4K movies, shows, and even some live sports are now widely available, but access and quality depend on your plan, device, and bandwidth. Many major apps gate 4K behind top, ad‑free tiers (e.g., Netflix Premium, Disney+ Premium, Max Ultimate, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME), while others include 4K by default (Apple TV+, Prime Video). For a smooth 4K/HDR stream, providers typically recommend robust internet—commonly around 15–25 Mbps per stream—along with compatible hardware and in‑app 4K/HDR/Atmos badges before you press play (Netflix, Prime Video). This guide highlights where to find the best 4K content today and what each platform requires. If you want to double‑check your TV and player settings first, run through our 4K TV Setup Guide checklist.
Streaming Services
On-demand streaming services now treat 4K as a premium feature in many cases. Key examples: Netflix requires its Premium plan for 4K (commonly listed at $22.99/mo) with HDR (Dolby Vision/HDR10) and Dolby Atmos on supported titles/devices (Netflix). Disney+ offers 4K HDR (HDR10/Dolby Vision) and Atmos on select titles with the Disney+ Premium (ad‑free) plan; 4K is not included on the ad‑supported Basic plan (Disney+). Max (formerly HBO Max) limits 4K to its Ultimate Ad‑Free plan, often with Dolby Vision and Atmos on supported titles/devices (Max). Paramount+ supports 4K HDR (HDR10/Dolby Vision) and Atmos on select content with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan; the Essential plan does not include 4K (Paramount+). Peacock streams select shows, films, and live events in 4K on paid tiers (Premium/Premium Plus) where available (Peacock). By contrast, Apple TV+ includes 4K HDR/Dolby Vision and often Dolby Atmos with its base subscription (Apple TV+), and Prime Video includes 4K for members at no extra 4K fee (compatible devices and bandwidth required; some live sports like Thursday Night Football stream in 1080p HDR rather than 4K) (Prime Video). Always verify device support and look for 4K/UHD, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos badges in each app before playback.
Netflix
Number of titles: not published (catalog varies)
Price: Premium plan required (commonly $22.99/month in the US)
How to find them: Look for “Ultra HD/4K” badges and rows, or search “4K”
4K on Netflix is tied to the Premium plan and compatible devices. Most Netflix Originals stream in 4K, with HDR in Dolby Vision or HDR10 on supported devices, and many support Dolby Atmos when available (Netflix). Netflix also recommends robust internet speeds for Ultra HD—plan for roughly 15–25 Mbps per 4K stream depending on your device and network conditions (Netflix).
Discovery tip: ensure your TV/streamer and HDMI chain are 4K/HDR‑capable, and confirm the title shows 4K/HDR/Atmos badges in‑app before pressing play (Netflix, HDR explained).
Amazon Prime Video
Number of titles: not published (varies by title)
Price: 4K included with Prime membership (no separate 4K fee)
How to find them: Search “4K”/“UHD” and look for UHD/HDR badges
Prime Video offers a broad slate of 4K UHD and HDR titles on supported devices, with no extra charge for 4K beyond your Prime membership. Ensure you use compatible hardware and a fast connection; Amazon documents device requirements and playback tips in its help center (Prime Video 4K/HDR help). Prime now supports Chromecast natively—older workaround guides are no longer necessary—and some live sports (e.g., Thursday Night Football) stream in high‑quality 1080p HDR rather than 4K (Prime Video).
Hulu and Max: current 4K availability
Hulu supports 4K on a limited selection of on‑demand titles (primarily Hulu Originals) on a short list of compatible 4K devices; Hulu + Live TV channels do not stream in 4K (Hulu 4K, Hulu + Live TV). Max (formerly HBO Max) offers 4K UHD for select movies and series, typically paired with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on supported titles/devices, but only for subscribers on the Ultimate Ad‑Free plan (Max 4K). You can search for 4K content and look for 4K/Dolby Vision/Atmos badges in the Max app (how to find 4K on Max). Live sports via the B/R Sports Add‑On generally top out at up to 1080p, not 4K (B/R Sports).
4K Sports
Live sports in 4K are available but remain event‑by‑event. In the US, the broadest access comes from providers that carry networks’ 4K feeds when available—most consistently FOX/FS1 college football and some NBC events—via dedicated MVPD 4K channels (e.g., DIRECTV) or vMVPD add‑ons (e.g., YouTube TV). YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add‑on typically runs as a promo (e.g., ~$9.99/month for 12 months) then a standard rate (e.g., ~$19.99/month) on top of the base plan and also unlocks unlimited streams at home and mobile DVR downloads; programming availability still varies by event and device (YouTube TV 4K Plus, Watch in 4K on YouTube TV). Major tentpoles may or may not be in 4K: NBCUniversal delivered the Paris 2024 Olympics in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos to participating cable/satellite partners (NBCU Olympics 4K), while Super Bowl LVIII streamed at 1080p HDR rather than 4K (Super Bowl HDR, not 4K). Cable/satellite providers like Xfinity and DIRECTV continue to play a key role in distributing 4K sports event feeds (Xfinity 4K UHD/HDR). As with on‑demand 4K, plan on solid bandwidth (often 15–25 Mbps per stream) and confirm your hardware/app are listed as 4K‑capable (Netflix, Prime Video).
fubo
4K availability: Select events (e.g., FOX/FS1 college football, some soccer and other marquee events) when a 4K feed is provided by the network.
Price: 4K access is included on eligible Fubo plans (no separate 4K fee).
Devices/Sports: Compatible devices required; availability varies by schedule and region.
