Streaming movies and TV shows in 4K has been a growing desire for cord-cutters, and Hulu has been on the forefront of offering 4K content.
If you're a serious movie buff, but haven't taken the plunge into high-quality 4K resolution content yet, you're probably looking at various streaming services to find out what they can offer you. Hulu, one of the major players in the streaming game, could be expected to offer content in 4K. It does, but not as much as you might think, and only on some devices. And Hulu doesn't offer 4K via its Hulu + Live TV service at all.
A 4K video display has a minimum of eight million pixels, which translates to a TV screen resolution of 3840 by 2160. By comparison, an HD picture (known as 1080p) has a resolution of 1920 by 1080. 4K is a substantial improvement, with four times the resolution of HD. That's a much sharper, clearer picture than standard HD. But in order to get the full benefit of 4K, the source material needs to be available in 4K; TVs that have to "upconvert" 1080p can do it, but the resulting picture quality will be degraded.
Hulu's lagging position on 4K is related to moves it made several years ago. It started 4K streaming in 2016, dropped it entirely, then reinstated 4K in 2019. The company has been playing catch-up ever since and has fallen well behind competing streaming services.
Do Hulu and Hulu + Live TV packages support 4K Ultra HD resolution for streaming?
Hulu + LiveTV -- at $70/mo. -- is not available in 4K but is streamed in HD (1080p), which means none of your Hulu channels will be in Ultra High Definition. However, Hulu's standard service, which allows you to stream movies and TV episodes, supports the service's limited library of 4K content and costs $7/mo., or $70/year, after a 30-day free trial.
On the bright side, Hulu does not charge more for 4K content -- it comes with the standard subscription. Hulu's 4K streaming currently does not support Dolby Vision or HDR (high dynamic range) encoding.
What 4K content is there on Hulu?
Hulu says its library of 4K content "continues to grow, [but] at this time it's limited to a select list of programming," and that means it is primarily Hulu original movies and series. There's no list on the Hulu website of 4K content, nor is there a way to search for 4K content; instead, the show listings have "4K badges" on them in the content description.
Most (but not all) of Hulu's original content is available in 4K resolution. Here's a list of TV shows and movies you'll find in 4K:
- 11.22.63
- AKA Jane Roe
- A Nasty Piece of Work
- All Night
- A Teacher
- A Wilderness of Error
- The Act
- All That We Destroy
- The Amazing Johnathan
- American Horror Stories
- Bad Hair
- Ballet Now
- Batman & Bill
- Black Narcissus
- Becoming Bond
- The Body
- Breeders
- Castle Rock
- Casual
- Catch-22
- Chance
- Crawlers
- Culture Shock
- The Current Occupant
- Dave
- Delivered
- Devs
- Dollface
- Down
- The First
- Flesh & Blood
- Four Weddings and a Funeral
- Future Man
- Fyre Fraud
- Good Boy
- The Great
- The Handmaid's Tale
- Happiest Season
- Helstrom
- High Fidelity
- Hillary
- Hip Hop Uncovered
- I'm Just F*cking With You
- Light as a Feather
- Little Fires Everywhere
- Looking for Alaska
- The Looming Tower
- Love Victor
- March of the Penguins
- Margaret Atwood
- Marvel's Runaways
- Mayans
- McCartney 3, 2, 1
- Midnight Kiss
- The Most Dangerous Animal of All
- Mrs. America
- My Valentine
- New Year, New You
- The New York Times Presents
- Nine Perfect Strangers
- Normal People
- The Path
- Pen15
- Pilgrim
- Pooka Lives!
- Pure
- Ramy
- Reprisal
- Reservation Dogs
- Robert the Bruce
- Run
- School Spirit
- Shrill
- Shut Eye
- Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi
- They Come Knocking
- Tiny Shoulders Rethinking Barbie
- Too Funny To Fail
- Treehouse
- Uncanny Annie
- The United States vs. Billie Holliday
- Vice Investigates
- We Are Freestyle Love Supreme
- The Weekly
- WeWork
- Woke
- Wu-Tang: An American Saga
How do I stream content in 4K Ultra HD?
Because 4K is a more detailed image, it requires more data, so 4K also needs more bandwidth to deliver it to your TV. Hulu recommends at least 16 Mbps download speed for a 4K video stream, and 25 Mbps would be better. (By comparison, it only asks for 3 Mbps for its regular streaming content.) Of course, when more than one person in a household is streaming 4K content, each stream requires that, so it's possible to get bandwidth jammed up fairly easily.
