Streaming at 4K can use up to 7 GB of data per hour. 4K Ultra HDĤK is the highest industry standard resolution available on Netflix, and as a result, data usage will be much higher. So it is more challenging to estimate how much Netflix will use data.Ī ballpark estimate is possible, and assuming the worst case here, you can expect to be consuming around 3 GB of data per hour. Netflix automatically adjusts between these resolutions depending on how fast your internet is at the moment. Full HDĪ range of resolutions qualifies as full HD, from 720p to 1080p. Standard Definition (SD) uses upto 1 GB of data per hour. The video quality is also the least of the lot, although this is good enough if you have a slower connection. Standard Definition or 480p uses the least amount of data. Netflix Streaming Data UsageĮven though downloading and streaming take up the same amount of data, it is worth checking out the data usage both require. Since there is comparatively less content with HDR support, and TVs that support HDR are more expensive, this won’t affect data use like streaming quality does. The data used can also depend on the frame rate of the content, but since most movies and shows have the same framerate, it won’t figure very high on data usage.Īnother factor is if the video you are watching is in Higher Dynamic Range (HDR) as well.ĭue to the wider color gamut HDR provides, it requires more data. Keep in mind that downloading and streaming use the same amount of data because both methods need the content delivered to you through the internet. Netflix automatically adjusts the audio quality according to your video quality, but the audio has less of an impact on your data use than video has. The most significant contributor to Netflix’s data usage is the quality you are watching the shows at.

Netflix can use from 1GB per hour on standard definition to up to 7 GB per hour when watching at 4K UHD. This guide is a result of that research so that you can also know how much data your Netflix app is using for downloads. I checked with Netflix to find out, visited some user forums, and did some of my own research. Mainly because my Xfinity plan has a one terabyte data cap, and the entire household either streams or downloads in 4K. I have high storage capacities on my phone and PC, but I’ve always wondered how much data Netflix actually uses when it downloads the stuff I want to watch. Whenever I watch Netflix on my phone or PC, I have the habit of downloading shows and movies rather than streaming them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on my blog, I may earn an affiliate commission.

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