How to Stream Hulu in 4K

You need a 4K TV and a fast enough internet connection to watch certain shows and movies in 4K

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on April 21, 2023

What to Know

  • You need a 4K TV, and your connection must meet the speed requirements for 4K streaming (25 Mb/s or faster).
  • Only certain shows and movies are viewable in 4K. There's no complete list of 4K content on Hulu.
  • If you're not getting 4K, free up bandwidth and connect the HDMI output and plug it directly into your TV.

This article explains how to watch Hulu originals 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.

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:

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.

FAQ
  • Which streaming service has the most 4K content?

    Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video all offer more 4K content than Hulu and similar streaming services.

  • How do I get Hulu in 4K on my PC?

    Watching Hulu in 4K isn't supported in web browsers, so you can't stream in 4K on your computer or mobile device. You can only watch in 4K on a compatible smart TV.

  • How do I turn off 4K on Hulu?

    There is no way to lower the video quality settings when watching Hulu on a smart TV, so you can't turn off 4K.

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