How Many Watts Does a Television Use? Power Use and Running Costs
For many Australian households, watching TV is part of everyday life, whether it’s streaming Netflix after work, watching AFL or NRL games on the weekend, or enjoying a family movie night. While a television usually draws less power than larger appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines, its electricity use can still add up over time. If you have ever wondered “How many watts does a television use?”, understanding your TV’s power usage makes it easier to estimate running costs and make smarter energy choices at home.
How Many Watts Does a Television Use?
Most modern 32- to 65-inch televisions use approximately 25–260 W while operating, with the exact figure varying by screen size, display technology, brightness and picture settings.
Larger 75- to 85-inch TVs may draw 300–450 W when operating at high brightness or displaying HDR content. These figures are general reference ranges rather than fixed ratings, so the actual wattage of a television can vary considerably between models.
TV Technologies and Their Energy Profiles
Modern televisions use several different display technologies. LED/LCD, QLED and Mini LED TVs rely on an LCD panel and LED backlighting, while OLED TVs use self-emissive pixels. Plasma and CRT televisions are older technologies that are no longer commonly sold as new TVs in Australia.
TV Type | How It Works | Typical Energy Profile |
LED/LCD | Uses an LCD panel with LED backlighting | Generally efficient, with electricity use varying by size and brightness |
QLED/Mini LED | Uses LED backlighting with quantum dots or smaller local-dimming LEDs | Power use may rise with high brightness and HDR |
OLED | Uses self-emissive pixels | Consumption varies more with screen content and brightness |
Plasma TV | Older self-emissive display technology | Usually consumes more electricity than modern TVs |
CRT | Older tube-based technology | Power use varies significantly by size and age |
Indicative TV Power Consumption by Screen Size and Type
Screen size is one of the main factors affecting how many watts a television uses. Display technology also matters, particularly when comparing standard LED/LCD models with high-brightness QLED, Mini LED or OLED televisions.
The ranges below are intended for general comparison only. They are not official Australian averages or guaranteed power ratings for every television.
Screen Size | LED/LCD TV | QLED/Mini LED TV | OLED TV |
32-inch | 25–55 W | 30–65 W | Not commonly available |
42–43-inch | 45–85 W | 55–110 W | 55–100 W |
48–50-inch | 60–110 W | 70–140 W | 75–145 W |
55-inch | 70–130 W | 85–180 W | 90–190 W |
65-inch | 90–180 W | 110–250 W | 120–260 W |
75–77-inch | 120–230 W | 150–320 W | 160–330 W |
83–85-inch | 160–320 W | 200–450 W | 220–450 W |
*These ranges are indicative only. Actual electricity use varies by model, screen brightness, picture mode, HDR content and test conditions. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or Australian Energy Rating Label for model-specific energy information.
Power Consumption of Older Plasma and CRT TVs
Plasma and CRT televisions are no longer common choices for new Australian households, but some older models may still be in use. Their electricity consumption can vary considerably, and larger plasma televisions generally use more power than modern LED/LCD models.
Older TV Type | Common Screen Sizes | Approximate Power Use |
CRT TV | 21–32-inch | 60–200 W |
Plasma TV | 42–50-inch | 150–350 W |
Large Plasma TV | 55–65-inch | 250–500 W |
For an older television, check the power rating on the rear product label or use a plug-in power meter rather than relying only on a general wattage range.
Calculate Wattage from Voltage and Current
If the product label lists voltage and current but not wattage, you can estimate the rated input using the formula Watts = Volts × Amps. Understanding what volts, amps and watts mean can also help you read appliance specifications more accurately.
This calculation gives an approximate rated input rather than the television’s exact real-time power draw.
What Factors Affect TV Energy Consumption?
As shown in the table above, the amount of electricity a TV uses varies with its screen size and display technology. However, your actual electricity usage can also be affected by factors such as brightness settings, picture mode, smart features, and viewing habits.
Screen Size and Resolution
Resolution can influence power use through additional image processing, but screen size, panel technology, brightness and HDR settings usually have a greater effect on real-world electricity use.
Brightness Settings and Picture Mode
Higher screen brightness generally increases a TV’s power draw. Maximum brightness, vivid mode and HDR settings can increase power draw because the display requires more electricity to produce brighter images. Lowering the brightness or enabling an energy-saving mode often reduces electricity use.
