The television is more than just a screen, it’s a storyteller, a window to the world, and for many families, a silent member of the household. From cartoons in the morning to news at night, it has shaped how generations spend their free time. But just like any other companion, the TV also spends. The question is:
How many watts does a TV use?
On average, a television consumes between 50 and 400 watts per hour, depending on its size and type. Smaller LED TVs (32 inches or less) usually use about 30–70 watts, while larger 55–65-inch models can draw 120–250 watts. Older plasma TVs, once popular, could consume 300–400 watts, making them real energy-hungry machines compared to modern LEDs.
Now, let’s do the math. Suppose you have a 100-watt LED TV and watch it for 5 hours daily. That equals 0.5 kWh per day, or 15 kWh per month. At an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, the monthly cost comes to about $2.25. Even with a larger TV consuming 200 watts, the bill would be around $4.50 a month.
So compared to air conditioners or refrigerators, the television is not a big spender. Yet, since many households watch TV for hours daily, its cost quietly adds up over time.
I still remember evenings in my childhood when the entire family gathered around the TV. It was more than entertainment; it was ritual. We laughed at dramas, debated over news, and sometimes just enjoyed the silence of sitting together in front of moving pictures. Back then, no one cared about how much energy the TV consumed it was about togetherness. But today, with bills rising and energy concerns growing, the spending side of the story is harder to ignore.
There are smart ways to reduce a TV’s energy use:
- Lower Brightness: Many TVs are set to high brightness by default, which consumes more energy. Reducing it saves electricity and is gentler on the eyes.
- Turn Off When Not in Use: Leaving the TV running in the background is one of the most common energy wastes.
- Unplug or Use Smart Strips: Even when turned off, TVs on standby mode can still draw small amounts of power.
- Choose Energy-Efficient Models: Modern LED and OLED TVs are far more efficient than older LCDs or plasma screens.
From a global perspective, televisions are in almost every household. Even a small device, when multiplied by millions, becomes a large consumer of electricity. If every family made simple changes like reducing screen time or avoiding standby mode the collective savings could power entire towns.
The television is not just about watts and screens. It’s about stories, connections, and memories. It spends electricity, yes, but it also spends hours of our lives, shaping how we see the world. The real question is not only about how much the TV spends, but also how we spend our time with it. Because in the end, both energy and moments are valuable and neither should be wasted.
Main Difference in screens?
Televisions have come a long way from the bulky CRT boxes many of us grew up with. Today, TVs are slimmer, sharper, and far more energy-efficient. But with so many display types LED, Mini LED, QLED, OLED, and now Micro LED it’s easy to get confused about what actually makes them different. Let’s break it down simply.
LED TVs
It uses a few dozen light-emitting diodes behind the screen to control brightness and contrast. They’re efficient, affordable, and perform well in most homes.
- Example: A 40-inch LED TV typically consumes around 50 watts of power
Mini LED TVs
It take that a step further, packing in hundreds or even thousands of smaller LEDs. This gives the screen finer control over lighting zones, producing deeper blacks and brighter highlights.
QLED TVs
It use quantum dots tiny particles that glow intensely when hit by lights to boost color vibrancy and brightness. Think of them as adding a “pop” to your image, similar to how fluorescent paint glows under UV light.
| TV Type | Technology | Average Power Use (Watts) | Efficiency Level | Picture Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCD | Fluorescent backlight | 70–200W | Moderate | Good |
| LED | LED backlight | 50–150W | High | Very Good |
| Mini LED | Dense LED backlight | 80–200W | High | Excellent |
| QLED | Quantum dots + LED | 100–200W | High | Brilliant colors |
| OLED | Self-emissive pixels | 90–150W | Very High | Exceptional contrast |
| Micro LED | Self-emissive micro LEDs | 100–250W | Very High | Ultimate performance |
No matter which one you choose, modern TVs are far more energy-efficient than ever before. And with options like solar-powered systems (like EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max), you can even enjoy your favorite shows sustainably.
