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Best 4K streaming services of 2024
If you’re looking for the best possible streaming experience, it may be time to switch to 4K (sometimes called Ultra HD or UHD). Compared to high-definition (HD), 4K uses more pixels, so it delivers better picture quality – as long as you’re watching 4K content, using a compatible device and have a reliable and speedy internet connection.
Not every streaming service offers 4K programming, but certain ones – like Netflix and YouTube TV – do have this feature. Here, we’ve picked five top options to help you upgrade your at-home streaming experience.
How we chose the best 4K streaming services
Even though several streaming services support 4K viewing, they all have different types of content and features. On this list, you’ll find five platforms at varying price points, all with their own benefits and drawbacks. However, to make the cut, each service needed to have at least one plan that offers 4K playback – either live, on-demand or both. Read on to discover the best 4K streaming service based on your budget and interests.
Top 4K streaming services
- Best for bargain hunters: Amazon Prime Video
- Best for families: Disney Plus
- Best for original TV shows: Max
- Best for content variety: Netflix
- Best for live TV: YouTube TV
Best for bargain hunters: Amazon Prime Video
- Subscription included with Amazon Prime membership
- Gives you access to Amazon’s original content
- Cheaper than many other 4K streaming services
About Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime is expected to reach 180 million members by next year, and if you’re one of them, you already have access to Amazon Prime Video, the company’s streaming service. On it, you’ll find Amazon’s original programs (including “The Boys” and “Jack Ryan”), along with a mix of other movies, shows and live sports. An Amazon Prime subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Otherwise, you can get a standalone Amazon Prime Video plan for $8.99 per month.
While the service has tens of thousands of films and TV shows, only a select few are available for 4K viewing. Some of these are included in your membership, but others require an extra fee to buy or rent.
Why is it the best?
If you currently pay for Amazon Prime, you already have a 4K streaming service at your fingertips. Even if not, you can access this one for less than $10 per month, which makes it more budget-friendly than most of the other platforms on this list.
Best for families: Disney Plus
- Vast library of family movies and TV shows, including classic and modern titles
- Cheaper plans than many competitors
- Easy to find 4K content on the platform
About Disney Plus
Disney Plus features tons of family-friendly content, including Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel films. It has two standalone plans (Basic and Plus) for $7.99 or $13.99 per month, respectively. Alternatively, you can bundle your Disney Plus plan with Hulu ($9.99 per month) or Hulu and ESPN Plus ($14.99 or $24.99 per month).
Your Disney Plus subscription lets you stream 300+ titles – like “The Mandalorian,” “Toy Story” and “Iron Man” – in 4K. You can also have up to four simultaneous streams, and the higher-tier plan lets you download shows and movies on up to 10 devices.
Why is it the best?
As you might expect, much of the Disney Plus catalog is geared toward children and families, and the platform makes it easy to discover 4K content that everyone can enjoy. To find it, you can either visit the home page to view a list of select 4K movies and shows or filter content by video quality.
Best for original TV shows: Max
- Home to HBO’s highly-popular TV shows, Max Originals and licensed movies
- Also includes select titles from Discovery Plus
- Offers discounted annual payment option
About Max
Formerly known as HBO Max, Max features HBO programs (like “Succession” and “The Last of Us”), as well as reality TV shows from Discovery-owned brands (like HGTV and the Food Network) and movies from Warner Brothers and the DC Universe. There are three plans available from the service, but only the Ultimate Ad-Free plan includes 4K viewing. It costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.
As a Max Ultimate Ad-Free subscriber, you can stream on four devices at once and download up to 100 titles for offline viewing. Max also plans to add live content – including sports – to the service in the future.
Why is it the best?
From “The Wire” to “The White Lotus,” HBO is known for its award-winning original programming – and Max is the streaming service where you can watch it all. You’ll get access to some of the most talked-about shows in pop culture, along with popular action movies, lifestyle shows, and more.
Best for content variety: Netflix
- Extensive 4K content library, including original programming
- Ad-free viewing
- Download content on up to six devices
About Netflix
As one of the best-known streaming services on the market, Netflix is a leader in terms of 4K content. To watch Ultra HD movies and shows, you’ll need to sign up for the company’s highest-tier plan (Premium), which costs $19.99 per month.
Aside from 4K viewing, Netflix’s Premium plan also lets you watch content on four screens at the same time and download titles onto six devices. Lately, Netflix has been cracking down on account sharing across multiple households. However, if you have a Premium plan, you can add two extra people to your account – even if they don’t live in your home.
Why is it the best?
If you’re looking for a diverse selection of on-demand 4K content, Netflix is worth considering. On top of original TV shows like “The Witcher,” “Wednesday” and “The Sandman,” the platform also has everything from kids’ flicks to documentaries to original films, with more 4K titles being added all the time.
Best for live TV: YouTube TV
- Can view both live and on-demand content in 4K
- Unlimited DVR
- Includes 100+ news, sports, and entertainment channels
About YouTube TV
If you’re tired of paying for cable but still want to enjoy live TV (with 4K streaming included), then YouTube TV is a solid option. Its plans cost $72.99 per month, but to get 4K streaming, you’ll also need to purchase the 4K Plus add-on for an extra $9.99 per month. While this is much more expensive than the other services on this list, it comes with more than 100 channels of live and on-demand content. However, only certain ones – including Discovery, ESPN, FX and NBC Sports – feature 4K programming.
In addition to its impressive channel lineup, YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add-on lets you stream on an unlimited number of devices at home and watch offline recordings on mobile devices.
Why is it the best?
YouTube TV is one of the few streaming platforms that offer both live TV and 4K viewing. It’s the best because it has the most 4K-compatible channels, allowing you to watch everything from sports to comedies to dramas in 4K. All in all, it’s ideal if you want an ultra-high-definition viewing experience and access to a broad mix of live and on-demand content.
Final thoughts
As 4K streaming becomes increasingly popular, more services are upgrading their platforms to support it – meaning that there are plenty of options to consider, depending on what’s most important to you.
For example, if you’re looking for a diverse mix of 4K movies and TV shows, consider signing up for Netflix. Kids and parents will enjoy Disney Plus’s family-friendly content, while live TV lovers will appreciate YouTube TV’s ultra-high-definition programming. Max is great if you’re an avid HBO fan, and finally, Amazon Prime Video is one of the most wallet-friendly 4K streamers – especially if you’re an existing Amazon customer.
FAQ
What internet speed do I need for streaming in 4K?
To watch Netflix in 4K, you need an internet connection speed of 15 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher. Other streaming services – including YouTube TV and Max – require 25 Mbps or higher.
Is there any 4K content on Netflix?
Yes, Netflix has a number of movies and TV shows that can be viewed in 4K. Some examples include “Stranger Things” and “The Power of the Dog.”
Can I stream in 4K on my streaming device?
Your streaming device may or may not work with a particular 4K streaming service. To find out if your device is compatible with a certain platform, visit the service’s website.
