Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo use less data while streaming Netflix, lower the playback data setting for the profile you watch with. In the Netflix app, choose Save Data to reduce cellular use, or Wi-Fi Only to prevent streaming over cellular. These controls are separate, and lower data use can reduce picture quality.
Change streaming quality for a Netflix profile in a browser
- Open Netflix in a browser and go to the Account page.
- Open Profiles, choose the profile you use, then select Playback settings.
- Choose Low or Medium to reduce data use. The setting saves automatically.
Auto adjusts to connection speed and aims for the highest possible quality; it is not a fixed low-data cap. Netflix warns that restricting data use may affect video quality.
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Netflix’s estimated data use for these settings
Netflix’s Help Center lists the following estimates per device-hour. Actual use can vary by viewing session.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Setting | Netflix’s estimated use |
|---|---|
| Low | Up to 0.3 GB per hour |
| Medium | Up to 0.7 GB per hour |
| High | Up to 1 GB per hour for SD; 3 GB for HD; or 7 GB for UHD/4K |
These are Netflix’s published estimates, checked in 2026, not a guarantee of exact consumption. Netflix’s data-use guidance explains the account settings and estimates.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Limit cellular data in the Netflix mobile app
- Open the Netflix app and tap My Netflix.
- Tap your profile name, then App Settings.
- Under Video Playback, tap Cellular Data Usage.
- Choose Save Data to use less cellular data, or Wi-Fi Only if you want to prevent streaming unless connected to Wi-Fi.
Netflix estimates about four hours per GB with Automatic and about six hours per GB with Save Data. Maximum Data selects the highest quality available for the device and title; it may use 1 GB per 20 minutes or more, depending on device and network speed. Netflix recommends Maximum Data only with an unlimited data plan. These figures are estimates, not guaranteed limits. Details are in Netflix’s data-use guidance.
If a cellular-data option is unavailable or grayed out, Netflix says you may need to turn off Automatic, or cancel or wait for pending downloads to finish.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
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- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Change the quality of downloaded shows and movies
Download quality is a separate setting from streaming data use. In the app, open My Netflix, tap your profile name, then App Settings. Choose Download Video Quality or Video Quality, then select Standard or High/Higher.
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| Download setting | Resolution and trade-off |
|---|---|
| Standard | SD; downloads take less time and use less storage. |
| High/Higher | Up to 1080p/HD; downloads take longer and use more storage. |
HD availability depends on device and title support. See Netflix’s download-quality instructions.
Rank #3
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Why the picture may not match the setting
A data-use setting alone does not guarantee a particular resolution. Netflix says playback quality depends on your plan, connection, device, and whether the title supports that quality. Its recommended stable speeds are 3 Mbps or higher for HD 720p, 5 Mbps or higher for FHD 1080p, and 15 Mbps or higher for UHD 4K; these are recommendations, not promises of resolution. See Netflix’s best-quality guidance and its recommended internet speeds.
If a non-Auto playback setting causes buffering or freezing, Netflix advises returning the setting to Auto. A lower data setting can save bandwidth, but it may come with a softer picture.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #4
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
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