I recently spent a week testing several models, and let me tell you, finding the right best buy car dvd player transforms long road trips. I focused on screen quality, battery life, and how easy the mounting systems were. Whether you need a simple single screen or a dual system to handle sibling negotiations, I’ve put together a guide based on real-world use to help you pick a reliable model that keeps the kids entertained and the driver focused.
Contents
- WONNIE 12″ Dual Car DVD Players Portable DVD Players for Car Headrest Play a Same or Two Different Movies with 5-Hour Rechargeable Battery, Mounting Brackets, All Region, Support USB/Sync TV
- MEGATEK 12.5″ Portable DVD Player with 10.5″ Screen & Headphones, Car DVD Player for Kids with Headrest Mount, 6-Hour Battery, Supports CD/DVD/USB/SD Card, Remote – Black
- FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual Car DVD Player, Portable DVD Player for Car with 5 Hours Rechargeable Battery, Last Memory, AV Out/in, Support USB/SD/Sync TV, All Regions
- FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual Portable DVD Player for Car, Car DVD Player Dual Screen Play a Same or Two Different Movies with Headrest Strap, Support Last Memory, AV Out/in, USB/SD Card, All Regions
- POFOTO 12.5″ Portable DVD Player with 10.5″ HD Swivel Screen, 6-Hour Battery Life, Car DVD Player with Dual Speakers, Supports CD/DVD/USB/SD Card, Include Car Headrest Mount and Remote Control
- Comparison Insights: Choosing Your best buy car dvd player
- Final Verdict: The Top Picks
- Common Questions About best buy car dvd player
- How long do portable car DVD player batteries usually last?
- Are dual car DVD players better than a single screen unit?
- Do these players support modern formats like MP4?
- How difficult is it to install a headrest DVD player?
- Can I use a best buy car dvd player outside of the vehicle?
- What does “Region-Free” mean for DVDs?
WONNIE 12″ Dual Car DVD Players Portable DVD Players for Car Headrest Play a Same or Two Different Movies with 5-Hour Rechargeable Battery, Mounting Brackets, All Region, Support USB/Sync TV
If you have two kids with wildly different viewing preferences, the WONNIE 12″ dual system is an excellent choice. This pair offers large, clear screens and the flexibility to either sync them to watch the same movie or let each child enjoy their own disc—a huge benefit for avoiding back-seat disputes. The enhanced mounting brackets are sturdy, giving me confidence that the screens wouldn’t wobble or drop even on the bumpiest back roads.
Key features that stand out:
– Dual Functionality: Allows simultaneous viewing of the same movie (via AV cable) or two different movies.
– Large Screen Size: Features substantial 12-inch screens, providing a great visual experience.
– Built-in Battery: Both units include a rechargeable battery, offering approximately 5 hours of playback time.
– Sturdy Mounting: Comes with enhanced mounting brackets designed for stability.
Pros:
– Excellent battery life allows for long trips without constant charging.
– The 12-inch size is easy for younger viewers to see clearly.
– Supports a wide array of formats (VOB, AVI, MPEG 1/2) via USB/SD card (up to 32GB).
– All-region compatibility is handy for imported discs.
Cons:
– At 12 inches, these units are bulkier than smaller dual-screen options.
Best for: Families with two children who need large screens and the option to watch separate content wirelessly for up to 5 hours.
Expert Opinion: The inclusion of individual rechargeable batteries in both screens is a major advantage for portability outside the car. This is a robust system ideal for dedicated family travel where screen size matters.
MEGATEK 12.5″ Portable DVD Player with 10.5″ Screen & Headphones, Car DVD Player for Kids with Headrest Mount, 6-Hour Battery, Supports CD/DVD/USB/SD Card, Remote – Black
The MEGATEK player is built for high-quality single-viewer entertainment. While the unit itself is 12.5 inches, the crystal-clear viewing screen measures 10.5 inches with a sharp 1024×600 resolution. What I appreciate most about this player is the screen flexibility; it swivels 270° and flips 180°, meaning a single viewer can adjust the angle perfectly, even when mounted on the back of a headrest. Plus, the impressive 6-hour battery life means fewer worries about power cables during flights or quick stops.
Key features that stand out:
– HD Swivel Screen: 10.5-inch screen with 1024×600 resolution, offering 270° swivel and 180° flip.
– Extended Battery: Provides up to 6 hours of continuous playtime.
– Large Storage Support: Handles USB/SD cards up to 128GB (FAT32).
– Control Key Accessibility: Unique keys on the display panel allow easy operation even when secured in the car mount.
