How Much Data Is Used When Streaming TV?

Each year, it’s becoming easier for cable TV customers to cancel their plans and switch to streaming.

Streaming platforms now offer a wide range of TV shows, movies, news, live events, sports, and channels. As a result, replacing cable with streaming has never been more convenient—especially when paired with a fast, reliable fiber internet connection like Ezee Fiber, built to handle modern streaming demands.

The upside: Streaming is often less expensive, with month-to-month plans you can pause or restart anytime. Many services also offer free trials, making it easy to customize your entertainment.

The downside: Streaming uses significantly more data than most other online activities. If your internet plan includes data caps, heavy streaming—especially in HD or 4K—can become a concern.

With Ezee Fiber’s unlimited, high-speed fiber internet, you can stream freely without worrying about hitting a data limit or paying overage fees.

What Are Data Caps?

Data caps are restrictions some internet service providers place on customers to limit how much data they can use each month. Most capped plans allow between 1 and 1.5 terabytes of data per month. Once that limit is exceeded, additional fees or throttled speeds may apply.

If you stream TV regularly, especially in higher resolutions, it’s important to monitor your usage—unless you’re on an internet plan from Ezee Fiber, where data caps aren’t part of the equation.

What Is the Average Data Usage When Streaming TV?

• Standard Definition (480p): 0.3 – 1.2 GB per hour
• High Definition (1080p): 1.2 – 3.5 GB per hour
• Ultra-High Definition (4K / 2160p): 6.6 – 9 GB per hour

Data usage varies based on resolution, bitrate, bandwidth, and your connection speed. A consistent fiber connection—like Ezee Fiber’s symmetrical speeds—helps ensure smooth playback without buffering.

How Much Can I Stream With 1 Terabyte of Data?

Average Daily Streaming Hours:

• SD (480p): ~24 hours
• HD (1080p): 9.5 – 24 hours
• 4K (2160p): 3.7 – 5 hours

One terabyte equals 1,000 gigabytes. These estimates divide total data usage by average hourly consumption over a 30-day month.

Standard and HD streaming generally use less data, but frequent 4K viewing can quickly add up—along with gaming, remote work, and smart devices.

That’s why Ezee Fiber offers unlimited, high-speed fiber internet, giving households the freedom to stream, work, and play without compromise.

How Much Data Does Streaming TV Use by Service?

Here’s a breakdown of estimated data usage by popular streaming platforms:

• Netflix:
  SD: 0.3 GB/hr • HD: 1 GB/hr • Full HD: 3 GB/hr • 4K: 7 GB/hr
• Peacock:
  Full HD: 1.1 GB/hr • 4K: 7 GB/hr
• ESPN+:
  HD: ~0.9 GB/hr (4K not available)
• Sling TV:
  HD: ~3 GB/hr (No 4K)
• DirecTV Stream:
  HD: Just over 3 GB/hr
  4K available on select channels only
• FuboTV:
  SD: 1.2 GB/hr • HD: 1.6–2 GB/hr • 4K: ~7 GB/hr (limited availability)
• Amazon Prime Video:
  SD: ~0.45 GB/hr • HD: ~2.25 GB/hr • 4K: 6–7 GB/hr
• Apple TV:
  SD: 0.7 GB/hr • HD: up to 3 GB/hr • 4K: ~8 GB/hr
• YouTube:
  SD: ~0.5 GB/hr • HD: ~1.1 GB/hr • Full HD: ~2.25 GB/hr • 4K: ~9 GB/hr
• Disney+:
  SD: ~0.7 GB/hr • HD: ~2 GB/hr • 4K: ~7.7 GB/hr
• Hulu:
  HD: ~1.35 GB/hr • Live TV: ~3.6 GB/hr • 4K: ~7.2 GB/hr
• Max:
  HD: ~2.25 GB/hr • 4K: ~7.7 GB/hr
  (Streaming quality adjusts automatically based on network speed)

Which Streaming Services Offer 4K?

4K Available On:

• Netflix
• Peacock
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Disney+
• Hulu
• Max
• fuboTV (select live events)
• DirecTV Stream (select channels)
• YouTube TV (on-demand and live events)

4K Not Available On:

• ESPN+
• Sling TV

The Best Way to Stream in 4K

Streaming in 4K requires a fast, stable, and consistent connection. Fiber internet is the best option for 4K streaming, delivering the bandwidth and reliability needed for ultra-high-definition content.

For best results:

• Use a wired Ethernet connection when possible
• Pair your setup with Ezee Fiber’s ultra-fast fiber speeds for minimal buffering and lag

How to Stream While Staying Under Your Data Limit

If your provider enforces data caps, consider:

• Streaming most content in SD or HD
• Limiting 4K viewing
• Tracking usage through your ISP, router, or device settings

Or skip the hassle entirely by choosing Ezee Fiber, designed for streaming-heavy households.

Are Data Caps Necessary?

No—data caps are not necessary.

Advances in network infrastructure have made bandwidth expansion more efficient and affordable than ever. Still, many ISPs continue to impose arbitrary limits that restrict how customers use the internet.

Stream Seamlessly with Ezee Fiber

Ezee Fiber believes internet should be simple and unlimited. With no data caps, no throttling, and fast fiber speeds, you can stream, game, and work online without limits—exactly how it should be.

Check your address today and experience internet that finally feels different.