For a long time, 4K resolution technology has been a tangible reality. Most
basic systems are already capable of displaying their content in 4K. If you're
wondering about the required fiber-optic internet speed for watching 4K
videos, we'll provide you with the necessary information about the minimum
speeds and recommend the speeds to consider.
Net speed for 4K playback
In addition, we will explain how to check if your current connection meets the
requirements or not, and what you can do if it doesn't.
What Internet Speed Is Needed for 4K Streaming?
The minimum internet speed required for streaming 4K content is 25 megabits per second. This depends on the underlying service used. For example, Netflix states that its minimum requirement is 15 megabits per second, while Disney+ specifies that it should be 25. We strongly recommend adhering to the higher recommended speed (25 megabits per second) to ensure a high-quality 4K viewing experience.
For this reason, you might think that with a lower data transfer rate, you would be able to watch 4K content without issues. However, you need to understand that when you subscribe to an internet service with a certain speed, you typically get less than the agreed-upon speed.
Furthermore, every device connected to your Wi-Fi network reduces the overall speed that each device can individually achieve. Not only that, but it also depends on how the devices are used, their distance from each other, and the router you use to connect to the internet.
Minimum and 4K internet speed for each platform
So, what is the minimum required speed to smoothly watch high-quality 4K
content on various platforms? You can check the minimum internet speed
required to enjoy 4K content on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, HBO,
Amazon Prime, and Movistar Plus+ as follows:
4K clip playback speed table
| Broadcast platform | Speed in megabytes |
|---|---|
| Netflix | 15 Mbps |
| Disney+ | 25 Mbps |
| YouTube | 20 Mbps |
| HBO | 25 Mbps |
| Amazon Prime | 20 Mbps |
| Movistar Plus+ | 25 Mbps |
What is the speed of the net to run 4K smoothly?
If you're wondering what fiber speed to employ to watch 4K smoothly, the
answer depends on several factors; however, with 300 Mbps, under normal
circumstances, it should be more than enough. At 100 Mbps, if the router is
far away or there are other people connecting to the same network, the speed
may slow down to 25 Mbps.
Do you live alone, with people who barely consume the Internet or do you
connect the router by cable? Then 100 Mbps will catch up with you without any
problems, but this is not normal. So, if you are more than 1 person at home
and your router is not in the same room, relatively close or connected to the
cable, we advise you to contract 300 Mbps. You won't have any problems with
this.
Is my current connection sufficient?
You can test your internet speed on one of the internet speed testing sites
such as SpitTed and others. If your connection is equal to 300 MB or as
explained above, you can operate 4K easily.
What do I do if I can't watch 4K content?
You may have entered this article because you think your connection isn't
sufficient. The speed is likely to be 100 megabits per second and above, so
theoretically, you should be able to view 4K content without a problem.
However, as we've mentioned, there are other factors that affect content
delivery, so you may not be able to watch it, or you might do so, but with
some downgrades. For this reason, we offer you the following solutions.
1. Purchase a repeater or use an old mobile phone as one:
A repeater is a device that captures your fiber connection and rebroadcasts
it, reaching more areas. Ideally, you should place it between your router and
the device you're streaming content from. You can either buy a repeater or use
an old phone as one, which is a cost-effective option.
2. Move closer to your router:
If you have the ability to move your router closer to your device, do so. This
will boost your internet connection, and the speed will come through more
robustly. If you're streaming content on your mobile phone, you can use mobile
data if you have an unlimited plan, or move closer to the router.
3. Connect your router to your computer via a cable:
You might be using Wi-Fi for internet access. If you don't have any other
options, that's not bad, but it's better to connect your router to your
computer via a cable. This way, you won't lose Wi-Fi strength.
Other Solutions:
Aside from the alternatives to improve the connection, you have other
content-related solutions. In essence, they reduce the video quality, so it
can be played without issues, or you download the movie, series, or content
beforehand. With the first, you won't see it in 4K resolution, but you will
watch it without interruptions. With the second, you will see it in 4K
resolution, but you need to download it beforehand.