Annual Pricing table:
| TV Type | Average Power Use (Watts) | Daily Viewing (Hours) | Daily Energy Use (kWh) | Annual Energy Use (kWh) | Cost per kWh | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED (Modern, 40–55”) | 100W | 5 hrs/day | 0.5 | 182.5 | $0.15 | $27.38 |
| Mini LED (High-End Models) | 150W | 5 hrs/day | 0.75 | 273.8 | $0.15 | $41.06 |
| QLED (Quantum Dot Display) | 180W | 5 hrs/day | 0.9 | 328.5 | $0.15 | $49.28 |
| OLED (Self-Emissive Pixels) | 130W | 5 hrs/day | 0.65 | 237.3 | $0.15 | $35.60 |
| LCD (Older Models) | 200W | 5 hrs/day | 1.0 | 365 | $0.15 | $54.75 |
| Micro LED (Next-Gen Premium) | 220W | 5 hrs/day | 1.1 | 401.5 | $0.15 | $60.23 |
| Plasma (Old Tech) | 350W | 5 hrs/day | 1.75 | 638.8 | $0.15 | $95.82 |
| Small LED TV (32”) | 50W | 5 hrs/day | 0.25 | 91.3 | $0.15 | $13.69 |
How much electricity does a TV use per month?
Honestly, asking about monthly usage is a little… well, silly. You can’t exactly track how many hours your TV was On or Off last month. In the table above, we just assumed an average based on people who tend to use their TVs consistently.
But here’s the thing, I’ve noticed a lot of people ask questions like this, so instead of giving a “pointless answer,” I wanted to break it down properly. The truth is, there’s really no solid answer. It’s kind of like saying: either do your job or pay attention to your TV usage.
These questions usually come along in situations like this: “I’m about to start work and leave my German shepherd alone in the apartment for a few hours. I’m thinking of leaving the TV on and playing some sounds she likes while I’m gone but how much will this raise my electricity bill?”
Someone actually asked this on social media, and, as expected, most replies were basically, “This is a silly question you can’t leave your job just to check how much your TV ran this month.”
So here I am, trying to clarify it properly, because sometimes it’s not about numbers it’s about understanding the situation and finding a practical approach.
In this kind of situations many preferred that instead of worrying about this just buy a radio for your Puppies or pets but its obvious that not all people may have been in the same situations some might be asking this for another purpose.
I did a bit more research, and here’s what I found: TVs that run 24/7 on low brightness only add about 3–5 bucks to your monthly bill. Makes sense, right? Electricity usage depends on how you actually use the TV some people blast it for multiple purposes, some keep the brightness high, others use it more casually.
At this point, we’ve gotten a fair idea with decent precision, and it’s worth acknowledging that even small factors like brightness contribute to the bill. Every little bit counts when it comes to electricity.
Every little bit counts when it comes to electricity.
This time, let’s skip the assumptions and the tables. Instead, I’ll give you a simple formula so you can calculate your TV’s monthly electricity consumption on own, how much it was on, off, and what it’s really costing you.
Monthly Electricity Consumption (kWh) = Power (kW) × Hours Used per Day × Days in Month
- Power in kilowatts: that’s just your TV’s wattage, nothing fancy.
- Hours: well, you know how long you actually watch it better than I do!
- Days in the month: basically, how many days your TV was on or off. Simple as that.
Example:
Convert watts to kilowatts:
Let’s suppose I have 120-watt TV
120-W/1000 = 0.12 kw
Hours per day: You watch TV 5 hours daily.
Days in month: Let’s assume 25 days.
Monthly Consumption: 0.12 kw × 5 × 25 = 15 kWh
Now what about the cost, so it very simple: Your monthly consumption which is 15 kWh in this case and the rate of electricity in your area. Lets suppose mine 0.15 which is 2.25.
Conclusion:
TV electricity usage depends on how you use it; hours, brightness, apps, everything counts. Even a 24/7 low-brightness TV barely adds $3–5 a month. Using the simple formula, you can calculate your own cost and stop guessing. At the end of the day, it’s about understanding, not obsessing, and making smart choices.
F&Qs
How many watts does a TV use?
It depends on size and type. Small LEDs (~32”) use 30–70W, larger 55–65” models 120–250W, and older plasma TVs 300–400W. Modern LED and OLED TVs are far more efficient than older types.
How much does it cost per month?
Always use the formula instead of uncovering some social media mythologies.
How can I reduce TV energy use?
- Lower brightness
- Turn off when not in use
- Unplug or use smart strips
- Choose energy-efficient models
