If you were planning on using your new Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) or Xbox Series X/S video game console to stream videos on Netflix or other services, you might want to think again. Here’s why you shouldn’t use these next-gen consoles for video streaming.
Why PS5 & Xbox Series X/S game consoles are not ideal for video streaming
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- The next-gen gaming consoles from Sony and Microsoft are not as powerful as dedicated streaming devices like the Roku Ultra or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
- The consoles don’t have built-in apps for all the popular streaming services. You’ll need to download them from the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, which can be a hassle.
- The new consoles are more expensive than dedicated streaming devices, so you’re better off spending your money on something that will give you a better streaming experience.
What are the alternatives for streaming videos?
There are a few alternatives for streaming videos if you’re not using PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S device. One option is to use a laptop or desktop computer.
You can either use the web browser on your computer or download the Netflix app. If you’re using a Mac, you can also use the Apple AirPlay feature to wirelessly stream videos from your computer to your TV through mirroring or casting.
Another option is to use a smart TV. If your TV has an internet connection, you can likely stream videos from Netflix and other services directly on your TV.
Finally, you can also use a streaming media player like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Firestick, or Chromecast with Google TV. These devices connect to your TV and allow you to stream videos from various online sources.
Is PS5 good for streaming Netflix?
No, it is not! The interface on these consoles is not designed for streaming video content and can be quite cumbersome to use.
You’re better off using your next-gen console for gaming and leaving the streaming to dedicated devices.
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Can PS5 or Xbox Series X cast Netflix videos to TV?
Most people use their game consoles to stream movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other video streaming platforms. However, you should not use your PlayStation 5 (PS5) or Xbox Series X/S to stream videos on Netflix and other services. Here’s why:
- The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are not designed for streaming video. They are designed for playing games. As a result, they do not have the same features as a dedicated streaming device, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku.
- For example, the PS5 does not have a built-in web browser. This means you can’t access Netflix’s website to sign up for an account or manage your account settings. Similarly, the PS5 does not have a dedicated Netflix app. Instead, you must use the PlayStation Store’s “Media Player” app to stream Netflix content.
- The Media Player app is functional, but it is not as user-friendly as the Netflix app on other devices. For example, it does not allow you to browse through all of Netflix’s content. Instead, you must search for specific titles or browse through genres one at a time.
- In addition, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S do not support 4K Ultra HD or HDR content from Netflix (or any other video streaming service). This means you are missing out on the best possible picture quality that Netflix has to offer.
Is it better to watch Netflix on PS5 or smart tv?
If you’re looking to get the best streaming experience on Netflix and other services, you’re better off using a smart TV rather than a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S gaming consoles. Here’s why:
- Smart TVs have dedicated apps for popular streaming services like Netflix, while PS5 and Xbox Series X/S do not. This means that you’ll have a smoother and more streamlined experience on a smart TV when it comes to streaming Netflix and other services.
- Smart TVs generally have better picture quality than consoles, so you’ll get a better viewing experience on a smart TV.
- Smart TVs come with built-in WiFi, so you won’t need to worry about connecting your console to the internet in order to stream Netflix and other services.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best streaming experience on your new PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, you might want to avoid using them for Netflix and other services. While the consoles are more than capable of handling video streaming, their apps aren’t optimized for 4K HDR content just yet.
This means that you could end up with a lower-quality picture than you would on a dedicated streaming device like the Roku Ultra or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. So, for now, at least, it’s best to stick with your old console or wait until the next generation of streaming devices catches up to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
