games and can play Blu-ray discs from any region.

Additional features

The PlayStation 5 offers a range of additional features, including support for popular streaming services, media file playback from USB drives, and voice control capabilities.

The PlayStation 5 offers a range of additional features that enhance the user experience. It supports popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Spotify, Twitch, Crunchyroll, Apple TV+, and Disney+. Users can also play media files from a USB drive, although it is recommended to disable the automatic screenshot and video clip feature to avoid clogging up the gallery and taking up storage space.

The PlayStation 5 also has voice control capabilities, allowing users to access YouTube and control sound and microphone settings through voice commands. These features make the PlayStation 5 a versatile entertainment system that can cater to a variety of needs, from streaming movies and TV shows to playing music and games.

Which streaming services are supported by PlayStation 5?

According to various product reviews in ReviewFinder database, the PlayStation 5 supports many popular streaming services through dedicated apps that can be downloaded from the store, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Spotify, Twitch, Crunchyroll, Apple TV+, Disney+, and more. However, the exact list of available apps may depend on your region.
Based on 15 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the PlayStation 5 play media files from a USB drive?

Yes, you can plug in a USB drive with media files on it and it will show up in the media gallery. However, according to a product review on GSMArena, I'd recommend disabling the feature where the PS5 automatically takes a screenshot and short video clip when you get a new trophy because it quickly tends to clog up the gallery and also takes up valuable storage space.
Based on 17 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the PlayStation 5 have voice control capabilities?

Yes, the PlayStation 5 has voice control capabilities. According to a product review on Creative Bloq, one of the updates included the option to access YouTube via voice control. Additionally, the Control Center on the PlayStation 5 interface has a menu for sound and microphone settings, which suggests that it is possible to control these features through voice commands.
Based on 8 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Best Alternatives

3 best blu-ray players in the same price range as PlayStation 5

Scroll to see all options. Click on the blu-ray player for more details.
Panasonic DP-UB9000 Panasonic UB820 Sony UBP-X1100ES
Rank
#6 out of 50
Reviews
In comparison:
Panasonic DP-UB9000 rank #6 out of 50. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Rank
#1 out of 50
Reviews
In comparison:
Panasonic UB820 rank #1 out of 50. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Rank
#31 out of 50
Reviews
In comparison:
Sony UBP-X1100ES rank #31 out of 50. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Price
$994.95
Price
$439.99
Price
$794.98
The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is a high-end 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that offers exceptional picture and audio quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and support for a variety of disc formats and streaming services. The Panasonic UB820 is a highly recommended Blu-ray player with exceptional picture quality, good audio capabilities, a variety of connectivity options, and additional features like streaming services and voice control.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
More product details More product details More product details
Blu-ray Players above are offered because they are in the same price range as PlayStation 5. To browse more budget and premium blu-ray players go to our blu-ray player ranking .
Browse all Blu-ray Players .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all blu-ray players.

Rank Change Price Blu-ray Player
Digital Trends
CNET
Crutchfield
Wirecutter
The Master Switch
What Hi-Fi
IndieWire
TopTenReviews
The Techlounge
Fix the Photo
1
- $440
Panasonic UB820
3
-
1
2
12
-
3
2
7
-
2
- $209
Sony UBP-X700
1
1
-
-
6
3
-
-
-
7
3
- $315
Sony UBP-X800M2
2
-
-
-
7
-
4
-
1
2
4
+1 Check price
XBox Series X
4
3
-
-
5
-
-
6
-
-
Show all rows
PlayStation 5 ranks #7 out of 14 in this month's ranking:
Ranked #4 out of 4
Best PlayStation for Blu-ray movies
CNET
16 Dec 2023 (4 months ago)
Read article
Ranked #8 out of 15
The Master Switch
3 May 2021 (2 years ago)
Read article
Ranked #7 out of 9
The best PlayStation with Blu-ray player.
TopTenReviews
7 Dec 2023 (4 months ago)
Read article
Ranked #11 out of 11
Stylish
Fix the Photo
25 Mar 2024 (1 month ago)
Read article
Browse this month's Blu-ray Player ranking
This month, #1 Blu-ray Player is Panasonic UB820

Highest recommended blu-ray players this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. blu-ray players below are at the top of our ranking this April.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the blu-ray player for more details.
Panasonic UB820 Sony UBP-X700 Sony UBP-X800M2 XBox Series X
Rank
#1 out of 50
Reviews
In comparison:
Panasonic UB820 rank #1 out of 50. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Rank
#2 out of 50
Reviews
In comparison:
Sony UBP-X700 rank #2 out of 50. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.4
Great
Rank
#3 out of 50
Reviews
In comparison:
Sony UBP-X800M2 rank #3 out of 50. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Rank
#4 out of 50
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for XBox Series X
Price
$439.99
Price
$208.94
Price
$314.95
Price
The Panasonic UB820 is a highly recommended Blu-ray player with exceptional picture quality, good audio capabilities, a variety of connectivity options, and additional features like streaming services and voice control. The Sony UBP-X700 is a highly rated and versatile 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that offers excellent upscaling, HDR support, multi-format disc playback, and a range of connectivity options and streaming services. The Sony UBP-X800M2 is a high-quality Blu-ray player that delivers exceptional picture and audio quality, with excellent HDR support, multi-channel audio output, and versatile connectivity options. The Xbox Series X is a top-notch gaming console with excellent picture and audio quality, smooth gameplay, and a comprehensive range of connectivity options, making it a great choice for gamers and entertainment enthusiasts.
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