A typical TV uses between 30 and 100 watts while it's on, depending on the size and type
The amount of electricity a TV draws varies widely based on screen size, technology, and brightness settings. A small 32-inch LED TV might use 30 to 50 watts, while a 55-inch model typically draws 60 to 100 watts. Larger screens and older technologies like plasma or older LCD models can use significantly more. The brightness you set also matters — running at maximum brightness uses more power than a dimmer setting.
To find your TV's actual power consumption, check the specifications label on the back or in the manual. Most manufacturers list the typical operating wattage, and some include a maximum wattage figure as well. If you can't find the label, the model number on your TV can be searched online to find the specs sheet.
The difference between what your TV uses while displaying a picture and what it uses in standby mode is significant. Most TVs draw only 0.5 to 3 watts when turned off but still plugged in, though some older models use more. Over a full year, standby power adds up, which is why unplugging devices or using a power strip you can switch off makes a real difference on your electricity bill.
Key Takeaways
- Most modern TVs use between 30 and 100 watts while on, with larger screens using more power than smaller ones.
- LED and OLED TVs are more efficient than older plasma or LCD models, so a newer TV typically costs less to run.
- Your TV's brightness setting directly affects power consumption — lowering brightness reduces electricity use.
- Standby power consumption is small per hour but adds up over months and years if your TV stays plugged in.
- You can find your TV's exact wattage on the back label, in the manual, or by searching the model number online.
How TV size and technology affect power use
Screen size is the most obvious factor in power consumption. A 43-inch LED TV typically uses 40 to 70 watts, while a 65-inch model uses 80 to 120 watts. The relationship is not perfectly linear — a TV twice the size does not use twice the power — but larger screens consistently draw more electricity.
The technology inside the TV matters just as much as the size. LED TVs (which use a backlight behind an LCD panel) are the most common and efficient option today. OLED TVs produce their own light from each pixel and are even more efficient, especially when displaying darker images, because pixels that are off use no power. Plasma TVs, which were common before 2015, used significantly more power — often 150 to 300 watts for a 50-inch screen. If you have an older plasma TV, replacing it with a modern LED or OLED model will noticeably lower your electricity bill.
Refresh rate and resolution also play a small role. A 4K TV uses slightly more power than a 1080p model of the same size, and a 120Hz refresh rate uses more than 60Hz. The difference is usually 5 to 15 watts, so it is not the main driver of power consumption, but it is worth knowing if you are comparing two specific models.
Brightness settings and picture modes impact your electricity bill
The brightness you choose while watching has a direct effect on how much power your TV draws. Running at maximum brightness can increase power consumption by 20 to 40 percent compared to a moderate setting. If you watch in a dimly lit room, lowering the brightness to a comfortable level is one of the easiest ways to reduce electricity use without changing your viewing experience.
Picture modes also matter. Most TVs come with presets like "Vivid," "Standard," "Cinema," and "Energy Saving." The Vivid mode typically runs at higher brightness and uses more power, while Energy Saving mode reduces brightness and sometimes lowers the refresh rate. Cinema mode is usually calibrated for darker viewing environments and uses less power than Vivid while still showing good picture quality.
Adjusting these settings takes a few minutes but can cut 10 to 30 watts from your TV's power draw. If you watch several hours a day, the savings add up across a month or year. Many people find that they do not notice the difference once their eyes adjust to the new setting.
Calculating your TV's annual electricity cost
To estimate what your TV costs to run each year, you need three numbers: the wattage, your local electricity rate, and how many hours per day you watch. Start by finding your TV's wattage from the label or manual. Then check your electricity bill for the rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) — this is usually listed as a dollar amount, often between $0.10 and $0.20 per kWh depending on where you live.
The math is straightforward. Multiply the wattage by the hours you watch per day, then by 365 days. Divide by 1,000 to convert watts to kilowatts. Then multiply by your electricity rate. For example, a 60-watt TV watched 5 hours per day at $0.15 per kWh costs about $16.43 per year to run. A 100-watt TV watched the same amount costs about $27.38 per year.
This calculation assumes the TV is on the entire time you are watching and does not account for standby power. If you leave your TV plugged in 24 hours a day but only watch it 5 hours, add the standby wattage times 19 hours to get a more complete picture. For most modern TVs, standby power is small enough that it adds only a few dollars per year, but older models can add more.
Standby power and what happens when your TV is off
When you press the power button on your remote, your TV does not completely shut down. It stays in standby mode, drawing a small amount of power so it can respond to the remote and display the time or logo. Most modern TVs use 0.5 to 3 watts in standby, though some models use up to 5 watts.
Over a full year, standby power adds up. A TV that draws 2 watts in standby, left plugged in 24 hours a day for 365 days, uses about 17.5 kilowatt-hours per year. At $0.15 per kWh, that is roughly $2.60 per year. For a household with multiple devices in standby, the total becomes noticeable.
The most effective way to eliminate standby power is to unplug the TV or use a power strip that you switch off when the TV is not in use. This also protects against power surges during storms. If you use a power strip, make sure it is rated for the TV's power draw — most are, but checking the label takes a moment.
Comparing TV types and their power efficiency
| TV Type | Typical Size | Typical Wattage | Annual Cost (5 hrs/day at $0.15/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED TV | 55 inches | 60–90 watts | $16–$25 |
| OLED TV | 55 inches | 50–80 watts | $14–$22 |
| Plasma TV (older) | 50 inches | 150–200 watts | $41–$55 |
| Budget LED TV | 43 inches | 40–60 watts | $11–$16 |
This table shows typical power consumption for different TV technologies at common sizes. OLED TVs are more efficient than LED TVs of the same size, especially when displaying darker content. Older plasma TVs used roughly twice the power of modern LED models, so if you still have one, upgrading will reduce your electricity use significantly.
The most efficient choice depends on your viewing habits and budget. If you watch mostly bright content, an LED TV is a solid choice and costs less upfront. If you watch a lot of movies or dark scenes, an OLED TV's efficiency advantage becomes more noticeable over time. Budget LED models use less power than premium LED TVs, though they may have fewer features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does leaving a TV on all day use a lot of electricity?
Yes. A 75-watt TV left on for 24 hours uses about 1.8 kilowatt-hours per day, or roughly $8 per month at typical electricity rates. Turning it off when not in use is one of the simplest ways to lower your bill. Using a timer or smart plug to turn the TV off automatically can help if you forget.
Is it better to leave a TV on or turn it off and on repeatedly?
Turning it off is better. Modern TVs do not wear out from being switched on and off — the power surge when turning on is minimal. The electricity saved by turning off the TV far outweighs any wear and tear, so turn it off whenever you are not watching.
Do smart TVs use more power than regular TVs?
Smart TVs use slightly more power than non-smart models of the same size and technology, usually 5 to 15 watts more while on. The difference is small enough that it should not be a deciding factor when choosing a TV. The standby power for smart TVs can be higher if they are constantly connected to WiFi, but most modern models manage this efficiently.
Can I reduce my TV's power use by lowering the volume?
No. Volume does not affect power consumption — the speakers use negligible electricity compared to the display. Brightness is the main setting you can adjust to reduce power use. Lowering the volume only affects sound, not electricity draw.
What is the difference between typical and maximum wattage on a TV label?
Typical wattage is what the TV uses during normal viewing, while maximum wattage is the peak power it can draw during startup or when displaying a very bright, complex image. Use the typical wattage for calculating your annual cost, as that is what the TV actually consumes most of the time.