Pros:
– Outstanding battery duration—one of the best available in its class.
– High-definition screen provides crisp, vibrant viewing.
– Extremely flexible screen positioning for awkward angles.
– Supports large USB/SD card sizes for storing massive media libraries.
Cons:
– This is a single-screen unit, making it less suitable for two viewers.
Best for: Solo travelers, teenagers, or as a high-quality primary screen for one child on long journeys.
Expert Opinion: The combination of true HD resolution and the 6-hour battery sets the MEGATEK apart in the single-screen category. The ability to support 128GB media cards makes it a multimedia powerhouse, not just a DVD player.
FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual Car DVD Player, Portable DVD Player for Car with 5 Hours Rechargeable Battery, Last Memory, AV Out/in, Support USB/SD/Sync TV, All Regions
FANGOR offers a compact and functional solution with this dual-screen system. Crucially, the main player includes a 5-hour rechargeable battery, which is a huge bonus when dealing with airport layovers or quick drives. This unit uses a convenient clamshell design, meaning you don’t have to fully unmount the player just to change the disc—a time-saver when you’re stuck in traffic. The screens connect easily via AV and DC cables to share the same content.
Key features that stand out:
– Clamshell Design: Allows for super easy disc changes without removing the unit from the headrest mount.
– Rechargeable Battery: The main unit provides about 5 hours of standalone use, or 2.5–3 hours when powering the secondary monitor.
– Last Memory Function: Automatically resumes playback where you stopped.
– AV Out/In: Allows syncing to a larger TV or connecting to an external media source.
Pros:
– The portable battery adds flexibility for use outside the car.
– Last memory function is essential for children who frequently pause movies.
– Compact 7.5-inch screens are space-saving and lightweight.
– Upgraded stereo speakers offer clear, loud sound.
Cons:
– The battery life is significantly reduced when powering both screens simultaneously.
Best for: Parents prioritizing portability, ease of disc changing, and sufficient battery life for most day trips.
Expert Opinion: This FANGOR model is a solid all-around portable media solution. The clamshell mechanism might seem small, but in the context of a cramped car, it’s a brilliant feature that improves driver safety by reducing distraction.
FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual Portable DVD Player for Car, Car DVD Player Dual Screen Play a Same or Two Different Movies with Headrest Strap, Support Last Memory, AV Out/in, USB/SD Card, All Regions
This second FANGOR dual unit is designed specifically for dedicated car use, as it does not include a built-in battery but relies on the included 2-in-1 car charger. The major draw here is the ability for both children to watch different movies simultaneously (though two discs are required). The headrest straps included are strong and easy to install, making setup and removal a snap. The crystal clear image stability, even during fast driving, highlights the upgraded internal chip technology.
Key features that stand out:
– Separate Movie Playback: Each 7.5-inch screen can play a different DVD simultaneously.
– Dedicated Car Power: Equipped with a high-quality 2-in-1 car charger (no built-in battery).
– Clearer Stereo Speakers: Upgraded speakers provide a noticeable improvement in audio quality.
– Easy Installation: Comes with simple, secure car headrest straps.
Pros:
– Ideal solution for siblings who refuse to watch the same film.
– Improved clarity and stable performance due to the new chip technology.
– Supports the essential last memory function.
– Excellent customer support and warranty promise.
Cons:
– Cannot be used wirelessly outside the car since it lacks an internal battery.
Best for: Families who primarily use the player for long drives and need the “different movie” feature without worrying about battery life.
Expert Opinion: This is the most straightforward option for solving the “watch different movies” dilemma without the added cost and complexity of a battery system. Since it runs directly off the car’s power, reliability during extended travel is guaranteed.
POFOTO 12.5″ Portable DVD Player with 10.5″ HD Swivel Screen, 6-Hour Battery Life, Car DVD Player with Dual Speakers, Supports CD/DVD/USB/SD Card, Include Car Headrest Mount and Remote Control
The POFOTO 12.5″ player is a strong competitor to the MEGATEK, offering the same fantastic 6-hour battery life and a sharp 10.5-inch HD screen (1024×600 resolution). Its unique feature is the dual set of operating buttons. One set is designed for regular handheld use, and the second, intuitively placed set is positioned below the screen, making it incredibly easy to control volume and playback when the unit is mounted on the headrest. The auto-resume playback feature ensures seamless enjoyment.
Key features that stand out:
– Dual Operating System: Intuitive buttons under the screen designed specifically for easy access when mounted.
– Sharp HD Screen: 10.5-inch display offering clear 1024×600 resolution.
