The ultimate Ultra HD Blu-ray 'friendly' drive list - with recommendation of best

If you are in the market for a so-called Ultra HD Blu-ray friendly drive after the leaked AACS 2.0 Volume Keys, then read on. We've compiled a list of all Ultra HD Blu-ray drives, combined the lowest price on all major online retailers in the United States. Also feel free to share places (and prices) of online stores throughout the rest of the world.Ultra HD Blu-ray friendly drives are Blu-ray drives that can read Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, but don't work with official software such as PowerDVD. The drives will work with DeUHD and with MakeMKV combined with the leaked AACS 2.0 Volume Keys and a non-revoked AACS 1.0 certificate. This combination works because there is a loophole in the AACS 2.0 protection.

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Currently there are 10 Ultra HD Blu-ray friendly drives on the list, but only 4 of the drives are worth buying. Either because you can get it for a fair price and/or because there are sufficient drives in stock.

List of Ultra HD Blu-ray 'friendly' drives

  • LG WH16NS40 - Lowest price - $58.99 - Newegg - Amazon
    • Also available on: Walmart ($61.79) | MacSales ($63.99)
    • Note: when possible check if you get SVC code: NS50
  • LG BE16NU50 - Lowest Price - $139.99 - Newegg - Bestbuy - Dell
    • Also available on: Ebay ($151.11) | Walmart ($164.51)
  • LG BH16NS40 - Lowest price - $89.99 Dell
  • ASUS BW-12B1ST - Lowest price - $109.88 - OutletPC
    • Note: If you want this drive, be fast, out of stock on most online stores
  • ASUS BC-12D2HT - Lowest price - $73.24 - Amazon
  •  ASUS BW-16D1HT - Lowest price - $52.88 - Amazon (after $25.00 rebate)
  • LG BH16NS55 - Lowest price - $129.69 - Amazon
    • Hardly available anymore
  • LG WH16NS58 - Not sold by any major online retailer in the U.S. anymore
  • ASUS BW-16D1H-U A201 - Lowest price - $146.17 - Amazon (1 left)
  • LG BU30N -  Not sold by any major online retailer in the U.S. anymore

Based on this list, we would recommend the get the LG BH16NS40. The drive is a bit more expensive than e.g the ASUS BW-16D1HT, but it's widely available, also outside the United States and you don't have the hassle of rebates. If possible, make sure you get one with SVC code NS50 on the main label on the drive. Also make sure to not update the firmware.

A tip from user roadworker on how to find a LG BH16NS40 drive that should work:  The LG BH16NS40 with the SVC code NS50 has the M-disc logo on the opening tray instead of at the low left corner,and the 'eject' button has a curved line beneath it,just like my 2 BH16NS55's......

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Unfortunately there is no guarantee the drive will work, so buy at your own risk. Most of the times you will be able to return the drive in case it doesn't work for you.

Discuss these drives and the leaked AACS 2.0 Volume Keys on our Forum.

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