The Best DVD Recorders

You can still find these devices, and here are our suggestions

By
Robert Silva
Robert Silva
Robert Silva
Writer
  • San Diego State University
Robert Silva has extensive experience in consumer electronics and home theater product sales and sales supervision; he has written about audio, video, and home theater topics since 1998. Robert has articles published on HBO.com and Dishinfo.com plus has made appearances on the YouTube series Home Theater Geeks.
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Updated on February 20, 2025

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DVD Recording
DVD Recording. Photo: Getty Images Plus - iStock Collecton - basti_90 - 89347080

The best DVD recorders are affordable, will fit well in your entertainment setup, and offer extras that matter to you, like Wi-Fi or extra tuners.

While this technology isn't the norm anymore and can be harder to come by, these are the models that offer the best experience.

Note: Prices are subject to change.

Many manufacturers are no longer making new DVD recorders for the U.S. market. Some listed units may be officially discontinued but may still be available at local retailers or third-party sources, such as eBay.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
SALE
Toshiba DR430 DVD Recorder with HDMI Output at Amazon $700 $140
Jump to Review
Best Entry-Level (Used-Only):
SALE
Panasonic DMR-EZ28K at Amazon $230 $179
Jump to Review
Runner-Up, Best Entry-Level (Used-Only):
Panasonic DMR-EA18K DVD Recorder at Amazon $245
Jump to Review

Best Overall

Toshiba DR430 DVD Recorder with HDMI Output

Toshiba DR430 DVD Recorder
PHOTO: Amazon
$700 $140 at Amazon

TL;DR: The DR430 can also play MP3-CDs, as well as standard audio CDs.

Why We Recommend It

The Toshiba DR430 is a budget-priced DVD recorder with convenient features and our top pick for most people.

It offers DVD-R/-RW and +R/+RW format recording with Auto Finalization, a front-panel DV input for connecting digital camcorders, and HDMI output with 1080p upscaling.

Pros

  • Quick read time

  • Easy to use; detailed manual

  • 1080p upscaling

Cons

  • Pricey

  • No built-in TV tuner or SD card slot

  • Unfriendly remote

The DR430 can also play MP3 CDs, as well as standard audio CDs. However, the DR-430 does not have a built-in tuner, so it is necessary to use an external cable or satellite box to record television programs.

If you subscribe to cable or satellite, use a box, and have an HDTV to access the 430's 1080p upscaling video output capability, this DVD recorder might be a good match for your entertainment setup.

Over 60% of Amazon purchasers give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

Best Entry-Level (Used-Only)

Panasonic DMR-EZ28K

Panasonic DMR-EZ28K DVD Recorder
PHOTO: Panasonic
$230 $179 at Amazon

TL;DR: The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K shines as a straightforward entry point to DVD recorders.

Why We Recommend It

The Panasonic DMR-EZ28K is an excellent entry-level DVD recorder with an ATSC tuner.

This tuner allows the reception and recording of over-the-air digital TV signals, which replaced analog signals, effective June 12, 2009.

Pros

  • High-quality recordings

  • Built-in tuner

Cons

  • Discontinued

  • No eject button on the remote

In addition to an ATSC tuner, the DMR-EZ28K is compatible with most DVD recording formats, a DV input for recording from digital camcorders, and 1080p upscaling via HDMI output.

Another bonus is Panasonic's enhanced playback quality on discs recorded using the four-hour LP mode.

Over 50% of Amazon purchasers give this recorder 5 out of 5 stars.

This DVD recorder has been officially discontinued but may still be available via clearance outlets or third parties.

Runner-Up, Best Entry-Level (Used-Only)

Panasonic DMR-EA18K DVD Recorder

Panasonic DMR-EA18K DVD Recorder
PHOTO: Panasonic
$245 at Amazon

TL;DR: Another entry-level standout, but you'll need an external tuner.

Why We Recommend It

The Panasonic DMR-EA18K is another entry-level DVD recorder we recommend for most folks.

The DMR-EA18K includes compatibility with most DVD recording formats, a DV input for recording from digital camcorders, USB, and SD card slot for digital still image playback, both progressive scan component video outputs, and 1080p upscaling via its HDMI output.

Pros

  • Multi-format playback

  • USB and SD card support

Cons

  • Discontinued

  • No TV tuner

  • Remote lacks an eject button

While it contains all of those desirable features, one thing it lacks is a tuner. It requires an external tuner, such as a cable box, satellite box, or DTV converter box, to receive and record television programming.

However, another bonus is Panasonic's enhanced playback quality on discs recorded using the four-hour LP mode. The EA18K can also play DivX files.

Over 30% of Amazon purchasers give this product a 5 out of 5 stars.

This DVD recorder has been officially discontinued but may still be available via clearance outlets or third parties.

What to Look For

While DVD recorders use outdated technology, this device type is often costly in online marketplaces. However, you can still find reasonable deals, so compare prices before buying if budget concerns you.

DVD recorder designs also haven't been a priority for manufacturers as the category's relevance has wanted. As such, they tend to be clunkier than newer technology out there. Still, most are slim enough to stow away in a drawer until you need it.

Finally, at their most basic, DVD recorders can replace a VCR, but newer models have several neat features that offer distinct advantages you may want with your purchase.

For example, some have multiple tuners, which allow you to record multiple channels simultaneously (one to the DVD and one to the hard drive).

Other DVD recorders have Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, though it's important to note that this doesn't mean they can support streaming content like Netflix.

FAQ

  • Can I put more than one movie on a DVD?

    While this largely depends on the size of the movie file you're burning, in some cases, you can fit as many as five movies on a single DVD-R. However, it's important to note that when burning a DVD, you only get the MKV file and not the additional bonus content, subtitles, or commentary tracks. It's possible to include these features when burning a DVD, but everything you add wastes space that could be used for more movie files.

  • What DVD formats can I record to?

    Several recordable DVD formats are all slightly different. The two most common formats are DVD-R and DVD-RW, with the key differences being that DVD-RW can be erased and re-written, whereas DVD-R can only be written and finalized once.  

  • What's the difference between a DVD and Blu-Ray?

    The most significant difference between these two formats is storage space. A standard DVD can hold around 4.7GB of data, compared to a whopping 50GB of space on Blu-Ray. The extra space means that Blu-Rays can accommodate higher resolution footage, up to 1080p, as opposed to DVDs that typically support 480p.

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