What Is 4K Ultra HD? the High-Resolution Standard for TVs, Explained

Most TVs sold today have 4K screens, and many computer monitors also feature 4K panels. But what does 4K actually mean, and how does it improve visual quality for movies, TV shows, and games?

The term 4K refers to a display’s resolution, which plays a huge part in how much detail a screen can show. In 2025, 4K resolution is the standard for high-quality media, and compared to older high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) resolutions, it’s a big improvement. The best TVs all feature 4K screens, and top models are more affordable than ever. 

Below, we’ve broken down all the ins and outs of 4K resolution to explain its benefits and what you need to enjoy it.

What is 4K resolution?

Every digital screen on a TV or monitor 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 called Ultra High Definition (UHD). This is four times as many pixels as Full HD 1080p, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Full HD is the previous digital video standard, and it was the highest resolution used on HDTVs.

In practice, a 4K screen’s higher resolution can result in a sharper, crisper image than an HD one. Since more visual detail can be shown, a 4K screen displaying 4K images appears clearer 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’s harder for the human eye to discern the difference between Full HD and 4K resolution.

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, Business Insider Reviews Senior 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 specific to different sizes, check out our collection of TV buying guides:

How do I watch 4K content?

The first step to enjoying 4K resolution is getting a 4K screen, but that’s only part of the equation. You’ll also need access to native 4K-quality content, which is limited to certain sources. For instance, most cable, satellite, and livestreaming broadcasts are still presented in HD resolution. Meanwhile, most 4K content is available through on-demand streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-ray discs.

Many of the best streaming services offer 4K support for 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 need to sign up for their most expensive plans to unlock 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.

When it comes to physical media, you’ll need a 4K Blu-ray player to play 4K Blu-ray discs. In addition to stand-alone players, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X feature built-in 4K Blu-ray drives.

Do gaming consoles and computers support 4K?

Most modern current-gen consoles, including the Xbox Series X and PS5, can output games and videos in 4K resolution. The Nintendo Switch is limited to Full HD, but the new Nintendo Switch 2 supports 4K.

Most Windows desktops and laptops can output 4K resolution to a 4K monitor without requiring high-end hardware. But if you want to play PC games at stable frame rates or edit videos smoothly in 4K, your PC needs a strong graphics card that can handle that resolution, like an Nvidia RTX Series.

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 have traditional 4K resolution displays, although Apple silicon processors can output 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.

Do you need specific cables to transmit 4K?

Once you’ve got a 4K display and source device on hand, you’ll need the right cables to ensure you get a 4K signal. Most 4K components use HDMI cables, but some computers and monitors also support DisplayPort and USB-C.

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 a 30Hz refresh rate, 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. For recommendations, check out our guide to the best HDMI cables.

How much should you spend on a 4K screen?

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 $1,500 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 streaming and digital assistant functions, which add to their value. Some also let you control other devices in your home, like smart light bulbs or cameras. Check out our guide to the best smart TVs for more details.

How does HDR relate to 4K?

Nearly all 4K TVs sold in 2025 also support another display technology called high dynamic range (HDR). Likewise, most 4K movies and TV shows on streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs are presented in HDR. But while 4K refers to resolution, HDR is related to contrast.

HDR capabilities vary a lot depending on the display model you buy, but the tech is designed to enable bright parts of a video to appear brighter and dark parts to appear darker while maintaining precise detail in all the levels between both extremes.

Visit our HDR TV guide for more information about the technology and how it can enhance the image quality of a 4K display.