Is 720p Good Enough for Netflix? A Gamers Perspective

As a passionate gamer and streaming junkie, I get asked a lot whether it‘s worth springing for the more expensive Netflix streaming plans boasting Full HD or even glorious 4K resolution. My short answer after much testing? 720p is perfectly adequate for casual streaming in most home setups. But it depends quite a bit on factors like your screen size, viewing distance, and even your personal cinephile preferences! Let‘s dive deeper…

HD Streaming Resolution Explained – From 480p to 4K

Resolution gauges how many pixels comprise each frame of streaming video. More pixels equals sharper clarity and details, especially noticeable on larger TVs viewed up close. But higher resolutions require faster internet speeds. Here‘s how the main streaming resolutions compare:

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As you can see, Netflix‘s Basic 720p plan quadruples the pixel density vs standard 480p definition. This makes a noticeable sharpness difference on screens 50" or larger. But 1080p only doubles 720p‘s pixels, so visually they look very similar unless you‘re sitting quite close to huge screens.

When 720p HD is "Good Enough" Based on Screen Size

720p starts to look a bit soft and pixelated when viewing extra large screens over 50" up close. But on today‘s smaller, more affordable TVs, 720p provides stellar high-def streaming if you sit 8-12 feet back. Some visual guidelines:

• 32-49" TVs: 720p looks spectacular 6-12 feet away
• 50-65" TVs: Still sharp 8-12 feet back, but upgrade to 1080p if sitting within 6 feet
• 70-85"+ TVs: Go 1080p/4K if under 10 feet away, or streaming very sharp content like text

As you can see, visual acuity diminishes quickly the further you sit from even large screens. So 1080p‘s extra pixels rarely provide noticeable sharpness gains over 720p at common living room distances.

Is Upgrading to 1080p Netflix Worthwhile?

I get lots of questions from gamers with fancy new 4K TVs if it‘s worth paying extra for Netflix‘s 1080p streaming to watch shows in Full HD. Honestly for cinematic movies and shows at average viewing distances, 720p looks fabulous even on latest big screens. Some examples from my testing:

• 55" 4K TV at 9 feet away – Stranger Things in 1080p vs 720p nearly indistinguishable
• 65" 4K TV at 8 feet away – The Witcher series still looks crisp and detailed in 720p
• 75" 4K TV at 10 feet away – Couldn‘t tell Star Trek Discovery was 720p, 1080p is overkill

Of course videophiles and movie buffs seeking out the absolute best clarity will still prefer 1080p or even 4K streaming. Noticing the difference requires sitting quite close to huge televisions, however. For most casual Netflix viewing, 720p provides excellent high-def quality that will satisfy all but the pickiest streamers.

When Faster Internet Speeds Necessitate Higher Streaming Quality

Here‘s where your available internet bandwidth often determines ideal streaming resolutions. As the table above shows, 1080p streaming demands minimum speeds of 10-20 Mbps, vs just 5-10 Mbps needed for smooth 720p playback.

During peak evening hours of Netflix binging, broadband speeds often dip below optimal rates in many areas or households. This can lead to choppy 1080p streams that downgrade to 720p anyway. So having blazing 50+ Mbps speeds is advisable to future proof for emerging 4K content.

In the end, while 720p Netflix delivers pleasing HD fidelity for most folks, videophiles with fast internet and huge screens may still prefer upgraded plans. Let‘s recap pro tips for optimizing streaming quality at any resolution:

• Use wired Ethernet over WiFi whenever possible for fastest, most reliable bandwidth
• Close other internet-hogging apps and devices when streaming movies/shows
• Periodically verify internet speeds at Fast.com and contact ISP if consistently below 25 Mbps
• Adjust Netflix playback settings to maximize video resolution and performance

Now if you‘ll excuse me, it‘s about time to stream The Witcher Season 3 in Full HD 1080p on my brand new 85" Samsung TV from six feet back! Think I can tell the difference from 720p? Stay tuned…