NBCUniversal holds the broadcast rights for English soccer in the United States. To watch the Premier League in 4K in the USA, you need to know which services offer this video quality.
Ultra-High Definition makes it feel like you are at the stadium and lets you see every detail on the field and in the match.
This guide explains the best streaming services and cable options for watching English soccer in 4K. You can then choose the right setup for your home.
Understanding the English Premier League 4K broadcasts in the USA
In the United States, NBCUniversal broadcasts Premier League games across NBC, USA Network, and their streaming service, Peacock. However, not every match is broadcast in native 4K.
NBC usually picks important weekend matches, often the main games on Saturday or Sunday mornings, to broadcast in 4K HDR.
To watch these select 4K broadcasts, you need two things:
- a service that passes along NBC’s 4K feed
- a 4K-compatible device like a 4K Smart TV, Apple TV 4K, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Not every streaming platform has the same 4K soccer coverage. Here is how the top services in the USA compare, from best to worst.
1. Fubo
Fubo is the best choice for soccer fans who care about picture quality. It has special 4K channels that often show NBC’s 4K Premier League games, and you do not need to pay extra for add-ons.
Fubo includes USA Network and local NBC channels, giving you wide access to English soccer and smooth 4K streaming.
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV streams smoothly with reliable picture quality. To watch in 4K, you need to add the “4K Plus” option to your subscription.
With the add-on, you can watch special NBC 4K event feeds when they are available, and you also get unlimited cloud DVR.
3. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream has dedicated 4K live channels that show NBC’s 4K Premier League games. The video quality and sharpness are excellent.
The main drawback is that higher-tier plans cost more than other options. So it ranks just below Fubo and YouTube TV for value.
4. Cable and satellite providers – Xfinity, Comcast, and Dish
Traditional TV providers such as Xfinity (Comcast) have dedicated 4K channels that show select NBC and USA Network Premier League games.
If you prefer using a regular cable box instead of streaming apps, this is a reliable choice. However, it does not offer the flexibility of streaming without a contract.
5. Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable ways to get USA Network and NBC in some areas, making it good for fans on a budget. However, its 4K coverage is much more limited than Fubo or YouTube TV, so it is the least reliable for 4K sports.
What about Peacock?
Many soccer fans think Peacock is the main place for 4K Premier League streams because it shows hundreds of live matches each season. Peacock offers some entertainment and major sports in high resolution.
However, NBC usually provides its live 4K Premier League broadcasts through pay-TV partners like Fubo, YouTube TV, and cable providers, not through the Peacock app itself.
You can still watch live games and replays on Peacock in HD, but if you want true 4K, live TV providers are the better option.
Quick checklist for streaming in 4K successfully
- Keep in mind only featured matches each week are shown in 4K. Most other games stream in regular High Definition (1080p).
- You will need a steady internet connection with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps to stream 4K content smoothly and avoid buffering.
- Check that your streaming device or TV is set to 4K UHD with HDR turned on in the display settings.
- If you connect a streaming box to your TV, be sure to use a high-speed HDMI cable that supports 4K video.
With the right platform and setup, watching English soccer in Ultra HD lets you enjoy the action from the comfort of your home every weekend.