If you have a slower connection, you'll either see picture buffering or Hulu will drop the signal to standard 1080p HD as the stream begins to clog up. And if you have a data cap on your internet connection, be careful, because 4K content will eat up data quickly.
Your Wi-Fi router can also be a weak link. One you've relied on for a while may not be up to handling the volume of data that 4K uses. One (inexpensive) way to ensure a crystal-clear 4K picture is to use an ethernet cable between the device and your router. That way, you're not subject to Wi-Fi limitations.
4K Ultra HD Compatible Devices
Not every streaming device will support Hulu's 4k content. These are the devices that currently do:
Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
Roku, Roku Stick (3810X, 3920X, 4400X and 46*OX)
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The biggest caveat here is that Hulu's 4K content is not supported on legacy devices or devices running older operating systems. If, for example, you have an older Chromecast, it's time to open that wallet and buy a current one. Examples of devices that don't support Hulu 4K include Apple TV 2nd & 3rd generation, certain LG TVs and Blu-ray players, certain Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players, and TiVo.
Our Final Take
For those looking for a 4K Ultra HD streaming experience, Hulu may not be the right choice at this time, as Hulu 4K content is seriously lacking. While it does have a good deal of original material in 4K, it does not offer much in the way of theatrical releases or live TV viewing. Your 4K TV will not give you the best picture it possibly can with most of the Hulu catalog currently available only in a 1080p HD resolution.
Hulu may have some caveats for 4K streaming, but it makes up with tons of options to bundle. For example there are bundles that include things like Spotify and Showtime, or even a Sprint Mobile plan.
Disney+, which also brings you Pixar films, National Geographic titles, and the Star Wars and Marvel movies, offers a much richer landscape of 4K content, and it's about the same price as Hulu, $8/mo. (There is a Disney Bundle that offers Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ -- which is also not in 4K -- for $14/mo.) However, Netflix, the reigning king of 4K streaming, has hundreds of 4K titles, and charges $20/mo. That's quite a jump, but you can decide if the large library of 4K content it offers makes the premium price worthwhile.
Meanwhile, Amazon's Prime Video features a lot of 4K content, some of which is free with the $9/mo. subscription and some of which you'll pay a premium price to view. You can also check out our comparisons between Hulu + Live TV and their competitors like fuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
Is 4K Ultra HD important to you? If so, then Hulu does offer a wide library of 4K titles, but much of its releases wouldn't completely work for you.
FAQs
Does Hulu show movies in 4K? ›
Most (but not all) of Hulu's original content is available in 4K resolution. Here's a list of TV shows and movies you'll find in 4K: 11.22.
How do I get high resolution on Hulu? ›To manage your quality control settings on Hulu.com: During playback, click the gear icon. Click Quality. Select your preferred quality setting.
Why does my TV say Hulu is no longer supported on this device? ›If you receive the message Hulu is no longer supported on this device or Your user session has expired, the Hulu app on your TV may require an update. Starting October 3, 2022, Hulu will no longer support the version of its app currently used on certain Android TV™ models.
What devices support Hulu 4K? ›These are the media players which can show Hulu in 4K: Apple TV (Fifth generation or newer) Chromecast Ultra. Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick.
Does Hulu stream in 4K on Samsung Smart TV? ›There's no extra cost for streaming shows on Hulu in 4K, but you must have a compatible 4K TV and a strong broadband connection. Hulu is available on most televisions made by LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Vizio, and other manufacturers.
Who has most 4K content? ›If you don't want to sign up with a satellite or cable TV provider and you're looking to save money and watch movies or TV shows in 4K, then Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, or Hulu are great streaming options. Netflix has the most 4K on-demand content with close to 600 titles in 4K resolution.
Is Hulu 4K on Roku? ›The Hulu experience is available on: Roku 3, Roku TV, Roku Streaming Sticks (3600 or higher), Roku Express, Roku Express+, 4K Roku TV, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku 4, and Roku Ultra.
Does Hulu support 4K HDR? ›Here's a list of all the Hulu movies and TV shows available to stream in 4k Ultra HD and HDR. HDR will play in Dolby Vision or HDR10 depending on the device or TV. To stream in 4k you need a 4k TV running the latest Hulu app or 4k capable streaming device connected to a 4k TV and sufficient internet speed.
How can I improve streaming quality? ›- Upgrade your internet speed for better streaming. ...
