Guide: How to watch Netflix in 4K resolution

Netflix has been streaming select content in stunning 4K resolution since April, but we are often asked what it takes to get started. Here is a quick guide on how to watch Netflix in 4K, what you need, and what content is available right now.

How to watch Netflix in 4K Ultra HD
We have already shared our hands-on experience with Netflix in 4K, but as more and more people buy Ultra HD TVs it gets more relevant. 

To get started, two conditions must be met. You need to own an Ultra HD TV that supports Netflix 4K and you need a fast enough internet connection. Netflix recommends a 25 Mb/s connection, but the actual 4K stream is 15.6 Mb/s so even a stable 16 Mb/s connection can do it. At some point, Netflix might start using higher bitrates and at that point 25 Mb/s might be a requirement.


The following TV series and movies are available to watch in 4K at the moment:
House of Cards - season 2 (not season 1)
Breaking Bad – all seasons
”Moving Art” documentaries (by Louie Schwarztberg)
Smurfs 2
Ghostbusters 1+2
The Blacklist
Jerry Maguire

Netflix says that all future TV series will be produced in 4K, including the next big show Marco Polo, Sense8 from the Matrix creators, and Narcos about Pablo Escobar.

Smart TVs and boxes with 4K Netflix
At the moment, only very few TVs have the capabilities required to support Netflix in 4K. You cannot just buy a random Ultra HD TV and expect it to work. The technical requirement is HEVC – the successor to MPEG4 – but even with HEVC built-in you might run into trouble.

The following Ultra HD TVs support Netflix 4K:
LG 2014 Ultra HD TVs (those with webOS)
Panasonic 2014 Ultra HD TVs (from October/November)
Samsung 2014 Ultra HD TVs
Samsung F9005 (requires new One Connectbox)
Sony 2014 Ultra HD TVs
Vizio 2014 P series

In addition, a few Sony media players can add it to 2013 Sony 4K TVs, namely the Sony FMP-X5 (Europe) and FMP-X10 (USA). It is not possible to watch Netflix in 4K on a PC or Mac. 

We have posted a full list of Smart TV with Netflix 4K support in the forums. It will be updated regularly.