With how quickly technology is becoming readily available, 4K video quality is being used more by streaming giants who want to stay up to date.
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, just to name a few, all have different ways they have tried to rise with the increasing use of 4K programming. Some companies have had better luck than others.
Does Hulu Stream 4k in 2021?
Hulu does offer 4K streaming, but only with certain subscription plans. Additionally, only select titles are available in 4K and you must have a 4K compatible device for streaming. Compared to other streaming services, Hulu is a little behind the curve when it comes to 4K.
Hulu first began streaming in 4K in 2016, but dropped it unexpectedly in 2018. Then, after several months, the company announced it was bringing back 4K in 2019.
Since then, Hulu has been behind its counterparts when it comes to offering the best in 4K streaming.
How Can I Tell if Hulu is Streaming 4K?
It can be hard to tell if Hulu is streaming in 4K. The service is available, but the indication of which titles are 4K can be confusing.
Hulu’s website says that all of its original content are available in 4K. There should be a 4K badge in the details section of whichever program you are trying to watch.
Additionally, Hulu’s default setting of video quality is to use the best that is available so there is no need to enable 4K streaming. If you are compatible, and the video is 4K quality, then you should be good right?
How Do I Watch (or Enable) 4K in Hulu?
If you are trying to watch something in 4K, I suggest double-checking that you have enough internet speed and are streaming to a 4K compatible device. I’d also suggest starting with choosing a Hulu original show or movie.
There is no way to enable 4K streaming on Hulu. The video service automatically streams content at the highest resolution available for your device.
For most customers, this quality is in the form of 1080p or 720p. However, with the technology for 4K becoming more widely used, Hulu falls on the lower in of the spectrum in terms of things offered in 4K compared to its competitors.
How Do I Know Which Hulu Movies and Shows are 4K?
To know which movies and shows are in 4K, you should see a 4K badge when browsing content. This badge should look like the other badges on Hulu’s site, such as “New”, “Live”, and Watch Progress.
This badge may also appear in the “Details” section of the program you would like to watch.
If you aren’t seeing this badge, you might not be 4K compatible yet. Start by checking your internet speed and streaming device.
What Speed Does Hulu Require for 4K?
Hulu recommends that customers have an internet speed of at least 16 Mbps if they are going to stream movies and shows in 4K. Anything at a slower speed, and the streaming quality will revert to either 1080p or 720p, whichever is available.
There is also the matter of making sure the device you are streaming on is compatible with such a high quality of streaming. With more people wanting to use 4K quality, both streaming and TV companies have had to step up and get compatible.
What Devices will Support Hulu 4K?
If a customer wants to stream in 4K, they will need to make sure they are up to date with their own streaming device.
Also, Viewers need to make sure they have the latest version of the Hulu app downloaded to a 4K compatible device.
These devices include (so far):
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
- Roku TVs and Roku Stick
- Apple TV (5th generation and up)
- Google Chromecast Ultra
- LG TVs (2017-2018, 2020 UHD)
- Vizio Smart TVs
- Xbox One (including Xbox One X)
Hulu 4K streaming services are not currently compatible with smartphones or tablets.
Does Hulu Charge More for 4K?
Hulu’s 4K streaming is included in their plans at no extra charge. However, 4K quality is not included in all their streaming packages. Both Hulu + Live TV packages (ad-supported and ad-free) do not come with 4K streaming capabilities.
Related: Why Am I Getting Ads on Hulu
However, Hulu has tried to bridge this gap in coverage by having other add-ons available at an additional cost to your subscription. Some popular add-ons are HBO Max, Showtime, STARZ, and even a Sports add-on.
Related: Does HBO Max Have 4K? (Answered)
Also, Hulu is the only streaming service currently to have a bundle deal. The Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ bundle is a great value for your money. You can customize which Hulu plan is in your bundle and save money on all three. But, there is no free trial with this bundle.
Hulu has many options for its service. Finding the one that fits you, your needs, and your budget should be easy.
Related: Does Hulu Have a Free Trial?
Is Hulu 4k?
According to the Hulu website, they do offer 4K streaming on select titles and all of their original content. However, when using the app, it is difficult to tell if what you are actually streaming in 4K.
The video content automatically streams at the highest video quality available and there are supposed to be 4K badges on eligible movies and shows. However, Hulu’s overall selection of 4K titles has left much to be desired when compared to its top competitors.