- Upgrade your Wi-Fi streaming hardware. ...
- Switch to wired Ethernet. ...
- Move your router. ...
- Limit the number of people on your Wi-Fi.
Higher-resolution streams consume more bandwidth, therefore higher resolution videos require faster internet. If you try to stream a high-resolution video with a slow internet connection, your stream may lag or become choppy.
Does Netflix play in 4k? ›
Ultra HD streaming is available on Netflix on many 4K devices. To watch Netflix in Ultra HD, you need: A Netflix plan that supports streaming in Ultra HD. A 60Hz TV or computer monitor compatible with Ultra HD streaming from Netflix.
Does Samsung no longer support Hulu? ›Hulu supports Samsung TVs from 2016 or later. You can also download the Hulu app on a variety of other supported devices, but keep in mind that the content and features that you have access to will vary depending on your plan.
Is Hulu no longer supported on LG Smart TV? ›The Hulu app comes pre-installed on: All LG TVs with webOS 3.5 or higher.
How do I update Hulu on my TV? ›For Hulu updates, head to the home screen and select Apps > Store > Menu (three lines) > choose App Updates from the Menu list > select Hulu and tap Update next to it.
Who streams in 4K? ›4K streaming services
Amazon Prime Video has many 4K shows, but some are available only to rent or buy. Other services, such as Disney+, Hulu, and Starz, include their 4K content in standard monthly subscriptions.
To watch TV in 4K, you'll need a 4K TV (obviously), 4K content, a 4K streaming device, 4K Blu-ray player, a 4K–compatible HDMI cable, and plenty of internet speed. 4K TV: If you try to play 4K content on an HD TV, you'll see it in HD. Make sure you've got the right kind of screen for your needs.
Which live streaming service has 4K? ›YouTube TV's most recent 4K Plus add-on ($19.99 per month) unlocks 4K streaming, support for an unlimited number of simultaneous streams, and offline viewing of DVR content. With YouTube TV, you get unlimited cloud DVR storage, too.
Do you need a smart TV for Hulu? ›You dont need a smart TV to watch videos on Hulu, and there are plenty of ways to watch. If you have a TV with an HDMI port, you can plug a streaming stick, such as the 4th generation or later Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or select Roku Streaming Sticks.
Whats better Hulu or YouTube TV? ›YouTube TV has 10 more channels than Hulu + Live TV, and we recommend YouTube TV over its competitor if you can't live without NBA TV, MLB Network, PBS, and the Hallmark Channel. We also recommend it if you'd like to save $5–$11 per month.
Does Amazon Prime stream in 4K? ›On Prime Video you can find movies and TV shows either on our 4K Ultra HD web page, or on your 4K enabled device by looking for rows labeled "4K Ultra HD" or "4K HDR".
Which is better Ultra HD or 4K? ›
For the display market, UHD means 3840x2160 (exactly four times HD), and 4K is often used interchangeably to refer to that same resolution. For the digital cinema market, however, 4K means 4096x2160, or 256 pixels wider than UHD.
How do I know if I'm watching 4K? ›To check this, you need to go into your source's Display or Video settings menu and look at the output resolution; you can also check it by pressing the Info button on your TV's remote control to get an on-screen display that shows what resolution the TV is receiving.
Why does my 4K TV not look 4K? ›If your TV won't display 4K content, it's possible you're plugging into an incompatible port. Try another one or check the manual on your TV to see which ports you should be using for UHD. HDMI 2.1 is still somewhat uncommon.
What is the best streaming device for Hulu live? ›- Roku Streaming Stick 4K. Best streaming device overall. ...
- Roku Express 4K Plus. The best streaming device under $40. ...
- Chromecast with Google TV 4K. ...
- Nvidia Shield TV (2019) ...
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. ...
- Chromecast with Google TV. ...
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus. ...
- Apple TV 4K (2021)
It does feel quick and easy to load up apps, and the stick is a great way to turn a non-smart TV into a smart TV if you haven't upgraded your set for a little while. The addition of HDR10 Plus — which improves colours and contrast — and support for Dolby Vision is noteworthy.
Does Hulu have 5.1 surround? ›However, some devices can also play select live content and on-demand titles in high definition 5.1 surround sound. Badges during live playback or on the title's Details page can help you identify when 5.1 is available. Select from the list below to learn more about compatible devices: Android TV (select models)
Does Hulu stream Dolby Atmos? ›Best answer: No. Hulu does not support Dolby Atmos as an audio format. (In fact, no live-streaming service in the United States does.) We've come a long way from the halcyon days of two-channels stereophonic sound, and there's hardly a shortage of audio standards out there.
