Netflix 4K: films, subscription costs, bandwidth – all information, also for PC/Mac
While HDTV technology with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD) has only just established itself on television, the manufacturers of TV sets have long been enticing with the more recent magic words “UHD” and “4K”. Behind both is the image display with 3840×2160 pixels. Anyone who buys a new television with a screen diagonal of 40 inches or more today can no longer avoid UHD. Many PC monitors now also display the image in UHD resolution. Since the viewing distance is usually much shorter here, there are many corresponding models from a diagonal of 27 inches – some even offer 24 and 22 inch devices UHD. But whether on the PC or on the TV – so that Netflix can also display 4K, there are a few things to consider. COMPUTER BILD explains the requirements and provides tips on the subject.
Netflix 4K: Subscription and costs for Ultra HD
An important prerequisite for the UHD experience is the right Netflix tariff. Netflix can pay extra for the transmission of films and series in crisp 3840×2160 pixels: while the basic tariff for EUR 7.99 per month only offers SD quality and the standard tariff for EUR 12.99 per month enables a maximum of Full HD resolution, a premium subscription for 17.99 euros per month is required to enjoy UHD. Check which tariff you are currently using on the switch page. By the way: If you don’t want to store any payment data with Netflix, simply use credit cards:
Netflix prepaid cards at AMAZON
TVs recommended by Netflix
Netflix 4K via PC: Which browsers show it?
Choosing the right browser is important if you want to enjoy series and films on your PC. Because the popular programs Firefox and Chrome as well as Opera only display Netflix under Windows, macOS and Linux in 720p, i.e. in 1280×720 pixels. That’s even less than the standard subscription actually offers! It only works in Chrome OS with 1920×1080 pixels. In the meantime, full HD playback could be forced in Chrome and Firefox using an add-on, but that no longer works. If you want to watch Netflix on the PC in 4K, use the Netflix app or the supplied Edge browser under Windows 10 and Windows 11. From macOS 11 Big Sur there is Netflix in 4K via Safari browser. With earlier macOS versions, Netflix via Safari is only available in Full HD (1920×1080 pixels).
Microsoft Edge (Chromium based)
4K Movies on PC or Mac: What to Consider?
Additional requirement: Your 4K screen must support HDCP 2.2 copy protection. This is the case with all current 4K screens. If it is not a 4K notebook, but an external monitor, the HDMI connection cable must also be HDCP 2.2. Attention: If several screens are connected to the PC, they must all support 4K and HDCP 2.2. Otherwise, 4K playback will not work on Netflix. If necessary, you have to unplug all non-4K-capable monitors for the duration of Netflix use or at least deactivate them in the Windows settings. Also required is an Nvidia graphics card from the Geforce GTX 1050 model, alternatively an AMD graphics card from the Radeon RX 400 or a current Intel processor from the seventh generation (i3, i5 or i7 models of the 7xxx or 7Yxx series) , which takes over the image calculation. In all three cases, up-to-date graphics drivers must be installed in an up-to-date Windows (Windows 10 or higher) or macOS (macOS 11 or higher). Another stumbling block: Microsoft no longer delivers the necessary HEVC codec with Windows since the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update in autumn 2017. If you bought your PC afterwards or reinstalled Windows since then, you may need to download the additional HEVC codec, which is included in the Advanced Codecs for Windows 7/8/10/11 collection.
All TV boxes and TV sticks at a glance
Netflix 4K: Bandwidth is crucial
When streaming Ultra HD content, large amounts of data flow through the Internet line. Netflix will automatically switch to a lower resolution if your internet speed is too low so that you don’t get stuck enjoying the movies. To prevent this, you need a stable Internet connection with at least 25 megabits per second. Also important: In order for Netflix to even try to play films and series in UHD, the streaming quality must be up Automatically or High be set. You can find this option in the playback settings.
Netflix 4K TV: It works on these devices
Although Netflix offers separate information pages for TV sets from individual manufacturers, the information is the same everywhere: It works on devices built in 2014 or later that display UHD in 60 Hertz and offer a Netflix app. This should be the case for practically all UHD TVs since 2014. Regardless of the company, it is important that the latest firmware is installed on the device.
The best 55 inch TVs (around 140 cm)
Samsung
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Per
Superior image quality
Very well anti-reflective
Samsung
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Per
Very natural color rendering
Bright and high-contrast image
against
No headphone output
No analog video connections
LG Electronics
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Per
Perfect high-contrast image
Very natural colors
against
No analog video input
Samsung
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Per
Brilliant picture with great colors
Large viewing angle
panasonic
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Per
Outstanding image quality with perfect colors and enormous brilliance
Very good sound quality
LG Electronics
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Per
Great image quality with high contrast and natural colors
Extensive equipment
Phillips
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Per
Brilliant OLED screen
Perfect color rendering
against
Operation partly cumbersome
Lion
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Per
Outstanding natural colors
Viewing angle stable and well anti-reflective
against
Not perfect for gamers
Remote control provokes typos
LG Electronics
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Per
Very natural color rendering
Perfect maximum contrast
against
HDMI inputs only manage 4K up to 60 Hertz (for gaming consoles)
Hisense
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Per
Great image quality with high contrast and natural colors
Good sound including Dolby Atmos
against
Apps not available from all major streaming providers
Complete List: Best 55 inch TVs (around 140 cm)
More 4K devices you can use to stream Netflix
Many streaming devices also support Netflix in UHD resolution, including:
Amazon Fire TV (2nd and 3rd generation)
Fire TV Cube (1st and 2nd generation)
Fire TV Stick 4K
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Smart TV Fire TV 4-Series
Smart TV Fire TV Omni Series
Anker Nebular Soundbar Fire TV Edition
TCL Alto 8+ Soundbar Fire TV Edition
Apple TV 4K (5th and 6th generation)
Chromecast Ultra
Chromecast with Google TV
Nvidia Shield
Roku 4 (4400X)
Roku Express 4K (3940X)
Roku Express 4K+ (3941X)
Roku Premiere (3920X 4620X)
Roku Premiere+ (3921X, 4630X)
Roku Stream Bar (9102X)
Roku Streambar Pro (9101X)
Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810X, 3811X)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (3820X)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (3821X)
Roku Ultra (4640X, 4660X, 4670X, 4800X)
Roku Ultra LT (4662X)
Sky Q
Telekom Magenta TV box
Telekom Magenta TV Box Play
Telekom Magenta TV One
Telekom Magenta TV Stick
Telekom Media Receiver 201
Telekom Media Receiver 401B
Telekom Media Receiver 601SAT
Vodafone GigaTV Net
Vodafone TV (Gen 2 Premium)
Netflix can also be experienced in 4K with the PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 5, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X game consoles.
