Purchasing a 4K TV isn't all it's cracked up to be if you don't know where to stream 4K content. But worry not; these are the best UHD streaming platforms based on title volume, price point, and playback options.
1. Netflix
If you are looking to stream 4K movies, Netflix is one of the best options. With a plethora of 4K titles and a platform already familiar to most, it is an easy way to enjoy UHD entertainment.
The number and variety of 4K titles available to each subscriber will vary based on region, but it is reasonable to expect Netflix originals to be 4K capable. To determine which are available in your current location, try searching 4K in Netflix while using a 4K capable device. Or, if you are curious about a title in particular, look for the Ultra HD badge on the title's information page.
Please note that if you search for this information on a device that is not 4K capable, the titles will still appear, but you will not be informed that they are Ultra HD titles.
It is important to note that only Premium Netflix subscribers have access to 4K titles on Netflix. Netflix Premium currently costs $22.99 per month, as opposed to the Standard subscription which allows for only Full HD playback priced at $15.49 per month. You may need to see which titles are available in your region before determining if a Netflix Premium Plan is worth it.
Unfortunately, users are not able to download 4K content to watch when offline. Netflix only allows for downloads up to 1080p HD quality.
2. Disney+
With over 100 titles available, Disney+ offers 4K content for the whole family. Locating these titles can be accomplished by scrolling to the Ultra HD section on the home screen. Alternatively, subscribers can use the search bar to find more 4K titles. If you are curious about a title's format option, select the Details tab on the title's information page.
For those who choose Disney+ as their UHD streaming platform of choice, an upcharge for access is not a concern. Disney+ plans all include access to the service's UHD titles, the cheapest of which is $7.99/month.
Disney+ automatically displays the highest quality option that is compatible with the streaming device, making it a seamless transition for subscribers. It is important to note, however, that the Disney+ Basic with ads plan is restricted to 1080p on Xbox and cannot stream 4K.
3. Max
Max boasts a vast library of 1,000+ titles of 4K content, including fan-favorite Game of Thrones. To locate a title in UHD on Max, users need only use the search bar or read through a title's details screen, where a 4K UHD badge will appear.
The ability of Max subscribers to enjoy content in 4K relies upon their streaming device and the subscription plan. While Max will automatically utilize the highest-quality video possible for any, devices used must be one of the following:
- Fire TV
- Apple 4K TV
- Android TV
- Cox Contour 2 with Contour Stream Player
- LG 4K Smart TV
- Apple Vision Pro
- AirPlay 2 compatible 4K TV
- Google Chromecast Ultra
- Google Chromecast with Google TV
- iPhone and iPad
- Roku
- PlayStation 5
- Xfinity X1 and Flex
- Visio 4K Smart TV
- Samsung Tizen 4k TV
Max users will also need to subscribe to the Unlimited ad-free plan to access UHD titles. This plan costs $19.99/month.
4. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has a fairly limited catalog of 4K entertainment with around 120 titles. While this pool of entertainment is more shallow than other streaming services, Apple TV+ does include the capability to pair 4K entertainment with Spatial Audio to make for an immersive experience.
Apple TV+ is only offered at one subscription tier at a price point of $9.99/month. As such, all Apple TV+ subscribers can enjoy UHD content. These titles can be played with the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, or sticks.
5. Hulu
Hulu offers subscribers a limited list of titles available to stream in 4K Ultra HD. These titles tend to be only Hulu Originals and can be identified by a 4K badge on the Hulu app.
In contrast to other streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu subscribers do not need to purchase a higher tier to gain access to 4K content. Hulu partners with a few other streaming services and even offers a Live TV package. For this reason, their package rates vary greatly, but subscribers can gain access to 4K content as low as $7.99/month with the basic ad-supported plan.
For compatible devices with Hulu's 4K content, be sure to stick to the latest Hulu app on one of the following devices:
- 5th Generation or later Apple TV
- Fire TV or stick
- Chromecast Ultra
- X or S model Xbox Ones
- Roku
- Vizio Smartcast TV
- 2017 or later LG UHD TV
- 2019 or later Samsung UHD TV
What's the Best Ultra HD Streaming Service?
Ultra High Definition, commonly called 4K, delivers crisp and clear visual experiences. For comparison’s sake, UHD has four times the pixels available as Full HD, and the increased pixel ratio provides viewers with a more realistic experience. Due to its overwhelming popularity, and recent relative affordability, there has been an increased demand for 4K capable streaming content.
The best UHD streaming service varies by user and what they deem the most important. For those who don't mind spending a little more to have access to the highest number of titles within one platform, choose Netflix. For households with kids, Disney+ may offer more child-friendly 4K content. Alternatively, if you are searching for dramatic epics, check out Max.
If you are searching for the cheapest way to access Ultra HD titles, choose Hulu or Disney+, which cost users under $8/month. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with any of these streaming services, as they all offer 4K content at a reasonable price point.