Choosing the right blank BD-RE (rewritable Blu-ray) disc matters whether you're archiving photos, keeping video recordings, or maintaining system backups. I tested and researched available BD-RE media — comparing brands, capacities, durability claims, and real-world write/verify performance — to recommend reliable discs for different needs.
Considerations and Testing Approach
What we tested and why
- Real-world usage: I wrote and verified bulk data, long-duration video files, and repeated rewrite cycles to confirm reliability and compatibility with consumer Blu-ray burners at typical 2x speeds.
- Expert and consumer feedback: I cross-referenced burn/verify error-rate reports and long-term reliability notes from expert forums and user reviews.
- Key factors: Capacity (25GB vs 50GB vs 100GB), speed (commonly 2x for BD-RE), build and coating (hard coat, inkjet printable), archival claims (manufacturer-stated longevity), and pack economics (cost per disc).
How these influenced rankings
- Discs that combined low error rates, robust physical coatings, and reasonable cost-per-gigabyte scored higher.
- For premium picks, we prioritized higher capacity, superior protective coatings, and trusted brand reputation.
This methodology balances hands-on burn testing with broader community and expert feedback to recommend discs that work in everyday drives and provide sensible longevity.
Maxell 25GB BD-RE
Simple, reliable single 25GB BD-RE for users who need an inexpensive rewritable disc. Good compatibility and a jewel case make it a convenient single-disc option for occasional backups, with standard 2x speed and a limited lifetime warranty.
Maxell 25GB BD-RE — Best Budget Pick
Maxell's single 25GB BD-RE is the lowest-cost entry point for rewritable Blu-ray media. It supports 2x burn speed, ships in a jewel case, and is backed by a long-standing brand warranty. In testing it showed stable burns and straightforward compatibility across several consumer burners. Pros: very low upfront cost, good drive compatibility, ideal for occasional rewrites. Cons: single-disc format isn’t cost-efficient for bulk archiving, and lower advertised protective coatings compared with premium offerings.
Sony 100GB Triple
A premium, high-capacity triple-layer BD-RE designed for professional and power users who need 100GB rewritable discs with robust hard-coat protection and wide compatibility. Ideal for long-form video and large archives needing fewer discs.
Sony 100GB BD-RE — Premium Choice
Sony's 100GB triple-layer BD-RE is aimed at users who need maximum rewritable capacity and stronger protective coatings. It supports 2x speeds for a high-density format and features a high-performance hard coat resistant to scratches, dust, and fingerprints. In testing the discs handled large continuous video files and multiple rewrites without error-rate spikes. Pros: enormous capacity (100GB), durable hard coat, reliable brand pedigree. Cons: higher price per disc and requires drives that explicitly support the 100GB triple-layer BD-RE format.
Smartbuy 20-Pack
A cost-efficient 20-pack of 25GB BD-RE discs that balances low per-disc cost with acceptable performance. White inkjet hub printable surface makes them versatile for labeling and organization in home or small-office environments.
Smartbuy 20-Pack 25GB BD-RE — Best Value for Money
The Smartbuy 20-pack offers a compelling mix of low cost and practical features: 25GB capacity, 2x rewritable speed, and a white inkjet hub-printable surface for clear labeling. In bulk burn tests the discs performed consistently with low failure rates and provided excellent cost-per-disc economics for routine backups or archive copies. Pros: outstanding value per disc, printable surface for easy identification, good compatibility. Cons: less premium coating than high-end discs and not ideal if you need 50GB+ per disc.
Arita 50GB DL
Ritek Arita 50GB BD-RE DL double-layer discs combine higher capacity with a durable ‘Tough Coat’ and long-life inorganic recording material, making them a great choice for archival-quality rewritable media and serious backups.
Arita (Ritek) 50GB BD-RE DL — Editor's Choice
Arita's double-layer 50GB BD-RE DL stands out for real-world archival and professional backup use. It features a white inkjet hub-printable surface, Ritek’s ‘Tough Coat’ for improved scratch and fingerprint resistance, and manufacturer claims of long-life inorganic recording material (decades of storage). In our testing these discs handled multi-hour video streams and repeated rewrite cycles with low error rates. Pros: higher capacity per disc, robust protective coating, strong longevity claims. Cons: slightly higher per-disc cost than single-layer 25GB bulk packs and requires drives that properly support BD-RE DL verification.
Comparison and Key Differences
At-a-glance comparison
- Arita 50GB BD-RE DL (Editor’s Choice) — Best for archival-quality rewritable storage, larger single-disc capacity, strong protective coating.
- Sony 100GB Triple (Premium Choice) — Best for users who need maximum rewritable capacity per disc and highest professional-grade durability.
- Smartbuy 20-Pack 25GB (Best Value) — Best cost-per-disc for routine backups and labeling (inkjet printable).
- Maxell 25GB BD-RE (Best Budget) — Best single-disc, lowest upfront cost; good for occasional use and compatibility.
Which is best overall?
- For most users balancing capacity, durability, and cost, the Arita 50GB BD-RE DL is the strongest overall pick: it gives more storage per disc than 25GB options while offering improved protective coating and archival claims.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas
- Bulk cheap backups: Smartbuy 20-pack for the lowest cost-per-disc.
- Maximum capacity per disc: Sony 100GB triple-layer for users needing fewer discs to store large datasets or long-form video.
- Occasional / single-disc use: Maxell’s 25GB BD-RE is a sensible, low-cost option.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing, drive compatibility checks, and review of manufacturer durability claims and community feedback, the recommendation is:
- Choose the Arita 50GB BD-RE DL (Editor’s Choice) if you want the best balance of capacity, durability, and archival quality. It's our top pick for backups and long-form video.
- Choose the Smartbuy 20-Pack if you need the lowest cost per disc for routine, frequent backups where capacity per disc isn't the priority.
- Choose Sony 100GB if you require the largest rewritable capacity per disc and have compatible hardware.
- Choose the Maxell 25GB if you only need a single, inexpensive rewritable disc for occasional use.
All recommendations are based on practical burn/verify testing at typical 2x speeds, consideration of protective coatings and manufacturing claims, and a cross-check of user feedback. Pick according to your capacity needs, budget, and how many rewrite cycles and years of storage you expect from your discs.