Projector vs. TV: running cost
A TV is cheaper to run: about $27 a year versus $34 for a projector at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $7 difference.
| Projector | TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 250 W | 80 W |
| Watt range | 30–450 W | 25–250 W |
| Typical use | 2 hours a day | 5 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 187 kWh | 150 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 4.5¢ | 1.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 9.2¢ | 7.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.80 | $2.24 |
| Cost per year | $34 | $27 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $81 | $65 |
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What drives the difference
- Projector: Lamp-based home projectors draw 200-350 W; eco lamp mode cuts that by about 25%. Small LED projectors draw far less but are dimmer.
- 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 AmazonLaser light sources use less power per lumen than lamps and need no bulb replacement.
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, a projector or a TV?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a projector costs about $34 a year versus $27 for a TV. That's $7 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do projector and TV use?
A projector typically draws 250 W (range 30–450 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.