BD-R Blu-ray Discs – Permanent, Reliable Storage at the Best Price
BD-R Blu-ray Discs are the ultimate choice for permanent, write-once data storage. Each disc can hold up to 25 GB, 50 GB, or 100 GB of information and retain it for decades when properly stored. Designed for high-resolution video, data backups, and archival preservation, BD-R remains a trusted medium for both home and professional users who value long-term data integrity.
Unlike BD-RE rewritable discs, BD-R uses a write-once dye layer that permanently captures data. Once recorded, the content cannot be altered or erased, making it perfect for compliance records, video masters, and archival backups that must remain unchanged over time.
Why Choose BD-R Blu-ray Discs?
- Permanent Storage: Write once, retain data for decades without degradation.
- High Capacity: 25–100 GB per disc for HD video and large archives.
- Cost Effective: Store large data sets at a fraction of the cost of SSD or tape.
- Offline Security: Immune to power loss, malware, and ransomware.
- Archival Longevity: Ideal for compliance, backup, and digital preservation.
BD-R Capacities and Formats
BD-R comes in single-layer (SL), dual-layer (DL), and triple-layer (XL) variants. Each provides progressively higher storage and supports faster burn speeds for large projects.
| Disc Type | Layers | Capacity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| BD-R SL | 1 | 25 GB | Documents, photos, HD video |
| BD-R DL | 2 | 50 GB | 4K video and software archives |
| BD-R XL | 3 | 100 GB | Professional backups, video production |
All BD-R formats are supported by modern Blu-ray burners and players. For best results, use burners rated for the disc’s speed and layer count.
BD-R vs BD-RE and DVD-R
BD-R is the definitive “write-once” format — secure, affordable, and simple. In comparison, BD-RE allows rewriting but has shorter archival life, while DVD-R offers smaller capacity and slower write speeds.
| Format | Capacity | Rewritable? | Speed (MB/s) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BD-R | 25–100 GB | No | Up to 72 | Permanent archiving |
| BD-RE | 25–100 GB | Yes | Up to 72 | Reusable media |
| DVD-R | 4.7 GB | No | 11 | Budget-friendly data backup |
Best Uses for BD-R Discs
- Video mastering for 4K and HD productions.
- Long-term document, image, and software archiving.
- Corporate and government compliance record storage.
- Offline cold backups to prevent data loss or ransomware attacks.
- Distribution of high-resolution video or multimedia content.
Tips for Long-Term Preservation
- Use archival-grade or M-DISC-certified BD-Rs for 50–100-year retention.
- Label with water-based markers; avoid adhesive labels or solvents.
- Store vertically in jewel cases at 15–25°C with low humidity.
- Verify readability every 5–10 years; reburn to new discs as needed.
Explore Related Optical Media
- BD-RE Blu-ray Discs – Rewritable media for test and temporary storage.
- DVD-RW Discs – Reusable DVDs for small projects and testing.
- DVD-R Discs – Affordable write-once media for smaller backups.
- CD-R Discs – Classic optical format for documents and audio.
- LTO Tape Storage – Enterprise-grade archival solution.
Expert BD-R Resources
- Tom’s Hardware – Best Blu-ray Drives 2025
- TechRadar – Top Blu-ray Burners and Writers
- PCMag – Best External Optical Drives
- AnandTech – Blu-ray Media Reviews & Performance
Last updated: • Informational page only. Compare BD-R, BD-RE, and DVD media in related categories. Prices and availability updated daily.