Streaming vs. downloading: Which uses more battery and data?

Video and sound quality have an impact on battery and data usage.

By Roger Fingas Nov. 8, 2026 8:30 am EST Soumyabrata Roy/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

Although some people are pushing back, a lot of us are dependent on streaming services for our movies and music. There's an obvious incentive — you get a massive library for a (relatively) cheap monthly fee and the ability to access that media from virtually any device with an internet connection. Conversely, owned downloads and physical media can be pricey and not terribly portable.