Know About Different Types of Blu-ray Discs

Patrick 12/08/2025

Blu-ray Player

57 views

Blu-ray discs are a wonderful option for storing your favorite movies and games. Or you can use them to store large amounts of data. No matter if you’re working on a large video project, backing up your important files, or just watching a Hollywood movie, Blu-ray technology provides you number of disc options for all your needs. In this article, we will share the main types of Blu-ray discs and help you decide which one is right for your needs.

What Are the Different Types of Blu-ray Disc

Although all Blu-ray discs look the same, however, they come in different versions with unique purposes. Here are some main types of Blu-ray discs.

BD-R (Recordable)

BD-R (Blu-ray Disc Recordable) are blank discs. On these discs, you can write data once, and then that data becomes permanent. BD-R usually have two main types: BD-R 25GB, which is a single-layer and BD-R 50GB, which is a dual-layer. The dual-layer version is perfect for bonus material, storing large videos or higher-quality audio tracks because it has twice the space. On the other hand, for  4K Blu-ray movies, BD-R 50GB is the minimum standard used.   You can use these discs for archiving data, creating copies of projects permanently or burning home videos.

BD-ROM (Read-Only Memory)

The second popular type is BD-ROM. BD-ROMs are the discs that you mostly find in movie stores or within the game cases. These discs are read-only, and you can not change factory data.  A  single-layer Blu-ray disc has a capacity of 25 GB. The Dual-layer Blu-ray discs have  50 GB of capacity. Unlike BD-Rs, you can’t record onto them. Also, you can only play them in a Blu-ray player, computer drive with a Blu-ray player software or console.

BD-RE (Rewritable)

BD-RE stands for Blu-ray Disc Rewritable. On these discs, you can erase and rewrite BD-RE discs many times. For exampl,e you can erase or rewrite up to hundreds of times without losing quality. These disks come in capacities such as 25GB, 50GB, and 100GB.  Also, these disks can hold full 1080p HD video with audio formats.  BD-RE discs are more expensive than BD-R discs.  But this type is ideal for projects that require trial-and-error recordings, regular updates, or storing collections that can be changed later.

BDXL (Extra Large)

The next type we have is BDXL. BDXL Blu-ray discs can store up to 100 GB or 128 GB of data. The storage depends on the number of layers.  Usually, the capacity of three-layer BDXL discs (BD-R/RE) is 100GB, while quad-layer discs are 128GB.  With this much storage, you can readily manage massive 4K or 8K files, full system backups, and professional video archiving.  Because of their high-end format, you will need a BDXL-compatible drive to read or write on these discs.

Mini Blu-ray Disc

A mini Blu-ray disc is simply a smaller version of the standard Blu-ray disc. Its typical size is 8 cm (3.1 inches) in diameter. Mini Blu-ray discs have single-layer capacities of 7.8GB. The dual-layer capacities of these discs are 15.6GB. You can find these discs commonly in camcorders or portable recorders. Although these discs can hold less than a full-size Blu-ray, but are a good option for portable recording

Ultra HD Blu-ray.

Ultra HD Blu-ray is a separate format built for 4K Ultra HD video.  These discs offer 2160p resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR). Also, it offers a greater bit rate (82–128 Mbps) for more vivid colour and greater detail. These discs are about 66GB to 100GB. To play these discs, you need a UHD Blu-ray player or a compatible computer drive, as standard players can’t read them. As we know, a simple DVD could handle 480p, standard Blu-ray can handle 1080p. However, an Ultra HD Blu-ray can handle 2160p, which is 16x more detailed than DVD.

Also Read: Play 4K Blu-ray on Computer | Does PS4 & PS4 Pro Play 4K Blu-ray

How to Pick the Right Type of Blu-ray Disc

Until now, we’ve covered the different types of Blu-ray discs and what makes each one special.  Now, let’s figure out how you can pick the right one.

1. For Watching Movies or Playing Games

If your main goal is just entertainment, like if you want to watch movies or play games, then BD-ROM is the ideal format for you. These discs are factory-pressed discs and are loaded with content that you can not edit. These features make them perfect to deliver shows, movies and games in high quality without worrying about recording or rewriting.

2. For One-Time Data Recording

If you need a permanent copy of your work, BD-R is the one you should choose. You can write to it only once, and it remains just as you wrote it. It’s an ideal choice for important archives, creative projects, and personal keepsakes.

3. For 4K Ultra HD Playback

If you want crystal-clear visuals and theatre-like sound at home, Ultra HD Blu-ray is the ideal choice. It offers  4K resolution, HDR, and higher data rates for higher picture quality which is a huge advantage over standard Blu-ray.

4. For Reusable Storage

If your work involves frequent changes such as video editing, testing, or ongoing projects, then  BD-RE is your option to go. These discs can be erased and rewritten up to a thousand times. For this reason, they are best for temporary or evolving data storage.

5. For High-Capacity Needs

There are times when your needs go beyond standard Blu-ray limits. For example, if you are looking for a professional film archive, 4K/8K footage, or full system backups. In that case, BDXL offers the space you need. These discs are built to manage bulk files while keeping your data secure for a long period.

Conclusion

Here is the end of our today’s article. We hope you now have a clearer understanding of all available Blu-ray disc types and which one you should choose for your specific requirements. Each Blu-ray disc is built for a unique function, such as watching blockbuster movies or storing vast amounts of data.  Go ahead and choose one that is perfect for your daily needs.