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Why do we sometimes measure the limitations of streaming platforms by the frequency of new content, when every time browsing our favorite TV shows or anime series online? Actually, there are more serious aspects to worry about that may truly impact the user experience, so let’s talk about those technical limitations.

Geo-Restricted Content and the Role of U.S.-Based Proxy Servers

It is not a secret that streaming content catalogs differ by region due to licensing deals and local preferences. For example, Netflix operates in nearly 200 countries with over 300 million users, yet each region gets a unique mix of films and TV series. This means some areas have a richer library than others and geo-blocks leave many users feeling they’re not getting the full catalog they’re paying for.

One popular workaround is using U.S. based proxies to bypass geo-restrictions. A proxy server essentially masks your IP address by routing your connection through a server in another country. If you connect through a U.S. proxy, streaming services see a U.S. IP address and serve you the U.S. content library. In practice, this is how someone in Germany might access Netflix’s U.S. catalog. 

Technically, the proxy works this way – your requests go to the proxy first, which then fetches the content as if it were in the allowed region. As a result, that “Not available in your country” error can be avoided. Keep in mind, though, that streaming through a distant proxy can slightly slow down your connection due to the longer data path. And yes, you’ll generally need to activate the proxy/VPN each time you want to stream foreign content (unless you leave it on constantly). It’s a bit of hassle for a lot more selection.

Streaming Quality Limits by Subscription Tier

The resolution you can stream (and whether you get crispy 4K or basic HD) often depends on how much you pay. Understanding the tiers and their limits can save you money and frustration.

• 720p (HD-ready) – A step above standard definition, good for tablets or small screens. Needs roughly a 3 Mbps connection for smooth playback. Uses about 0.7–1 GB of data per hour.
  
• 1080p (Full HD) – The standard high-definition used by most TVs and laptops. Needs around 5 Mbps internet speed. Consumes roughly 3 GB per hour of streaming.
  
• 4K (Ultra HD) – Ultra-crisp quality suitable for large 4K TVs. Requires a fast connection (about 15 Mbps or higher), and can eat up 6–7+ GB of data per hour of video.
  

As these numbers show, higher quality demands more from your internet and data plan. For instance, Netflix officially recommends at least 15 Mbps for 4K streaming (some experts suggest ~25 Mbps to be safe). If your connection is slower, you might be stuck with buffering or forced down to a lower resolution automatically.

Importantly, many streaming services limit the maximum quality based on your subscription tier. In fact, Netflix’s current ad-supported and Standard plans now stream at Full HD (1080p), but only the most expensive Premium tier can tap into 4K content. Other platforms have similar approaches; some include the highest quality in all plans (Disney+ offers 4K in its base plan in many regions), while others like HBO Max (now Max) restricted 4K HDR streams to their pricier ad-free tier. 

Do you really need that 4K plan? Since many of us stream on our personal computers, I don’t think that not having a 4K streaming can be a limitation in this regard. And the good news is that 1080p HD remains the sweet spot for most– offering a crisp picture without the heavy data load, and it’s available on mid-tier plans that cost less.

Simultaneous Streams and Device Limitations

Another technical limit that can surprise users is device restrictions – specifically, how many devices can stream from one account at the same time. This is usually tied to your subscription tier or plan type. Streaming services impose these limits to prevent account sharing beyond households and to manage bandwidth usage. But for families (or roommates) who share one subscription, it’s a critical constraint.

These device limits impact the streaming experience by enforcing who and how you can watch. Households today often have multiple TVs, phones, and tablets. It’s not unusual for a couple to be watching different shows in different rooms while the kids watch something else. Hitting a device cap can be frustrating (“Why can’t I use what I pay for freely?” is a question I may sometimes ask). That said, a lot of subscribers are not fully aware of the restriction until they encounter it. According to market surveys, more than 35% of households opt for family or multi-user streaming plans, sharing accounts among family members. 

This suggests a significant chunk of users actively consider simultaneous usage – but it also implies many others might be on single-user plans, potentially running into limits if they share their login with a friend or relative. In 2025, some services have even introduced mechanisms to detect where your devices are. Netflix, for instance, started enforcing a “household” policy: if a device from outside your primary location tries to use the account long-term, it might prompt an extra fee or get blocked. This is essentially a technical enforcement to curb password sharing beyond one household. For users, it’s yet another limit that they might not have expected when signing up.