OLED TV vs. TV: running cost
A TV is cheaper to run: about $27 a year versus $43 for an OLED TV at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $16 difference.
| OLED TV | TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 130 W | 80 W |
| Watt range | 80–300 W | 25–250 W |
| Typical use | 5 hours a day | 5 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 241 kWh | 150 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.3¢ | 1.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 12¢ | 7.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $3.61 | $2.24 |
| Cost per year | $43 | $27 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $105 | $65 |
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What drives the difference
- OLED TV: OLED power varies with picture content: dark scenes draw little, bright full-screen white or HDR can spike well above the average. Figures are typical mixed-content draw in standard mode.
- TV: Typical LED-LCD 4K TVs draw 60-120 W in standard picture mode; HDR and vivid modes can nearly double that. Five hours a day is close to the US household average.
Ways to cut either cost
Certified TVs use about 25% less power than standard models at the same size.
See options on AmazonCuts power to the soundbar, console and streaming boxes when the TV turns off.
See options on AmazonCertified models are tested to use less power in their default picture mode.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an OLED TV or a TV?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an OLED TV costs about $43 a year versus $27 for a TV. That's $16 more, or 1.6× as much.
How many watts do OLED TV and TV use?
An OLED TV typically draws 130 W (range 80–300 W). A TV draws 80 W (range 25–250 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.