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How to Stream Hulu in 4K
Get 4K streaming on your Hulu device
By Robert Earl Wells III Updated on January 13, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section TV Requirements Internet Speed Requirements Available Content Supported Streaming Devices Quality Troubleshooting It's possible to watch Hulu originals like The Handmaid's Tale and Castle Rock in 4K Ultra HD. 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. What Kind of TV Do You Need to Watch Hulu in 4K
In order to watch Hulu in 4K resolution, you need a 4K smart TV that is capable of connecting to the internet. In addition, the TV must also have a built-in HEVC decoder, and it has to be both HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant if you're watching Hulu via an external streaming device such as a Roku. Most 4K Ultra HD TVs manufactured after 2014 meet the above criteria. If you don't have the manual for your TV, visit the manufacturer's website to make sure the display is 4K-compatible. Internet Speed Requirements for Hulu in 4K
Your internet connection must also meet the speed requirements for video streaming. Although 16 Mb/s is the recommended minimum download speed for streaming movies in 4K on Hulu, 25 Mb/s or faster is preferable. With slower connections, you might experience buffering, or Hulu might downgrade the signal to 1080p. If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) imposes a monthly data cap, be careful when streaming in 4K because it consumes significantly more data than HD streaming. Going over your limit could result in extra charges on your internet bill. If possible, use a physical Ethernet connection to avoid interruptions due to an unstable Wi-Fi connection. What Can You Watch in 4K on Hulu
Hulu automatically delivers the best possible video quality based on your equipment and bandwidth. Hulu's entire library can be viewed in 720p or 1080p, but only certain shows and movies are viewable in 4K. There's no complete list of 4K content on Hulu, nor is there a way to sort based on video quality. Hulu's 4K selection is significantly limited compared to what Netflix has to offer in 4K, but much of the streaming service's original programming is available in Ultra HD. Hulu 4K Supported Streaming Devices
If the Hulu app isn't built into your television, then you'll also need a streaming device that supports 4K streaming on Hulu. Supported devices include: Apple TV (5th generation and later) Chromecast Ultra Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick Roku TV Roku Streaming Stick Roku Smart Soundbar Xbox One Vizio SmartCast TVs LG TVs (2017 and later) Depending on your subscription plan, you may also be able to watch live TV in HD, but live 4K streaming is not supported. What Does 4K on Hulu Look and Sound Like
While 4K streaming on Hulu can't compete with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, it typically looks better than 1080p provided that you have a large enough display to tell the difference. The audio quality also won't quite match the Dolby TrueHD Master Audio format supported by some Blu-ray discs. Unlike Netflix, Hulu does not support HDR, so you won't notice any extra visual enhancements on an HDR TV. Troubleshooting Hulu 4K
If you're not getting the best picture quality available, try limiting any other activities that are using your network connection to free up bandwidth. If your external streaming device is connected to a receiver, disconnect the HDMI output and plug it directly into your TV. You can likely view the resolution of the incoming video signal from your TV's info or status menu. It should say 4K, UHD, 3840x2160, or 2160p. If it says 1080p or less, then you're not getting the best possible stream. The Hulu Help Center has additional advice for troubleshooting video quality issues on Hulu. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find and Watch Disney Plus 4K Content Internet Speed Requirements for Video Streaming Should You Buy a Blu-ray Player? The 9 Best Devices for Streaming TV in 2022 How to Stream Netflix in 4K How to Fix Hulu Streaming Issues All About the Netflix Streaming Service What You Need to See 4K Resolution on a 4K Ultra HD TV How to Watch 4K Movies on Amazon Prime The 7 Best Fire Stick Alternatives of 2022 How to Buy a TV in 2022 How to Fix It When Hulu Keeps Freezing FHD vs UHD: What's The Difference? Super Bowl TV and Home Theater Setup Tips The 8 Best Blu-Ray and Ultra HD Blu-Ray Players of 2022 How to Fix a Hulu Playback Failure Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies