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A modern television typically uses tens to a few hundred watts while operating. The exact amount depends on screen size, display technology, brightness, HDR, picture mode, content, and connected features.
To estimate the effect on your bill, use kilowatt-hours—not watts alone. The most accurate answer comes from measuring the specific TV with a plug-in energy meter or checking its model-specific annual energy figure in the ENERGY STAR product finder.
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TV electricity use at a glance
The following figures are broad illustrations, not guaranteed consumption ranges for every model:
| TV size | Illustrative operating range | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 32–43 inches | About 30–100 W | Brightness and model design can cause substantial variation. |
| 48–55 inches | About 50–150 W | HDR and bright picture modes may increase consumption. |
| 65–75 inches | About 80–250 W | Larger screens and higher brightness generally require more power. |
| 85 inches and larger | Often 150–400+ W | Large, high-brightness models can use considerably more. |
Screen size is only a starting point. The exact model, settings, content, and viewing schedule matter more than any generic “average TV wattage” figure.
#1 Best Overall
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
Watts, kilowatt-hours, and electricity cost
- Watts (W) measure instantaneous power draw.
- Kilowatts (kW) equal watts divided by 1,000.
- Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure energy used over time.
- Electricity cost equals kWh multiplied by your utility’s price per kWh.
A 120-watt TV is not using “120 kWh per hour.” It is drawing 120 watts at that moment:
120 W ÷ 1,000 = 0.12 kW
0.12 kW × 5 hours = 0.6 kWhThe basic formulas are:
Energy used (kWh) = watts × hours ÷ 1,000
Annual kWh = watts × hours per day × days per year ÷ 1,000
Annual cost = annual kWh × electricity rateHow to calculate your TV’s yearly usage
For example, a 100-watt TV used five hours every day would consume:
100 × 5 × 365 ÷ 1,000 = 182.5 kWh per yearAt an illustrative electricity rate of $0.16 per kWh:
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182.5 × $0.16 = $29.20 per yearReplace $0.16 with the all-in rate shown on your own bill. Rates vary by utility, state, season, time of day, taxes, delivery charges, and tariff. Fixed monthly charges generally will not disappear just because the TV uses less electricity.
Examples at $0.16 per kWh
| Operating draw | Usage | Annual energy | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 W | 3 hours/day | 65.7 kWh | $10.51 |
| 100 W | 5 hours/day | 182.5 kWh | $29.20 |
| 150 W | 5 hours/day | 273.75 kWh | $43.80 |
| 200 W | 5 hours/day | 365 kWh | $58.40 |
| 250 W | 8 hours/day | 730 kWh | $116.80 |
These are operating-only calculations. Add standby energy separately if the TV remains connected when it is not being watched.
What changes a TV’s electricity consumption?
Screen size
Larger LCD and LED televisions usually need more backlight power because they illuminate a larger area. However, size alone does not determine consumption. A newer, efficient 75-inch model can use less power than an older or unusually bright smaller model.
Rank #2
- Multi-function power monitor: Our electric usage monitor can monitor the power (W), electricity(kWh), voltage(V), frequency(Hz), current(A), power factor(PF), unit price($/kWh), total cost($) of your appliances. By switching 8 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The “electricity” mode can calculate and display how much power your appliance uses. And the “total cost” mode will show how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Overload protection: When the loading power of the appliance is over the default overload threshold 1800W, the whole display with backlight and the word “OVERLOAD” will keep flashing to warn the users. Please turn off the appliance for safety concern
- Premium Material: The whole body of our energy meter is made of high-quality ABS material. It makes our home electricity usage monitor more long lasting, fireproof and anti-drop. The standard US socket and plug is suitable for all US standard appliances
- Backlight Display: With white backlight and black words, the LCD display of our home power monitor can display the data clearer and help you to read the data easier no matter day or night. The backlight will only lights up when the device is connected to AC power. If no button is pressed, the backlight turns off automatically after 10 minutes. You can also press the "UP" button to turn off the backlight manually, and press any button to turn on backlight again
- Easy to reset: No reset tool needed, our appliance power usage meter is easy to reset. You can press the “M” button for 5 seconds directly to reset the device. After reset, all cumulative data (electricity quantity, cost) will be cleared, and all settings will be restored to factory settings
LCD, LED, QLED, mini-LED, and OLED
“LED” televisions are generally LCD panels using LED backlighting. QLED and mini-LED models are also LCD-based designs with different quantum-dot or backlight arrangements. OLED televisions use self-emitting pixels rather than a conventional backlight.
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Brightness and picture mode
Vivid, dynamic, retail, and high-brightness modes commonly use more power than energy-saving or standard modes. Lowering the backlight or enabling automatic brightness control can reduce consumption, although the picture may look dimmer.
HDR, resolution, and refresh rate
HDR can increase power use because the TV produces brighter highlights and higher luminance. The same television may draw different power in SDR and HDR. Gaming at a high refresh rate can also change the load.
Higher resolution does not automatically determine electricity use. 4K or 8K processing contributes to the overall design, but screen area, brightness, backlight behavior, and picture settings may matter more. ENERGY STAR testing distinguishes settings such as default SDR, brightest SDR, and HDR because consumption changes with the selected mode. See its TV testing and criteria information.
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Power draw can change from scene to scene. Bright sports, snow, menus, and full-screen white content may use more energy than dark scenes. Automatic brightness controls can also respond to room lighting.
Rank #3
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
How much electricity does a TV use when it is off?
A dark screen does not necessarily mean zero consumption. “Off” may mean:
- Standby-passive: The TV can respond to the remote or an internal signal.
- Standby-active: A network-connected TV can respond to external signals, casting, apps, or smart-wake functions.
- Deep off or disconnected: The TV is physically separated from the mains supply.
Current ENERGY STAR criteria specify maximum standby levels of 0.5 W for standby-passive and 1.0 W for standby-active for qualifying network-capable televisions. See the current ENERGY STAR criteria for the applicable test conditions.
At 1 watt continuously:
1 × 24 × 365 ÷ 1,000 = 8.76 kWh per yearAt $0.16 per kWh, that is about $1.40 annually. Even 3 watts continuously would be about 26.28 kWh, or approximately $4.20 per year at that illustrative rate. Standby can be worth reducing when it is easy to do, but operating hours and brightness usually have a larger effect.
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Network connectivity, remote-app support, wake-on-cast, voice assistants, automatic updates, USB power, and fast-start features can affect standby use. Actual consumption depends on the model, firmware, network connection, and enabled features. ENERGY STAR product data includes standby and smart-wake fields; its specification data is available here.
How to find the official energy figure for your TV
- Find the exact model number, including any regional suffix.
- Search that model in the ENERGY STAR certified-TV database.
- Check reported on-mode watts, annual kWh, standby power, screen size, display type, and resolution.
- Compare the result with the manufacturer’s specification page or owner’s manual.
- Check whether the listed model is the exact regional version you own or plan to buy.
The database can sort certified televisions by annual energy consumption. Product listings may include model families, regional variants, special-order products, or commercial-market models, so verify the full model number.
Where applicable, an FTC EnergyGuide label helps compare estimated energy use and operating costs among similar products. Published figures are standardized estimates, not a promise of the exact wattage in every picture mode.
Rank #4
- ✓ Backlit LCD Display: The watt meter features an upgraded backlit LCD display with a 160° wide viewing angle, providing clear and distinct data readings from any angle, day or night. (Note: To conserve energy, the backlight will automatically turn off after 15 seconds of continuous use.)
- ✓ 9 Types of Data Display: This energy meter plug accurately monitors a wide range of electrical parameters, including power (W), apparent power (VA), energy consumption (kWh), usage time (hours), power frequency (Hz), power factor (PF), voltage (V), current (A), and electricity cost. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily read and navigate through 9 types of data with a single button.
- ✓ Save Money and Energy: By toggling through the 9 display modes, you can gain insights into various operational parameters of your devices. The home energy monitor also calculates and displays the electricity consumption and cost over time, helping you save on your electricity bills by monitoring and managing energy usage.
- ✓ Data Storage: The plug-in electricity meter stores all non-real-time data, ensuring no information is lost in the event of a sudden power outage. If data exceeds the screen’s maximum display range, the screen will flash as a reminder. Pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds will reset the cumulative data to zero.
- ✓ Safe to Use: Rated voltage 125VAC, 60Hz, 15A maximum 1875W resistor and tungsten wire, 1/2HP. Clean and tidy interface, very simple to use.
How to measure your TV’s actual electricity use
For a plug-in television, a plug-in electricity meter or energy-monitoring smart plug is usually the simplest and most useful method. A whole-home monitor is unnecessary if you only want to measure one TV.
Step-by-step procedure
- Plug the meter into the wall outlet.
- Plug the TV directly into the meter.
- Reset the accumulated kWh reading.
- Record active power while watching normally.
