Almost every streaming service advertises 4K quality and charges a lot for this visual upgrade. But which provider really offers the best picture quality for your UHD TV?
Almost every streaming service offers films and series in 4K, but there are still qualitative differences (Source: Image created using AI)
Video streaming services have not only sealed the end of video stores, they are also a major competitor to cinemas. Thanks to early streaming releases of current blockbusters, fast internet connections and increasingly larger and sharper televisions, modern home cinemas are now (almost) as good as real cinemas.
But even if many streaming services promise the best 4K picture quality – usually hidden behind the most expensive subscription model – the picture is not equally sharp for every provider. So how do you get the most out of your flagship TV in terms of picture quality?
Clear winner in the bitrate comparison “The Planet Before Time” on Apple TV+ (Source: Apple TV+)
First of all, it should be said that the quality of a 4K Blu-Ray cannot be achieved by any streaming service. So if you want the best picture and sound, you have no choice but to buy the physical release. However, in some cases the drop in quality of the stream is only visible to the naked eye if you are sitting in front of a gigantic TV or screen.
This is especially true for streams from Apple TV+. Apple’s streaming service offers you the best picture resolution – this applies to both its own productions and titles you can rent or buy from Apple TV. A study by the Danish website Flatpanels.dk shows that Apple TV+ achieves a peak bitrate of 29.3 Mbps for Dolby Vision content.
A particularly large amount of data is transmitted per second, which results in a particularly clear, sharp and smooth image. In comparison, Netflix with 21 Mbps, Disney+ with 19 Mbps and Amazon Prime Video with 18.5 Mbps (each with Dolby Vision or HDR10 content) perform significantly worse.
Of course, these values depend on your internet connection and the server load of the streaming services themselves, so depending on the stream you may get a lower bitrate. And to come back to 4K Blu-Rays: The peak bitrate here is an impressive 144 Mbps!
Apple TV is the best online video library “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+ (Source: tmdb.org)
Comparing the streaming bitrates is unlikely to convince anyone to cancel their Netflix subscription and switch to Apple TV+ instead, as Netflix is far ahead in terms of quantity. But anyone who buys films and series digitally and has been doing so via Amazon Prime Video should consider switching to Apple TV.
Most smart TVs have the Apple TV app and while Amazon usually charges 1-2 euros more for films in 4K, Apple TV only offers you the best quality. Another plus point: If you buy a film digitally that is currently only available in HD, your version will automatically receive a 4K upgrade free of charge as soon as it is available.
- ” Tip: The best VPN providers for more security and data protection
- » Buy a balcony power plant: Comparison of the best solar systems
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!