How Much Does It Cost to Run a TV?

In the EU and UK, every TV's energy label lists its power in standard dynamic range (SDR) and in high dynamic range (HDR). Recent 55-inch models are rated at about 77–81 W in SDR: LG's 2025 OLED55C5 at 77.4 W and Samsung's 2024 QE55QN85D Neo QLED at 80 W.

At 5 hours a day, 80 W uses 0.4 kWh: about $0.07 in the US, £0.11 in the UK and €0.14 in Germany. Over a month that's about 12 kWh: $2.21, £3.20 or €4.40.

Add a soundbar, set-top box or games console separately. A current console can draw more than the TV itself while gaming.

Power rises with screen area. A 65-inch screen has about 40% more area than a 55-inch one, and a 75-inch screen nearly twice as much, so bigger sets usually draw more.

LED (LCD) TVs light the screen with a backlight; OLED panels light each pixel on its own, so dark scenes use less power and bright scenes more. At 55 inches, efficient models of both types now draw similar power in SDR.

HDR content and bright picture modes push power up sharply. The same two TVs are rated at 191 W and 183 W in HDR.

Older and high-brightness sets can use far more. Samsung's 2020 QE55Q95T is rated at 186 W in SDR and 235 W in HDR.

Switched off with the remote, a TV still draws a little power to listen for the remote. ENERGY STAR certified TVs must use 0.5 W or less in sleep mode, and all the EU-labelled models above are rated at 0.5 W in standby.

Networked standby, which keeps the TV online for voice control, casting or quick start, uses more: these models list 2.0 W. Over a year, 2 W adds up to about 17.5 kWh, roughly six weeks of 5-hour viewing.

ENERGY STAR certified TVs are, on average, about 34% more energy efficient than conventional models.

On-mode power is from each model's EU product information sheet (EPREL), measured in the default picture mode. Smaller screens use less and larger ones more. Your TV's figure is on its label or energy label; use it in the calculator.

• Use the standard or eco picture mode rather than vivid or store mode, and turn on automatic brightness control if your TV has it.
• Lower the backlight or OLED brightness when you watch in a dark room.
• Turn off quick start or networked standby features you don't use.
• Switch the TV off when nobody's watching instead of leaving it on in the background; a sleep timer helps.
• Switch consoles and set-top boxes fully off, or use their energy-saving modes.
• When buying, compare the SDR watts on the energy label, not just the size and price.

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