Display Technology
Different TV technologies have different power requirements. Older plasma televisions generally use more electricity than modern LED/LCD models. Among current TVs, however, energy use varies with screen size, panel design, brightness capability, picture settings and the content being displayed.
Smart Features and Standby Power
Smart TVs can continue to use a small amount of electricity while in standby mode. Features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistants, automatic updates and quick-start functions can increase standby electricity use. Although this amount is usually small, it can add up over time, especially when multiple devices remain connected.
Viewing Habits
The longer your TV runs each day, the more electricity it will consume. Reducing unnecessary screen time, turning off the TV completely when not in use, and avoiding leaving it on as background noise are simple ways to lower your television energy consumption.
How Much Electricity Does a TV Use and Cost to Run?
After understanding the power usage of different TV sizes and display technologies, the next step is estimating how much electricity your television actually uses during everyday viewing. The amount of electricity a TV uses depends mainly on its wattage and daily viewing time.
To estimate your TV’s electricity usage, you can use the following formula to calculate kWh usage:
TV wattage (W) × Hours of use ÷ 1,000 = Energy usage (kWh)
For example, a 100 W television used for 2 hours per day would consume:
100 W × 2 hours ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kWh per day
Estimated TV Electricity Usage by Wattage
For context, OzTAM’s H2 2025 VOZ Total TV Viewing Report found that Australians watched more than 41 hours per month across broadcast TV and BVOD, equivalent to approximately 1.4 hours per day. Total TV screen time may be higher when subscription streaming, gaming and other connected devices are included.
Because viewing habits vary between households, the following tables compare TVs used for two, four and eight hours per day.
TV Wattage | 2 Hours per Day | 4 Hours per Day | 8 Hours per Day |
50 W | 0.10 kWh | 0.20 kWh | 0.40 kWh |
100 W | 0.20 kWh | 0.40 kWh | 0.80 kWh |
150 W | 0.30 kWh | 0.60 kWh | 1.20 kWh |
200 W | 0.40 kWh | 0.80 kWh | 1.60 kWh |
TV Running Costs by Wattage
Using the viewing times above and an example electricity rate of $0.31 per kWh, the table below shows the estimated running costs of TVs with different wattages. Actual costs may vary depending on your state or territory, energy retailer, tariff and electricity plan.
TV Wattage | 2 Hours per Day | 4 Hours per Day | 8 Hours per Day |
50 W | $0.03/day $0.93/month $11.32/year | $0.06/day $1.86/month $22.63/year | $0.12/day $3.72/month $45.26/year |
100 W | $0.06/day $1.86/month $22.63/year | $0.12/day $3.72/month $45.26/year | $0.25/day $7.44/month $90.52/year |
150 W | $0.09/day $2.79/month $33.95/year | $0.19/day $5.58/month $67.89/year | $0.37/day $11.16/month $135.78/year |
200 W | $0.12/day $3.72/month $45.26/year | $0.25/day $7.44/month $90.52/year | $0.50/day $14.88/month $181.04/year |
*The cost of electricity per kWh varies depending on your state, energy retailer, tariff and electricity plan. Check your latest electricity bill for the usage rate that applies to your household. To estimate your own TV running cost, multiply its electricity use in kWh by the usage rate shown on your bill.
10-Year Running Cost Examples for Selected TVs in Australia
The table below compares the estimated running costs of selected television models listed under Australia’s Energy Rating system.
Brand | Model | Screen Size | Estimated 10-Year Running Cost |
Monster | MT32HDNFB | 32-inch | $330.00 |
Linsar | LS32HDNFB | 32-inch | $330.00 |
Sylvox | RQ40G3KOCA | 40-inch | $506.00 |
Hisense | 40Q6S | 40-inch | $654.50 |
WALTON | 43D210G_AU | 43 inches | $759.00 |
PHILIPS | 49HFL5011T / 12 | 48 inches | $962.50 |
coocaa | 55Q66CK | 48 inches | $990.00 |
LG | 65UJ660H5LD | 65-inch | $1,017.50 |
How to Reduce TV Electricity Consumption
Beyond understanding your TV’s wattage and running costs, small changes to its settings and everyday use can further reduce electricity consumption.
