Not every streaming service does 4K right – but these 5 do

Why wouldn’t you want to watch something that looks as good as it can? Sure, if you’re watching The Blair Witch Project, you have to enjoy the grainy found footage aspect of the film. But even that movie can have an enhanced version of it for people to watch at home. A lot of content has been available in higher resolutions since the early 2000s.

Watching older movies or TV series can instantly transport you back to way simpler times. The color palettes often feel a little flat, or the contrast might not be as sharp. But even so, modern tech has really stepped up to digitally brighten and enhance aging footage. Yet, when it comes to true 4K quality, not every streaming platform delivers equally.

However, not every streaming services lets you watch premium content the way it should be shown. Being able to watch something in 4K is an aspect of the viewing experience that studios have been conscious about for their viewers. You may not pay attention to it when you’re watching higher definition television, or UHD as it is also known. But it makes a big difference for those who care about it. There are some streamers that are way better than others with their 4K content.

1

Live TV is the calling card of YouTube TV

There’s a ton of 4K content to stream live

For anyone who wants to watch TV in 4K, YouTube TV is where you want to do it. The streaming service, perfect for anyone who cut the cord from cable, offers the most 4K content for any streamer that shows live and on-demand shows and movies. In order to get the most out of the 4K content, you’ll need to subscribe and pay an extra $10 per month, thanks to 4K Plus.

This gives you 4K playback for live and on-demand events, plus unlimited streams going on at the same time. For anyone with a larger family, having this as an option is a game-changer, as multiple people can be watching 4K content in different rooms of the house at the same time. Fans have cited that 4K Plus is worth it for anyone who enjoys watching sports, as the clarity of everything during a sporting event is unparalleled.

Simultaneous streams

3

# of profiles

6

Live TV

Yes

Price

Starts at $83 /month

Free trial

Yes, length varies

2

Netflix has an absurd amount of 4K content

Searching for it here is simple

You aren’t going to find more 4K and UHD content on a streamer than you will on Netflix. Its executives made it a point to film every original in 4K, giving a higher picture quality to those who subscribe. There are over 1,200 titles on Netflix in 4K, and they can be all yours — if you pay for them. You need the highest tier of Netflix to receive all the 4K and UHD shows and movies.

This turns your subscription into the Premium option, which is $26 per month in the US. And it’s not just Netflix originals — many other licensed shows and movies are also offered in UHD. If you want to zero in on 4K content, you can simply type “4K” or “UHD” into the standard search bar. There will also be a logo for 4K and UHD in the description of the show or movie.

3

HBO Max also has a higher tier for special content

Pay more but get the best content

To watch HBO Max in 4K, you’ll need the Premium subscription, which runs $22/month in the US. That tier unlocks Dolby Vision and HDR10 support on top of 4K UHD, while the cheaper plans don’t. There are over 1,100 titles available to stream in 4K, making the price worth it if you’re taking advantage of the better picture quality. All HBO’s originals are available in 4K, giving you access to clear pictures of some of the most well-known prestige series.

You won’t find a dedicated “4K” filter in the search bar, but any eligible title is clearly labeled with a 4K UHD badge. Playback automatically defaults to the highest quality available, so you don’t have to fuss with settings. You will need a 4K device and a TV capable of showing HDR10 and Dolby Vision in order to see it.

4

Apple TV+

There’s a lot to like for a small amount each month

Apple

Apple TV+ has become one of the better streaming services, if you’re a fan of its content. Another reason why fans are high on the streamer is because there aren’t any tiers to its subscription service — everyone who pays $10 per month for Apple TV+ gets access to 4K content. While it does not have as much 4K and UHD content as other streamers, it is included in the subscription.

All Apple Originals are filmed in 4K, so if that’s the content you’re mainly after, you’re covered. That said, Apple TV+ arguably has the thinnest 4K library compared to bigger streamers — its catalog is smaller overall. Any 4K-capable TV will do the trick, and pairing it with an Apple TV 4K box makes the experience even better, especially if you want the cleaner playback and broader format support.

Price

$13 per month

Free trial

7 day free trial and 3 months free if you buy an Apple device

Simultaneous streams

6

# of profiles

6

5

Prime Video rolls in 4K

Amazon makes it worth your while

Because you likely already have an Amazon Prime account, you’re already set up for Prime Video. This means that you don’t have to pay for a separate Prime Video account, which is possible to do if you don’t want the free delivery from Amazon. For those that do pay $15 per month just for Prime Video, you’re set up with 4K content without having to pay an extra fee. There is a lot of UHD content to choose from, and you’re able to buy, rent, or stream 4K content.

Searching for 4K content can be tricky, as typing it into the search bar will not be a fruitful endeavor. But, once you do find something, it will have a 4K or UHD logo on it. You can also download 4K content to other devices without the need for 4K capabilities.

Anyone who pays the $139 per year subscription fee to Amazon Prime gets their pick of either Prime Originals or additional subscription options from other streamers that you can watch all while logged into Prime Video.