On Apple TV 4K, open Settings > Apps > TV > Streaming Video Quality and choose Good to watch in SD and use less data, or Better for HD with greater data use. Best selects the best quality available for your TV and connection, so it does not guarantee a particular resolution.
Change streaming quality in the Apple TV app
- On your Apple TV 4K, open Settings.
- Select Apps, then TV.
- Open Streaming Video Quality.
- Choose Good, Better, or Best.
Apple documents this route in its Apple TV 4K user guide. Menu names or availability may vary with hardware, region, and tvOS version.
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Choose the option that fits your data and picture-quality needs
| Setting | Picture quality | Data tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Good | SD | Uses less data |
| Better | HD | Uses more data |
| Best | Best quality available based on your TV and connection | Apple does not give a fixed data-use figure for this option |
Try Good if conserving data is the priority. Choose Better if you want HD and are comfortable using more data. Best depends on the connected TV and internet connection; Apple does not promise that it always means 4K or a particular bitrate.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteApple’s guide gives these tradeoffs qualitatively, not as a fixed number of gigabytes per hour. Actual usage can vary, so the setting alone does not provide a precise data budget.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
Know which setting you are changing
Streaming Video Quality applies to the Apple TV app
This is the documented streaming-quality control for video watched in Apple’s TV app on Apple TV 4K. It is not established as a system-wide control for Netflix, YouTube, or other third-party apps. To reduce data use in another service, look for quality or data-use controls in that app; Apple also notes that some apps have settings inside the app, while others can be adjusted through Settings > Apps by selecting the app.
Video Definition is for purchases and rentals
The separate Video Definition preference controls the definitions shown as options when purchasing or renting. Choosing Standard Definition there is not the documented control for streaming quality.
Rank #2
- 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
Changing the Apple TV’s output resolution is not the same control
The setting described here is Streaming Video Quality in the Apple TV app. The cited Apple guide does not establish that changing the device’s general video output resolution reduces data use across apps.
Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV app on iPhone or iPad use different controls
On iPhone and iPad, Apple documents a separate route at Settings > Apps > TV, with mobile streaming options such as Wi-Fi quality and, on supported cellular devices, cellular streaming. Apple says High Quality needs a faster internet connection and uses more data. Those mobile options are not the Apple TV 4K’s Best, Better, and Good choices. See Apple’s iPhone and iPad Apple TV app settings guide.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #3
- HD 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
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
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