Which Netflix content is 4K? ›| Title | 4k | HDR |
|---|---|---|
| A Castle for Christmas | 4k | HDR |
| A Christmas Prince | 4k | – |
| A Fall From Grace (2021) | 4k | HDR |
| A Farewell to Ozark (2022) [30 min] | 4k | HDR |
Watch HBO Max in 4K UHD. Titles available in 4K UHD are also available in HD on all supported devices. HBO Max will play the highest quality audio and video available for your device.
What causes poor streaming? ›Two common reasons for buffering are 1) your internet connection is too slow to stream a video in real time, and 2) the speed at which your router sends the video to all your internet-connected devices is too slow.
How can I improve buffering when streaming? ›
- Close other applications and programs. ...
- Pause the stream for a few moments. ...
- Reduce video quality. ...
- Speed up your internet connection. ...
- Remove other devices connected to your network. ...
- Update graphics card drivers. ...
- Try a wired Ethernet connection. ...
- Clean up your browser settings.
Repeated buffering is one of the most frustrating things that arise while streaming media. Bad Internet connection, complex HD content transmitting, large number of users and incompatibility with encoding devices are among the common reasons for that.
What internet speed do I need for 4K streaming? ›Ultra HD Streaming Video Data Usage
Also known as 4K (2160p), this resolution uses five times more data than HD video and requires at least 25 Mbps of bandwidth.
| Video Resolution | Recommended sustained speed |
|---|---|
| 4K | 20 Mbps |
| HD 1080p | 5 Mbps |
| HD 720p | 2.5 Mbps |
| SD 480p | 1.1 Mbps |
Whole-home systems like mesh WiFi can improve the coverage in your home to stop videos from buffering. However, mesh is a fully wireless system, which can be a drawback because wireless signals are prone to interference from common things.
Does Disney Plus play in 4K? ›For your convenience, Disney+ automatically displays the highest quality video your device can support. Support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision can vary based on your device's make and model. Please check with the manufacturer to determine if your device is compatible with these formats.
Is 4K worth? ›With more and more 4K content being available and the prices of 4K displays going down, 4K resolution is slowly but steadily on its way to replacing 1080p as the new standard. If you can afford the hardware required to run 4K smoothly, it's definitely worth it.
Does Paramount plus do 4K? ›Paramount Plus supports streaming in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 on the following devices: Select Roku models. Amazon Fire TV (Stick 4K, Cube) Select Android TV models.
Why does Hulu keep buffering on my Samsung Smart TV? ›There are several reasons that can cause Hulu to buffer including internet Speed, Router, WiFi problems, Hulu servers, App error, and more. Having a good internet connection is needed with most homes having fast internet speeds.
Why can't I watch Hulu on my Samsung TV? ›The reason why you can't find the Hulu app on your TV is that your TV has not been set in the right region. Here's how you can change the region/country of your Samsung TV: Go to Home first. Select Settings > Support > Self Diagnostics.
How do I update Hulu on old Samsung TV? ›
- 1 Press the Smart Hub button.
- 2 Select Featured. ...
- 3 Navigate to an App that needs updating, then press and hold the Enter button until a sub menu appears.
- 4 Select Update apps.
- 5 Click Select All.
- 6 Select Update.
- Any apps with an available update will begin updating.
The latest Hulu app — available on these supported devices — features a sleek and personalized look. Viewers will have access to everything from Hulu's Streaming Library, live TV, HBO, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ (if subscribed). Additionally, the following features are available: My Stuff.
Why is Hulu no longer supported on my Vizio TV? ›This is due to a recent update to Hulu's Hulu Plus app. This affects a wide range of gadgets from practically every electrical vendor (including Samsung, LG, etc). This means that Vizio TV or Hulu app does not have any functional issues. They have TV models that no longer support the Hulu app listed on their website.
How do I watch Hulu on my old LG TV? ›- First, on your remote, press the home button.
- Next, hover over the App section on the home screen.
- Type 'Hulu' on the search bar.
- Install and download the Hulu app.
- Open the Hulu app, log in to your Hulu account, and watch all available on-demand shows.