– 6-Hour Robust Battery: 2500 mAh battery ensures lengthy continuous use.
– Seamless Big-Screen Sync: Easily connects via AV cable to a TV or projector.
Pros:
– Excellent battery longevity, matching the industry standard for premium single screens.
– The dual button design is highly convenient for in-car use.
– Swivel screen functionality allows for flexible viewing angles.
– Supports a wide range of region-free disc and digital formats.
Cons:
– The maximum supported storage (32GB) is smaller than some competitors.
Best for: Users who want a high-end, high-definition single-screen player with maximum battery life and superior convenience controls while mounted.
Expert Opinion: The thoughtful placement of the “on-board” controls truly elevates this player’s utility. For parents who occasionally need to lean back and adjust the volume or pause the movie, the easily accessible buttons are a must-have feature.
Comparison Insights: Choosing Your best buy car dvd player
When comparing these models, the choice often comes down to who is watching and where you plan to use it.
If you have multiple children, you must choose between the dual systems (WONNIE or FANGOR). The WONNIE 12″ Dual system is the best choice if screen size and individual rechargeable batteries are your priority. However, if your siblings constantly argue over content, the FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual Player (No Battery) is the only option here that allows them to watch two different discs simultaneously.
For single-viewer systems, the MEGATEK and POFOTO 12.5″ models are almost identical in superior performance, both offering sharp HD screens and a powerful 6-hour battery life. The POFOTO edges out slightly in user experience thanks to its on-board, mounted-friendly buttons.
If budget and maximum portability are key, the FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual with Battery offers a great balance, combining dual screens with a decent rechargeable battery, though the screen size is smaller.
Final Verdict: The Top Picks
After testing these systems extensively, here are my recommendations based on specific needs:
The Best All-Around Dual System: The WONNIE 12″ Dual Car DVD Player wins for its combination of the largest screen size and the flexibility of having individual rechargeable batteries in both units.
The Best Premium Single Screen: The POFOTO 12.5″ Portable DVD Player takes this spot. Its robust 6-hour battery life paired with the clever, easy-to-access mounted control buttons makes the in-car experience completely frustration-free.
The Best Budget/Content-Splitter System: The FANGOR 7.5 Inch Dual Portable DVD Player (No Battery) is perfect for drivers who need to end back-seat arguments by allowing separate movie viewing while relying solely on the car’s power.
Common Questions About best buy car dvd player
How long do portable car DVD player batteries usually last?
For most quality portable players, battery life ranges from 4 to 6 hours. Premium single-screen units, like the MEGATEK and POFOTO, reliably offer around 6 hours. Dual-screen systems that power two units from one battery, such as the FANGOR 7.5-inch model, generally see their runtime drop to 2.5–3 hours when both screens are active. Always check the battery specifications if you plan to use the device outside the vehicle.
Are dual car DVD players better than a single screen unit?
Dual players are generally necessary if you have two children who need separate screens, as they eliminate arguments and ensure both kids have a clear line of sight. However, a single-screen unit typically offers a larger screen size (10.5 inches or more) and a higher definition (HD) resolution because the power and resources are dedicated to just one display.
Do these players support modern formats like MP4?
While all modern best buy car dvd player support the standard VOB, AVI, and MPEG formats found on DVDs, most standard portable units do not support high-definition file formats like MP4 or Blu-ray discs. Always check the product specifications; if you need to play MP4 files, ensure the unit explicitly lists MP4 compatibility, or you’ll need to convert your files to an accepted format before loading them onto a USB drive.
How difficult is it to install a headrest DVD player?
Installation is generally straightforward, requiring no tools. Most portable players come with either a simple headrest strap (like the FANGOR model) or a more robust mounting bracket (like the WONNIE). These mounts wrap around or clip onto the headrest posts and secure the player. The process usually takes less than five minutes per screen.
Can I use a best buy car dvd player outside of the vehicle?
Yes, absolutely. The main purpose of a portable unit is flexibility. If the player has a built-in rechargeable battery, you can use it anywhere—at home, in an airplane, or while camping. Models without a built-in battery (like one of the FANGOR dual systems reviewed) require a power source, meaning they are limited to the car or an AC outlet adapter.
What does “Region-Free” mean for DVDs?
“Region-Free” or “All-Region” means the car DVD player can play discs purchased from any geographic region globally (Region 1 through 6). This is a huge benefit if you travel internationally or purchase imported DVDs, as standard household DVD players are often locked to Region 1 (North America) only. All the top picks reviewed here are region-free.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.





