TV Setup Help

4K vs 1080p - Which Should You Get?

For most people buying a TV today, the answer is straightforward. Here is why.

Pixel density explainedDistance difference
The Comparison

4K vs 1080p - the honest answer

For anyone buying a new TV today: get 4K. At current prices 4K costs almost the same as 1080p and delivers a meaningfully better picture. 1080p is now found only on budget models.

4K (Ultra HD)

3840x2160 pixels. Approximately 163 PPI on a 55" screen. Pixels invisible at normal viewing distances. Standard on virtually all TVs sold today.

1080p (Full HD)

1920x1080 pixels. Approximately 92 PPI on a 55" screen. Pixels visible when sitting under 8 feet from a 55" screen. Now found mainly on budget or older models.

The Viewing Distance Difference

4K lets you sit approximately 30-40% closer than 1080p before pixels become visible:

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The practical conclusion: The 4K vs 1080p debate is over. 4K won. Buy 4K. The price premium is minimal on new TVs and 1080p is being discontinued.

See how resolution affects your viewing distance

Our calculator accounts for both 4K and 1080p in its recommendations.

Calculate DistanceTV Size Guide
Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

At normal viewing distances (8+ feet) on a 55" screen, the difference is subtle for most content. At closer distances 4K is noticeably sharper. The difference is most visible on larger screens (65"+) and with HDR content.
Only native 4K content looks better in 4K. Broadcast TV at 720p or 1080p looks the same on a 4K TV as a 1080p TV - your TV upscales it either way. The benefit is most visible with native 4K streaming and 4K Blu-ray.