Fubo streams certain live games and events in 4K on supported hardware; programming is scheduled event‑by‑event rather than on 24/7 4K channels. For the latest device requirements and 4K details, see Fubo’s support page (4K on Fubo).
Check Fubo’s listings shortly before game time to confirm whether a specific matchup is offered in 4K in your area; even marquee events depend on network feed availability (Fubo 4K info).
DIRECTV
Channels: 104, 105, 106 (live 4K event channels when feeds are provided)
Price: Varies by package
Sports: Regular 4K event coverage such as NBA/MLB games, Premier League matches, and PGA coverage when networks supply a 4K feed
DIRECTV operates dedicated 4K event channels that carry select live sports and specials when partners supply a 4K feed. It’s one of the most consistent US sources for live 4K sports; see DIRECTV’s 4K overview for requirements and event details (DIRECTV 4K).
You’ll need DIRECTV’s Genie HD DVR (models 530 and up), but this is included in your monthly price when you sign up. If your model is older, DIRECTV is offering instant rebates to upgrade to the latest version.
DISH Network
Channel: 540 (plus on‑demand 4K)
Price: Varies by package
Sports: Occasional live 4K events; broader 4K catalog via on‑demand apps and partners
DISH’s 4K offering centers on on‑demand content—including studio catalogs like EPIX’s—accessible via channel 540 and apps. Live 4K sports are less frequent than on DIRECTV or Fubo and vary by rights and production. Event availability changes, so check listings close to start time.
Although DISH’s 4K content is included in its packages, like DIRECTV, you’ll need the latest DVR equipment (Hopper 3 or 4K Joey) to access it.
Movie rentals
Digital storefronts let you rent or buy in 4K the same day you set up your TV. Typical US 4K rentals commonly fall around $5.99–$7.99 with a 24–48‑hour viewing window once you start playback; premium early‑window titles cost more. Providers don’t charge a universal “4K fee”—pricing varies by title and store (Apple, Amazon, YouTube, Fandango at Home).
Vudu
Number of titles: the store markets 200,000+ total movies/TV to rent or buy (not 4K‑only)
How to find them: Look for 4K/UHD/HDR badges and filters in the app
Vudu rebranded to Fandango at Home in 2024; your library and core UHD/HDR capabilities carried over. It remains a top UHD storefront with wide device support (major smart TVs and streamers) and frequent discounts. Browse and rent/buy at Fandango at Home; look for UHD, HDR (Dolby Vision/HDR10), and Dolby Atmos badges where offered.
Amazon Instant Video
Number of titles: not published
Price: Varies by title
How to find them: Look for rows and badges labeled “4K UHD”
Amazon’s rent/buy store lives inside Prime Video and supports UHD/HDR on compatible devices. New‑release 4K rentals commonly run ~$5.99–$7.99, with PVOD windows priced higher; title pricing and available formats are listed on each movie’s page (Prime Video rent/buy help, 4K device/format help).
iTunes
Number of titles: not published
Price: Apple does not upcharge for 4K when a UHD version exists (per‑title prices vary)
Apple’s store delivers 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and often Dolby Atmos where available, and you get the best version your device supports without paying more solely for 4K. Playback works on Apple TV 4K, supported smart TVs with the Apple TV app, and compatible Apple devices (Apple 4K/HDR support).
FandangoNow
Number of titles: store markets 200,000+ total (movies + TV; not 4K‑only)
Price: Varies by title
How to find them: Use UHD/4K categories and badges in the app
Formerly FandangoNow/Vudu, the service is now called Fandango at Home. It offers a large UHD/HDR catalog with clear 4K and HDR labeling and broad app support across Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google/Android TV, and many smart TVs. Start at Fandango at Home to browse UHD filters and deals.
Google Play
Number of titles: not published
Price: Title‑dependent; UHD prices can differ from HD per listing
Google’s movie store is integrated with YouTube/Google TV apps on many devices. YouTube confirms that rent/buy pricing varies by title and by definition (SD/HD/UHD), and UHD/HDR playback requires compatible hardware and sufficient bandwidth. Google previously upgraded many eligible purchases to 4K at no charge (YouTube rent/buy help, Google Play 4K upgrades).
4K Blu-rays
Format capabilities: Ultra HD Blu‑ray delivers native 4K up to 60p, 10‑bit color in a BT.2020 container, mandatory HDR10 on all discs, and optional Dolby Vision (Profile 7) and HDR10+ depending on the title and your player/TV. Price: commonly $20–$30 (UHD Blu‑ray format, Dolby Vision profiles).
Physical discs still offer the highest bitrates versus streaming (HEVC video on 66/100 GB discs) for cleaner motion and finer detail. Many UHD discs include Dolby Vision and/or HDR10+ when paired with a compatible player/TV. Note that current game consoles play UHD discs in HDR10 only—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X don’t support Dolby Vision for discs—while dedicated players from Panasonic/Sony and boutique brands add broader HDR support and advanced video processing. Retail shelf space tightened in 2024 (e.g., Best Buy exited disc sales), but enthusiasts and boutique labels keep the format vibrant (Xbox UHD Blu‑ray app, Panasonic DP‑UB820, Sony UBP‑X800M2, retail change).
YouTube
What it has: Free user‑uploaded 4K content and some rentals/purchases with HDR labels on supported devices
How to find them: Search “4K” or “HDR” and check the playback quality menu for “2160p”
YouTube remains a great way to showcase your TV with free, user‑uploaded 4K/HDR demos alongside rentals from the YouTube/Google TV store. For inspiration, try the HDR Channel and Jacob + Katie Schwarz. UHD/HDR playback depends on device support and a fast connection; pricing for rentals varies by title and video definition (YouTube rent/buy help).