- Leave the setup connected for at least 24 hours; a full week is better.
- Record the accumulated kWh, elapsed time, standby periods, and viewing conditions.
- Multiply the measured energy by your electricity rate.
For a week-long test:
Estimated annual kWh = measured weekly kWh × 52.14For a 24-hour test:
Estimated annual kWh = measured daily kWh × 365A short test can mislead you if it captures only a bright HDR movie, a dark show, gaming, or an unusually long standby period. For a representative result, include the types of viewing your household actually does.
What the meter should measure
Choose a meter that displays watts, accumulated kWh, and elapsed time. Volts and amps are useful additional readings. If you want to measure standby, choose a device designed to detect low loads accurately. A cost display is convenient but depends on entering the correct electricity rate.
Safety and setup limits
- Do not exceed the meter’s voltage, current, or wattage rating.
- Do not overload a power strip or extension cord.
- If the wall-mounted TV is hardwired or its outlet is inaccessible, do not modify the wiring; use a qualified electrician.
- Check whether a smart plug reports only the connected device or includes its own consumption.
If the TV runs through an AV receiver, soundbar, game console, streaming box, cable box, or DVR, decide whether you are measuring the television alone or the entire entertainment system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Measure the complete entertainment center separately
To measure the TV alone, connect only the TV to the meter. For a household total, measure the power strip containing the TV and connected equipment. Then test individual devices where possible.
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- TV alone: Shows the display’s consumption.
- TV plus soundbar: Includes audio equipment.
- TV plus streaming device: Captures the complete streaming setup.
- TV plus cable box or DVR: May reveal a larger always-on load.
- TV plus game console: Measure while gaming and while idle; these states differ significantly.
Do not attribute the power-strip total to the TV. USB-powered lights, hard drives, antennas, webcams, receivers, and streaming devices may remain powered when the screen appears off.
Best Value
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power energy meter can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload Protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
Why published wattage and measured wattage disagree
Differences are normal. Common explanations include:
- The specification is a maximum, typical, or standardized test value rather than a constant draw.
- Brightness, HDR, picture mode, refresh rate, or automatic brightness differs.
- The content is unusually bright or dark.
- The TV is in retail or high-brightness mode.
- Network standby or fast-start features remain active.
- The meter is measuring the TV plus other devices.
- The model number or regional version is different.
- The meter is less accurate at very low standby loads.
- The TV changes state after inactivity or during updates.
Federal rules use applicable standardized television test procedures in 10 CFR Part 430. Those procedures make model comparisons more consistent, but they cannot represent every real-world viewing pattern.
Ways to reduce TV electricity use
- Reduce unnecessary viewing time. This is often the most direct saving.
- Lower the backlight or brightness, particularly if the TV is set to vivid or retail mode.
- Use energy-saving or automatic-brightness settings if the resulting picture remains acceptable.
- Set a sleep timer or automatic shutoff to prevent unattended operation.
- Disable fast start, wake-on-cast, voice wake, or other always-on features if you do not use them.
- Turn off connected equipment when leaving for long periods.
- Compare ENERGY STAR models using comparable annual-kWh data.
- Measure an older or unusually large TV before deciding whether replacement is worthwhile.
Unplugging is not automatically the best answer. It eliminates standby energy but may be inconvenient and can disable convenient network functions. It makes more sense during long absences or when measurement shows unusually high standby consumption.
Should you replace a TV to save electricity?
Calculate the savings before buying a replacement. Use the model-specific annual energy figures when they are based on comparable assumptions:
Annual savings = (old annual kWh − new annual kWh) × electricity rate
Simple payback period = replacement cost ÷ annual electricity savingsReplacement is more financially plausible when the old TV is unusually power-hungry, runs many hours every day, has a measurable standby problem, or is being replaced for another reason. A new television purchased only to save a small annual amount may have a very long or nonexistent payback period.
ENERGY STAR reports that certified televisions are, on average, about 34% more energy efficient than conventional models. That is an average comparison, not a guarantee for a particular screen size or purchase. Compare the exact models rather than assuming certification alone identifies the lowest-consuming TV.
Quick Recap
Quick checklist
- Find the exact model number.
- Check annual kWh and on-mode watts in ENERGY STAR or manufacturer documentation.
- Use your actual electricity rate.
- Account for viewing hours, HDR, brightness, and picture mode.
- Measure the TV for a week if accuracy matters.
- Measure soundbars, consoles, streaming boxes, and cable equipment separately.
- Compare replacement cost with the calculated annual savings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
