Netflix can use a large amount of data, and the total depends on factors such as video quality, screen size, and the strength of your internet connection. At lower settings, streaming uses a few hundred megabytes per hour, while higher resolutions such as full HD and 4K can use several gigabytes per hour. If you plan to watch Netflix while traveling abroad, using a global eSIM like Roamless can help manage your mobile internet usage and reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges.

How Much Data Does Netflix Use?

Netflix uses about 300 MB per hour on low quality, about 700 MB per hour on standard definition, about 1 GB per hour on HD, about 3 GB per hour on Full HD, and about 7 GB per hour on 4K. The table below shows approximate data usage at each quality level:

Table 1: Estimated data usage by Netflix video quality

Disclaimer: These values are approximate and actual usage may vary depending on your device, internet speed, and viewing conditions.

Note: Netflix notes that if your internet plan has limited data, you can reduce how much data the service uses by adjusting your playback settings [1]. Netflix also states that higher resolutions such as full HD and 4K use significantly more data than lower-quality settings [2].

Netflix Data Usage on Smartphones vs Smart TV

Smartphones typically stream at lower resolutions because of their smaller screens, while televisions are more likely to select higher resolutions such as full HD or 4K, which can result in higher data usage. The table below shows approximate differences in data usage by device type:

Table 2: Estimated Netflix data usage by device type

Disclaimer: These values are approximate. Actual data usage may vary based on selected video quality, network conditions, device capabilities, and changes in streaming settings.

Comparing Netflix Data Usage to Other Streaming Platforms

Netflix uses about 700 MB per hour for SD, about 3 GB per hour for full HD, and about 7 GB per hour for 4K. Other streaming platforms use similar amounts of data depending on their bitrate settings and adaptive streaming behavior. The table below shows approximate hourly data usage across several major platforms:

Table 3: Estimated hourly data usage across major streaming platforms

Disclaimer: These values are approximate. Actual data usage can vary based on selected video quality, platform updates, device settings, and network conditions.

For more information, you can check out our posts on How Much Data Does Streaming Use and How Much Data Does YouTube Use.

How to Check Netflix Data Usage on Your Device

You can check how much data Netflix uses by viewing your app settings or monitoring your device’s built-in data usage tools. The steps vary depending on the operating system. Tracking this information can help you understand how much mobile data you use when streaming shows or movies.

For iPhone Devices:

• Open the Settings app and select “Cellular.” This screen shows how much mobile data each app has used.

• Scroll down to find Netflix and check the total data usage listed next to it.

• You can reset the statistics at the bottom of the page to track usage for a specific period.

For Android Devices:

• Open the Settings app and select “Network and Internet” or “Connections”, depending on your device.

• Tap “Data Usage” to view how much data each app has consumed.

• Select Netflix from the list to see detailed usage, including background and foreground activity.

• You can reset the usage cycle if you want to track your data consumption more precisely.

Disclaimer: Menu names and settings paths may differ slightly depending on your device model and operating system version. Please verify the steps using your device manufacturer’s current guidance.

Tips to Reduce Netflix Data Usage

You can lower the amount of data Netflix uses by adjusting your video quality settings or managing how long you stream content. These changes are especially helpful when using mobile data while traveling.

• Video quality settings: You can reduce data usage by lowering the video quality in your Netflix playback settings.

• Data Saver mode: You can choose the “Data Saver” option if you want to minimize mobile data consumption while streaming.

• Lower-quality downloads: You can download episodes or movies in lower quality when you plan to watch content offline.

• Background activity limits: You can restrict background app activity on your device to prevent unwanted mobile data consumption.

• Daily streaming habits: You can keep track of how many hours you stream each day if you have a limited mobile data plan.

Disclaimer: Available settings and data saver options may vary depending on your device, your Netflix app version, and your selected subscription plan. Please verify the options within your current Netflix account settings.

Watching Netflix Abroad Using Roamless eSIM

Streaming Netflix while traveling can increase your mobile data consumption, especially if you watch content in higher resolutions. Using a travel eSIM like Roamless can help you manage your mobile data more effectively and avoid unexpected roaming costs when you are abroad.

• Global coverage: Roamless provides mobile data service in over 200 destinations, which makes it easier to access Netflix during international travel.

• High-speed connectivity: Roamless supports fast mobile data connections, including speeds up to 5G, without applying speed limits that could affect video quality.

• Device compatibility: Roamless works on both iOS and Android devices and does not require swapping a physical SIM card when traveling.

• In-app data tracking: Roamless allows you to monitor your mobile data usage directly within the app, which can help you estimate how much data Netflix consumes during your trip.

For more information, you can read our guides on How to Avoid Roaming Charges and How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Netflix use a lot of data?

Yes. Netflix can use a large amount of data depending on the video quality you choose. Standard definition uses about 700 MB per hour, full HD uses about 3 GB per hour, and 4K can use about 7 GB per hour. These amounts can increase quickly if you stream for long periods or watch content in higher resolutions.

How much data does Netflix use to download an episode?

The amount of data used to download an episode depends on the video quality you choose and the length of the episode. In most cases, downloading an episode uses a similar amount of data as streaming it. A standard definition episode usually uses about 700 MB, a full HD episode uses about 3 GB, and a 4K episode can use about 7 GB.

How long will 1 GB of data last when streaming Netflix?

One gigabyte of mobile data allows for roughly one hour of full HD streaming or a little more than one hour of standard definition streaming. It will last for a shorter time if you choose higher video quality.

Does Netflix use more data on 4K compared to HD?

Yes. Netflix uses about 7 GB per hour for 4K, compared to about 3 GB per hour for full HD. Higher resolutions require more data because they contain more visual detail.

Does watching Netflix on a hotspot use more data?

No. Watching Netflix on a hotspot does not change how much data the service uses, but it may consume your mobile data more quickly if other devices are connected to the same hotspot. Streaming quality may also adjust depending on the speed of the hotspot connection.

Sources:

[1] Netflix Help Center. ''How to control how much data Netflix uses'', Accessed in November, 2025. - Retrieved from https://help.netflix.com/en/node/87

[2] Netflix Help Center. ''Netflix-recommended internet speeds'' Accessed in November, 2025. - Retrieved from https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306