Starting October 3, 2022, Hulu will no longer support the version of its app currently used on certain Android TV™ models. To continue using Hulu on a supported TV, you'll need to upgrade to the latest version of their app. Note: Check the Hulu supported devices for a list of devices supported with the latest Hulu app.
Is my TV too old for Hulu? ›Many older smart TVs don't support Hulu Live TV streaming, and even with newer models, you can only get this on new models from LG, Samsung, and Vizio SmartCast TVs. If you don't have one of these Smart TVs, you will need to plug something into your TV to watch live TV on the Hulu app.
What does it mean when it says Hulu is no longer supported on this device? ›If so, we no longer support the particular device you're using. When our service is deprecated on a device, the Hulu app may no longer allow you to sign in or it may disappear altogether. In case the app does open, it may only display an on-screen alert similar to the messaging above.
How do I get to Hulu settings on my TV? ›On a TV, select the Account icon, then click Settings and Subtitles & Captions.
How can I watch NFL in 4K? ›YouTube TV
It also has the NFL Network, plus the ability to add NFL RedZone in the Sports Plus tier for an additional $11 per month. Also, YouTube TV now has a 4K HDR option, which costs an additional $10 a month for the first year.
To watch TV in 4K, you'll need a 4K TV (obviously), 4K content, a 4K streaming device, 4K Blu-ray player, a 4K–compatible HDMI cable, and plenty of internet speed. 4K TV: If you try to play 4K content on an HD TV, you'll see it in HD. Make sure you've got the right kind of screen for your needs.
Who streams in 4K? ›
4K streaming services
Amazon Prime Video has many 4K shows, but some are available only to rent or buy. Other services, such as Disney+, Hulu, and Starz, include their 4K content in standard monthly subscriptions.
Hulu supports Samsung TVs from 2016 or later. You can also download the Hulu app on a variety of other supported devices, but keep in mind that the content and features that you have access to will vary depending on your plan.
How do I bypass restrictions on Hulu? ›You must “check in” mobile devices every 30 days by connecting them to a network in your home location. Hulu will block streaming on your mobile device if you fail to check it in. You can change your home location up to four times within any 12-month period.
Can I share my Hulu account with family in a different home? ›Our Live TV plans are intended for single-home use.
If you have two houses, or plan to use Hulu in multiple locations, one of our other plans may be a better fit. If accessing live TV in both places is important to you, we'd recommend signing up for a second Live TV account.
It is unclear when 4K gaming will become standard, but it is likely to happen within the next few years. 4K gaming is a new standard for gaming that offers a much higher resolution than the current standard. 4K gaming is still in its early stages, and it is unclear when it will become the new standard for gaming.
Is Amazon Prime football in 4K? ›No, Amazon tells the TV Answer Man that the games this season will be available in 1080p, not 4K. See this article for more details. 10. Why Is Amazon Streaming the Games?
Is Amazon Prime NFL in 4K? ›Prime One is 4K HDR-ready today (although 2022 games will be produced in 1080p SDR) with top-of-the-line hardware across the board, including a Grass Valley Kayenne K-Frame XP switcher, Calrec Apollo audio consoles, 18 12-channel EVS XT-VIA replay systems, and 20+ Sony HDC-5500 cameras (more than 50 cameras will be ...
How do I know if I'm watching 4K? ›To check this, you need to go into your source's Display or Video settings menu and look at the output resolution; you can also check it by pressing the Info button on your TV's remote control to get an on-screen display that shows what resolution the TV is receiving.
How do I maximize my 4K TV? ›- Find the perfect TV spot.
- Use an excellent streaming device, box, or console that supports 4K content.
- Make sure you have a strong internet connection.
- Pick the right HDMI cables.
- Get those picture settings right.
Netflix and Amazon Prime should still be your go-to when it comes to quantity, while HBO Max comes highly recommended when it comes to quality. Below is a full round-up of your 4k streaming options.
Which TV service has the most 4K content? ›
DIRECTV 4K TV content and channel offerings
Data effective 10/24/2022. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. It makes sense to call DIRECTV the best TV service for 4K because it was the first provider to offer 4K resolution. It does more with 4K than any other TV service.
Ultra HD Streaming Video Data Usage
Also known as 4K (2160p), this resolution uses five times more data than HD video and requires at least 25 Mbps of bandwidth.
For the display market, UHD means 3840x2160 (exactly four times HD), and 4K is often used interchangeably to refer to that same resolution. For the digital cinema market, however, 4K means 4096x2160, or 256 pixels wider than UHD.