Adjust Screen Brightness
A brighter screen requires more power, especially when watching HDR content or using vivid picture modes. Lowering brightness to a comfortable level can reduce electricity use while maintaining good image quality.
Reduce Standby Power Consumption
Many smart TVs continue using a small amount of electricity in standby mode to maintain network connections and background functions. Turning the TV off at the power point or using a switchable power board reduces unnecessary standby electricity use.
Disconnect Unused Devices
Connected devices such as streaming boxes, gaming consoles, sound systems, and media players can also consume electricity. Switching off these accessories when they are not in use can reduce the total energy demand of your entertainment setup.
Choose an Energy-Efficient TV
When replacing an older television, choose a model with more stars on the Australian Energy Rating Label. Compare TVs of a similar screen size and with similar features, as a larger model may still use more electricity even when it has the same star rating. The label’s estimated annual energy consumption can also help you compare potential running costs before buying.
Can You Run a TV on a Portable Power Station?
Running a TV with a portable power station is possible when the unit has sufficient output power and battery capacity. For Australian households, this can be a practical backup option during outages caused by severe storms, bushfires, or electricity supply issues. It can help keep devices such as TVs, Wi-Fi routers, lights, and other home electronics running until power is restored. Actual runtime varies with the TV’s wattage, the power station’s usable battery capacity and any other connected devices.
A Practical Backup Option for TVs and Essentials
For most households, a portable power station is mainly used to keep essential devices running during short power interruptions. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Portable Power Station is suitable for situations where you want to keep your TV, Wi-Fi router, lights, and other everyday electronics available when the power goes out. With a UPS switchover time of under 10 ms, it can maintain power to compatible devices during brief interruptions and minimise disruption when the electricity supply changes.
It provides a convenient backup option without requiring a permanent installation, making it a practical choice for Australian homes that experience occasional outages caused by storms or local electricity supply issues.
Extended Backup for Longer Power Outages
For longer outages or larger backup needs, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery provides a higher-capacity solution for maintaining power across more areas of your home. Designed for extended power interruptions, it can support essential appliances such as refrigerators, lights, Wi-Fi equipment, and other household electronics alongside your TV. Expandable energy storage, a UPS switchover time of under 20 ms and home-backup integration offer greater flexibility during a grid outage. When paired with the EcoFlow Transfer Switch, it can be integrated into your home’s electrical system for a more complete backup solution. When connecting the system to a home switchboard or fixed electrical wiring through a transfer switch, installation must be completed by a licensed electrician and comply with applicable Australian electrical requirements.
Conclusion
Knowing how many watts a television uses makes it easier to estimate running costs, improve energy efficiency and choose a suitable backup power solution. While most modern LED TVs have relatively modest power requirements, screen size, display technology, brightness and viewing habits can still affect total electricity consumption. Checking your model’s specifications or Australian Energy Rating Label gives you a more reliable estimate than relying on general averages alone.
FAQs
Does leaving a TV on all night use a lot of electricity?
Yes, leaving a TV on all night can increase electricity usage, especially if it runs for many hours every day. A modern LED TV may only use 30–100 watts, but continuous operation can add up over time. Turning the TV off when it is not in use avoids unnecessary electricity use.
How much does it cost to run a TV all day?
The cost of running a TV all day depends on its wattage and electricity rate. Using an example electricity rate of $0.31 per kWh, a 100W TV uses around 2.4 kWh of electricity over 24 hours (100W × 24 hours ÷ 1,000), costing approximately $0.74 per day. A higher-powered 200W TV would use about 4.8kWh per day, costing around $1.49.
However, most households do not run their TV continuously for 24 hours, so actual daily costs are usually much lower and depend on factors such as screen size, display technology, brightness settings, and viewing habits.
Is it cheaper to leave the TV on or turn it off?
It is cheaper to turn your TV off when you are not watching it. Although modern TVs use less power than older models, leaving them on for extended periods wastes electricity. Turning off the TV, enabling energy-saving settings and limiting standby power lowers long-term energy costs.
How Many Watts Does a Smart TV Use?
Many smart TVs use around 50–200 W, depending on screen size, display technology, brightness and picture settings. Larger or high-brightness models may use more, while Wi-Fi, streaming apps and quick-start functions usually add only a small amount to overall consumption.