Netflix finally fixes something that's been bugging me for years – I can now use my Netflix Premium account (almost) everywhere I want
You'd think you'd be able to watch Netflix in 4K anywhere, but there's always been one barrier... until now
Quick Summary
Netflix Premium subscribers can finally access 4K content through Chrome on a Windows PC.
It's still just 1080p on Mac, but that could also change soon – if Google updates its browser.
A Netflix Premium subscription is not cheap. At £18.99 / $26.99 per month, it's one of the priciest streaming tiers there is. And that includes competitors.
Disney+ Premium is £4 / $8 cheaper, so £48 / $96 less expensive per year, for example. So, as a Netflix Premium subscriber I really want to make the most of my membership. That includes the ability to watch 4K content wherever I want.
However, that's not really been possible. While most apps support 4K HDR, including Dolby Vision where possible, viewing through a Chrome browser hasn't. Until now, at least.
Netflix finally streams 4K video through Chrome, allowing Premium subscribers to view Ultra HD shows and movies without having to leave the browser window. There are limitations and caveats still, but it's a welcome start.
As discovered by @saurax04 on X (via The Mac Observer), Chrome on Windows 11 now supports 4K (3840 x 2160) streaming. PC owners have previously had to use Edge or the dedicated Netflix app for Windows to get the best quality. But now Chrome users can watch UHD content without having to switch browsers or load additional software.
Sadly, this hasn't yet arrived on Mac, and you will require a decent enough Windows 11 laptop or desktop – ie. with a minimum of GeForce GTX 1050 or Radeon RX 400 graphics. It's a sign of things to come though.
It's also worth noting that some Mac models will already run Netflix in 4K (and Dolby Vision) through Safari. Surely Chrome will soon follow.
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How much does Netflix Premium and the other tiers cost?
Netflix recently simplified its tier structure, with just three plans available generally.
Standard with adverts is priced at £5.99 / $8.99 / €7.99 / AU$9.99 per month and gives you access to 1080p streaming with 5.1 surround sound. As the name suggests, content is ad-supported and the number of devices you can stream on / download to is limited to two.
Standard costs £12.99 / $19.99 / €14.99 / AU$20.99 per month and is the same as the above, but without the ads.
And finally, Netflix Premium will set you back £18.99 / $26.99 / €21.99 / AU$28.99 per month. It ups the simultaneous device count to four and the picture quality to 4K HDR (Dolby Vision). You also get Dolby Atmos audio where supported.
Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
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