"Resolution" gets thrown around a lot in streaming, but it's worth understanding what each tier actually looks like — and more importantly, what your connection needs to support it without buffering.
Resolution Basics
HD (720p) — roughly 1280×720 pixels. A solid, watchable picture, most noticeable as a step up from standard definition on smaller screens.
Full HD (1080p) — roughly 1920×1080 pixels. The most common "sharp" picture quality, and the sweet spot for most screen sizes under 55 inches.
4K (2160p) — roughly 3840×2160 pixels, four times the detail of Full HD. Most noticeable on larger screens (55 inches and up) viewed from a normal sitting distance.
How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?
HD streaming: around 5–8 Mbps sustained.
Full HD streaming: around 15–20 Mbps sustained.
4K streaming: 40 Mbps or more sustained for the smoothest experience.
These are per-stream numbers — if multiple people in your household are streaming at the same time, add each stream's requirement together rather than relying on just one figure.
Does Your Device Matter?
Yes. Even with a fast enough connection, older Smart TVs, budget streaming sticks, or entry-level boxes may not have the processing power to decode 4K smoothly. If you're regularly seeing choppy playback despite a strong connection, the device itself — not the network — is usually the bottleneck.
Our Recommendation
If your internet plan comfortably clears 20 Mbps and your screen is 43 inches or smaller, Full HD gives you excellent picture quality without pushing your connection. If you have a larger TV, a strong connection, and a device that supports it, 4K is worth switching to for noticeably sharper detail.
Not sure what your connection can handle? Send us your internet speed test on WhatsApp and we'll recommend the best setting for your setup.
