Watching a single 4K stream uses about 11.25 GB of data per hour. These names are used interchangeably and all mean the same thing. What’s the difference between 4K and UHD?ĤK, UHD (ultra-high definition), and 2160p all refer to the same resolution of 3,840×2,160 pixels. 4K offers a better picture quality than HD video, which has a resolution of only 1920×1080 pixels. That means that if someone’s watching Netflix on their laptop while you’re watching Disney+ on the TV, you’ll need twice as much bandwidth to maintain the quality of the video.įor more information, see our guide to speed requirements for streaming services.ĤK refers to a video resolution of 3,840×2,160 pixels, as the horizontal resolution is close to 4,000.

Most other connections give you enough data to stream on a fairly regular basis, but we suggest getting an unlimited data plan for true stress-free streaming.Īnother thing to remember is that you need enough download speed for every device that’s streaming. Satellite internet connections have especially restrictive data caps, which is why it’s often better to have a separate satellite TV provider to watch video. And while many data caps are pretty generous, it’s easy to burn through a month’s worth of data when every frame of video contains over 8 million pixels. Many internet providers give you a data cap. Most types of residential internet connections can reach these speeds, but some are much better than others.īut more than internet speed, one of the biggest hurdles for 4K accessibility is data use. Streaming 4K video requires an internet connection with a download speed of at least 20–25 Mbps. How much internet speed do you need for 4K streaming? Other services, such as Disney+, Hulu, and Starz, include all their 4K content in standard monthly subscriptions. Amazon Prime Video has many 4K shows, but some are available only to rent or buy. Netflix customers need the premium plan in order to watch 4K content. Most streaming services have some 4K offerings, though these sometimes come at an extra cost. The newest versions of these devices generally support 4K streaming, but if you have an older model, you might need to upgrade to get full 4K quality. It’s important to note that if you use an external streaming device like a Chromecast or Roku, it must support 4K streaming, too. Most phones and tablets don’t have a resolution that high, but 4K TVs are widely available. The first thing you need to watch video in 4K is a screen that supports it. To stream 4K video, you need three things: a 4K device, a 4K streaming service, and an internet connection with at least 20–25 Mbps of download speed.

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