Everything to know about 4K, the high-resolution standard for TVs
A 4K resolution, also known as Ultra High Definition, delivers four times as many pixels as regular HD, making every frame clearer and sharper.
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If you're shopping for a new TV in 2024, most of the models you'll see on offer will be 4K displays. Many computer monitors are also 4K, but what does this designation actually mean?
The 4K specification refers to a display's resolution, which plays a huge part in how much detail a screen can show. 4K resolution is the current standard for high-quality media, and compared to older high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) resolutions, it's a big improvement. Many of the best TVs sold today feature 4K screens and they're more affordable than ever.
Below, we've broken down all the ins and outs of 4K resolution to help explain its benefits and what you need to enjoy it.
What is 4K resolution?
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Every screen is made up using pixels, which are small dots or squares that work together to create images. The more pixels a screen has, the higher its resolution, and higher resolutions enable more visual information to be displayed.
A 4K screen has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is also sometimes called Ultra High Definition (UHD). This is four times as many pixels as Full HD, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is also referred to as 1080p. Full HD is the previous standard that most people know and it was the highest resolution used on HDTVs. Business Insider, Shutterstock
Putting aside the numbers for a moment, 4K screens can give you a far crisper image than HD ones. Since more visual detail can be shown, a 4K screen displaying 4K images can appear sharper and more lifelike than a Full HD screen displaying Full HD content.
However, to get the most noticeable improvement with 4K, you'll need to consider your screen size and viewing distance. If your screen is too small or too far, it becomes harder for the human eye to discern the difference between Full HD and 4K resolution. Justin Gmoser/Business Insider
For TVs, we recommend a screen size of at least 50 inches to make a 4K screen worthwhile. In our guide to the best 4K TVs, Insider Reviews Editor Steven Cohen notes that you should try to sit at a distance of "about one to 1.5 times the size of your display" for the best image. In other words, if you have a 65-inch 4K display, try to sit about eight feet away. At that size and distance, you'll be able to see the added detail that a 4K screen provides.
For 4K TV recommendations at various sizes check out our buying guides:
How do I access 4K content?
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The first step to enjoying 4K resolution is getting a 4K screen, but you'll also want to make sure that you have access to native 4K-quality content, which isn't always the case. Though HD and SD sources, like cable TV, will still benefit from getting upscaled to 4K, actual 4K videos will always look the best.
Many of the best streaming services offer 4K support, but only on certain titles. If a movie or show supports 4K playback, you'll usually see a "4K Ultra HD" badge on its listing page within a service's app.
However, it's important to remember that some services charge extra to enable 4K support or reserve it for specific devices. For example, though Netflix and Max both offer a wide selection of 4K content, you'll need to sign up for their most expensive plans to unlock access to 4K streams. Otherwise, streaming will be limited to HD.
If your TV doesn't already have built-in access to 4K streaming apps, you'll need a streaming stick or box that supports 4K. Many of the best streaming devices, like the Roku Ultra and the Google TV Streamer, support 4K playback, but some budget options are still limited to HD. Not all Blu-ray players support 4K, either, so you'll have to make sure you're buying a 4K Blu-ray player to play 4K Blu-ray discs.
Most modern game consoles, including the Xbox Series X and PS5, can also output games and videos in 4K. That said, the Nintendo Switch is limited to Full HD. Steven Cohen/Business Insider
Most Windows desktops and laptops can output 4K resolution to a 4K monitor without requiring high-end hardware. But if you want to play games at stable frame rates or edit videos smoothly in 4K, your PC will need a strong graphics card that can handle that resolution.
If you aren't sure about your current setup, check out our article on how to find what graphics card you have. If you're using a desktop, we recommend an Nvidia RTX 30-series card or better. If it's a laptop, you'll want an Nvidia RTX 40-series or better.
On the Apple side, no MacBooks currently have 4K screens, although their Apple silicon processors can run 4K on external monitors. The same goes for the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. The current generation iMac has a built-in 4.5K screen.
And finally, once you've got 4K gear on hand, you'll need the right cables to connect everything. When shopping for an HDMI cable, check to see if it's listed as Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, or Ultra High Speed. High-Speed cables support 4K resolutions at 30Hz, Premium supports 4K at 60Hz, and Ultra supports 4K at 120Hz. Older Standard cables don't support 4K at all. We suggest sticking with Ultra High-Speed cables since the price difference is negligible, and they're the best for future-proofing. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for recommendations.
How much should you spend on a 4K screen?
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Though 4K TVs were rather pricey when they first launched, they are now the industry standard, so there are lots of budget-friendly options available. Entry-level 4K TVs start at around $300 for a 65-inch model, midrange sets start at around $700, and higher-end displays can be found for around $1,600 and up.
If you're looking for a 4K TV that won't break the bank, we recommend models like the TCL QM7, Hisense U6N, and Roku Plus Series. These 4K TVs are affordable but deliver excellent image quality for the money. For more options, check out our guides to the best budget TVs and the best TVs under $500.
Most 4K TVs come with at least some smart TV features, which just adds to their value. Some also let you control other devices in your home, like smart light bulbs or an Alexa assistant. Check out our guide to the best smart TVs for more details.
When buying a 4K TV, you should also pay close attention to its high-dynamic-range capabilities (HDR). Though separate from resolution, HDR is another important picture quality component of modern TVs, enabling better contrast and color performance. Visit our HDR TV guide for more information.
