How much does it cost to run a TV?

Reading a TV energy label

TV labels have shown two figures since 2021: on-mode energy in kWh per 1,000 hours for standard dynamic range (SDR) content, and a second figure for high dynamic range (HDR). Because 1,000 hours at 1 W is 1 kWh, the kWh/1000h figure is the same number as the TV's average watts in the test. Each mode has its own A–G class, based on an energy efficiency index that allows for screen size. Under the rules, class A needs an index below 0.30 and class G is 0.90 or above.

Two patterns stand out. Bigger screens use more, and HDR uses a lot more: the 65-inch QLED's HDR figure is more than double its SDR figure. We only had Samsung labels to hand for this table, so it shows a spread of sizes and technologies, not the whole market.

Older and other TVs

Older sets can use a lot more. Energy Savers lists LCD TVs at 125–200 W and plasma screens at 280–450 W. National Energy Action's 2025 range for LCD TVs is 25–175 W Typical (published). If yours is more than about ten years old, check its rating plate.

What Which?'s tests show by size

Which? publishes yearly running costs for the TVs it tests, at 26.32p, assuming four hours of viewing and 20 hours on standby each day.

By technology, Which?'s averages are close. At 65 inches, it lists LCD at £35.43, QLED at £32.53 and OLED at £30.35 a year. Screen size and settings matter more than the panel type. The Energy Saving Trust gives similar examples: about £40 a year for a 60-inch F-rated TV and £20 for a 40-inch one (GB prices).

Standby: small, but always on

Ecodesign rules limit standby to 0.5 W and networked standby to 2.0 W for most displays. Higher limits apply in some cases, such as TVs with extra functions. At 20 hours a day, 0.5 W comes to 3.65 kWh a year, about £0.96. A TV that stays fully networked at 2 W would use 14.6 kWh, about £3.84. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that switching off all standby devices in a typical home saves about £45 a year in GB. A TV is one of many devices that adds to that.

Worked examples

1. 55-inch LED, four hours a day

The Samsung UE55DU7100K is labelled at 80 W in SDR. Four hours a day for a year uses 80 × 4 × 365 ÷ 1,000 = 116.8 kWh, about £30.74. Add £0.96 if it sits on 0.5 W standby the rest of the time.

2. Watching in HDR

Watching the same TV's HDR content (121 W) all the time instead would cost about £46.50 a year, £15.76 more. Most viewing mixes SDR and HDR, so the real figure falls between the two.

3. Going from 43 to 65 inches

In the same Samsung DU7100 range, the 43-inch model is labelled at 53 W and the 65-inch at 110 W. At four hours a day, upgrading adds about £21.90 a year.

Ways to cut the cost

• Use an energy-saving or eco picture mode. Brightness is one of the biggest factors.
• Turn it off properly overnight if you don't need it to wake for updates.
• Don't leave it on as background noise. A radio or smart speaker uses far less.

Frequently asked questions