How Much Data Does Netflix Use To Download?

How much data does Netflix use to download?No doubt, Netflix is an amazing entertainment platform for those looking for a reliable source of watching movies and TV shows. You can stream online as well as download to watch later. But how much data does Netflix use to download? Is a big question.

Whether you are streaming or downloading, Netflix will use the same amount of data. Usually, it takes around 1 GB per hour of data on standard definition. The data amount can go up to 3GB and 7GB per hour for Full HD and 4K ultra HD videos. Watching videos in SD quality means that most of the movies only take 2-3 GB.

If not used with care, Netflix can use more than 100GB of data in a month. It is also recommended to download or watch online movies using a Wi-Fi network instead of mobile data. This will save you a few bucks.

How Much Data Does Netflix Use To Download?

The download size depends upon the size of the media mobile or shows you are going to download. For example, the Braking bad will cost you around 60 GB of data for the full series. This is a huge amount, your entire mobile data can go off. So let’s move further by finding out should you stream online or download to watch later? And also how to minimize the use of data by limiting it to a certain stop.

Netflix Download Or Stream? What Should Be The Option?

Let me clear to you again that the same data is consumed whether you go for downloading on Netflix or streaming. Downloading is a good option for many as it allows you to watch your favorite movies again and again. It also allows you to watch it in offline mode. So whenever, you are out of the network coverage area, you can still have a good move with you.

On the other hand, streaming means watching it for once. Every time you stream something Netflix consumes some data. Whenever you stream or download something on Netflix, it sends some files on your mobile phone. Now it is your choice either you choose to save it to watch again and again or stream it for once.

So this is the reason that the answer for how much data Netflix uses to download is the same.

How To Set Netflix To Use Less Data?

You might be keen to reduce how much data Netflix is using if you are with a limited mobile data plan. Watching a 4K video with limited data is not a good approach. You must opt for data saving plan.

Unfortunately, you cannot limit data on Netflix. However, you can select from the four available options to make Netflix use fewer data. These options are;

  • Automatic
  • Maximum Data
  • Save Data
  • Wi-Fi only

Automatic:

This option is totally based on your device. It automatically sets the balance between your data ad video quality based on the network connection. It is a better option if you are having unstable connection and need a continuous stream. The automatic settings make sure that you get a good quality resolution with your data running for more hours.

Maximum Data:

As reflected in its title, the options are set for the highest resolution of the content you are wishing to watch on your screen. This is probably the 4K Ultra HD resolution. This option is dedicated to those who do not compromise on the video quality.

Save Data:

The option will minimize the use of data to the boundary at which you can watch movies with the lowest quality. It consumes the lowest MB’s of data but the video quality is a bit compromised. Possibly, you can get around 6 hours of streaming with just 1GB of data.

Wi-Fi Only:

It is the most used option. Wi-Fi only means downloading or streaming on Netflix only and when connected with the Wi-Fi network. When using mobile data the app will prevent your device to use stream on download.

So in order to make Netflix useless data, you need to set your settings according to it. Wi-Fi only means that no mobile data will be used by Netflix. Yet, the save data mode is best for less usage.

Setting Data Usage Limits In Netflix:

These are another set of settings applying them can save your mobile data. These data usage sets or data restriction options. After that your data usage per hour will be approximate as below;

Automatic: Netflix will decide the amount of data. Based on the speed of your internet connection the system will automatically adjust itself to give you the best movie experience by giving the best available resolution.

High: the high rate means that Netflix will consume around 3GB per hour for HD quality and about 6-7GB for 4k ultra high definition video content.

Medium: the data consumption will be reduced to about 0.7GB per hour with standard definition vides quality

Low: this is the lowest quality with 0.3 GB per hour of usage.

Is 100GB Enough For Netflix In A Month?

Well, 100GB is huge data. But calling it enough in a month is totally unfair. As it totally depends on the usage and media quality that is being watched. For example, if you are watching ‘Friends’ complete series with 4K ultra HD video resolution then the 100 GB data might only last for 15-20 days.

Another way around, if you have set data saver mode then the 100 GB is more than enough, you might be able to consume half of it in a month.

Do Factors Affect Netflix Data Usage?

The resolution is the main factor that affects Netflix to use of more or fewer data. The video’s content frame rate is another factor. Nowadays, the frame rates of different HD videos are almost the same. It is therefore, it will not add more difference to your data usage.

Conclusion:

In our final verdict, there is no more difference in the data usage, whether you stream them or download them on your device. If you have enough space on your device then downloading the shows and movies to watch later is a wise decision rather than spending the same amount of data for viewing them one time only.

So get more value for your money by downloading Netflix.

I think the article how much data does Netflix use to download has provided you with enough information. Now the only thing left is for you to decide what you want to watch on Netflix tonight.

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