Best Phone for Streaming Video 2026: Top Picks for Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV
Streaming video on phones needs three things: HDR-capable displays, stereo speakers (or quality wired/Bluetooth audio), and Widevine L1 / FairPlay DRM for HD streaming on Netflix/Disney+. Here are the strongest picks.
Updated · 4 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Phones with HDR-capable displays at 1000+ nits, stereo speakers, and full DRM support. Award context from MKBHD's awards.
- #1
Won Best Foldable at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. 8.0-inch inner display at ~2,600 nits is the largest, brightest streaming surface on any phone in 2026 — closer to a small tablet than a phone.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Best Foldable
- Largest streaming display in any phone
- Stereo speakers
Cons
- $1,899 — most expensive on this list
- Inner crease visible at angles
- #2
Best slab streaming — runner-up Phone of the Year
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung · 2025 · From $1299
Runner-up Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 awards. 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED at ~2,600 nits with anti-reflective coating — best slab streaming display in 2026.
Pros
- Brightest slab display in 2026
- Anti-reflective coating
- Stereo speakers
Cons
- 232g — heavy in hand for long sessions
- $1,299 starting
- #3
Runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED at ~4,000 nits peak, FairPlay DRM for full HD streaming on iTunes, Apple TV+, and Netflix.
Pros
- ProMotion OLED with high peak brightness
- FairPlay DRM for full HD streaming
- Best speakers in iPhone lineup
Cons
- $1,099 starting
- Smaller display than Galaxy options
- #4
Won Best Big Phone at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. 6.9-inch AMOLED, plus a 3-inch always-on back display for music controls during podcast/audio streams.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Best Big Phone
- 6.9-inch primary + 3-inch back display
- 7,500 mAh battery for long sessions
Cons
- Limited US availability
- HyperOS less polished
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best phone for watching Netflix in 2026?
Galaxy Z Fold 7 (MKBHD's 2025 Best Foldable) for its tablet-sized inner display; Galaxy S25 Ultra for slab; iPhone 17 Pro for iOS-ecosystem buyers. All three have full Widevine L1 / FairPlay DRM.
Does my phone have to support HDR for streaming?
Yes for HDR content (Dolby Vision on Netflix/Apple TV+). All current flagships in 2026 support HDR; older phones (iPhone 11, Galaxy S20 era) often don't support modern HDR profiles.
Is a foldable phone good for streaming?
Yes — Z Fold 7's 8-inch inner display is the largest streaming surface on any phone. The downside is shorter battery life vs slab flagships.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.