A television and a streaming device use electricity whenever they are switched on—and often a small amount when they are switched off but still plugged in. How much they use depends on the TV model, screen size, brightness settings, whether you watch in HDR, and how often the equipment is left in standby.
This guide explains the basics without assuming that every household has the same setup. You do not need technical knowledge to understand it—only a few simple terms and a quick look at your own equipment.
Key takeaways
- Electricity use depends on power draw and time in use.
- Watts measure power; kilowatt-hours measure energy used over time.
- A TV in standby can still draw a small amount of power.
- HDR viewing can use more energy than standard viewing.
- The most reliable way to check your TV is to look at its energy label or manufacturer specifications.
Watts and kilowatt-hours
A watt (W) is a measure of power: how much electricity a device is drawing at a moment in time. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of energy used over time.
The calculation is simple:
Power in watts × hours used ÷ 1,000 = kilowatt-hours.
For example, a device using 100 watts for 10 hours uses 1 kWh. The same calculation applies whether you are looking at a TV, a lamp, a router or a streaming device.
The U.S. Department of Energy explains that television energy consumption includes use while the TV is on, in standby and, for some models, while downloading updates or programme information.eere.energy
How much electricity does a TV use?
There is no single number that applies to every television. A small TV used at modest brightness will usually use less electricity than a large screen used at high brightness.
The European Union’s electronic-display guidance explains that modern TV energy labels show consumption in both SDR and HDR, along with screen resolution and diagonal size. It also notes that HDR can consume roughly twice as much energy as other settings.energy-efficient-products.europa
That does not mean HDR always doubles your bill. It means the TV may need more backlight power to display the wider brightness and colour range that HDR is designed to show.
What is SDR and HDR?
SDR stands for Standard Dynamic Range. It is the usual way video and images are displayed, with standard levels of brightness, contrast and colour.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It is designed to show a wider range of brightness and colours, which can make content look more vivid. The European Commission describes HDR as a technology that can make videos and images look more realistic and vibrant than SDR.energy-efficient-products.europa
For everyday viewing, SDR is often the lower-energy option. HDR can be useful for supported content, but it is worth knowing that it may increase electricity use.
Does a streaming device use electricity?
Yes. A streaming device—whether it is a small box, stick or built-in TV feature—needs power to connect to your network, run its software and display video.
The amount varies by device. A compact streaming stick will generally draw less power than a games console, but the exact figure depends on the model and whether it is actively streaming, idle or in standby.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that choosing the smallest sensible streaming device can reduce energy use, and that streaming through a games console can use substantially more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.energy
If you use a TV and a separate streaming device together, their electricity use adds up.
What is standby power?
Standby is the state when a device is switched off but still connected to power. The screen is dark, but the device may still use a small amount of electricity so it can respond to the remote control or stay connected to the network.
The U.S. Department of Energy describes passive standby as a state where the device produces no picture or sound but can be switched back on with a remote or internal signal.eere.energy
The European Commission reports that, in 2020, about 10 percent of the overall energy consumption of displays occurred in standby mode, with that share expected to rise to 18 percent by 2030. It also notes that regulations are intended to reduce smart-TV standby consumption over time.energy-efficient-products.europa
How to read a TV energy label
If you live in Europe, the TV’s energy label is the easiest place to start. It shows:
- An efficiency class from A to G.
- Energy consumption in kWh per 1,000 hours in SDR.
- Energy consumption in kWh per 1,000 hours in HDR.
- Screen size and resolution.
The European Commission states that electronic displays are labelled on an A-to-G efficiency scale and that the label shows SDR and HDR energy consumption, resolution and diagonal screen size.energy-efficient-products.europa
When comparing two TVs, compare the same figure: kWh per 1,000 hours in SDR, or kWh per 1,000 hours in HDR. Comparing one TV’s SDR figure with another TV’s HDR figure will not give you a fair result.
How to estimate your own usage
To estimate your household usage, you need two things:
- The power rating of your TV or streaming device.
- The number of hours you use it.
Then use this formula:
Power in watts × hours used per day ÷ 1,000 = kWh per day.
Example: if a TV uses 100 watts and is watched for four hours a day, it uses 0.4 kWh per day. Over 30 days, that is 12 kWh.
This tells you how much electricity the equipment uses. It does not tell you the cost, because electricity prices differ by country, supplier and tariff.
Simple ways to reduce standby use
You do not need to change how you watch television to reduce wasted power. A few practical habits can help:
- Turn the TV off completely if you will not use it for a long time.
- Use a switched power strip for the TV and connected devices, so you can cut power to all of them at once.
- Lower screen brightness if it is set higher than you need.
- Use SDR for ordinary viewing when HDR is not necessary.
- Check the energy label before buying a new TV.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends plugging home electronics such as TVs into power strips and switching the strip off when the equipment is not in use, because devices in standby can still use several watts.energy
This is not essential for every household, but it can be useful for a TV setup that is used only occasionally.
When does it matter most?
For many homes, a TV is not the largest electricity user. But it can matter more if you have a large screen, watch many hours each day, leave several devices in standby or use HDR frequently.
Understanding the energy label is especially useful when replacing an old TV. It lets you compare models using the same measurement rather than relying on screen size alone.
Help from NordicTV Max
If you want help choosing an IPTV solution that suits your TV, internet connection and household setup, you can contact the NordicTV Max support team on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a TV use?
It depends on the model, screen size, brightness and whether you are watching in SDR or HDR. Check the energy label or manufacturer specifications for the most accurate figure.
Does a TV use electricity in standby?
Yes. A TV in standby can still draw a small amount of power, even though the screen is off.eere.energy
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy. It is the amount of electricity used by a 1,000-watt device running for one hour.
Does HDR use more electricity?
It can. The European Commission notes that HDR content can consume roughly twice as much energy as other settings.energy-efficient-products.europa
How can I reduce standby power?
Turn devices off completely when they will not be used for a while, or use a switched power strip to cut power to the TV and connected equipment.energy
FAQ:
- How much electricity does a TV use? It depends on the model, screen size, brightness and viewing mode.
- Does a TV use electricity in standby? Yes, it can draw a small amount of power while switched off but plugged in.
- What is a kWh? A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy used over time.
- Does HDR use more electricity? It can, because HDR may require higher screen brightness.
- How can I reduce standby power? Switch off unused equipment completely or use a switched power strip.